New International Version because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside— New Living Translation Have I feared the crowd or the contempt of the masses, so that I kept quiet and stayed indoors? English Standard Version because I stood in great fear of the multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors— Berean Standard Bible because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— Berean Literal Bible because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of the clans terrified me and I kept silent, not going out the door— King James Bible 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? New King James Version Because I feared the great multitude, And dreaded the contempt of families, So that I kept silence And did not go out of the door— New American Standard Bible Because I feared the great multitude And the contempt of families terrified me, And I kept silent and did not go out of doors? NASB 1995 Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, And kept silent and did not go out of doors? NASB 1977 Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, And kept silent and did not go out of doors? Legacy Standard Bible Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, And I kept silent and did not go out of doors— Amplified Bible Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence and did not acknowledge my sin and did not go out of the door? Berean Annotated Bible because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— Christian Standard Bible because I greatly feared the crowds and because the contempt of the clans terrified me, so I grew silent and would not go outside? Holman Christian Standard Bible because I greatly feared the crowds, and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so I grew silent and would not go outside? American Standard Version Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door— Contemporary English Version And the fear of public disgrace never forced me to keep silent about what I had done. English Revised Version Because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and went not out of the door-- GOD'S WORD® Translation because I dreaded the large, noisy crowd and because the contempt of the [local] mobs terrified me so that I kept quiet and didn't go outside.... Good News Translation I have never feared what people would say; I have never kept quiet or stayed indoors because I feared their scorn. International Standard Version Have I feared large crowds? Has my family's contempt ever terrified me so that I remained silent and wouldn't go outside?" NET Bible because I was terrified of the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I remained silent and would not go outdoors-- New Heart English Bible because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of the door-- Webster's Bible Translation 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? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebecause I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— World English Bible because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and didn’t go out of the door— Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBecause I fear a great multitude, "" And the contempt of families frightens me, "" Then I am silent, I do not go out of the opening. Berean Literal Bible because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of the clans terrified me and I kept silent, not going out the door— Young's Literal Translation Because I fear a great multitude, And the contempt of families doth affright me, Then I am silent, I go not out of the opening. Smith's Literal Translation If I, shall fear a great multitude, and the contempt of families terrify me, and I will be silent and not go out of my door. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf I have been afraid at a very great multitude, and the contempt of kinsmen hath terrified me: and I have not rather held my peace, and not gone out of the door. Catholic Public Domain Version if I became frightened by an excessive crowd, and the disrespect of close relatives alarmed me, so that I would much rather have remained silent or have gone out the door; New American Bible Because I feared the great multitude and the scorn of the clans terrified me— then I should have remained silent, and not come out of doors! New Revised Standard Version because I stood in great fear of the multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf I have trampled upon the rights of the others (but on the contrary, it is the multitude of families which has ruined me. Nor have I turned away anyone at the door; or engaged in gossip) let the provocations of God lay me low! Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if I have trampled the power of many, (but it is an abundance of families that ruined me) and a son of man I have not turned away at the gate, and I have not ruminated on the speech of the lips) the provocations of God have humbled me OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Because I feared the great multitude, And the most contemptible among families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door. Brenton Septuagint Translation (for I did not stand in awe of a great multitude, so as not to declare boldly before them:) and if too I permitted a poor man to go out of my door with an empty bosom: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Job's Final Appeal…33if I have covered my transgressions like Adam by hiding my guilt in my heart, 34because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside — 35(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment.… Cross References because I greatly feared the crowds Matthew 21:26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. Isaiah 51:12-13 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? / But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? and the contempt of the clans terrified me, Job 19:13-19 He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. / My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me. / My guests and maidservants count me as a stranger; I am a foreigner in their sight. … Psalm 123:3-4 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. / We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. Lamentations 3:14 I am a laughingstock to all my people; they mock me in song all day long. so that I kept silent Psalm 39:2 I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred. Psalm 38:13-14 But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. / I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply. Lamentations 3:28 Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him. and would not go outside— Psalm 31:11 Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends—they flee when they see me on the street. Exodus 12:22-23 Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. / When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. Isaiah 26:20 Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. Isaiah 51:7 Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. John 12:42-43 Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. / For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Treasury of Scripture 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? Did I Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Jeremiah 38:4,5,16,19 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt… the contempt Job 22:8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it. Job 34:19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. Exodus 32:27 And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. that I Esther 4:11,14 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days… Proverbs 24:11,12 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; … Amos 5:11-13 Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them… Jump to Previous Affright Body Clans Contempt Contemptible Crowd Door Doors Dreaded Families Fear Feared Great Kept Multitude Opening Outside Quiet Silence Silent Sport Stood Terrified TerrifyJump to Next Affright Body Clans Contempt Contemptible Crowd Door Doors Dreaded Families Fear Feared Great Kept Multitude Opening Outside Quiet Silence Silent Sport Stood Terrified TerrifyJob 31 1. Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several dutiesbecause I greatly feared the crowds Job denies concealing sin out of fear of public opinion. In a society where honor, reputation, and belonging shaped a person’s security, the judgment of the community could exert enormous pressure. Yet Job maintains that he did not allow fear of people to govern his conscience. The fear of man is a snare, but reverence for God enables truthful confession and upright conduct (Proverbs 29:25). Mat 21:26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people,… and the contempt of the clans terrified me, Extended family groups provided protection, livelihood, and social identity. Their rejection could bring shame, isolation, and material loss. Job’s words recognize the real cost of standing openly before others, while insisting that he had not hidden wrongdoing to preserve his standing among relatives or neighbors. God’s approval must outweigh even the harshest human contempt (Galatians 1:10). Job 19:13-19 He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have… so that I kept silent Job rejects the accusation that he covered guilt through silence. His earlier appeals and public defense show that he was willing to bring his conduct before God and man. Silence can sometimes preserve peace, but silence used to conceal sin leaves the heart under bondage. God desires truth in the inward being and grants mercy to those who confess rather than hide their sin (Psalm 32:5). Psa 39:2 I was speechless and still; I remained silent… and would not go outside— Job (meaning “persecuted”) portrays the shameful withdrawal of someone afraid to face public scrutiny. He declares that he did not live as a guilty man hiding within his house, unwilling to appear at the city gate where legal matters and public life were conducted. Though his suffering had brought humiliation and isolation, he continued to appeal to the righteous Judge who knows the truth of every life. Psa 31:11 Among all my enemies I am a disgrace… Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith. 2. The Crowds Represents the general populace or society that Job feared might judge or scorn him. 3. The Clans Refers to smaller, familial or tribal groups within the society that could exert social pressure or contempt. 4. Job's Suffering The broader context of Job's trials, where he loses his wealth, health, and family, yet maintains his integrity and faith in God. 5. Job's Defense In Job 31, Job is making a final defense of his righteousness, listing ways he has lived a life of integrity. Teaching Points Fear of Man vs. Fear of GodJob's fear of societal judgment highlights the tension between fearing man and fearing God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize God's approval over human opinion. Integrity in the Face of Pressure Job's commitment to righteousness despite external pressures serves as a model for maintaining integrity when faced with societal or peer pressure. The Power of Silence Job's silence due to fear of contempt can remind us of the importance of speaking truth and standing firm in our convictions, even when it is difficult. Community Influence The influence of community and societal norms can be powerful. Believers should be aware of these influences and ensure they align with biblical principles. Courage to Stand Alone Job's experience teaches the value of having the courage to stand alone in faith, even when it means facing misunderstanding or rejection from others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 31:34?2. How does Job 31:34 demonstrate Job's integrity despite societal pressures? 3. What fears does Job mention in Job 31:34, and how are they relevant today? 4. How can we apply Job's example of courage in Job 31:34 to our lives? 5. What other biblical figures faced similar fears as described in Job 31:34? 6. How can Job 31:34 inspire us to stand firm in our faith? 7. How does Job 31:34 reflect Job's integrity and fear of public opinion? 8. What historical context influences the understanding of Job 31:34? 9. How does Job 31:34 challenge modern views on reputation and social pressure? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 31? What Does Job 31:34 Mean Because I greatly feared the crowds• Job confesses a hypothetical scenario in which the pressure of public opinion could have swayed him. • Scripture warns, “The fear of man is a snare” (Proverbs 29:25). • Jesus pointed out that many rulers “believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42–43). • If Job had bowed to the crowd, he would have shifted his allegiance from God to people—an idolatrous exchange (Acts 5:29). And the contempt of the clans terrified me • Social shame in the ancient Near East could mean economic ruin, exile, or even violence (Psalm 31:11). • Yet God consistently calls His people to stand firm when family or tribe reject them (Micah 7:6; Matthew 10:35–37). • Job is asserting that he never allowed the fear of tribal backlash to dictate his integrity. So that I kept silent • Silence in the face of sin equals complicity (James 4:17). • The prophet Ezekiel was warned: if he failed to speak, he would share responsibility for the wicked man’s death (Ezekiel 33:8). • Job insists he never suppressed truth to save face; he spoke forthrightly regardless of the cost (Job 27:5–6). And would not go outside— • “Going outside” implies public identification and open action. • Joseph of Arimathea initially stayed hidden “for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38), but Job maintains he never retreated into secrecy. • Faith that stays indoors is faith unseen; Job claims a visible, accountable righteousness (Matthew 5:16). summary Job 31:34 lays out a temptation every believer faces: letting fear of public opinion, family disdain, or personal safety muzzle righteous action. Job declares he never succumbed. He refused to let crowds intimidate him, clans shame him, fear silence him, or self-preservation hide him. His integrity stayed anchored in God, not in human approval. Verse 34. - Did I fear a great multitude! rather, because I feared the great multitude or the great assembly; i.e. the gathering of the people in the gate on occasions of public business. It' Job had been conscious of any great and heinous sins' he would not have led the open and public life which, previously to his calamities, he had always led (Job 29:7-10, 21-25); he would have been afraid to make his appearance at public meetings, lest his sins should have become known, and should draw upon him scorn and contempt, instead of the respect and acclamations to which he was accustomed. Or did the contempt of families terrify me? rather, and the contempt of families terrified me. The contempt of the assembled tribes and families, which might have been poured out upon him at such meetings, would have been quite sufficient to prevent his attending them. If by any accident he had found himself at one, and had seen that he was looked upon with disfavour, he must have kept silence in order to avoid observation. Prudence would have counselled that more complete abstention which is implied in the phrase, and went not out of the door; i.e. "stayed at home in mine own house."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew becauseכִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I greatly רַבָּ֗ה (rab·bāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great feared אֶֽעֱר֨וֹץ ׀ (’e·‘ĕ·rō·wṣ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6206: To cause to tremble, tremble the crowds, הָ֘מ֤וֹן (hā·mō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth and the contempt וּבוּז־ (ū·ḇūz-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 937: Disrespect of the clans מִשְׁפָּח֥וֹת (miš·pā·ḥō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people terrified me, יְחִתֵּ֑נִי (yə·ḥit·tê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear so that I kept silent וָ֝אֶדֹּ֗ם (wā·’ed·dōm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1826: To be dumb, to be astonished, to stop, to perish and would not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go outside— אֵ֥צֵא (’ê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Additonal Resources Job 31:34 Blue Letter BibleJob 31:34 Bible Gateway Job 31:34 Bible.com Job 31:34 NIV |
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