King James Version

What Does Job 42:9 Mean?

Job 42:9 in the King James Version says “So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded t... — study this verse from Job chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 42:9 · KJV


Context

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

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

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.


Commentary

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 serious theological error can be forgiven when we humbly accept correction and follow God's prescribed path to reconciliation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sacrificial systems throughout ancient Near East sought divine favor and forgiveness. God's acceptance of sacrifice through Job's mediation established Job's vindication while providing path for friends' restoration. This demonstrated that God desires reconciliation, providing means for forgiveness even after serious error.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to correction about theological errors—defensively or with humble acceptance?
  2. What relationships need restoration through accepting correction and following God's prescribed path?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֵּלְכוּ֩1 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֱלִיפַ֨ז2 of 17

So Eliphaz

H464

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

הַתֵּֽימָנִ֜י3 of 17

the Temanite

H8489

a temanite or descendant of teman

וּבִלְדַּ֣ד4 of 17

and Bildad

H1085

bildad, one of job's friends

הַשּׁוּחִ֗י5 of 17

the Shuhite

H7747

a shuchite or descendant of shuach

צֹפַר֙6 of 17

and Zophar

H6691

tsophar, a friend of job

הַנַּ֣עֲמָתִ֔י7 of 17

the Naamathite

H5284

a naamathite, or inhabitant of naamah

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ8 of 17

and did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר9 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֥ר10 of 17

commanded

H1696

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

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 17

according as the LORD

H3068

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

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א13 of 17

also accepted

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 17

according as the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת15 of 17
H853

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

פְּנֵ֥י16 of 17

Job

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אִיּֽוֹב׃17 of 17
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 42:9 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 42:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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