Job 42:14
And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הָֽאַחַת֙
of the first
H259
הָֽאַחַת֙
of the first
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
of the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
of the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern patriarchal cultures often minimized daughters' importance. The unusual attention to these daughters' names and beauty, plus their inheritance (v.15), suggested transformed family values. This taught that encounters with God can revolutionize cultural assumptions and priorities.
Questions for Reflection
- How has suffering transformed your appreciation for blessings you previously overlooked?
- What cultural assumptions need to be challenged by deeper knowledge of God's values?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"And he called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch." The daughters' names receive unusual attention—meaning "dove," "cassia" (fragrant spice), and "horn of antimony" (cosmetic). Their beauty is emphasized (v.15). This demonstrates Job's changed perspective—he values and celebrates his daughters, naming them with care and beauty. This teaches that suffering and restoration can transform perspectives, leading to deeper appreciation of blessings previously taken for granted.