Job 31:21

if I have raised my hand ¹  to vote against the orphan, when I saw my support in the court, ² 

if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court,

If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Because I saw I had support in the gate,

If my arm has abused an orphan because I thought I could get away with it,

"If I've ever used my strength and influence to take advantage of the unfortunate,

If my hand had been lifted up against him who had done no wrong, when I saw that I was supported by the judges;

if I have raised my hand against the orphan, because I saw I had supporters at the gate;

If I have raised my hand against the fatherless, When I saw I had help in the gate;

if I have raised my hand ¹  to vote against the orphan, when I saw my support in the court, ² 

¹ tn The expression “raised my hand” refers to a threatening manner or gesture in the court rather than a threat of physical violence in the street. Thus the words “to vote” are supplied in the translation to indicate the setting.

² tn Heb “gate,” referring to the city gate where judicial decisions were rendered in the culture of the time. The translation uses the word “court” to indicate this to the modern reader, who might not associate a city gate complex with judicial functions.