King James Version

What Does Job 42:7 Mean?

Job 42:7 in the King James Version says “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is k... — study this verse from Job chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Job 42:7 · KJV


Context

5

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

6

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

7

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.

8

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

9

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


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern theology valued orthodox speech about deity. God's reversal of expected verdict shows that honest questioning pleases God more than false certainty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's vindication of Job challenge your assumptions about proper piety?
  2. What does it mean to speak rightly about God - orthodox doctrine or honest relationship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 26
H1961

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

אַחַ֨ר2 of 26

And it was so that after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

דִבַּרְתֶּ֥ם3 of 26

for ye have not spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֜ה4 of 26

the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת5 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדְּבָרִ֥ים6 of 26

these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֖לֶּה7 of 26
H428

these or those

אֶל8 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִיּֽוֹב׃9 of 26

Job

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר10 of 26

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה11 of 26

the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל12 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלִיפַ֣ז13 of 26

to Eliphaz

H464

eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau

הַתֵּֽימָנִ֗י14 of 26

the Temanite

H8489

a temanite or descendant of teman

חָרָ֨ה15 of 26

is kindled

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַפִּ֤י16 of 26

My wrath

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

בְךָ֙17 of 26
H0
וּבִשְׁנֵ֣י18 of 26

against thee and against thy two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

רֵעֶ֔יךָ19 of 26

friends

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

כִּ֠י20 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א21 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דִבַּרְתֶּ֥ם22 of 26

for ye have not spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלַ֛י23 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נְכוֹנָ֖ה24 of 26

of me the thing that is right

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

כְּעַבְדִּ֥י25 of 26

as my servant

H5650

a servant

אִיּֽוֹב׃26 of 26

Job

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience


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 42:7 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 42:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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