About Job

Job explores the mystery of suffering through the story of a righteous man who lost everything yet maintained his faith in God.

Author: UnknownWritten: c. 2000-1800 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 17
SufferingSovereigntyFaithWisdomJusticeRestoration

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King James Version

Job 42

17 verses with commentary

Job's Repentance and Restoration

Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

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KJV Study Commentary

"Then Job answered the LORD, and said." After God's overwhelming revelation (chapters 38-41), Job responds. The Hebrew <em>vaya'an</em> (וַיַּעַן, "and he answered") introduces Job's final speech. This response differs radically from his earlier defenses. Encountering God directly transforms Job from demanding explanations to humble worship. This teaches that true knowledge of God comes through re...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. no thought can be: or, no thought of thine can be hindered

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.</strong> Job responds to God's speeches (chapters 38-41) with this profound confession of divine omnipotence and sovereignty. "Thou canst do every thing" (<em>kol tukhal</em>, כֹּל תּוּכָל) literally means "all things you are able"—absolute power belongs to God alone. This echoes Genesis 18:14 ("Is any ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

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KJV Study Commentary

Job confesses: 'Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.' This acknowledges speaking beyond his understanding. Job recognizes mystery in divine providence.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XLII. (3) **Who is he that hideth counsel?**—It is quite obvious that the right way of understanding these verses is, as in Isaiah 63:1-6, after the manner of a dialogue, in which Job and the Lord alternately reply. “Who is this that hideth counsel without knowledge?” were the words with which God Himself joined the debate in Job 38:2; and therefore, unless we assign them to Him here also, we must...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

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KJV Study Commentary

"Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me." Job quotes God's earlier challenge (38:3, 40:7) back to Him, acknowledging the role reversal. Previously Job demanded that God answer him; now he recognizes God's right to question him. The repetition demonstrates Job's acceptance of proper order—creature submitting to Creator. This teaches that spiritual ma...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Hear, I beseech thee.**—This cannot in like manner be appropriately assigned to Job, but, as in Job 38:3; Job 40:7, must be referred to God; then the confession of Job 42:5-6 comes in very grandly. How much of our knowledge of God is merely hearsay? and it is not till the experimental teaching of the Holy Ghost has revealed God to our consciences that we really see Him with the inward eye. T...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.</strong> Job articulates the difference between secondhand knowledge and personal encounter with God. "Heard of thee by the hearing of the ear" (<em>leshema-ozen shema'tikha</em>, לְשֵׁמַע־אֹזֶן שְׁמַעְתִּיךָ) indicates indirect knowledge—hearing about God through tradition, teaching, or others' testimony. This re...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

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KJV Study Commentary

Job's climax: 'Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.' This doesn't repent of supposed sins but of presumption in demanding answers. Job's self-abhorrence reflects proper perspective before divine majesty.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

The Lord Rebukes Job's Friends

And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

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KJV Study Commentary

God's verdict: 'My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.' This vindicates Job against the friends. Their orthodox theology proved false comfort; Job's honest lament proved faithful.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **And it was so.**—The verdict that is spoken against the friends of Job is based rather on the tone and spirit of what they have said than on any of their actual words, for many of these are conspicuous for their wisdom, truth, and beauty. But throughout they had been on the wrong side, and seemed to think that the cause of God had need to be upheld at all risks, and that it might even be req...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. him: Heb. his face, or, person

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KJV Study Commentary

God commands the friends: 'my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly.' This requires the accusers to seek intercession from the accused. Job's priestly function for his friends models Christ's intercession for sinners.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams.**—It is remarkable that the sacrifices prescribed for Job’s friends were similar to those which Balaam prescribed for Balak (Numbers 23:2-29). This is probably one indication out of many that the age of Job was that of Moses, or before it. “My servant Job shall pray for you.” This, strange to say, was the very promise with which Elip...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job . Job: Heb. the face of Job

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KJV Study Commentary

"So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them." Job's friends obey God's instruction to bring sacrifices and have Job pray for them. Their compliance demonstrates appropriate response to divine rebuke. Though they spoke wrongly about God (v.7), they accept correction and God's prescribed remedy. This teaches that even s...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

Job's Fortunes Restored

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. gave: Heb. added all that had been to Job unto the double

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> God restores Job's fortunes after he prays for the friends who wronged him. "Turned the captivity" (<em>shav et-shevut</em>, שָׁב אֶת־שְׁבוּת) is an idiom meaning to restore fortunes, reverse circumstances, or bring back from exile—Job's restoration para...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **When he prayed for his friends.**—Job’s personal discipline was not complete till he passed from the sphere of his own sorrows to the work of intercession for his friends, and it was through the very act of this self-oblivion and self-sacrifice that his own deliverance was brought about. When he prayed for his friends, we are told, the Lord turned his own captivity: that is, restored and re...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

"Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before." After restoration begins, Job's family and former friends return. Their absence during suffering but presence during prosperity exposes fair-weather friendship. Yet Job receives them graciously. God restores community alongside material blessings. This teaches that restoration i...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Every man also gave him a piece of money.**—The Hebrew word *is kesītāh, *which is found also in the narrative of Jacob’s purchase of the field of the children of Hamor (Genesis 33:19). Some have supposed, from a comparison of this passage with Genesis 23:16, which relates the corresponding transaction between Abraham and the sons of Heth, that the value of the *kesītāh *was four shekels, b...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Job's restoration: 'So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.' This doubled blessing (14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, etc.) vindicates Job materially. Yet the deeper vindication was God's approval and fellowship.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Fourteen thousand sheep.**—The number of Job’s cattle here is exactly the double of those in Job 1:3. That Job’s latter end should be blessed had been the promise of all his friends (Job 5:24, &c., Job 8:7-20, &c., Job 11:16, &c., 22:27, &c.), but then it was hampered with a condition which involved the falsehood of all Job’s previous life, and it was the unjust imputation of this falsehood...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

He had also seven sons and three daughters.

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KJV Study Commentary

"He had also seven sons and three daughters." God gives Job exact same number of children as before (1:2). Some interpreters suggest this indicates the previous children still lived in God's presence, so Job eventually had double (including those who died). The specific replacement demonstrates God's attention to detail in restoration. This teaches that God's restoration is comprehensive and speci...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.

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KJV Study Commentary

"And he called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch." The daughters' names receive unusual attention—meaning "dove," "cassia" (fragrant spice), and "horn of antimony" (cosmetic). Their beauty is emphasized (v.15). This demonstrates Job's changed perspective—he values and celebrates his daughters, naming them with care and beauty...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Jemima.**—This name perhaps means *as fair as the day.* **Kezia**—*i.e., *cassia, an aromatic bark, much prized by the ancients. (See Psalm 45:9.) **Kerenhappuch**—*i.e., *the horn for containing kohl for the eyes. The Eastern women are in the habit of painting the upper part of the eyelids with stibium, so that a black edge is formed about them and they seem larger. (See 2Kings 9:30; Jerem...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

"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." The daughters receive inheritance equally with sons—highly unusual in ancient patriarchal society. Job's encounter with God transformed not just his theology but his practical living, including gender justice. This teaches that genuine spiritual transformation pro...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.

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KJV Study Commentary

"After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations." Job lives 140 additional years—possibly double his previous age, matching double restoration of possessions (v.10). Seeing four generations represents fullness of blessing in ancient thought. God grants Job comprehensive restoration—time to enjoy fully what he received. This teaches that...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **An hundred and forty years.**—The particularity of this detail forbids us to suppose that the character of Job was other than real; his great age also shows that he must be referred to the very early patriarchal times, probably anterior to Moses.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

So Job died, being old and full of days.

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KJV Study Commentary

Job's death: 'So Job died, being old and full of days.' This peaceful conclusion after intense suffering shows that the story ends well. Job's longevity after restoration reveals God's faithfulness despite temporary testing.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **So Job died, being old and full of days.**—Such is the close of this mysterious book, which deals with the greatest problems that can engage the human mind, and shows us the way in which the ancients solved them, and the help which God vouchsafed them, apart from His covenant revelation and before the dawning of the Gospel light. And the great lesson of the history is the way in which the m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2-24. Instances of the wicked doing the worst deeds with seeming impunity (Job 24:2-24). **Some--**the wicked. **landmarks--**boundaries between different pastures (De 19:14; Pr 22:28).

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