Job 42:15
And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֨א
H3808
וְלֹ֨א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִמְצָ֜א
found
H4672
נִמְצָ֜א
found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
כִּבְנ֥וֹת
as the daughters
H1323
כִּבְנ֥וֹת
as the daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 14
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֑רֶץ
And in all the land
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
And in all the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
8 of 14
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֲבִיהֶ֛ם
and their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֛ם
and their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
11 of 14
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
נַחֲלָ֖ה
them inheritance
H5159
נַחֲלָ֖ה
them inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Cross References
Numbers 27:7The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.Psalms 144:12That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:Acts 7:20In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:Joshua 18:4Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern inheritance laws typically excluded daughters unless no sons existed. Job's equal treatment of daughters was radically countercultural, anticipating biblical themes of equality before God. This taught that divine wisdom challenges unjust cultural norms, calling God's people to treat all persons with dignity and fairness.
Questions for Reflection
- What cultural norms need to be challenged by biblical principles of justice and dignity?
- How has deeper knowledge of God transformed your treatment of people society undervalues?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren." The daughters receive inheritance equally with sons—highly unusual in ancient patriarchal society. Job's encounter with God transformed not just his theology but his practical living, including gender justice. This teaches that genuine spiritual transformation produces social reformation. Right knowledge of God leads to right treatment of all people, especially the marginalized or undervalued.