King James Version

What Does Job 1:21 Mean?

Job 1:21 in the King James Version says “And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken...” — study this verse from Job chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Job 1:21 · KJV

Context

19

And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. from: Heb. from aside, etc

20

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, mantle: or, robe

21

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

22

In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. charged: or, attributed folly to God

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's response to catastrophic loss stands as one of Scripture's most profound expressions of faith under trial. The phrase "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither" recognizes human finitude and the temporary nature of earthly possessions. The Hebrew word for "naked" (arom, עָרוֹם) emphasizes complete vulnerability and dependence—we enter and exit life without material goods. "Return thither" uses the verb shuv (שׁוּב), meaning to turn back or return, pointing to the earth as humanity's origin and destination (Genesis 3:19).

The theological heart appears in "the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away." The divine name Yahweh (יְהוָה) appears twice, framing God as the sovereign giver and taker of all blessings. The verbs "gave" (natan, נָתַן) and "taken away" (laqach, לָקַח) establish God's absolute authority over creation and providence. Job acknowledges divine ownership—possessions, children, and health were never truly his but gifts entrusted to him temporarily. This perspective revolutionizes how we view blessing and loss.

"Blessed be the name of the LORD" (baruk shem Yahweh, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם יְהוָה) crowns Job's response with worship. Despite losing ten children, vast wealth, and health in rapid succession, Job blesses God's name—His revealed character and reputation. This isn't stoic resignation but active worship rooted in understanding God's sovereignty. The New Testament echoes this principle: "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away" (1 Timothy 6:7). Job's faith anticipates Paul's teaching that we brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse occurs in Job's immediate response to devastating news: the death of all ten children and loss of all livestock and servants (Job 1:13-19). Set in the patriarchal period (approximately 2000-1800 BC), the narrative unfolds in the land of Uz, likely in Edom or northern Arabia. Job's extreme wealth measured in livestock reflects patriarchal economics, where animals constituted primary capital.

Ancient Near Eastern culture emphasized honor, reputation, and material prosperity as signs of divine favor. Job's losses would have been interpreted by contemporaries as evidence of divine displeasure or hidden sin. His response—worshiping rather than cursing God—stands radically counter-cultural. The prologue (Job 1-2) reveals what Job doesn't know: his suffering results from a heavenly challenge, not personal sin. Satan has accused Job of serving God only for material benefits, claiming he would curse God if blessing were removed.

Job's worship vindicates God's confidence in him and refutes Satan's accusation. His recognition of divine sovereignty over blessing and adversity reflects mature covenant faith. This passage has sustained believers through loss across millennia, from ancient Israel through early church persecution to modern suffering. It establishes that authentic faith worships God for who He is, not merely for what He gives. Early church fathers cited this passage when addressing theodicy and proper response to suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that all blessings come from God's hand change your response to loss or disappointment?
  2. What does it mean practically to worship God in the midst of devastating circumstances?
  3. How does Job's response challenge the prosperity gospel that equates faith with material blessing?
  4. In what ways can we cultivate Job's perspective that sees earthly possessions as temporary stewardship rather than permanent ownership?
  5. How does this verse prepare us to face our own mortality and the reality that we cannot take possessions with us?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 16

“And said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְעָרֹם֙2 of 16

“Naked”

H6174

nude, either partially or totally

יָצָ֜תִי3 of 16

“came I out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִבֶּ֣טֶן4 of 16

“womb”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

אִמִּ֗י5 of 16

“of my mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְעָרֹם֙6 of 16

“Naked”

H6174

nude, either partially or totally

אָשׁ֣וּב7 of 16

“shall I return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שָׁ֔מָה8 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 16

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נָתַ֔ן10 of 16

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 16

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָקָ֑ח12 of 16

“hath taken away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יְהִ֛י13 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שֵׁ֥ם14 of 16

“be the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 16

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְבֹרָֽךְ׃16 of 16

“blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 1:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 1:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 5:151 Timothy 6:71 Thessalonians 5:18James 1:17Job 2:10Psalms 49:17

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