Job 42 12

Job 42:12 kjv

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

Job 42:12 nkjv

Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys.

Job 42:12 niv

The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys.

Job 42:12 esv

And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.

Job 42:12 nlt

So the LORD blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. For now he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.

Job 42 verses

Job 42 12 Meaning

Job 42:12 signifies the Lord's profound and active restoration of Job, pouring out abundant blessings upon him after his period of intense suffering. The verse specifically details the material wealth Job received, which surpassed his possessions prior to his trials, demonstrating God's compassionate and generous nature, and affirming His sovereign hand in both suffering and restoration. This abundant provision served as a visible testament to Job's vindication and God's faithfulness.

Job 42 12 Context

This verse is the climax of the book of Job, following Job's humble submission to God (Job 42:1-6) and his intercession for his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, at God's command (Job 42:7-9). After God accepted Job's prayer on behalf of his friends (Job 42:10a), the Lord Himself acted directly to restore Job's fortunes (Job 42:10b). Job 42:12 specifically details the material aspect of this restoration, presenting it not merely as a return to his previous state but as an even greater endowment. In the ancient Near East, wealth was primarily measured by livestock. The large numbers presented signify Job's status as a tremendously blessed and prominent man once again, exceeding his former position. This detailed accounting reinforces God's specific and personal care for Job, countering the notion that Job's suffering was a punishment without purpose or that God was indifferent to his plight.

Job 42 12 Word analysis

• And the Lord: Hebrew: וַיהוָה (wai-YHWH). YHWH (Yahweh) is the personal, covenant name of God. This emphasizes that it was the specific, faithful, and personal God of the covenant who acted directly to bless Job, not a random force or lesser deity. His sovereignty and intimate involvement in Job's life are highlighted.
• blessed: Hebrew: בֵּרַךְ (berakh). The verb "to bless" implies a bestowal of divine favor, bestowing prosperity, well-being, and fruitfulness. It's an active, intentional act by God. This underscores the source of Job's restored prosperity—it came solely from God's gracious hand.
• the latter days: Hebrew: אַחֲרִית (acharith). Literally, "the end," "the future," or "the afterward." It refers to the concluding period of Job's life, implying what came after his severe trials. This points to a temporal reversal and future abundance.
• of Job: Hebrew: אִיּוֹב (Iyyov). Job's personal name, reminding the reader of the specific individual who underwent such extreme suffering and who is now receiving extraordinary divine favor.
• more than his beginning: Hebrew: מֵרֵאשִׁתוֹ (merē’šîtô). "More than his first" or "from his beginning." This crucial comparative phrase indicates not just restoration but an increase beyond his initial prosperity (referenced in Job 1:3). This highlights God's abundant generosity and ability to fully recompense His faithful servants beyond what was taken.
• and he had: Hebrew: וַיְהִי-לוֹ (wa-yehi-lo). Simple verb phrase denoting possession, marking the detailed list of Job's new wealth.
• 14,000 sheep: Double his original 7,000 sheep (Job 1:3). Represents agricultural prosperity and a substantial foundation of wealth.
• 6,000 camels: Double his original 3,000 camels (Job 1:3). Camels were valuable for trade, travel, and warfare, indicating a high level of economic importance and mobility.
• 1,000 yoke of oxen: Double his original 500 yoke of oxen (Job 1:3). Oxen were essential for plowing and heavy labor, indicating productive land and agricultural might.
• and 1,000 female donkeys: Double his original 500 female donkeys (Job 1:3). Donkeys were vital for transport, personal use, and as beasts of burden, symbolizing domestic and logistical well-being. The explicit mention of "female donkeys" signifies reproductive potential and increased value.

Words-group/Phrase Analysis:

• "And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning": This phrase encapsulates the central theological message of the verse and the resolution of the book of Job regarding God's dealings with His faithful. It affirms God's active role, His abundant grace, and His ultimate triumph over evil, displaying that God does not abandon His righteous servants. It is a powerful statement against the friends' theology, showing God's true nature as merciful and restorative.
• "14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys": The meticulous doubling of each specific category of livestock from Job 1:3 emphasizes the literal and complete restoration. This precision isn't just about quantity but signifies the perfect and complete nature of God's blessing. It represents a full and tangible recovery of all that was lost, with a surplus.

Job 42 12 Bonus section

• The theme of receiving "double" (as seen here with the livestock) resonates with other biblical promises of restoration, particularly for Israel's suffering or humiliation (e.g., Isa 61:7; Zech 9:12). This suggests a consistent pattern in God's dealing with His people: not just restoring, but generously surpassing what was lost or withheld.
• This material blessing is accompanied by other aspects of Job's complete restoration mentioned in the subsequent verses (new children, a long life, living to see his descendants). This indicates that God's restoration is holistic, encompassing physical, familial, and material well-being, providing an enduring picture of comprehensive favor.
• The emphasis on the Lord (YHWH) actively blessing highlights God's initiative and sovereign control over circumstances. This final outcome reinforces the foundational truth that the Giver of all things, the one who permitted Job's trials, is also the one who orchestrates and delivers ultimate flourishing.

Job 42 12 Commentary

Job 42:12 serves as the grand culmination of Job's narrative, illustrating the divine principle that suffering, when navigated with steadfast faith and humility, can ultimately lead to profound restoration and blessing. God's act of "blessing" Job was a direct consequence of Job's repentance, his intercession for his misguided friends, and God's sovereign decision. The specific doubling of his material possessions is more than mere enumeration of wealth; it symbolically signifies a "double portion," a biblical concept denoting special honor, inheritance, or abundant compensation. This outcome powerfully refutes the false premise that Job's suffering was due to personal sin. Instead, it underscores God's justice, mercy, and abounding generosity. The verse communicates that God, in His perfect timing, restores beyond measure, vindicating His servant and demonstrating that He holds the keys to both trials and blessings. It's a testament to the fact that while God's ways may be mysterious, His ultimate disposition toward the righteous is one of profound goodness and care.