Job 31:31
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מְתֵ֣י
If the men
H4962
מְתֵ֣י
If the men
Strong's:
H4962
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
אָהֳלִ֑י
of my tabernacle
H168
אָהֳלִ֑י
of my tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
5 of 10
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
6 of 10
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִתֵּ֥ן
not Oh that we had
H5414
יִתֵּ֥ן
not Oh that we had
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מִ֝בְּשָׂר֗וֹ
of his flesh
H1320
מִ֝בְּשָׂר֗וֹ
of his flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
8 of 10
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture centered on household hospitality. The patriarch's honor included generously feeding his household and guests. Job's servants' testimony confirms his lavish provision. In cultures where masters could abuse servants, Job's household loyalty demonstrates his just and generous treatment. His hospitality anticipated Christian teaching about using wealth to bless others (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's household's testimony about his generosity challenge our stewardship of resources?
- What does the relationship between Job and his household teach about how we should treat those dependent on us?
- How does generous hospitality demonstrate that we hold wealth as stewards, not owners?
Analysis & Commentary
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied (אִם־לֹא אָמְרוּ מְתֵי אָהֳלִי מִי־יִתֵּן מִבְּשָׂרוֹ לֹא נִשְׂבָּע, im-lo amru metei oholi mi-yiten mibesaro lo nisba)—ohel (אֹהֶל, tabernacle) refers to Job's household or tent. The phrase mi-yiten (מִי־יִתֵּן) is an idiom meaning 'Oh that we had' or 'Who will give us?' Basar (בָּשָׂר, flesh) can mean meat or flesh, and saba (שָׂבַע) means to be satisfied or filled.
This difficult verse likely means Job's household servants testified that his hospitality was so generous they couldn't eat all he provided—his table was abundant. Some interpret it as servants defending Job's generosity so zealously they wished to consume his detractors. Either way, it attests to Job's reputation for hospitality. Ancient Near Eastern honor culture valued hospitality as supreme virtue (Genesis 18:1-8, Hebrews 13:2). Job's household testified to his generous provision, contradicting any claim that he hoarded wealth selfishly. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that genuine faith produces generosity—we're blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). Job's stewardship blessed his entire household.