Job 31:34
Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶֽעֱר֨וֹץ׀
Did I fear
H6206
אֶֽעֱר֨וֹץ׀
Did I fear
Strong's:
H6206
Word #:
2 of 11
to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass
רַבָּ֗ה
a great
H7227
רַבָּ֗ה
a great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מִשְׁפָּח֥וֹת
of families
H4940
מִשְׁפָּח֥וֹת
of families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 11
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
יְחִתֵּ֑נִי
terrify
H2865
יְחִתֵּ֑נִי
terrify
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
וָ֝אֶדֹּ֗ם
me that I kept silence
H1826
וָ֝אֶדֹּ֗ם
me that I kept silence
Strong's:
H1826
Word #:
8 of 11
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture was deeply honor/shame oriented. Public reputation determined social standing and economic opportunity. Families could ostracize members who brought shame. Job's claim that he didn't hide sin from fear of social consequences demonstrates remarkable courage. His willingness to face public judgment rather than conceal wrongdoing reflects integrity. This countered cultural norms where maintaining honor sometimes trumped truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's freedom from fear of public opinion challenge our tendency to manage our reputation?
- What does Job's willingness to face social consequences teach about the relationship between fearing God and fearing man?
- How can we cultivate the moral courage to do right regardless of how others might respond?
Analysis & Commentary
Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me (אֶעֱרוֹץ הָמוֹן רַבָּה וּבוּז־מִשְׁפָּחוֹת יְחִתֵּנִי, e'erotz hamon rabbah uvuz-mishpachot yechiteni)—aratz (עָרַץ) means to fear or dread, hamon (הָמוֹן) means multitude or crowd, buz (בּוּז) means contempt or scorn, and chatat (חָתַת) means to terrify or dismay. That I kept silence, and went not out of the door (וָאֶדֹּם לֹא־אֵצֵא פָתַח, va'edom lo-etse fatach)—damam (דָּמַם) means to be silent or still, and petach (פֶּתַח) means door or entrance.
Job denies being silenced by fear of public opinion. He claims he didn't hide transgressions (v. 33) because of fear of social consequences (v. 34). This demonstrates moral courage—doing right regardless of public approval. Proverbs 29:25 warns that fear of man brings a snare, but trusting the Lord brings safety. Jesus commanded fearing God who can destroy both soul and body rather than fearing those who can only kill the body (Matthew 10:28). From a Reformed perspective, Job's freedom from fear of man demonstrates proper fear of God. When we fear God supremely, human opinion loses its power. Job's transparency despite potential social consequences reveals authentic righteousness.