Job 1:2

Berean Standard Bible
He had seven sons and three daughters,
 
King James Bible
And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
 
NET Bible
Seven sons and three daughters were born to him.
 
Hebrew Text:

וַיִּוָּלְדוּ לוֹ שִׁבְעָה בָנִים וְשָׁלוֹשׁ בָּנוֹת

 
Transliteration:
Vayivālədū lō shiv'āh vanim vəshālosh banōt
 
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Study Bible:
 
He had
This phrase introduces us to the patriarchal figure of Job, a man of great wealth and piety. The Hebrew root for "had" is "הָיָה" (hayah), which means "to be" or "to become." This suggests not only possession but also a state of being, indicating that Job's family was an integral part of his identity and existence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a man's worth and legacy were often measured by his offspring, emphasizing the importance of family in Job's life.
 
seven sons
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, derived from the Hebrew word "שֶׁבַע" (sheva). In the context of Job, having seven sons could imply a sense of divine blessing and completeness in his family life. Sons were particularly valued in ancient times for carrying on the family name and inheritance, and having seven would be seen as a sign of prosperity and divine favor.
 
and three daughters
The inclusion of daughters highlights the completeness of Job's family. The number three, from the Hebrew "שָׁלוֹשׁ" (shalosh), often signifies harmony and completeness. In a patriarchal society where sons were typically emphasized, the mention of daughters indicates their valued presence in Job's household. This balance of sons and daughters reflects the fullness of Job's blessings and the richness of his family life.
 
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Commentary:
 
Family: Job is depicted as a prosperous man not only in material wealth but also in familial blessings. Having ten children was a sign of great blessing in ancient Near Eastern culture, where children were seen as both a joy and an economic asset.
 
Cultural Context: The mention of his children right after describing Job's character (blameless, upright, fearing God, and shunning evil) underscores his integrity and the completeness of his life. In biblical times, having many children, especially sons, was often seen as a divine favor, reflecting one's righteousness or favor with God.
 
Narrative Role: The mention of Job's sons and daughters sets the stage for the subsequent tragedy where all his children are killed, illustrating the extent of his loss and testing his faith. It also later contrasts with the restoration at the end of the book, where he is blessed with the same number of children again, symbolizing restoration and God's favor.
 
Symbolism: Seven sons and three daughters might also carry symbolic weight, with seven often representing completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, and three being a significant number in various contexts. This might reflect Job's complete family situation before his trials begin.
 
Moral and Theological Implications: This verse fits into the broader theme of the Book of Job, which explores the nature of suffering, human righteousness, and divine justice. Job's family is part of what Satan argues Job values more than his relationship with God, leading to the subsequent narrative where Job loses everything to test his faith.
 
This verse sets up one of the central conflicts in the book by establishing Job's prosperous, blessed state before his trials, thereby highlighting the magnitude of his suffering and the depth of his faith and patience.