Job
The Righteous SuffererA righteous and wealthy man from the land of Uz who endured severe trials and suffering, yet maintained his faith in God
Job stands as one of the most profound examples of faith under extreme suffering in all of Scripture. His story addresses the age-old question of why the righteous suffer and demonstrates that faith in God transcends our circumstances and understanding. Job's account reveals that Satan must ask God's permission to test believers, that suffering is not always punishment for sin, and that God's wisdom far exceeds human comprehension. Job's ultimate vindication and restoration point forward to Christ, who would suffer innocently for the sake of others. The book of Job is considered one of the oldest books in the Bible and deals with timeless themes of suffering, divine sovereignty, and redemption.
Original Name
אִיּוֹב (Iyyov)
Meaning
Persecuted, hated, or possibly 'Where is the Father?'
Etymology
The name Job (Iyyov) may derive from the Hebrew root 'ayab' meaning 'to be hostile' or 'to be an enemy,' possibly referring to his persecution. Alternative derivations suggest it comes from 'ab' (father), implying 'Where is my father?' reflecting his existential questioning. Some scholars connect it to an ancient Semitic word meaning 'to return' or 'to repent,' which is prophetic of his story's resolution.
Linguistic Insights
The name Job itself encapsulates the theodicy question his book addresses. In Hebrew thought, names carried prophetic significance, and Job's name may have foreshadowed his experience of feeling persecuted or abandoned. The book of Job contains some of the most sophisticated and ancient Hebrew poetry, using rare words and Aramaic influences that suggest extreme antiquity. Job's declaration 'I know that my Redeemer (Go'el) lives' uses the Hebrew legal term for kinsman-redeemer, pointing forward to Christ. The divine name used most frequently in Job is 'El Shaddai' (God Almighty), emphasizing God's sovereign power over suffering. When God speaks from the whirlwind, He uses the name 'YHWH' (the LORD), His covenant name, demonstrating His personal relationship with Job despite his suffering.
Translation Notes
- •Hebrew 'Iyyov' became 'Iob' in Greek Septuagint
- •Latin Vulgate uses 'Iob'
- •English 'Job' pronounced with long 'o' sound, rhymes with 'robe'
- •Arabic tradition calls him 'Ayyub' (أيوب)
- •The book contains more hapax legomena (words used only once) than any other biblical book
Related Terms
Job described as blameless, upright, fearing God and shunning evil
Job 1:1-5Satan challenges Job's faithfulness before God
Job 1:6-12First test: Loss of livestock and servants
Job 1:13-17Loss of all ten children in a windstorm
Job 1:18-19Job's faithful response: 'The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away'
Job 1:20-22Second test: Job afflicted with painful sores
Job 2:1-8Job's wife urges him to curse God and die
Job 2:9-10Three friends arrive to comfort Job
Job 2:11-13Job curses the day of his birth
Job 3:1-26Debates with Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar
Job 4-31Elihu's speeches defending God's justice
Job 32-37God speaks to Job from the whirlwind
Job 38-41Job's repentance and humble submission
Job 42:1-6God rebukes Job's friends for speaking wrongly
Job 42:7-9Job's restoration: double blessing and new family
Job 42:10-17Job 1:1
"In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil."
Job 1:21
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
Job 13:15
"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face."
Job 19:25
"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth."
Job 42:5
"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."
Ezekiel 14:14
"Even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD."
James 5:11
"You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
Born
c. 2000-1500 BC (uncertain)
Died
Unknown
Lifespan
Lived 140+ years after his trials (Job 42:16)
Father
Unknown
Mother
Unknown
Spouse
Wife (unnamed)
Children