Job 31:34

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Did I fear {H6206} a great {H7227} multitude {H1995}, or did the contempt {H937} of families {H4940} terrify {H2865} me, that I kept silence {H1826}, and went not out {H3318} of the door {H6607}?

Complete Jewish Bible

from fear of general gossip or dread of some family's contempt. keeping silent and not going outdoors

Berean Standard Bible

because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside—

American Standard Version

Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door—

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:34 serves as the climactic rhetorical flourish in Job's final, impassioned defense of his integrity, concluding his comprehensive oath of innocence. In this powerful declaration, Job asserts that his righteous and transparent conduct was never driven by a craven fear of public opinion, the potential scorn of society, or the devastating disgrace inflicted by families. Instead, he vehemently denies that he ever cowered in silence or retreated from public life due to such external pressures, thereby underscoring his unblemished conscience and unwavering commitment to living openly before God and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 stands as the apex of Job's final discourse (chapters 29-31), representing his most elaborate and solemn defense against the persistent accusations of his friends. This chapter functions as a meticulously detailed "asseveration of integrity," where Job systematically refutes a wide array of potential sins, invoking a curse upon himself if his claims are false. Verse 34 acts as a powerful capstone to this defense, moving beyond specific moral transgressions to address the very motivation behind his conduct. It asserts that his righteousness was not a performance dictated by human fear but an intrinsic quality of his character, reinforcing the breadth of his blamelessness after a series of denials concerning lust, injustice, oppression, and idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concepts of honor and shame were foundational to societal structure and individual identity. Public reputation, the esteem of one's community, and the standing of one's family were inextricably linked to personal worth and well-being. To incur the "contempt of families" (בִּזַּת מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, _bizzat mishpāḥôt_) was not merely a social slight but a profound form of ostracism and disgrace, often more feared than physical punishment, leading to isolation and ruin. Job's assertion that he did not "fear a great multitude" speaks directly to the immense pressure of communal judgment and the potential for public shaming. His claim to have not "kept silence, [and] went not out of the door" due to such fears highlights his willingness to face public scrutiny, a testament to his perceived transparency and moral courage in a society where public image and communal acceptance were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Unwavering Integrity** in the face of immense suffering and false accusation. Job consistently maintains his blamelessness, not out of pride, but as a genuine reflection of a life lived according to divine standards, even when those standards bring him into conflict with conventional wisdom. Secondly, it sharply delineates the critical distinction between the **Fear of Man vs. Fear of God**. Job's denial of fearing human judgment implicitly elevates his fear of God as his ultimate moral compass, aligning with the wisdom tradition that true wisdom commences with the [fear of the Lord](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Beginning of Wisdom"). This stands as a profound counterpoint to the idea that "the fear of man bringeth a snare," as articulated in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Snare of Fearing Man"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Public Accountability and Transparency**. Job's rhetorical question implies that his life was an open book, lived without hidden shame or secret sins, challenging the notion that he ever needed to retreat from public life due to guilt, much like the New Testament call for believers to [walk in the light](/john/3-21 "John 3:21 - Walking in Truth") rather than hiding in darkness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** This primitive root signifies to awe or dread, and by implication, to harass or be terrified. In Job's rhetorical question, he denies that such a powerful, potentially paralyzing dread of human judgment ever dictated his public actions or compelled him into seclusion. It implies a profound moral courage rooted in a clear conscience and a higher allegiance.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to make a noise," this word refers to a noisy throng, a tumultuous crowd, or a vast assembly. In this context, it represents the collective weight of public opinion, the widespread sentiment of society. Job emphatically denies that the potential for widespread disapproval or the sheer pressure of popular sentiment ever caused him to compromise his principles or conceal his actions.
* **Contempt (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to despise," denotes utter disrespect, scorn, or public shame. When linked with "families" (_mishpâchâh_), it signifies the devastating social ostracism and loss of honor that would result from being scorned by one's community and kinship groups. Job's assertion is that even this most severe form of social condemnation did not terrify him into silence or retreat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Did I fear a great multitude":** Job initiates his rhetorical question by challenging the unspoken accusation that his conduct might have been motivated by a craven fear of widespread public opinion or the sheer pressure exerted by a large crowd. He implies that his actions were always principled, not swayed by popular sentiment or the desire for human approval, demonstrating a profound internal conviction.
* **"or did the contempt of families terrify me":** This clause intensifies the preceding one, escalating the potential source of fear from the general "multitude" to the deeply personal and culturally significant "contempt of families." This refers to the profound social disgrace and ostracism that would result from being scorned by one's own community and kinship groups. Job denies that even this most devastating form of social shame could compel him to hide or alter his righteous path.
* **"that I kept silence, [and] went not out of the door?":** This final part of the rhetorical question describes the specific consequences that Job vehemently denies. To "keep silence" implies a suppression of truth, a failure to speak out, or a withholding of one's true self due to fear or guilt. To "went not out of the door" signifies hiding, withdrawing from public life, or actively avoiding scrutiny and social engagement. Job adamantly rejects the notion that fear of public or familial judgment ever caused him to become reclusive or to conceal his actions, thereby asserting his unwavering transparency and moral courage.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:34 is a masterful example of a **Rhetorical Question**, a powerful literary device used not to elicit an answer, but to make a forceful and emphatic assertion. By posing the question, "Did I fear...?", Job unequivocally denies the premise, thereby highlighting his unwavering integrity and profound moral courage. The verse also employs striking **Parallelism** through its balanced structure, contrasting "fear a great multitude" with "contempt of families terrify me," and linking these potential fears to the dual consequences of "kept silence, [and] went not out of the door." This parallel construction significantly enhances the impact and resonance of Job's denial. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in Job's sweeping denial, which serves to emphasize the absolute nature of his blamelessness and his readiness to face any scrutiny. The vivid imagery of "going out of the door" functions as a **Metonymy** for engaging with public life, participating in the community, and facing societal judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:34 stands as a profound declaration of integrity, asserting that true righteousness is not a performance for human approval but an internal disposition rooted in a clear conscience before God. Job’s resolute refusal to be intimidated by public opinion or social disgrace underscores the fundamental theological principle that one’s ultimate accountability is to the divine, not merely to human standards. This commitment to living authentically, even when it means facing isolation or condemnation, resonates throughout Scripture, challenging believers to prioritize God's approval over the fleeting praise or fear of man. It highlights the spiritual battle against the "fear of man," which can often lead to compromise, silence, and spiritual bondage, contrasting it with the liberating power of a life lived in the "fear of the Lord"—a reverence that aligns one's life with divine will.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Snare of Fearing Man")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")
* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Seeking God's Approval")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's bold declaration in Job 31:34 challenges us to deeply examine the motivations behind our own actions and the true sources of our fears. In a world increasingly driven by the pursuit of social media validation, public opinion, and the avoidance of "cancel culture," Job's unwavering stance serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that genuine integrity is found not in seeking the applause of the "multitude" or meticulously avoiding the "contempt of families," but in cultivating a conscience clear before God. It calls us to live lives of radical transparency, where our private convictions align seamlessly with our public conduct, and where our pursuit of righteousness is not dictated by the shifting sands of human fear but by a profound reverence for God. This requires immense moral courage to stand firm in our convictions, even when it means facing unpopularity, misunderstanding, or intense social pressure. Ultimately, Job’s example encourages us to embrace a profound freedom that comes from knowing our ultimate judge is God, and that His approval is the only one that truly matters, liberating us from the tyranny of human opinion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "multitudes" (e.g., social media, peer groups) or "families" (e.g., community expectations, familial pressures) in your life might tempt you to compromise your integrity or silence your convictions?**
* **How does the fear of man manifest in your daily decisions, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater, liberating fear of God?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be "keeping silence" or "not going out of the door" (i.e., hiding or avoiding engagement) due to fear of judgment or disapproval?**
* **What does it mean practically to live a life of unwavering transparency and integrity in today's complex and often judgmental society?**

### FAQ
**What does Job mean by "kept silence, [and] went not out of the door"?**

Answer: This powerful phrase describes the actions of someone who is hiding, withdrawing from public life, or suppressing the truth due to fear, shame, or guilt. Job is rhetorically denying that he ever acted in such a way. To "keep silence" implies a failure to speak up, to defend oneself, or to express one's true convictions, perhaps out of intimidation or a sense of unworthiness. To "go not out of the door" signifies a retreat from public engagement, avoiding social interaction, or literally staying hidden at home to escape scrutiny. Job's denial asserts that his life was lived openly and transparently, without any need to hide his actions or intentions from public view, because his conscience was clear. He was not afraid to face the community or defend his conduct, even in the face of intense criticism.

**Why is Job emphasizing his public conduct and fear of man at this point?**

Answer: Job is at the absolute climax of his defense, having meticulously addressed a wide range of personal sins and moral failings that his friends implicitly or explicitly accused him of. Here, he is specifically refuting any suggestion that his public life was anything less than blameless and transparent. His friends often accused him of hidden sin, implying that his suffering was a direct consequence of unconfessed wrongdoing, perhaps even secret acts of injustice or hypocrisy. By denying that he ever feared public judgment or social disgrace to the point of hiding, Job powerfully reinforces the depth of his integrity and transparency. He is asserting that his righteousness was not just a private matter but extended to his visible interactions and reputation in the community, further cementing his claim of blamelessness before God and man. This also highlights the profound contrast between the fear of man and the fear of God, a central theme in wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Snare of Fearing Man"), where the former brings a snare, but trust in the Lord brings safety.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job, in his human frailty and limited understanding, could only assert his relative blamelessness and integrity, his impassioned plea for vindication and his unwavering commitment to living openly find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike Job, who was righteous in a human sense but still a sinner in need of a redeemer, Jesus lived a life of absolute, perfect righteousness, entirely unblemished by sin or moral compromise. He never feared the "great multitude" or the "contempt of families"; indeed, He willingly faced the ultimate public scorn and rejection, enduring the cross, "despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Jesus never "kept silence" when truth needed to be spoken, nor did He "go not out of the door" to avoid scrutiny; rather, He openly taught in the synagogues and temples, declaring, "I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing" ([John 18:20](/john/18-20 "John 18:20 - Jesus' Open Teaching")). His integrity was not merely a claim but a divine reality, culminating in His perfect, sinless sacrifice, which alone could atone for the sins of humanity. Thus, Job's longing for a blameless life, free from the fear of human judgment, is perfectly embodied and eternally achieved in the sinless life and atoning work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who faced the ultimate contempt and public degradation so that we, through faith in Him, might be declared righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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

Exodus 23:2

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]:

Job 34:19

[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

Exodus 32:27

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

Nehemiah 13:4

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:

Nehemiah 13:8

And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

Proverbs 24:11

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

Proverbs 24:12

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?