Job 31:34
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—

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?

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?"

Majority 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?

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?

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 Version
Because I fear a great multitude, "" And the contempt of families frightens me, "" Then I am silent, I do not go out of the opening.

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 Bible
If 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 Bible
If 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 1917
Because 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



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
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

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.

1 Samuel 15:24
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Luke 12:4-5
I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

2 Timothy 1:7-8
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. / So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

1 Peter 3:14-16
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” / But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, / keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”


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…

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Job 31
1. Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several duties














because I greatly feared
The Hebrew word for "feared" here is "yare," which conveys a deep sense of reverence or dread. In the context of Job, this fear is not just a simple anxiety but a profound concern about the opinions and judgments of others. Historically, fear of public opinion was significant in ancient societies, where community standing could affect one's social and economic well-being. Job's admission of fear highlights his humanity and vulnerability, reminding us that even the most righteous individuals can struggle with the fear of man.

the crowds
The term "crowds" refers to the larger community or society. In ancient times, the collective opinion of the community held substantial power. The Hebrew word "hamon" can imply a tumult or a multitude, suggesting not just numbers but the overwhelming pressure of public opinion. Job's reference to the crowds underscores the societal pressures that can lead individuals to compromise their integrity or silence their convictions.

and the contempt of the clans
"Contempt" here is translated from the Hebrew "buz," which means disdain or scorn. The "clans" refer to smaller family or tribal units within the larger community. In the ancient Near Eastern context, one's clan was a source of identity and support, but it could also be a source of intense pressure to conform. Job's fear of their contempt indicates the powerful influence of familial and tribal expectations, which could lead to social ostracism if not met.

terrified me
The word "terrified" is derived from the Hebrew "chathath," which means to be shattered or dismayed. This term conveys a deep, paralyzing fear that goes beyond mere concern. Job's use of this word reveals the intense emotional and psychological impact that the potential loss of reputation and respect had on him. It serves as a reminder of the internal battles faced by those who strive to maintain integrity in the face of societal pressures.

so that I kept silent
The phrase "kept silent" comes from the Hebrew "charash," which means to be silent or to hold one's peace. In the context of Job, this silence is not just a lack of speech but a suppression of truth and personal conviction. Job's silence is a poignant reflection of the struggle between maintaining personal integrity and succumbing to the fear of social repercussions.

and would not go outside—
The phrase "would not go outside" suggests a withdrawal from public life or community engagement. In ancient times, the marketplace or city gate was where social and economic interactions occurred. Job's reluctance to go outside indicates a retreat from these vital interactions due to fear of judgment or rejection. This withdrawal highlights the isolating effect of fear and the loss of community that can result from yielding to societal pressures.

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
because
כִּ֤י (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


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OT Poetry: Job 31:34 Because I feared the great multitude (Jb)
Job 31:33
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