TRV
Translation
King James Version
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
Complete Jewish Bible
ADONAI blessed Iyov's later situation even more than his earlier one - he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys.
Berean Standard Bible
So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.
American Standard Version
So Jehovah blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: and he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses.
World English Bible Messianic
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the Lord blessed the last dayes of Iob more then the first: for he had foureteene thousand sheepe, and sixe thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand shee asses.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah hath blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning, and he hath fourteen thousand of a flock, and six thousand camels, and a thousand pairs of oxen, and a thousand she-asses.
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Commentary on Job 42 verses 10–17
10 ¶ And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.
14 And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.
15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.
16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.
17 So Job died, being old and full of days.
You have heard of the patience of Job (says the apostle, Jam 5:11) and have seen the end of the Lord, that is, what end the Lord, at length, put to his troubles. In the beginning of this book we had Job's patience under his troubles, for an example; here, in the close, for our encouragement to follow that example, we have the happy issue of his troubles and the prosperous condition to which he was restored after them, which confirms us in counting those happy which endure. Perhaps, too, the extraordinary prosperity which Job was crowned with after his afflictions was intended to be to us Christians a type and figure of the glory and happiness of heaven, which the afflictions of this present time are working for us, and in which they will issue at last; this will be more than double to all the delights and satisfactions we now enjoy, as Job's after-prosperity was to his former, though then he was the greatest of all the men of the east. He that rightly endures temptation, when he is tried, shall receive a crown of life (Jam 1:12), as Job, when he was tried, received all the wealth, and honour, and comfort, which here we have an account of.
I. God returned in ways of mercy to him; and his thoughts concerning him were thoughts of good and not of evil, to give the expected (nay, the unexpected) end, Jer 29:11. His troubles began in Satan's malice, which God restrained; his restoration began in God's mercy, which Satan could not oppose. Job's sorest complaint, and indeed the sorrowful accent of all his complaints, on which he laid the greatest emphasis, was that God appeared against him. But now God plainly appeared for him, and watched over him to build and to plant, like as he had (at least in his apprehension) watched over him to pluck up and to throw down, Jer 31:28. This put a new face upon his affairs immediately, and every thing now looked as pleasing and promising as before it had looked gloomy and frightful. 1. God turned his captivity, that is, he redressed his grievances and took away all the causes of his complaints; he loosed him from the bond with which Satan had now, for a great while, bound him, and delivered him out of those cruel hands into which he had delivered him. We may suppose that now all his bodily pains and distempers were healed so suddenly and so thoroughly that the cure was next to miraculous: His flesh became fresher than a child's, and he returned to the days of his youth; and, what was more, he felt a very great alteration in his mind; it was calm and easy, and the tumult was all over, his disquieting thoughts had all vanished, his fears were silenced, and the consolations of God were now as much the delight of his soul as his terrors had been its burden. The tide thus turned, his troubles began to ebb as fast as they had flowed, just then when he was praying for his friends, praying over his sacrifice which he offered for them. Mercy did not return when he was disputing with his friends, no, not though he had right on his side, but when he was praying for them; for God is better served and pleased with our warm devotions than with our warm disputations. When Job completed his repentance by this instance of his forgiving men their trespasses, then God completed his remission by turning his captivity. Note, We are really doing our business when we are praying for our friends, if we pray in a right manner, for in those prayers there is not only faith, but love. Christ has taught us to pray with and for others in teaching us to say, Our Father; and, in seeking mercy for others, we may find mercy ourselves. Our Lord Jesus has his exaltation and dominion there, where he ever lives making intercession. Some, by the turning of Job's captivity, understand the restitution which the Sabeans and Chaldeans made of the cattle which they had taken from him, God wonderfully inclining them to do it; and with these he began the world again. Probably it was so; those spoilers had swallowed down his riches, but they were forced to vomit them up again, Job 20:15. But I rather understand this more generally of the turn now given. 2. God doubled his possessions: Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. It is probable that he did at first, in some way or other, intimate to him that it was his gracious purpose, by degrees, in due time to bring him to such a height of prosperity that he should have twice as much as ever he had, for the encouraging of his hope and the quickening of his industry, and that it might appear that this wonderful increase was a special token of God's favour. And it may be considered as intended, (1.) To balance his losses. He suffered for the glory of God, and therefore God made it up to him with advantage, and allowed him more than interest upon interest. God will take care that none shall lose by him. (2.) To recompense his patience and his confidence in God, which (notwithstanding the workings of corruption) he did not cast away, but still held fast, and that is it which has a great recompence of reward, Heb 10:35. Job's friends had often put their severe censure of Job upon this issue, If thou wert pure and upright, surely now he would awake for thee, Job 8:6. But he does not awake for thee; therefore thou art not upright. "Well," says God, "though your argument be not conclusive, I will even by that demonstrate the integrity of my servant Job; his latter end shall greatly increase, and by that it shall appear, since you will have it so, that it was not for any injustice in his hands that he suffered the loss of all things." Now it appeared that Job had reason to bless God for taking away (as he did, Job 1:21), since it made so good a return.
II. His old acquaintance, neighbours, and relations, were very kind to him, Job 42:11. They had been estranged from him, and this was not the least of the grievances of his afflicted state; he bitterly complained of their unkindness, Job 19:13, etc. But now they visited him with all possible expressions of affection and respect. 1. They put honour upon him, in coming to dine with him as formerly, but (we may suppose) privately bringing their entertainment along with them, so that he had the reputation of feasting them without the expense. 2. They sympathized with him, and showed a tender concern for him, such as becomes brethren. They bemoaned him when they talked over all the calamities of his afflicted state, and comforted him when they took notice of God's gracious returns to him. They wept for his griefs, and rejoiced in his joys, and proved not such miserable comforters as his three friends, that, at first, were so forward and officious to attend him. These were not such great men nor such learned and eloquent men as those, but they proved much more skilful and kind in comforting Job. God sometimes chooses the foolish and weak things of the world, as for conviction, so for comfort. 3. They made a collection among them for the repair of his losses and the setting of him up again. They did not think it enough to say, Be warmed, Be filled, but gave him such things as would be of use to him, Jam 2:16. Every one gave him a piece of money (some more, it is likely, and some less, according to their ability) and every one an ear-ring of gold (an ornament much used by the children of the east), which would be as good as money to him: this was a superfluity which they could well spare, and the rule is, That our abundance must be a supply to our brethren's necessity. But why did Job's relations now, at length, show this kindness to him? (1.) God put it in their hearts to do so; and every creature is that to us which he makes it to be. Job had acknowledged God in their estrangement from him, for which he now rewarded him in turning them to him again. (2.) Perhaps some of them withdrew from him because they thought him a hypocrite, but, now that his integrity was made manifest, they returned to him and to communion with him again. When God was friendly to him they were all willing to be friendly too, Psa 119:74, Psa 119:79. Others of them, it may be, withdrew because he was poor, and sore, and a rueful spectacle, but now that he began to recover they were willing to renew their acquaintance with him. Swallow-friends, that are gone in winter, will return in the spring, though their friendship is of little value. (3.) Perhaps the rebuke which God had given to Eliphaz and the other two for their unkindness to Job awakened the rest of his friends to return to their duty. Reproofs to others we should thus take as admonitions and instructions to us. 4. Job prayed for his friends, and then they flocked about him, overcome by his kindness, and every one desiring an interest in his prayers. The more we pray for our friends and relations the more comfort we may expect in them.
III. His estate strangely increased, by the blessing of God upon the little that his friends gave him. He thankfully received their courtesy, and did not think it below him to have his estate repaired by contributions. He did not, on the one hand, urge his friends to raise money for him; he acquits himself from that (Job 6:22), Did I say, Bring unto me or give me a reward of your substance? Yet what they brought he thankfully accepted, and did not upbraid them with their former unkindnesses, nor ask them why they did not do this sooner. He was neither so covetous and griping as to ask their charity, nor so proud and ill-natured as to refuse it when they offered it; and, being in so good a temper, God gave him that which was far better than their money and ear-rings, and that was his blessing, Job 42:12. The Lord comforted him now according to the days wherein he had afflicted him, and blessed his latter end more than his beginning. Observe, 1. The blessing of the Lord makes rich; it is he that gives us power to get wealth and gives success in honest endeavours. Those therefore that would thrive must have an eye to God's blessing, and never to out of it, no, not into the warm sun; and those that have thriven must not sacrifice to their own net, but acknowledge their obligations to God for his blessing. 2. That blessing can make very rich and sometimes makes good people so. Those that become rich by getting think they can easily make themselves very rich by saving; but, as those that have little must depend upon God to make it much, so those that have much must depend upon God to make it more and to double it; else you have sown much and bring in little, Hag 1:6. 3. The last days of a good man sometimes prove his best days, his last works his best works, his last comforts his best comforts; for his path, like that of the morning-light, shines more and more to the perfect day. Of a wicked man it is said, His last state is worse than his first (Luk 11:26), but of the upright man, His end is peace; and sometimes the nearer it is the clearer are the views of it. In respect of outward prosperity God is pleased sometimes to make the latter end of a good man's life more comfortable than the former part of it has been, and strangely to outdo the expectations of his afflicted people, who thought they should never live to see better days, that we may not despair even in the depths of adversity. We know not what good times we may yet be reserved for in our latter end. Non, si male nunc, et olim sic erit - It may yet be well with us, though now it is otherwise. Job, in his affliction, had wished to be as in months past, as rich as he had been before, and quite despaired of that; but God is often better to us than our own fears, nay, than our own wishes, for Job's possessions were doubled to him; the number of his cattle, his sheep and camels, his oxen and she-asses, is just double here to what it was, Job 1:3. This is a remarkable instance of the extent of the divine providence to things that seem minute, as this of the exact number of a man's cattle, as also of the harmony of providence, and the reference of one event to another; for known unto God are all his works, from the beginning to the end. Job's other possessions, no doubt, were increased in proportion to his cattle, lands, money, servants, etc. So that if, before, he was the greatest of all the men of the east, what was he now?
IV. His family was built up again, and he had great comfort in his children, Job 42:13-15. The last of his afflictions that are recorded (ch. 1), and the most grievous, was the death of all his children at once. His friends upbraided him with it (Job 8:4), but God repaired even that breach in process of time, either by the same wife, or, she being dead, by another. 1. The number of his children was the same as before, seven sons and three daughters. Some give this reason why they were not doubled as his cattle were, because his children that were dead were not lost, but gone before to a better world; and therefore, if he have but the same number of them, they may be reckoned doubled, for he has two fleeces of children (as I may say) mahanaim - two hosts, one in heaven, the other on earth, and in both he is rich. 2. The names of his daughters are here registered (Job 42:14), because, in the significations of them, they seemed designed to perpetuate the remembrance of God's great goodness to him in the surprising change of his condition. He called the first Jemima - The day (whence perhaps Diana had her name), because of the shining forth of his prosperity after a dark night of affliction. The next Kezia, a spice of a very fragrant smell, because (says bishop Patrick) God had healed his ulcers, the smell of which was offensive. The third Keren-happuch (that is Plenty restored, or A horn of paint), because (says he) God had wiped away the tears which fouled his face, Job 16:16. Concerning these daughters we are here told, (1.) That God adorned them with great beauty, no women so fair as the daughters of Job, Job 42:15. In the Old Testament we often find women praised for their beauty, as Sarah, Rebekah, and many others; but we never find any women in the New Testament whose beauty is in the least taken notice of, no, not the virgin Mary herself, because the beauty of holiness is that which is brought to a much clearer light by the gospel. (2.) That their father (God enabling him to do it) supplied them with great fortunes: He gave them inheritance among their brethren, and did not turn them off with small portions, as most did. It is probable that they had some extraordinary personal merit, which Job had an eye to in the extraordinary favour he showed them. Perhaps they excelled their brethren in wisdom and piety; and therefore, that they might continue in his family, to be a stay and blessing to it, he made them co-heirs with their brethren.
V. His life was long. What age he was when his troubles came we are nowhere told, but here we are told he lived 140 years, whence some conjecture that he was 70 when he was in his troubles, and that so his age was doubled, as his other possessions. 1. He lived to have much of the comfort of this life, for he saw his posterity to the fourth generation, Job 42:16. Though his children were not doubled to him, yet in his children's children (and those are the crown of old men) they were more than doubled. As God appointed to Adam another seed instead of that which was slain (Gen 4:25), so he did to Job with advantage. God has ways to repair the losses and balance the griefs of those who are written childless, as Job was when he had buried all his children. 2. He lived till he was satisfied, for he died full of days, satisfied with living in this world, and willing to leave it; not peevishly so, as in the days of his affliction, but piously so, and thus, as Eliphaz had encouraged him to hope, he came to his grave like a shock of corn in his season.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–17. Public domain.
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Gregory the DialogistAD 604
MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 35.35
We believe that this happened in history, but we hope that this may also happen mystically. The Lord blesses the new condition of Job more than the former, because, with regard to the receiving of the people of Israel into faith—while the present world progressively moves toward its end—the Lord comforts the pain of the holy church with an abundant gathering of souls. The more clearly it appears that the time of the present life approaches its end, the more the church will be enriched with the souls [of Jews].
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
35. We believe that these things have taken place historically, we hope that they are to take place mystically. For the latter end of Job is blessed more than his beginning, because as far as concerns the admission of the people of Israel, when the end of the present world is pressing on, the Lord consoles the pain of Holy Church by a manifold ingathering of souls. For then she will be the more abundantly enriched, the more clearly it becomes known that the temporal condition of the present life is hurrying to its close. For the Psalmist had beheld the preachers of Holy Church enriched with the blessing of the latter times, when he said; They shall still be multiplied in a fruitful old age, and shall be well patient to announce. [Ps. 92, 14] They are in truth multiplied in a fruitful old age, because, when their life is prolonged, their strength is ever carried on to a better condition, and the gains of their merits are increased by means of the increase of their age. But they are well patient to announce, because, when preaching heavenly truths, they endure adversities with greater firmness, the more abundantly they bring back benefits for their souls by their very endurance.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Job 42:12 provides the climactic resolution to the Book of Job, narrating the Lord's abundant restoration of Job's fortunes, which ultimately surpassed his initial wealth. This verse signifies God's complete vindication of Job's righteousness and integrity against his accusers, powerfully demonstrating divine sovereignty, justice, and overflowing grace after Job's profound suffering and humble repentance. It marks a dramatic reversal of circumstances, serving as a testament to God's power to bring about a glorious "latter end" for those who endure faithfully.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 42:12 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine restoration. The most prominent is Hyperbole, as the doubling of Job's wealth serves as a symbolic, exaggerated representation of God's abundant and overflowing blessing, signifying not just restoration but super-abundance. This is not merely a literal accounting but a profound statement about the magnitude of divine generosity. There is also a strong sense of Resolution and Climax in this verse, as it provides the ultimate narrative conclusion to Job's suffering, bringing the long and arduous story to a satisfying and triumphant close. The precise enumeration of the livestock also functions as Symbolism, where the specific numbers (doubled from Job 1:3) symbolize completeness, perfection, and divine favor, reinforcing the idea of a full and generous restoration. Furthermore, the entire narrative arc, culminating in this verse, presents a profound Irony against the simplistic retribution theology of Job's friends, demonstrating that suffering is not always a direct result of sin and that God's justice operates on a higher, more complex plane than human understanding.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 42:12 stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate faithfulness and His capacity for profound restoration. It challenges a simplistic understanding of divine justice, demonstrating that while suffering may be permitted, God's character is ultimately one of mercy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to His righteous ones. This verse underscores that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His purposes, though often inscrutable in the midst of trial, are always directed towards ultimate good and vindication for those who trust Him. It reminds us that our "latter end" with God can far surpass our "beginning," not always in material wealth, but certainly in spiritual depth, character refinement, and eternal reward.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 42:12 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of life, especially in times of unexplained suffering, loss, or injustice. It reminds us that our story is not defined by our present circumstances, no matter how dire, but by God's ultimate purpose and power to bring about a "latter end" that is more glorious, more profound, and more satisfying. While God does not promise a doubling of material wealth for every trial, He does promise His unwavering presence, His sustaining grace, and ultimately, a restoration that transcends earthly measures, often manifesting in spiritual growth, deepened faith, renewed relationships, or a profound sense of peace and purpose. This verse calls us to cultivate a steadfast trust in God's character, even when His methods are mysterious or His timing seems delayed, and to persevere in faithfulness, knowing that our ultimate vindication and blessing come from Him. It invites us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the sovereign God who holds our future and is able to bring good out of what seems like utter devastation, transforming our trials into testimonies of His unfailing goodness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Job 42:12 promise material prosperity to all who endure suffering?
Answer: While Job 42:12 vividly describes a significant material restoration for Job, it's crucial to understand the broader theological message of the Book of Job. The book primarily challenges the simplistic "retribution theology" prevalent in ancient times, which often equated suffering directly with sin and prosperity with righteousness. Job's initial suffering was not due to his sin, and his restoration, though material, is primarily a vindication of his integrity and a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and grace, rather than a direct reward for his endurance. Therefore, Job 42:12 does not serve as a universal promise of doubled material wealth for all believers who suffer. God's blessings are multifaceted and may manifest in spiritual growth, deeper intimacy with Him, renewed relationships, or an eternal inheritance far more valuable than earthly possessions, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19. The primary takeaway is God's power to restore and His faithfulness to those who endure, not a guarantee of specific material outcomes.
What is the significance of Job's wealth being doubled?
Answer: The doubling of Job's wealth (fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses, compared to Job 1:3) holds profound significance within the narrative. Firstly, it powerfully symbolizes complete and overflowing restoration, demonstrating God's generosity that goes far beyond mere restitution. It signifies that God's blessing is not just a return to a former state but an abundant increase, a super-abundance that exceeds all expectations. Secondly, this material increase serves as a public and tangible vindication of Job's righteousness and integrity in the eyes of his community and, crucially, against the false accusations of his friends. It visually confirms that Job was indeed blameless, and God was on his side. Thirdly, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty, showing His power to reverse even the most devastating circumstances and bring about a glorious outcome, affirming that He is the ultimate source of all blessing and the one who determines the "latter end."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 42:12, with its depiction of an innocent sufferer's profound trials and subsequent abundant restoration, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job, though righteous, was still a flawed human; he foreshadows Christ, the truly innocent Lamb of God who endured immeasurable suffering and death, not for His own sin, but as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world (John 1:29). Just as Job was vindicated and restored to a "latter end" greater than his "beginning," so too was Christ, after His suffering on the cross, gloriously vindicated through His resurrection from the dead and His exaltation to the right hand of God, where He reigns supreme (Philippians 2:8-11). For believers, our "latter end" is not merely a doubling of earthly possessions, but an eternal inheritance, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven through Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-4). The abundant blessing Job received points to the immeasurable spiritual blessings we have in Christ, which are "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). Our ultimate restoration is not just from material loss but from the bondage of sin and death, culminating in new heavens and a new earth where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death or mourning (Revelation 21:4). In Christ, our suffering in this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18), ensuring that our "latter end" in Him is one of eternal joy, perfect peace, and unending communion with God.