Job 31:32
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.
Original Language Analysis
בַּ֭חוּץ
in the street
H2351
בַּ֭חוּץ
in the street
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָלִ֣ין
did not lodge
H3885
יָלִ֣ין
did not lodge
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
3 of 7
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Matthew 25:35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:1 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture valued hospitality as sacred duty. Desert travel made sheltering strangers literally life-saving. Cities often lacked public inns, making private hospitality essential. Biblical narratives emphasize hospitality's importance (Abraham in Genesis 18, Lot in Genesis 19). Job's claim that no stranger lodged in the street demonstrated extraordinary generosity. His practice reflected covenant ethics that Israel would later formalize in Mosaic law.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's radical hospitality challenge contemporary Christian practice regarding strangers and immigrants?
- What does opening our doors to travelers teach about viewing our possessions as God's provision for blessing others?
- How can we practice Job's level of hospitality in our cultural context?
Analysis & Commentary
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller (בַּחוּץ לֹא־יָלִין גֵּר דְּלָתַי לָאֹרַח אֶפְתָּח, bachutz lo-yalin ger delatai la'orach eftach)—ger (גֵּר) means stranger or sojourner, lin (לִין) means to lodge or spend the night, delet (דֶּלֶת) means door, and orach (אֹרַח) means traveler or wayfarer. The verb patach (פָּתַח) means to open. Job claims he practiced hospitality so thoroughly that no stranger had to sleep in the street—his doors were open to travelers.
Biblical law commanded hospitality to strangers (Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:19). Jesus identified with strangers, saying that welcoming them welcomes Him (Matthew 25:35). Hebrews 13:2 commands hospitality, noting some entertained angels unknowingly. Job's practice anticipated New Testament ethics. From a Reformed perspective, Job's hospitality demonstrates covenant faithfulness—caring for the vulnerable reflects God's character (Psalm 146:9). True religion extends beyond family to include strangers. Job's open doors testified to his generous spirit and recognition that all people bear God's image.