Job 31:32 (KJV)

What does Job 31:32 mean?

Job 31:32 means that Job never let a stranger spend the night outside but always welcomed travelers into his home. Job is saying he practiced hospitality, making sure that anyone in need found shelter with him instead of being left out in the street.

In this verse, Job is speaking about his own actions as part of his defense before his friends, who have accused him of wrongdoing. Job is listing ways he has lived a blameless life, and here he highlights his care for strangers and travelers. The verse shows Job’s commitment to kindness and generosity, especially to those who were vulnerable or without a place to stay.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:32

• stranger (גֵּר, ger): This word refers to someone who is not a native or local, often a foreigner or outsider. Job’s use of this word shows he cared for people who had no natural place or family in the community.
• lodge (לִין, lin): This verb means to spend the night or stay somewhere. Job is saying he never allowed outsiders to be left outside overnight, emphasizing his active role in providing shelter.
• street (חוּץ, chuts): This word means the open area outside, often the public space or street. Job’s mention of the street highlights the risk and discomfort of being left outside, making his hospitality more significant.
• opened (פָּתַח, patach) and doors (דֶּלֶת, delet): These words together stress the physical act of welcoming—Job literally opened his doors, not just in spirit but in real, practical ways.
• traveller (אֹרֵחַ, oreach): This word means a person passing through, not settled. Job’s care extended not just to locals or known people, but to anyone journeying through.

Why Job 31:32 matters

• Job 31:32 clears up any idea that Job’s goodness was only shown to people he knew; he specifically included outsiders and travelers in his care.
• The verse emphasizes hospitality as a core virtue in Job’s life, showing that his righteousness was practical and visible to others.
• This statement fits into Job’s larger argument that he lived with integrity, countering his friends’ accusations and highlighting the depth of his moral character.