0

What does Job mean "naked shall I return thither" in Job 1:21?

Job 1:21
“And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Job 1:1 - 22

ESV - 1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.

Clarify Share Report Asked March 16 2022 My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

2
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
In my opinion, when Job spoke of returning "thither", he was referring to burial in the earth, which in other biblical imagery is sometimes regarded as a "mother" to humankind -- imagery reinforced by such as events (for example) as man having originally been created out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 3:19).

March 16 2022 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church
It's poetry. "While the first half of the couplet is to be taken literally as referring to his coming into this life, this second part must be interpreted only generally to refer to his departure from this life. It is parallel to 1 Tim 6:7, 'For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.'”

bible.org

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe says that the imagery of "nakedness“ means “poverty“ and he cites only this verse in Job 1:21; Ecc. 5:15; and 1 Tim. 6:7. This comes from his book, Index of Biblical Images.

“Mother’s womb” is poetically the earth, the universal mother (Ec 5:15; 12:7; Ps 139:15).

Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

March 19 2022 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining