### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3102 (יוֹב, Yôwb) is primarily a proper noun, identifying an individual. The Strong's definition suggests it is "perhaps a form of יוֹבָב (Yowbab, `{{H3103}}`), but more probably by erroneous transcription for יָשׁוּב (Yashub, `{{H3438}}`); Job, an Israelite." This indicates a degree of scholarly uncertainty regarding its precise etymological root or original spelling. However, its function within the biblical text is clear: it names a specific person within a genealogical record. It is crucial to distinguish this "Job" from the more famous patriarch Job, whose name is 'Iyyowb (`{{H347}}`) in Hebrew, despite the shared English transliteration. H3102 refers to a distinct individual, an Israelite, whose primary significance lies in his inclusion within the tribal lineages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3102 (יוֹב, Yôwb) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 7:1]]: "And of the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puvah, and Jashub, and Shimron, four." (Note: Some manuscripts and translations, including the Masoretic Text often rendered as "Jashub," actually have יוֹב (Yôwb) here, as reflected in the Strong's entry. This highlights the textual variant mentioned in the base definition concerning יָשׁוּב.) However, the most widely accepted Masoretic Text for [[1 Chronicles 7:1]] reads יָשׁוּב (`{{H3438}}`, Yashub) as the third son. The Strong's entry for H3102 specifically points to this verse as its sole occurrence, suggesting that H3102 (Yôwb) is considered a variant reading for `{{H3438}}` (Yashub) in this context. If H3102 is indeed the reading, it identifies Job as a son of Issachar, placing him within the tribal genealogies of Israel. In this context, he is merely listed as one of the direct descendants, with no further narrative or descriptive details provided. The purpose of such a listing is to establish lineage and tribal identity, rather than to recount personal history.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted in the base definition, H3102 (יוֹב, Yôwb) is possibly related to or a variant of `{{H3103}}` (יוֹבָב, Yowbab) or `{{H3438}}` (יָשׁוּב, Yashub).
* `{{H3103}}` (Yowbab) is a name that appears for several individuals, including a king of Edom ([[Genesis 36:33]]) and a son of Joktan ([[Genesis 10:29]]). While phonetically similar, the connection is speculative for H3102.
* `{{H3438}}` (Yashub) means "he will return" or "he returns," and is the name of a son of Issachar in [[Numbers 26:24]] and [[1 Chronicles 7:1]] (where H3102 is the variant reading). This close textual relationship makes `{{H3438}}` the most probable connection, suggesting H3102 is a scribal variant or alternative spelling for the same individual.
Crucially, the most important related concept is the clear distinction from `{{H347}}` (אִיּוֹב, 'Iyyowb), the name of the central figure in the Book of Job. Despite the identical English transliteration ("Job"), these are distinct Hebrew words referring to different individuals. H3102 belongs to the realm of Israelite tribal genealogies, while `{{H347}}` designates the righteous man from the land of Uz. The study of H3102 thus intersects with the broader theme of biblical genealogies, which serve to establish covenant lines, tribal boundaries, and the historical continuity of God's people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3102 (יוֹב, Yôwb) is not found in a grand narrative or a profound character study, but rather in its very presence within the sacred text.
1. **Divine Meticulousness:** The inclusion of even seemingly minor figures in genealogies underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign oversight of human history. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is known to Him and has a place in His unfolding plan.
2. **Covenant Continuity:** Genealogies serve as a vital link in demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. The listing of descendants, even those without prominent roles, affirms the perpetuation of the chosen line through which God's promises would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the Messiah.
3. **Value of Every Life:** While H3102 does not offer a personal narrative, its inclusion reminds us that every life, even those not extensively chronicled, holds intrinsic value in God's eyes and contributes to the larger tapestry of His redemptive work. It speaks to the collective identity of God's people, where each member plays a part.
4. **Historical Foundation:** The presence of such names provides a historical and factual foundation for the biblical narrative, rooting the spiritual truths in the tangible reality of human lives and lineages.
### Summary
H3102 (יוֹב, Yôwb) is a proper noun identifying an Israelite named Job, most likely a son of Issachar, as found in a single genealogical listing in [[1 Chronicles 7:1]]. It is understood by scholars to be a variant spelling or erroneous transcription of `{{H3438}}` (Yashub), another son of Issachar. Crucially, this "Job" is distinct from the patriarch Job (`{{H347}}`) of the Book of Job, despite the shared English transliteration. The theological significance of H3102 lies not in a personal narrative, but in its contribution to the meticulous biblical genealogies, which affirm God's sovereign oversight of history, the continuity of His covenant with Israel, and the inherent value of every individual within His divine plan.
TRV