KJV ORIGINAL
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
If I have raised my hand to harm an orphan, even when I knew I had supporters at the city gate who would back me up:
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is declaring that he never used his power or influence to hurt defenseless orphans, even when he knew he could get away with it.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient times, legal disputes and business dealings were conducted at the city gate, where elders and influential people gathered. Orphans had no family to protect them and were extremely vulnerable to exploitation by powerful people. Job is referencing how he could have abused his position of influence, knowing he had allies who would support him.
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