Job 42:16

Authorized King James Version

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After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.

Original Language Analysis

וַיְחִ֤י this lived H2421
וַיְחִ֤י this lived
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 1 of 15
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
אִיּוֹב֙ Job H347
אִיּוֹב֙ Job
Strong's: H347
Word #: 2 of 15
ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience
אַֽחֲרֵי After H310
אַֽחֲרֵי After
Strong's: H310
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
זֹ֔את H2063
זֹ֔את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 4 of 15
this (often used adverb)
מֵאָ֥ה an hundred H3967
מֵאָ֥ה an hundred
Strong's: H3967
Word #: 5 of 15
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים and forty H705
וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים and forty
Strong's: H705
Word #: 6 of 15
forty
שָׁנָ֑ה years H8141
שָׁנָ֑ה years
Strong's: H8141
Word #: 7 of 15
a year (as a revolution of time)
וַיִּרְאֶ֗ and saw H7200
וַיִּרְאֶ֗ and saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 8 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָנָ֔יו and his sons H1121
בָנָ֔יו and his sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 10 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָנָ֔יו and his sons H1121
בָנָ֔יו and his sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 12 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָנָ֔יו and his sons H1121
בָנָ֔יו and his sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 13 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה even four H702
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה even four
Strong's: H702
Word #: 14 of 15
four
דֹּרֽוֹת׃ generations H1755
דֹּרֽוֹת׃ generations
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 15 of 15
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis & Commentary

"After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations." Job lives 140 additional years—possibly double his previous age, matching double restoration of possessions (v.10). Seeing four generations represents fullness of blessing in ancient thought. God grants Job comprehensive restoration—time to enjoy fully what he received. This teaches that God's restoration isn't merely replacement but opportunity to experience blessing richly. Divine redemption provides time to heal, enjoy, and appreciate what is restored.

Historical Context

Ancient patriarchal culture viewed long life and many descendants as supreme blessings, signs of divine favor. Four generations witnessed represented remarkable longevity and fertility. This comprehensive blessing demonstrated complete divine restoration, teaching that God's redemption addresses all dimensions of life—possessions, relationships, and time.

Questions for Reflection

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