KJV ORIGINAL
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?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Was I afraid of the crowd, or did the scorn of families frighten me so much that I stayed quiet and didn't leave my house?
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is asking whether he ever let fear of public opinion or family shame keep him from doing what was right.
📚 Historical Context
Job is defending his integrity before God and his friends, listing all the ways he has lived righteously throughout his life. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, family honor and public reputation were extremely important, and fear of social rejection could prevent people from speaking truth or doing right. Job is essentially saying he never let social pressure compromise his moral convictions.
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