Old Testament
Job 42:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So now, take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept him, so that I do not deal with you according to your folly, since you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has."
Compare translations
Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
What Job 42:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Job's friends to offer sacrifices to Him as a way to seek forgiveness for their wrong words about God. They had spoken incorrectly about God's nature and actions during Job's suffering. God emphasizes Job's righteousness and the importance of his intercession. By asking Job to pray for them, God shows that He values Job's integrity and relationship with Him. This act of offering sacrifices and Job's prayer would help restore their standing with God, preventing Him from punishing them for their foolishness. It highlights the significance of proper worship and the need for humility in recognizing one's mistakes. This moment also underscores the theme of mediation, where Job acts as a mediator between God and his friends, illustrating the importance of prayer and repentance in restoring relationships with God.
How to apply Job 42:8 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of acknowledging our mistakes and seeking forgiveness. It encourages us to pray for others and to be humble in our understanding of God. We should strive to speak truthfully about God and support one another in faith.
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: Job Is Restored (Job 42:7–17)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 42:8
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 42:8
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 42:8 mean?
Job 42:8 means that God instructed Job's friends to offer sacrifices as a way to seek forgiveness for their wrong statements about Him. It highlights Job's righteousness and the importance of his prayer for them.
What is the significance of Job's intercession in Job 42:8?
Job's intercession in Job 42:8 is significant because it shows that God values Job's integrity and relationship with Him. Job's prayer is a means for his friends to receive forgiveness and avoid punishment for their folly.
Why did God ask for a burnt offering in Job 42:8?
God asked for a burnt offering in Job 42:8 as a way for Job's friends to demonstrate repentance and seek forgiveness for their incorrect words about Him. The offering was a traditional act of worship and humility.
What does 'dealing with folly' mean in Job 42:8?
'Dealing with folly' in Job 42:8 refers to God's intention to avoid punishing Job's friends for their foolish statements about Him. It emphasizes the need for them to recognize their mistakes and seek His mercy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.