איוב, פרק ל״א, פסוק ז׳

A person's moral downfall rarely happens all at once; it is usually a gradual descent. In a profound moment of self-judgment, a hypothetical condition of sin is presented. If this condition proves true, the speaker condemns himself, accepting that he deserves a severe curse and punishment [רש״י, רמב״ן, מלבי״ם].

The decline begins with an initial departure from the proper path. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to a physical misstep, a deviation of the feet away from the right and proper journey of innocence and happiness [רמב״ן, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another perspective suggests that this first misstep is actually visual rather than physical, occurring when a person's eyes first gaze upon stolen goods or another's property [אלשיך].

Following this initial deviation or glance comes an internal struggle. Commentators agree that this next phase is defined by coveting. The heart is pulled by the sights taken in by the eyes, leading a person to deeply desire things that do not belong to him [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אלשיך].

Ultimately, these internal thoughts and desires translate into physical action [אלשיך]. The final stage addresses what is left on the hands after the deed is done. There are two main ways to understand the lingering consequence of this action. One approach suggests that a literal blemish or defect of sin, prohibition, or impurity has clung to the hands [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מנחת שי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A second approach understands this as a declaration of complete innocence regarding stolen property. It is an assertion that upon inspection, absolutely nothing of robbery or violence will be found clinging to the hands [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].