1 In the land of Uz there lived a man named Job, and he was blameless {tam: morally whole} and upright, fearing God {Elohim, Awe-Inspiring God} and turning away from evil.
2 Seven sons {banim: male descendants} and three daughters {banot: female offspring} were born to him.
3 And his possessions included seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys, with a workforce {avuddah: group of laborers} exceedingly large. That man {ha-ish: notable individual} was the greatest of all the sons of the east.
4 His sons would go and hold a feast {mishteh: festive drinking meal}, each in his own house on his day {yomo: appointed family occasion}; and they would send for and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.
5 When the days of feasting were completed, Job would send for them and sanctify them. Rising early in the morning, he offered burnt offerings {olot: whole burnt sacrifices} according to the number of them all, for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God {Elohim, Worthy of Reverence} in their hearts.” Job did this continually.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God {Elohim, Heavenly King} came to present themselves before the LORD {YHWH, Supreme Judge}, and Satan also came among them.
7 The LORD {YHWH, Questioning Judge} said to the adversary {hasatan: accusing opponent}, “From where have you come?” The adversary answered the LORD, “From roaming on the earth and from walking about in it.”
8 And the LORD {YHWH, Sovereign Examiner} said to the Adversary {ha-satan: heaven’s accuser}, “Have you set your heart upon My servant Job? For there is none like him on the earth: a blameless {tam: morally whole} and upright man, fearing God {elohim, Supreme Authority} and turning away from evil.”
9 The accuser answered the LORD {YHWH, Discerner Of Motives} and said, “Does Job fear God {Elohim, Worthy Of Reverence} without cause?”
10 Have You {YHWH, Hedge-Giving Protector} not placed a hedge {sakhta: encircled with security} around him, around his house, and around everything that belongs to him on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock has increased in the land.
11 But now extend Your {YHWH, Sovereign Arbiter} hand and touch all that he possesses; surely he will curse {yevarakhekha: euphemistic curse} You to Your face.
12 The LORD {YHWH, Sovereign Judge} said to the adversary, “Behold, everything that is his is in your hand; only, against him do not stretch out your hand {yad: power to harm}.” Then the adversary went out from the presence of the LORD.
13 Now there was a day {hayom: specific set time} when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their firstborn brother {bekhor: eldest male child}.
14 A messenger reached Job and reported, “The oxen were plowing {khorshot: working the fields}, and the donkeys were grazing nearby {al-yedeihem: close at hand}.”
15 The Sabeans {sheva: desert raiders} fell upon them and seized them; they struck down the servants by the edge {lefi charev: sword edge} of the sword, and I alone escaped to tell you.
16 While this one was still speaking, another came and said, “The fire of God {Elohim, Sender Of Fire} has fallen from the heavens and has burned up the sheep {batzon: entire flock} and the young men {ne’arim: household workers}, and it consumed them. Only I alone have escaped to tell you.”
17 While one was still speaking, another came and said, “The Chaldeans {kasdim: Mesopotamian raiders} formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, and struck down the young men with the edge of the sword {lefi-cherev: ruthless killing}; and I alone escaped to tell you.”
18 While he continued to speak, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters are eating and drinking wine {yayin: celebratory drink} in the house of their firstborn {bechor: eldest child} brother.”
19 And behold {hinneh: sudden attention signal}, a great wind {ruach: wind bringing destruction} came from beyond the desert and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they died. And I alone have escaped to tell you.
20 Then Job {Iyov: persecuted one} stood up, tore his robe {meil: outer garment}, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and prostrated himself.
21 And he said, “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD {YHWH, Sovereign Giver} gave, and the LORD has taken away; may the name {shem: revealed character} of the LORD be blessed.”
22 In all this, Job did not sin, and he did not ascribe folly {tiflah: irreverent accusation} to God {Elohim, Above Reproach}.