Job 31:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If the men {H4962} of my tabernacle {H168} said {H559} not, Oh that we had {H5414} of his flesh {H1320}! we cannot be satisfied {H7646}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Was there anyone in my tent who didn't say, 'No one can find a single person whom he has not filled with his meat'?

Berean Standard Bible

if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’—

American Standard Version

If the men of my tent have not said, Who can find one that hath not been filled with his meat?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:31 stands as a profound declaration within Job's culminating defense of his integrity, where he passionately asserts his blamelessness before God and his accusers. This verse specifically highlights Job's exceptional generosity and the deep contentment of his household, affirming that those under his care were so thoroughly provided for that they never harbored malicious intent or the covetous desire for his ruin or possessions, thereby powerfully demonstrating the consistent righteousness of his character even in the most private and intimate spheres of his life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 serves as the climactic and most comprehensive segment of Job's final discourse (chapters 29-31), representing his vehement and detailed defense against the accusations of his friends and his own perceived injustice from God. This chapter functions as a solemn oath of integrity, often termed a "negative confession," where Job systematically enumerates a wide array of sins he has meticulously avoided. He challenges God to find fault with him, laying out his ethical conduct across various domains: personal purity (vv. 1-4), honesty and justice (vv. 5-8), marital fidelity (vv. 9-12), equitable treatment of servants (vv. 13-15), compassionate care for the vulnerable (vv. 16-23), and avoidance of idolatry and trust in wealth (vv. 24-28). Verse 31, specifically, is part of a series of claims regarding his social righteousness and hospitality (vv. 29-32), emphasizing that his benevolence extended even to those within his immediate household, ensuring their satisfaction and preventing any cause for resentment or malice towards him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the patriarchal household was the foundational social and economic unit, and the head of the household bore immense responsibility for the well-being of all its members, encompassing family, servants, and even transient guests. Hospitality was not merely a social courtesy but a sacred duty, often viewed as a direct reflection of one's righteousness, piety, and standing in the community. The idiom "Oh that we had of his flesh!" is a stark and visceral expression of extreme malice or covetousness, signifying a desire for someone's utter ruin, death, or the seizing of their very substance. For Job to claim that his household never uttered such a phrase speaks volumes about his exemplary provision and just treatment, indicating that he fulfilled his patriarchal duties to such an extent that his dependents were not only adequately cared for but genuinely content, never wishing him ill or desiring to profit from his misfortune.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Primarily, it underscores **Job's unwavering integrity** and the **breadth of his righteousness**, demonstrating that his blamelessness was not merely a public facade but deeply ingrained in his private conduct and relationships, extending to those most intimately connected to him. It highlights the theme of **generosity and hospitality**, portraying Job as a benevolent provider who ensured the welfare and contentment of his dependents, contrasting sharply with the common perception of the wealthy as exploitative or neglectful. Furthermore, the absence of malice or want within his household speaks to the theme of **social justice** and the righteous treatment of subordinates, a concern echoed throughout Job's defense, particularly in passages like [Job 31:13-15](/job/31-13 "Job 31:13-15 - Job's Treatment of Servants") where he affirms the equal standing of master and servant before God. This verse, therefore, reinforces Job's central argument against his friends' theology of retribution, asserting that his profound suffering cannot be attributed to any unrighteousness on his part, especially concerning his domestic or social responsibilities, a core contention found throughout [the book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** From H168, literally meaning "a tent" or "dwelling," in this context, "men of my tabernacle" refers metaphorically to Job's entire household, including his family, servants, and any guests or sojourners residing under his roof. It emphasizes the intimate domestic sphere and Job's role as the patriarchal head responsible for their care and provision, portraying his dwelling as a place of refuge and sustenance.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, literally "flesh" or "body," but in the idiomatic expression "Oh that we had of his flesh!", it signifies not literal cannibalism, but a profound and malicious desire for someone's very life, substance, or possessions. It implies a wish for their utter ruin or demise in order to gain from their loss, reflecting extreme covetousness or vengeance, a desire for their complete undoing.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** From H7646, this word means to be full, satiated, or content, to have enough or plenty. In the negative ("we cannot be satisfied"), it conveys an insatiable longing or hunger. Job's assertion is that his household was so thoroughly provided for that they never experienced this kind of unfulfilled, malicious craving for his ruin or possessions, indicating complete contentment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If the men of my tabernacle said not,"**: This opening clause establishes a conditional statement, forming part of Job's series of self-imprecations or negative confessions. The "if...not" structure is a powerful rhetorical device, implying that if such a thing *were* true (which Job vehemently denies), then he would accept the consequences of his sin. By stating that his household *did not* say this, Job is asserting the absolute opposite: that his household was content and never wished him ill.
* **"Oh that we had of his flesh!"**: This is the core of the malicious wish that Job's household supposedly never uttered. As an idiom, it expresses a covetous desire for Job's substance, wealth, or even his life itself, implying a wish for his downfall or death so that they might benefit from his loss. It speaks to a deep-seated resentment, unfulfilled greed, or even a desire for vengeance.
* **"we cannot be satisfied."**: This concluding phrase intensifies the preceding wish. It suggests an insatiable hunger or longing for Job's ruin or possessions, indicating a profound and unquenchable desire for his undoing. Coupled with the previous phrase, it paints a picture of extreme deprivation or malice that Job is asserting was completely absent from his household due to his righteous and generous provision.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:31 employs several potent literary devices to underscore Job's integrity and the depth of his righteousness. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Job exaggerates the contentment of his household by presenting the extreme opposite scenario—a malicious, almost cannibalistic desire for his ruin—and then vehemently denying its existence. This deliberate overstatement serves to emphasize the profound depth of his benevolence and the complete absence of resentment or covetousness among his dependents. Closely related is the use of a vivid **Idiom**, "Oh that we had of his flesh!", which is not to be taken literally but conveys a powerful sense of covetousness, malice, or a desire for someone's downfall to gain from their loss. This idiom makes Job's claim more impactful and culturally resonant within the ancient Near Eastern context. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Negative Confession** or a form of **Rhetorical Question** (implied by the "If...not" conditional structure), a common legal and ethical device in the ancient Near East used to assert innocence by denying specific transgressions. By denying that his household ever uttered such a malicious wish, Job is forcefully affirming the positive truth of his generous and just treatment of them, thereby strengthening his overall argument of blamelessness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:31 speaks profoundly to the theological principle that true righteousness extends beyond mere outward religious observance to permeate every sphere of life, especially one's private conduct and treatment of those under their authority. Job's claim of household contentment underscores the divine expectation for leaders and providers to care justly and generously for their dependents, reflecting God's own character as a benevolent provider who satisfies the needs of His creation. It challenges the notion that piety can coexist with neglect or exploitation of the vulnerable, asserting that genuine faith manifests in tangible acts of compassion and justice within one's own home and community. This verse highlights that a truly righteous life is one that produces contentment and goodwill even among those most intimately aware of one's daily actions.
* [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul Will Prosper")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:31 offers a timeless challenge regarding the consistency of our character and the true measure of our integrity. It compels us to examine how we treat those closest to us—family, employees, or anyone under our direct care or influence. Our public declarations of faith and righteousness are ultimately tested by the atmosphere and relationships within our private spheres. Job's profound concern for his household's well-being, to the extent that they never harbored malicious thoughts or wishes for his ruin, sets a high standard for leadership, stewardship, and personal conduct. It reminds us that true generosity, justice, and compassionate provision create an environment of contentment, trust, and mutual respect, effectively preventing the seeds of envy, resentment, or strife from taking root. This verse encourages us to cultivate a life where our actions consistently reflect our professed values, ensuring that those who know us best can attest to our genuine care and provision, rather than harboring any malicious or covetous desires. It calls us to live with such integrity that our "tabernacle" is a place of peace and satisfaction, not hidden discontent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my treatment of those closest to me (family, friends, colleagues, employees) consistently reflect my professed faith and values?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater spirit of generosity, justice, and selfless provision within my own "tabernacle" or sphere of influence?**
* **Do I prioritize the contentment and well-being of others, especially those dependent on me, or am I primarily focused on my own satisfaction and gain?**
* **What might the presence or absence of malice or want among my dependents say about my character and leadership?**

### FAQ
**What does "the men of my tabernacle" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "The men of my tabernacle" refers to everyone living within Job's household or under his direct care and authority. This includes his immediate family, his numerous servants and laborers, and potentially any guests or travelers who sought refuge and sustenance at his home. It emphasizes Job's role as the patriarch and provider for a large domestic community, highlighting his comprehensive responsibility for their welfare and contentment.

**What is the meaning of the idiom "Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied"?**

Answer: This idiom does not imply literal cannibalism. Instead, it is a powerful and visceral expression of extreme malice, covetousness, or deep resentment. It signifies a profound desire for someone's utter ruin, death, or the seizing of their possessions and substance, often with the intent to gain from their loss. The phrase "we cannot be satisfied" further intensifies this, suggesting an insatiable longing for their undoing or the acquisition of their wealth. Job's assertion is that his household was so well-provided for and justly treated that they never harbored such a malicious or covetous thought towards him, nor did they ever feel a lack that would drive them to wish for his misfortune.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's blamelessness and integrity, as expressed in Job 31:31, are truly remarkable for a human, they ultimately point beyond human perfection to the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. Job's claim that his household was so satisfied that they never wished for his "flesh" or ruin stands in stark contrast to the world's treatment of Christ, who was betrayed, rejected, and ultimately crucified by those He came to save, even His own people who "received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, in a profound reversal of the idiom, Christ willingly gave His "flesh" and blood not for His own gain, but as the ultimate provision for the world's deepest spiritual hunger. He declared, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - The Bread of Life")). Unlike Job's household, which was satisfied by his earthly provision, humanity's deepest need for satisfaction, eternal life, and reconciliation with God is met only through partaking in Christ's sacrificial offering. Job’s integrity, though profound, was still human and limited; Christ's integrity was divine and perfect, enabling Him to be the spotless Lamb whose ultimate sacrifice truly satisfies the soul and reconciles humanity to God, offering a spiritual satisfaction that transcends all earthly provision and endures for eternity, as He promised, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")) and "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Bread of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 19:22

Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

Jeremiah 40:15

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know [it]: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?

Jeremiah 40:16

But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

2 Samuel 19:21

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?

2 Samuel 19:22

And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I [am] this day king over Israel?

2 Samuel 16:9

Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

2 Samuel 16:10

And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?