Job 1:2

And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

And there were born {H3205} unto him seven {H7651} sons {H1121} and three {H7969} daughters {H1323}.

Seven sons and three daughters were born to him.

He had seven sons and three daughters,

And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

Job 1:2 introduces the immediate context of Job’s immense personal prosperity, specifically detailing the size and composition of his family. Following the description of Job's blameless character in Job 1:1, this verse establishes the significant blessings bestowed upon him before the narrative shifts to his trials.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of Job as a "perfect and upright man" in the land of Uz. By immediately describing his large family, the narrative establishes Job's blessed status in ancient Near Eastern society, where numerous children, especially sons, were considered a profound sign of divine favor and wealth. This sets the stage for the severe testing Job will endure, as these very blessings become the first targets of his suffering.

Key Themes

  • Abundance and Prosperity: The ten children (seven sons and three daughters) signify a large, ideal family, representing a significant aspect of Job's overall wealth and blessed standing. In ancient cultures, children were not just a source of joy but also economic assets and heirs.
  • Family as a Blessing: This verse underscores the biblical understanding of children as a heritage from the Lord and a crown to the aged. Job's family is presented as a clear evidence of God's favor upon him, aligning with themes found throughout Scripture where children are seen as a blessing (compare Psalm 127:3).
  • Setup for Trial: The depiction of Job's perfect family life provides a stark contrast to the devastating losses he is about to experience. This initial state of blessing magnifies the depth of his impending suffering and highlights the profound questions the book of Job explores regarding undeserved affliction.

Linguistic Insights and Symbolism

The numbers "seven" and "three" hold symbolic significance in biblical literature. Seven often represents completeness, perfection, or divine fullness (e.g., seven days of creation, seven spirits of God). Three can symbolize divine completeness, emphasis, or a testimony (e.g., the Trinity, three witnesses). Together, "seven sons and three daughters" (a total of ten, another number representing completeness or order) emphasize that Job possessed a full, ideal, and divinely favored family, underscoring the magnitude of his blessings and setting a high standard for his initial prosperity.

Practical Application

Job 1:2 reminds us to appreciate the blessings, particularly family, that God bestows upon us. It also subtly introduces the theme of the transient nature of earthly blessings, preparing the reader for the profound theological questions about suffering and God's sovereignty that the book of Job explores. Even in times of great abundance, this verse serves as a subtle foreshadowing that all earthly possessions and relationships are ultimately held in God's hands, making the restoration of his family later in the book (see Job 42:13) even more profound.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 42:13

    He had also seven sons and three daughters.

  • Psalms 127:3

    Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

  • Psalms 127:5

    Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

  • Psalms 107:38

    He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

  • Esther 5:11

    And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all [the things] wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

  • Psalms 128:3

    Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

  • Job 13:13

    ¶ Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what [will].

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back