Old Testament
Job 1:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the days of their feasting had gone around, Job would send and sanctify them, and would rise up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Job did this continually.
Compare translations
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
What Job 1:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Job's deep concern for his children. After their feasting, he would rise early to offer burnt sacrifices to God, hoping to atone for any sins they might have committed, even in their hearts. Job's actions reflect his role as a devoted father who takes spiritual responsibility for his family. He understood the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and maintaining a right relationship with Him. This practice was not a one-time event; Job did this regularly, showing his commitment to his children's spiritual well-being. His actions highlight the significance of interceding for loved ones and the belief that sin can occur even in private thoughts. Job's faithfulness in worship and sacrifice illustrates a proactive approach to faith, emphasizing the need for continual devotion and the desire to protect his family from potential consequences of sin.
How to apply Job 1:5 to your life
We can learn from Job's example by taking time to pray for our loved ones and their spiritual health. Regularly interceding for family members can help strengthen their faith and protect them from unseen dangers. It reminds us of our role in supporting one another spiritually.
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 1:5
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 1:5
Related Bible verses
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 1:5 mean?
Job 1:5 shows Job's concern for his children's spiritual well-being. He regularly offered burnt sacrifices to God, hoping to atone for any sins they might have committed, even in their hearts.
What is the significance of Job's sacrifices in Job 1:5?
Job's sacrifices represent his role as a spiritual leader in his family. By offering burnt offerings, he sought to maintain a right relationship with God and protect his children from the consequences of sin.
How does Job 1:5 reflect family responsibility?
Job 1:5 illustrates family responsibility by showing how Job took spiritual accountability for his children. His actions highlight the importance of parents actively seeking God's forgiveness on behalf of their children.
What can we learn from Job's actions in Job 1:5?
From Job's actions, we learn the value of praying for our loved ones and their spiritual health. Regularly interceding for family members can strengthen their faith and help protect them from unseen dangers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.