Job 42:13

Authorized King James Version

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He had also seven sons and three daughters.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי H1961
וַֽיְהִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
ל֛וֹ H0
ל֛וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 2 of 6
שִׁבְעָ֥נָה He had also seven H7658
שִׁבְעָ֥נָה He had also seven
Strong's: H7658
Word #: 3 of 6
seven
בָנִ֖ים sons H1121
בָנִ֖ים sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 4 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְשָׁל֥וֹשׁ and three H7969
וְשָׁל֥וֹשׁ and three
Strong's: H7969
Word #: 5 of 6
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
בָּנֽוֹת׃ daughters H1323
בָּנֽוֹת׃ daughters
Strong's: H1323
Word #: 6 of 6
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

"He had also seven sons and three daughters." God gives Job exact same number of children as before (1:2). Some interpreters suggest this indicates the previous children still lived in God's presence, so Job eventually had double (including those who died). The specific replacement demonstrates God's attention to detail in restoration. This teaches that God's restoration is comprehensive and specific—He doesn't provide generic blessing but addresses particular losses.

Historical Context

In ancient patriarchal culture, children—especially sons—represented blessing, legacy, and economic security. Losing children was the deepest grief. God's provision of exactly the same number demonstrated complete restoration. This would profoundly comfort grieving parents, assuring that God sees and addresses their specific losses.

Questions for Reflection

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