Job 31:32

32 And no stranger ever had to spend a night in the street; my doors were always open to travelers.

Job 31:32 Meaning and Commentary

Job 31:32

The stranger did not lodge in the street
By a stranger is not meant an unconverted man, that is a stranger to God and godliness, to Christ, and the way of salvation by him, to the Spirit of God and spiritual things, nor a good man, who is a stranger and pilgrim on earth; but one that is out of his nation and country, and at a distance from it, whether a good man or a bad man; these Job would not suffer to lie in the streets in the night season, exposed to the air and the inclemencies of it; see ( Judges 19:15-21 ) ;

[but] I opened my doors to the traveller;
even all the doors of his house, to denote his great liberality, that as many as would might enter it; and this was done by himself, or, however, by his order; and some think that it signifies that he was at his door, waiting and watching for travellers to invite them in, as Abraham and Lot, ( Genesis 18:1 Genesis 18:2 ) ( Genesis 19:1 Genesis 19:2 ) ; or his doors were opened "to the way" ^F9: as it may be rendered, to the roadside; his house was built by the wayside; or, however, the doors which lay towards that side were thrown open for travellers to come in at as they pleased, and when they would; so very hospitable and kind to strangers and travellers was Job, and so welcome were they to his house and the entertainment of it, see ( Hebrews 13:2 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (xral) "ad semitam seu viam", Mercerus; "versus viam", Piscator, Michaelis; (Krdl) , Ben Gersom.

Job 31:32 In-Context

30 No, I never said a word of detraction, never cursed them, even under my breath.

31 "Didn't those who worked for me say, 'He fed us well. There were always second helpings'?

32 And no stranger ever had to spend a night in the street; my doors were always open to travelers.

33 Did I hide my sin the way Adam did, or conceal my guilt behind closed doors

34 Because I was afraid what people would say, fearing the gossip of the neighbors so much That I turned myself into a recluse? You know good and well that I didn't.