Job 1:4
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָֽלְכ֤וּ
went
H1980
וְהָֽלְכ֤וּ
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בָנָיו֙
And his sons
H1121
בָנָיו֙
And his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְעָשׂ֣וּ
H6213
וְעָשׂ֣וּ
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה
and feasted
H4960
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה
and feasted
Strong's:
H4960
Word #:
4 of 14
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
בֵּ֖ית
in their houses
H1004
בֵּ֖ית
in their houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יוֹמ֑וֹ
his day
H3117
יוֹמ֑וֹ
his day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְשָֽׁלְח֗וּ
and sent
H7971
וְשָֽׁלְח֗וּ
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְקָֽרְאוּ֙
and called
H7121
וְקָֽרְאוּ֙
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
for their three
H7969
לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
for their three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
10 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
אַחְיֹֽתֵיהֶ֔ם
sisters
H269
אַחְיֹֽתֵיהֶ֔ם
sisters
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
11 of 14
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Historical Context
In patriarchal times, such feasting reflected not mere indulgence but covenant renewal within extended families. Job lived during the patriarchal era (circa 2000 BC), before the Mosaic Law, when family heads served as priests.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the pattern of Job's family fellowship reflect your own commitment to Christian community?
- In what ways might God test your faith by removing blessings you take for granted?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse establishes Job's family unity and prosperity before calamity strikes. The Hebrew 'yom' (day) suggests regular, rotating celebrations among the siblings, demonstrating covenant faithfulness in family relationships. This pattern of fellowship foreshadows both the communion of saints and the eschatological wedding feast, while also setting the stage for God's sovereign testing of Job's faith through the removal of these very blessings.