Job 31:32

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

No stranger had to sleep in the street; I kept my house open to the traveler.

Berean Standard Bible:

but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—

American Standard Version:

(The sojourner hath not lodged in the street; But I have opened my doors to the traveller);

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The stranger^{H1616} did not lodge^{H3885} in the street^{H2351}: but I opened^{H6605} my doors^{H1817} to the traveller^{H734}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Job 31:32

Job 31:32 is part of the final speech made by Job, a wealthy and pious man from the land of Uz, whose story is recounted in the Book of Job, one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Job grapples with the age-old question of why suffering befalls the righteous and is a complex exploration of the themes of faith, justice, and the human condition.

In the verse, "The stranger did not lodge in the street: [but] I opened my doors to the traveller," Job is asserting his righteousness and integrity through his actions towards the less fortunate. In the ancient Near Eastern context, hospitality was a significant virtue, and providing shelter for travelers and strangers was both a moral obligation and a social norm. By declaring that he has not allowed strangers to lodge in the street but has instead opened his doors to them, Job is emphasizing his adherence to this ethical standard.

This verse reflects the broader theme of hospitality found throughout the Bible, which is often tied to the concept of righteousness. It also underscores the importance of caring for the vulnerable, including strangers and sojourners, a command that is repeated in various forms throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:19). Job's statement serves as a testament to his character and his commitment to live out his faith through practical acts of kindness, despite the extreme suffering he himself is enduring.

Historically, the Book of Job is thought to have been written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period when the people of Judah were grappling with theodicy—the justice of God—amidst their national tragedy. Job's experiences and his insistence on his innocence would have resonated with those who questioned why they were facing undeserved hardship. The book, therefore, provides a profound meditation on divine justice and human suffering, encouraging the faithful to maintain their integrity even when they cannot comprehend God's ways.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1616
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גֵּר
   Transliteration: gêr
   Pronunciation: gare
   Description: or (fully) geyr (gare); from גּוּר; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner; alien, sojourner, stranger.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3885
   There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לוּן
   Transliteration: lûwn
   Pronunciation: loon
   Description: or לִין; a primitive root; to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain); abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night).
   
3. Strong's Number: H2351
   There are 159 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חוּץ
   Transliteration: chûwts
   Pronunciation: khoots
   Description: or (shortened) חֻץ; (both forms feminine in the plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors; abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6605
   There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּתַח
   Transliteration: pâthach
   Pronunciation: paw-thakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve; appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1817
   There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דֶּלֶת
   Transliteration: deleth
   Pronunciation: deh'-leth
   Description: from דָּלָה; something swinging, i.e. the valve of adoor; door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3).
   
6. Strong's Number: H734
   There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹרַח
   Transliteration: ʼôrach
   Pronunciation: o'-rakh
   Description: from אָרַח; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan; manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way.