Job 1:4

KJV

¶ And his sons went and feasted [in their] houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his sons {H1121} went {H1980} and feasted {H4960}{H6213} in their houses {H1004}, every one {H376} his day {H3117}; and sent {H7971} and called {H7121} for their three {H7969} sisters {H269} to eat {H398} and to drink {H8354} with them.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was the custom of his sons to give banquets, each on his set day in his own house; and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Job’s sons would take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

American Standard Version

And his sons went and held a feast in the house of each one upon his day; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse provides a vivid snapshot of the seemingly idyllic and prosperous life of Job's children, depicting their regular gatherings for celebratory feasts in their own homes. It underscores a period of ease, familial unity, and abundance, meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic and devastating trials that will soon challenge Job's unwavering faith and the very nature of divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the detailed introduction of Job in [Job 1:1-3](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1-3 - Introduction to Job's Piety and Prosperity"), where he is described as "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil," and is portrayed as a man of immense wealth and influence. [Job 1:4](/job/1-4 "Job 1:4 - The Feasting of Job's Children") transitions from the father's character to the children's lifestyle, presenting them as enjoying the fruits of their father's prosperity. This portrayal of their regular, joyful gatherings serves as a stark contrast to the sudden and catastrophic events that unfold from [Job 1:13](/job/1-13 "Job 1:13 - The Beginning of Job's Calamities") onward, making the subsequent losses even more poignant. The verse also sets up Job's proactive spiritual concern for his children, detailed in [Job 1:5](/job/1-5 "Job 1:5 - Job's Offerings for His Children"), highlighting his role as a diligent spiritual head of his household.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, communal feasting was a significant social and religious practice, often signifying prosperity, celebration, and familial or tribal bonds. The mention of Job's sons feasting "in their houses" suggests they were mature, independent, and wealthy enough to host such gatherings, reflecting the substantial inheritance or provision from their father, Job. The inclusion of their sisters in these celebrations points to a strong emphasis on family unity and hospitality, a valued cultural norm. While the specific "day" for each son's feast is not explicitly stated, it could refer to birthdays, harvest festivals, or other personal milestones, indicating a regular cycle of merriment. This cultural backdrop underscores the depth of the blessings Job's family enjoyed, making the subsequent loss of these children and the destruction of their homes profoundly impactful within the cultural understanding of the time.

* **Key Themes:** [Job 1:4](/job/1-4 "Job 1:4 - The Feasting of Job's Children") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Prosperity and Blessing**, showcasing the abundant life enjoyed by Job's family, a direct result of God's favor on Job as described in [Job 1:1-3](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1-3 - Job's Righteousness and Wealth"). Secondly, it highlights **Familial Unity and Celebration**, emphasizing the close-knit relationships among Job's children, who actively sought each other's company for joyous occasions. This picture of harmony and shared delight is crucial for establishing the ideal state before its disruption. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of the **Fragility of Earthly Blessings** and serves as a narrative **Foreshadowing of Trial**. The very routine and seemingly secure nature of these celebrations will soon be shattered, preparing the reader for the abrupt shift from idyllic prosperity to profound suffering, which is central to the book's exploration of the nature of suffering and divine justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feasted (Hebrew, _mishteh'_):** The Hebrew term מִשְׁתֶּה (_mishteh_) denotes a banquet, feast, or drinking party. It implies more than just a simple meal; it suggests a time of significant merriment, consumption, and celebration, often involving wine. This word underscores the festive and potentially boisterous nature of these gatherings, reinforcing the idea of a life of ease, enjoyment, and abundance. It contrasts sharply with the later scenes of mourning and deprivation.
* **every one his day (Hebrew, _yōmō'_):** This phrase, literally "his day," suggests a regular, perhaps annual, rotation or cycle of celebrations. While some scholars interpret it as each son hosting a feast on his own birthday, it more broadly indicates a consistent pattern of festive gatherings among the siblings. This regularity highlights the established routine of their comfortable lives, making the sudden cessation of these activities due to calamity even more impactful. It points to an organized and intentional commitment to family fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his sons went and feasted [in their] houses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subjects of the action—Job's sons—and their primary activity: feasting. The phrase "in their houses" indicates that these were not communal public events but private, familial gatherings, likely held in their own individual residences, suggesting their maturity, independence, and the substantial wealth that allowed them to maintain separate households and host such lavish events. The verb "went" implies intentional movement and initiation of these gatherings.
* **"every one his day;":** This crucial phrase describes the regularity and perhaps the specific occasion for these feasts. As noted in Key Word Analysis, it suggests a cyclical pattern, possibly annual birthdays or other personal milestones, where each son took a turn hosting. This detail emphasizes the consistent nature of their celebrations and the stability of their prosperous lives, creating a strong sense of routine and predictability before the impending chaos.
* **"and sent and called for their three sisters":** This part of the verse highlights the inclusivity and strong familial bonds among Job's children. The sons actively initiated contact, sending messengers to invite their sisters, ensuring their participation in the festivities. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to include all siblings, underscoring a culture of unity, mutual affection, and shared enjoyment within the family.
* **"to eat and to drink with them.":** This final clause specifies the purpose of the invitation and the nature of the gathering: communal eating and drinking. It reinforces the celebratory atmosphere implied by "feasted" (_mishteh_), indicating a time of shared sustenance, conviviality, and uninhibited enjoyment. It paints a complete picture of a joyful social event centered around food and drink, symbolic of their abundant life.

#### Literary Devices
Job 1:4 employs several effective **Literary Devices** to set the narrative stage. Most prominently, it utilizes **Foreshadowing**. The idyllic portrayal of the children's carefree feasting, while seemingly benign, subtly hints at the impending catastrophe. This scene of undisturbed prosperity serves as a dramatic setup, making the subsequent, sudden destruction of Job's family and wealth all the more shocking and tragic. The verse also relies on **Contrast**; the routine and joyful celebrations stand in stark opposition to the unprecedented suffering that is about to engulf Job's life. This juxtaposition amplifies the severity of the trials. Furthermore, the detailed description of the sons inviting their sisters emphasizes **Familial Unity and Inclusivity**, establishing a strong emotional connection to the family unit that will soon be shattered, thereby increasing the reader's sense of loss and empathy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 1:4, in its depiction of the children's feasting, provides a foundational theological connection to the concept of **divine blessing and human prosperity**. It illustrates the outward manifestation of Job's righteousness and God's favor upon his household, setting up the central theological question of the book: Does Job serve God for naught? The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **parental spiritual responsibility**, as Job's immediate response in the following verse is to sanctify his children, demonstrating a profound concern for their spiritual well-being even amidst their enjoyment. This highlights the tension between enjoying God's material blessings and maintaining spiritual vigilance, a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature. The scene of feasting, while innocent in itself, becomes the catalyst for Job's intercessory actions, underscoring the potential for sin even in times of ease and revelry.

* [Job 1:5](/job/1-5 "Job 1:5 - Job's Offerings for His Children's Sanctification")
* [Proverbs 15:17](/proverbs/15-17 "Proverbs 15:17 - The Value of Love Over Luxury")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:4](/ecclesiastes/3-4 "Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A Time for Laughter and Weeping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 1:4 invites us to reflect on the nature of blessing, family, and spiritual vigilance in times of prosperity. It serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the seasons of joy, fellowship, and familial togetherness that God graciously provides. The scene encourages us to cultivate strong family bonds, practice hospitality, and celebrate life's blessings with gratitude. However, the immediate context of Job's subsequent actions in [Job 1:5](/job/1-5 "Job 1:5 - Job's Sanctification of His Children") subtly warns against complacency during times of ease. It prompts us to consider our own spiritual posture when life is comfortable and abundant. Are we diligent in seeking God's face and interceding for our loved ones, even when outward circumstances appear perfect? This verse challenges us to maintain a balanced perspective, enjoying God's gifts responsibly while remaining spiritually alert and dependent on Him, recognizing that earthly blessings, while precious, are ultimately fleeting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance enjoying God's blessings with maintaining spiritual vigilance?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally foster deeper fellowship and spiritual well-being within my own family or community?**
* **What does Job's immediate response in the following verse teach me about parental or leadership responsibility in spiritual matters?**

### FAQ
**What does "every one his day" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "every one his day" (Hebrew: _yōmō'_) most likely refers to a regular, perhaps annual, cycle of celebrations where each of Job's seven sons took a turn hosting a feast in his own house. While some interpretations suggest it specifically refers to birthdays, the broader sense points to a consistent and established routine of familial gatherings. This detail emphasizes the regularity and normalcy of their prosperous life before the onset of Job's trials, highlighting the stability and abundance that characterized their existence.

**Why is the detail of the children's feasting important to the narrative of Job?**

Answer: This seemingly simple detail is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it vividly portrays the extent of Job's blessings, not just in wealth but in a large, apparently harmonious family, setting up the dramatic contrast with the devastating losses that follow. Secondly, it provides the immediate context for Job's pious actions in [Job 1:5](/job/1-5 "Job 1:5 - Job's Offerings for His Children"), where he sanctifies his children, fearing they might have sinned during their revelry. This highlights Job's profound righteousness and his proactive spiritual leadership. Finally, the feasting scene itself becomes the setting for the first calamity in [Job 1:13](/job/1-13 "Job 1:13 - The First Calamity Strikes Job's Children"), making the sudden destruction of his children all the more impactful and tragic, underscoring the fragility of earthly prosperity.

**Does the Bible condemn feasting or celebration?**

Answer: No, the Bible does not inherently condemn feasting or celebration. In fact, it often portrays feasts as occasions of joy, communal fellowship, and even religious significance (e.g., the Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles). The issue is not the act of feasting itself, but the potential for excess, idolatry, or sin within such gatherings. Job's concern in [Job 1:5](/job/1-5 "Job 1:5 - Job's Sanctification of His Children") was not that his children were feasting, but that they might have "sinned, and cursed God in their hearts." This illustrates the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and a God-honoring attitude even in times of enjoyment and abundance. The New Testament also shows Jesus participating in feasts, such as the [wedding at Cana](/john/2 "John 2 - The Wedding at Cana"), affirming the place of celebration in human life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 1:4 describes an earthly scene of familial prosperity and celebration, it subtly points forward to Christ in several profound ways. The idyllic picture of Job's children feasting in their homes, a symbol of their blessed state, foreshadows the ultimate and eternal feast that believers will experience in Christ's presence, the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). Just as Job, as the priestly head of his household, diligently offered sacrifices to sanctify his children ([Job 1:5](/job/1-5 "Job 1:5 - Job's Offerings for His Children")), so too does Christ serve as our ultimate High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, making us holy and blameless before God ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The fragility of the earthly blessings depicted in Job 1:4, which are so swiftly lost, contrasts sharply with the enduring and incorruptible inheritance secured for us in Christ ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Furthermore, Christ Himself participated in and transformed feasts, turning water into wine at the [wedding at Cana](/john/2 "John 2 - The Wedding at Cana") and instituting the Lord's Supper as a new covenant meal ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), demonstrating that true and lasting joy, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment are found ultimately in Him, the source of all true blessing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:1

¶ Let brotherly love continue.

Psalms 133:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!