How Many Sons Did Job Have?
The book of Job gives a vivid account of an extremely faithful man who lives through nearly incomprehensible trials and tragedies. One of the many difficulties Job faces is the loss of his sons and daughters. Many are curious to know the exact number of sons Job had prior to their deaths, and the answer interestingly depends on which book of the Bible you read.
Hebrew Bible
In the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanakh, it is said that Job had seven sons and three daughters:
- Sons:
- Judd
- Zaphan
- Hemam
- Keziah
- Keren-happuch
- Jokshan
- Shuah
- Daughters:
- Na’amah
- Keziah
- Keren-happuch
Greek Bible
The Septuagint, the Greek rendition of the Hebrew scriptures, tells a different tale. In this version, Job had seven sons and three daughters, just like in the Tanakh, but the names are slightly different:
- Sons:
- Iesous
- Saphar
- Saphon
- Makada
- Kerenaphek
- Cainan
- Shobach
- Daughters:
- Naamah
- Kerenaphek
- Cainan
Christian Bible
Finally, the Christian Bible follows the Septuagint’s version of Job’s family story and mentions that he had seven sons and three daughters, but it does not list any of their names.
In conclusion, depending on what book of the Bible one reads, Job may have had seven sons and three daughters with different names. Regardless of the exact numbers and names, one thing is certain: Job’s faith and resolve are remarkable, and his story is a testament of perseverance and resilience amidst unbearable trials and tragedies.