יוֹב

Job, an Israelite

Definition

The Hebrew word יוֹב (Yôwb) is a proper noun referring to a single individual in the Old Testament: Job, the third son of Issachar (Genesis 46:13). This Job is distinct from the more famous sufferer in the Book of Job, whose name is spelled אִיּוֹב (ʼIyyôwb, H347). The Genesis figure is listed among the descendants of Jacob who went down to Egypt. The name's meaning is uncertain, but it may be connected to the concept of 'enmity' or 'hostility,' or it could be a scribal variant of another name.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 46:13, within the genealogical list of Jacob's family. It functions solely as a personal name for a specific, minor patriarch from the tribe of Issachar. There are no other contexts or patterns of usage.

Etymology

The etymology is debated. Strong's suggests it is perhaps a form of יוֹבָב (Yôwbâb, H3103), a name meaning 'howler' or possibly 'desert dweller.' However, many scholars consider it more likely to be an erroneous transcription or variant spelling of יָשׁוּב (Yâshûwb, H3437), meaning 'he returns' or 'he will return,' which is the name of another of Issachar's sons listed in Numbers 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 7:1.

Semantic Range

As a personal name in an ancient Israelite genealogy, it reflects the common practice of using meaningful names, often related to circumstances or divine attributes. The potential confusion with the spelling of the name of the central figure in the Book of Job highlights the importance of careful textual analysis, as these are two different individuals with similar-sounding names.

אִיּוֹב (ʼIyyôwb, H347) — The name of the righteous sufferer in the Book of Job, a different individual. יָשׁוּב (Yâshûwb, H3437) — A likely original form or close relative of this name, borne by another son of Issachar.

Word Details

Scripture References