Job 31:31 Meaning: Two Ways to Read a Baffling Verse
if the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who can find one who has not been filled with his meat?’
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
If the men of my tent have not said, Who can find one that hath not been filled with his meat?
If not--say ye, O men of my tent, `O that we had of his flesh, we are not satisfied.'
If the men of my tent said not, Who shall find one that hath not been satisfied with his meat? —
Meaning in one sentence
Job 31:31 is read as either Job’s restraint from revenge or his generous hospitality. Explore both interpretations and what they reveal about his character.
Context
Job 31 stands as the final chapter of Job’s long defense of his integrity. Verse by verse, he lists the sins he has not committed, a series of oath-like statements beginning with “If I have…” and ending with the consequence he would accept if found guilty. This verse appears in a section that moves from not rejoicing over an enemy’s trouble (verses 29, 30) into declaring his hospitality to strangers (verse 32). Job is not boasting; he is making his case before God. He calls the people who lived under his roof as witnesses. Their testimony, he says, would confirm that no one left his table unsatisfied, or else that his household longed to avenge him, and he held them back.
Key Words
The phrase “men of my tent” translates metei aholi. The word for tent (ohel) captures the way Job’s household lived together under movable roofs, a community bound by daily life and shared meals. These were not distant employees but people who knew the rhythms of his home. The word “flesh” (basar) is the regular Hebrew term for meat from animals, served on special occasions. The verb “filled” or “satisfied” comes from sava, to be full, to have enough, to be content. In this verse the negated participle “lo nisba” describes a person who is not satisfied, implying that Job’s household could point to no such person. Whether the satisfaction comes from a full stomach or from seeing revenge restrained, the root idea is the same: Job’s presence made sure no one went without.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse in two very different lights. Some, like the Baptist commentator Gill and Methodist Wesley, see Job’s servants crying out for revenge, “Oh that we had of his flesh!”, and Job refusing to let them act. This view highlights his restraint and echoes the patience of David and even of Jesus. Others, including the Anglican Cambridge Bible and Keil & Delitzsch, hear the servants celebrating Job’s hospitality: “Who is there who has not had his fill?” The phrase “filled with his meat” then points to the abundance of Job’s table. Verse 32, where Job opens his doors to travelers, fits this reading naturally. Both interpretations seek to honor Job’s character; they simply disagree on what the servants were exclaiming about.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is to take “his flesh” as referring to Job’s enemy, picturing his servants craving human meat. In fact, the Hebrew word basar can simply mean meat (from animals), and the surrounding context, especially verse 32 about welcoming strangers, points to generous hospitality. The servants are exclaiming that no one leaves Job’s tent hungry, not that they want to devour someone.
Living This Out
This week, think about the people who know you best, those who share your home, your workplace, your daily routines. What would they say about how you treat others? Job’s household could testify either that he held back their desire for revenge or that he fed everyone to satisfaction (maybe both). Is there someone you have the power to help, to feed, or to protect from your own anger? Let that person’s memory of you be something true and kind.
Main takeaway: Job’s household testified that no one left his table unsatisfied, and he refused to let anyone take revenge on his behalf.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Job was kind to everyone in his house. His servants could say, “Nobody ever went to bed hungry at Job’s house!” Job made sure everyone had enough food and felt safe.
For ages 9, 12
Job’s servants knew him better than almost anyone. They saw how he treated people every day. He never let anyone stay hungry, and when others wanted to get back at his enemies, he stopped them. Your family and friends see how you live, too. What do they see?
Questions People Ask
What does 'men of my tent' mean in Job 31:31?
It refers to Job’s household, his family, servants, and anyone living under his roof. They were the people who saw his daily life up close.
Why do interpreters disagree about this verse?
The Hebrew wording is compact and ambiguous. Some read the servants as wanting to eat Job’s enemy in revenge; others hear them praising Job’s generosity. Both are possible, and the context doesn’t fully decide.
Does 'flesh' in Job 31:31 mean human meat?
Not necessarily. The Hebrew word 'basar' can mean meat from animals, especially festive meals. The context of hospitality in verse 32 suggests Job provided plenty of food.
How does verse 32 help understand verse 31?
Verse 32 says Job opened his doors to travelers. That fits naturally with a reading where his servants celebrated that no guest went unsatisfied, the same pattern of generous welcome.
Is Job 31:31 about revenge or hospitality?
Both readings have strong defenders. Gill and Wesley see it as a vow of non-revenge; the Cambridge Bible and Keil & Delitzsch see it as a boast of hospitality. Either way, Job’s character is vindicated.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study