Job 31:32

32 No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for I opened my door to the traveler.

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 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

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

Job 31:32 In-Context

30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse.
31 Haven't the members of my household said, "Who is there who has not had enough to eat at Job's table?"
32 No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for I opened my door to the traveler.
33 Have I covered my transgressions as others do by hiding my guilt in my heart,
34 because I greatly feared the crowds, and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so I grew silent and would not go outside?
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