Job 31:19

19 or if I saw a traveler needing clothing, someone in need who had no covering,

Job 31:19 Meaning and Commentary

Job 31:19

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing
A man may be in such poor circumstances as to want proper clothing to cover his naked body with, and preserve it from the inclemencies of the weather, and for want of it be ready to perish or die with cold. Job denies he had seen any such; not that he had never seen persons in such perishing circumstances; but he had not seen them as to "despise" them, as the Vulgate Latin version, as to have them in contempt, or look at them with disdain because of their poverty and rags, or sordid apparel; or so as to "overlook" them, as the Septuagint version, to neglect them, and to take no notice of them, and make no provision for their clothing, a warm and comfortable garment, as in ( Job 31:20 ) :

or any poor without covering;
without clothing sufficient to cover himself with, and keep him warm; Job had seen such objects, but he did not leave them in such a condition; he saw them, and had compassion on them, and clothed them.

Job 31:19 In-Context

17 or ate my portion of food by myself, without letting the orphan eat any of it
18 No! From my youth he grew up with me as if with a father, and I have been her guide from my mother's womb!
19 or if I saw a traveler needing clothing, someone in need who had no covering,
20 who didn't bless me from his heart for being warmed with the fleece from my sheep,
21 or if I lifted my hand against an orphan, knowing that no one would dare charge me in court;
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.