Old Testament
Job 1:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His sons would go and feast in their houses, each one on his day, and they would send and call for their three sisters to eat and drink with them.
Compare translations
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
What Job 1:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a glimpse into the family life of Job, a wealthy and righteous man. His sons would host feasts in their own homes, celebrating on their designated days. This indicates a sense of responsibility and tradition among them. They would invite their three sisters to join in the festivities, highlighting the importance of family unity and togetherness. The act of feasting suggests joy and celebration, but it also implies a need for communal support and connection. This verse sets the stage for understanding Job's family dynamics and the relationships that exist within it. It reflects a time of prosperity and happiness before the trials that Job would soon face. The mention of the sisters being called to partake in the feasts emphasizes the inclusive nature of their gatherings, suggesting that family bonds were cherished and maintained through shared meals and celebrations.
How to apply Job 1:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize family gatherings and celebrations. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong family ties and creating opportunities for joy and connection. Regularly coming together with loved ones can strengthen relationships and foster a supportive environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: A Blameless Man (Job 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 1:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 1:4
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 1:4 mean?
Job 1:4 describes the family life of Job, showing that his sons hosted feasts in their homes on specific days and invited their sisters to join them. This reflects their strong family bonds and the importance of celebrating together.
What is the significance of feasting in Job 1:4?
The feasting in Job 1:4 signifies joy, celebration, and family unity. It highlights the tradition of coming together to share meals, which fosters connections and strengthens relationships among family members.
What does the phrase 'each one on his day' mean in Job 1:4?
The phrase 'each one on his day' indicates that Job's sons had designated days for their feasts, suggesting a sense of responsibility and organization in their celebrations.
How does Job 1:4 reflect family dynamics?
Job 1:4 illustrates a harmonious family dynamic where the brothers and sisters actively participate in each other's lives through shared meals and celebrations, emphasizing the value of family togetherness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.