Bible Strands
Job 1:2
He had seven sons and three daughters,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records Job’s family composition immediately after introducing him as a blameless man in Uz who fears God. This statement occurs before the narrative details his vast wealth or the subsequent testing.
The words — The phrase וַ/יִּוָּ֥לְדוּ (va/i.yi.Val.du) literally means "and they were born," introducing the count of שִׁבְעָ֥ה (shiv'ah, seven) בָנִ֖ים (banim, sons) and three בָּנֽוֹת (banot, daughters).
The thread — This exact family count reappears in Job 42:13 after Job’s restoration, while the numerical pairing of sons and daughters echoes the blessing theme in Psalms 127:3. The enumeration of sons also parallels Haman’s boast in Esther 5:11 regarding earthly status.
Why it lands — The text states that Job had seven sons and three daughters before detailing his wealth or introducing his trials. It asks the reader to recognize that human blessings are counted and can be withdrawn, framing the subsequent narrative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
Cross-references
- Job 42:13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters.
- Psalms 127:3 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
- Esther 5:11 Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants.
- Job 13:13 Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.
- Psalms 107:38 He blesses them, and they multiply greatly; He does not let their herds diminish.
- Psalms 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table.