King James Version

What Does Job 31:32 Mean?

Job 31:32 in the King James Version says “The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller. traveller: or, way” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller. traveller: or, way”

Job 31:32 · KJV

Context

30

Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul. mouth: Heb. palate

31

If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

32

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

33

If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: as Adam: or, after the manner of men

34

Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?

Read Job 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller (בַּחוּץ לֹא־יָלִין גֵּר דְּלָתַי לָאֹרַח אֶפְתָּח, bachutz lo-yalin ger delatai la'orach eftach)—ger (גֵּר) means stranger or sojourner, lin (לִין) means to lodge or spend the night, delet (דֶּלֶת) means door, and orach (אֹרַח) means traveler or wayfarer. The verb patach (פָּתַח) means to open. Job claims he practiced hospitality so thoroughly that no stranger had to sleep in the street—his doors were open to travelers.

Biblical law commanded hospitality to strangers (Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:19). Jesus identified with strangers, saying that welcoming them welcomes Him (Matthew 25:35). Hebrews 13:2 commands hospitality, noting some entertained angels unknowingly. Job's practice anticipated New Testament ethics. From a Reformed perspective, Job's hospitality demonstrates covenant faithfulness—caring for the vulnerable reflects God's character (Psalm 146:9). True religion extends beyond family to include strangers. Job's open doors testified to his generous spirit and recognition that all people bear God's image.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture valued hospitality as sacred duty. Desert travel made sheltering strangers literally life-saving. Cities often lacked public inns, making private hospitality essential. Biblical narratives emphasize hospitality's importance (Abraham in Genesis 18, Lot in Genesis 19). Job's claim that no stranger lodged in the street demonstrated extraordinary generosity. His practice reflected covenant ethics that Israel would later formalize in Mosaic law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's radical hospitality challenge contemporary Christian practice regarding strangers and immigrants?
  2. What does opening our doors to travelers teach about viewing our possessions as God's provision for blessing others?
  3. How can we practice Job's level of hospitality in our cultural context?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בַּ֭חוּץ1 of 7

“in the street”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לֹא2 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָלִ֣ין3 of 7

“did not lodge”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

גֵּ֑ר4 of 7

“The stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

דְּ֝לָתַ֗י5 of 7

“my doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

לָאֹ֥רַח6 of 7

“to the traveller”

H734

a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan

אֶפְתָּֽח׃7 of 7

“but I opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 31:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 31:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:2Genesis 19:2-3Judges 19:20-211 Peter 4:9Romans 12:13Matthew 25:35

Test Your Knowledge

Job 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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