Job 31 32

Job 31:32 kjv

The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.

Job 31:32 nkjv

(But no sojourner had to lodge in the street, For I have opened my doors to the traveler);

Job 31:32 niv

but no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler?

Job 31:32 esv

(the sojourner has not lodged in the street; I have opened my doors to the traveler),

Job 31:32 nlt

I have never turned away a stranger
but have opened my doors to everyone.

Job 31 verses

Job 31 32 Meaning

Job 31:32 describes Job's steadfast commitment to hospitality, asserting that he never allowed strangers or travelers to remain unsheltered in the dangerous, exposed street. Instead, he proactively offered them refuge and safety within his own home. This statement is part of Job's final and exhaustive defense, an "oath of purgation," where he systematically denies a range of sins, including neglecting the vulnerable.

Job 31 32 Context

Job 31 stands as the climactic chapter in Job's defense, the conclusion to his extensive monologue from chapters 29-31. Having reviewed his former glory (ch. 29) and lamented his present suffering and humiliation (ch. 30), Job now enters a formal, covenantal "oath of purgation." In this solemn declaration, he presents a meticulous list of actions and intentions, swearing before God that he is innocent of various sins, including moral impurity, injustice, oppression of the poor, idolatry, and various forms of unkindness or disregard for his neighbor. Each denial often begins with a conditional "If..." or "Should..." followed by a self-pronounced curse if he were lying, demonstrating the gravity and sincerity of his plea. Verse 32, specifically, fits within his self-vindication concerning his benevolence and social righteousness, testifying to his impeccable hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was not merely a courtesy but a sacred duty, especially towards strangers and wayfarers, who were extremely vulnerable to the elements, robbers, or lack of sustenance. Denying shelter to a stranger was a grave offense, as exemplified by narratives in Gen 19 (Sodom) and Judg 19. Job is, therefore, affirming his adherence to a fundamental ethical and religious obligation of his time.

Job 31 32 Word analysis

• the stranger (גֵּר, gēr): This term typically refers to a resident alien, sojourner, or immigrant—someone who dwells in a foreign land. Unlike a fleeting traveler, a gēr might live in a place for an extended period without full tribal or civic rights. This group was often highly vulnerable and subject to exploitation. Biblical law consistently mandates their protection and compassionate treatment, placing them alongside widows and orphans. Job's assertion about the gēr indicates a sustained, active care for a specific marginalized group within his community, not just a casual act of charity.
• did not lodge (לֹא יָלִין, lo’ yālîn): A strong negation. To "lodge" means to spend the night, to find temporary accommodation. The verb lîn implies remaining, enduring through the night. The negative statement emphasizes Job's prevention of a negative outcome—no stranger had to remain.
• in the street (בַחוּץ, vaḥuṣ): Literally "outside" or "in the public square/street." This denotes a place of vulnerability, exposure, and danger in ancient societies, especially after dark. To be forced to remain in the street meant no shelter, no safety, and no food—a desperate situation for any traveler or sojourner.
• but I opened (כִּי פְתָחְתִּי, kî petaḥtî): The "but" (כִּי, kî) indicates a strong contrast to the preceding negative. "Opened" is an active and intentional verb. Job is not merely claiming non-negligence, but proactive, personal invitation. This goes beyond obligation to a spirit of generosity.
• my doors (לִדְלָתַי, lidlāṯay): "My doors" implies personal ownership and safety. The plural "doors" could refer to the entrance to his house or even multiple points of entry, emphasizing the full welcome. It conveys a sense of intimate, personal hospitality offered at Job's dwelling place, rather than directing them elsewhere.
• to the traveler (לָאֹרַח, la'ōraḥ): This refers to a "wayfarer," someone on a journey, often passing through. While distinct from gēr (resident alien), the 'ōraḥ also relies on the hospitality of others for sustenance and shelter. Job demonstrates care for both the settled but vulnerable sojourner and the temporary passerby.
• Word Group Analysis: "the stranger did not lodge in the street" vs. "but I opened my doors to the traveler"This contrasting structure is key to Job's emphatic claim. It sets up a common dire situation ("stranger in the street") and immediately juxtaposes it with Job's righteous, proactive solution ("I opened my doors to the traveler"). This rhetorical device underscores his diligent and broad commitment to hospitality, covering both resident aliens and transient wayfarers, ensuring none were left without shelter or exposed to peril. It highlights Job's deep sense of personal responsibility for those less fortunate or vulnerable.

Job 31 32 Bonus section

The virtue of hospitality, demonstrated by Job, often carried significant risk in the ancient world. Opening one's home to a stranger involved trusting unknown individuals, potentially incurring financial burden to feed and house them, and even risking personal safety. Yet, this vulnerability was an intrinsic part of the act of generosity and dependence on the Lord's provision. Conversely, the refusal of hospitality, as seen in the infamous narrative of Sodom (Gen 19) or the Levite's concubine in Gibeah (Judg 19), often leads to grave social and spiritual consequences. Job's detailed and sincere self-declaration, therefore, showcases a high standard of moral conduct, reflecting a covenantal faithfulness that extended beyond direct relations to the wider community of those in need.

Job 31 32 Commentary

Job's statement in 31:32 is a profound testament to the ancient Near Eastern and biblical ethic of hospitality, which viewed providing shelter and aid to the stranger and traveler as a fundamental moral and religious duty. By declaring that he "opened his doors" to these vulnerable individuals, Job not only denies negligence but asserts a proactive and consistent practice of generosity. This aligns with a core principle repeated throughout Scripture: God's concern for the sojourner, often rooted in Israel's own history as exiles in Egypt (Ex 22:21; Lev 19:34). Job's self-vindication here presents a portrait of practical righteousness—a righteousness not merely defined by ritual purity but by compassionate action towards others, especially the needy. This mirrors New Testament commands to "show hospitality to strangers" (Heb 13:2) and Christ's own identification with the hungry, thirsty, and stranger (Matt 25:35), making Job's ancient virtue a timeless ethical imperative for all believers.