Job 42:13 Meaning Explained

Q: What does Job 42:13 mean?

The verse emphasizes that Job's restored family was the same number as his original children, hinting that his former children were not truly lost, but were alive with God, and would be resurrected. This detail subtly assures us that God's restoration goes beyond mere earthly replacements, touching on eternal hope.

All verses

Job 42:13

He had also seven sons and three daughters.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse emphasizes that Job's restored family was the same number as his original children, hinting that his former children were not truly lost, but were alive with God, and would be resurrected. This detail subtly assures us that God's restoration goes beyond mere earthly replacements, touching on eternal hope.

What Job 42:13 means

After God rebukes Job's friends and Job repents, God restores Job's fortunes, giving him double what he had before. This includes a new family of seven sons and three daughters, the same number he lost, with the daughters specifically noted for their beauty and inheriting alongside their brothers.

More Than Just Numbers

Job’s story ends with a simple statement about his family. But these numbers hold a profound significance, hinting at a restoration far deeper than just regaining what was lost.

A Mirror of What Was

Job 42:13 states Job had "seven sons and three daughters." This is the same number he had before his trials (Job 1:2). This repetition isn't accidental. It shows that God didn't just give Job new children; He restored the same number of children, mirroring the family he had lost. This highlights God's desire to fully restore, not just replace.

A Promise of Wholeness

While the number of children is the same, the names of his daughters are new and filled with meaning:

Jemima: Often interpreted as "dove," a symbol of peace and God's presence.
Kezia: Meaning "cassia" or a fragrant spice, hinting at beauty and blessing.
Keren-happuch: Translates to "horn of eye-paint" or "beautiful cosmetics," suggesting radiance and splendor.

These names aren't just pretty sounds; they reflect a renewed beauty, grace, and blessing in Job’s life, pointing to a wholeness that transcends mere earthly possessions.

The Gift of Prayer

Job's journey through immense suffering and doubt concludes with a remarkable act. Discover how his intercession for others paved the way for his own restoration.

Prayer as a Turning Point

An often-overlooked detail is that God restored Job's fortunes after Job prayed for his friends (Job 42:10). His friends had wrongly accused and condemned him, yet Job faithfully prayed for them. This selfless act of intercession, even when he was at his lowest, was key to his turning point.

Historical context

Written: The exact dating is uncertain, but generally placed between the time of the patriarchs and the Babylonian exile.
Author: Traditionally understood to be Job, a figure from ancient Israel, though modern scholarship suggests possible later authorship.
Location: The narrative is set in the land of Uz, likely in the region of Edom.
Genre: Wisdom literature, characterized by poetic dialogue and a prose epilogue.

Historical background

The restoration of Job's family, specifically the birth of seven sons and three daughters, mirrors the exact number he lost, signifying not just recovery, but a divine doubling and affirmation of life, echoing his earlier blessings in a renewed capacity.

~2000 BC
Patriarchal Age
This period marks the era of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the ancestors of Israel. The book of Job is generally placed within this ancient context, reflecting customs and societal structures of early nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples.
Unknown
Job's Trials Begin
Satan is permitted to afflict Job with devastating losses, including the death of his ten children and destruction of his property, testing his faith and integrity.
Unknown
Job's Friends Arrive and Counsel
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to comfort Job but instead engage in lengthy debates, accusing him of hidden sin and arguing that suffering is always a punishment for wrongdoing.
Unknown
Elihu's Speeches
A younger man, Elihu, offers his perspective, challenging both Job and his friends, and emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice in ways that bridge the gap before God's own appearance.

Key themes

01Restoration of family
02God's double blessing
03New beginnings, not replacement

Cross-references

Genesis 1:2

This passage lists the initial number of children Job had, highlighting the restoration of what was lost. It shows a pattern of God's creative and replenishing power.

Matthew 19:29

Jesus promises that those who sacrifice for God's kingdom will receive much more in return. Job's story exemplifies this divine principle of abundant restoration.

Hebrews 12:7

This verse speaks of God disciplining those He loves for their good. Job's trials, though severe, ultimately led to a renewed and restored life, underscoring God's redemptive purpose.

1 Peter 5:10

This passage offers encouragement that after believers have suffered a little while, God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them. Job's restoration is a powerful testament to this promise.

Scholarly commentary

Job 42:13: "He had also seven sons and three daughters."

13–15 . The former number of Job’s children is restored to him. The name Jemima probably means dove , comp. Song of Solomon 6:9 ; Song of Solomon 5:2 ; Kezia is cassia , the aromatic spice, Psalm 45:8 , Song of Solomon 1:3 ; and Kerenhappúch means horn (or box) of eye-paint, puch being the paint or powder used by Oriental women to add lustre to the eye. The Sept. curiously renders horn of Amalthea, cornu copiœ , horn of plenty. A French c…
cambridge

Job 42:13: "He had also seven sons and three daughters."

Seven sons and three daughters - This was the same number as before; and so the Vulgate, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic read: but the Chaldee doubles the sons, "And he had fourteen sons, and three daughters."
clarke

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Historical context

Written: The exact dating is uncertain, but generally placed between the time of the patriarchs and the Babylonian exile.
Author: Traditionally understood to be Job, a figure from ancient Israel, though modern scholarship suggests possible later authorship.
Location: The narrative is set in the land of Uz, likely in the region of Edom.
Genre: Wisdom literature, characterized by poetic dialogue and a prose epilogue.

Historical background

~2000 BC

Patriarchal Age

This period marks the era of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the ancestors of Israel. The book of Job is generally placed within this ancient context, reflecting customs and societal structures of early nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples.

Unknown

Job's Trials Begin

Satan is permitted to afflict Job with devastating losses, including the death of his ten children and destruction of his property, testing his faith and integrity.

Unknown

Job's Friends Arrive and Counsel

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to comfort Job but instead engage in lengthy debates, accusing him of hidden sin and arguing that suffering is always a punishment for wrongdoing.

Unknown

Elihu's Speeches

A younger man, Elihu, offers his perspective, challenging both Job and his friends, and emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice in ways that bridge the gap before God's own appearance.

Scholarly commentary

Job 42:13: "He had also seven sons and three daughters."

13–15 . The former number of Job’s children is restored to him. The name Jemima probably means dove , comp. Song of Solomon 6:9 ; Song of Solomon 5:2 ; Kezia is cassia , the aromatic spice, Psalm 45:8 , Song of Solomon 1:3 ; and Kerenhappúch means horn (or box) of eye-paint, puch being the paint or powder used by Oriental women to add lustre to the eye. The Sept. curiously renders horn of Amalthea, cornu copiœ , horn of plenty. A French c…
cambridge

Job 42:13: "He had also seven sons and three daughters."

Seven sons and three daughters - This was the same number as before; and so the Vulgate, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic read: but the Chaldee doubles the sons, "And he had fourteen sons, and three daughters."
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Job 42:13 mean?

Explain the meaning of Job 42:13

What is the context of Job 42:13?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does the original Hebrew reveal about Job 42:13?”
“Why did Traditionally understood to be Job, a figure from ancient Israel, though modern scholarship suggests possible later authorship. write Job 42:13?”
“How does restoration of family show up in Job 42:13?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Job 42:13 is available in the Sola app.