Keziah
Keziah was the name of Job's second daughter, born to him after God restored his fortunes.
Biography
Keziah was the second of three daughters born to Job following the dramatic restoration of his fortunes by God (Job 42:14). Her name, meaning "cassia", a fragrant spice related to cinnamon, evokes beauty and sweetness. Along with her sisters Jemimah and Keren-Happuch, Keziah represents the fullness of Job's renewed blessing. The text notes that Job's daughters were considered the most beautiful women in all the land, and in a remarkable departure from common ancient Near Eastern practice, Job granted them an inheritance alongside their brothers. Though Scripture records nothing further of Keziah's personal life, her existence stands as a living emblem of divine restoration, joy after suffering, and the generosity of a father shaped by profound trial and encounter with the living God.
Significance
Keziah embodies the theology of divine restoration at the heart of the book of Job. Her birth after Job's trial underscores that God's redemptive purposes exceed simple material replacement, he restores beauty, family, and legacy. The granting of inheritance to Job's daughters challenges patriarchal norms and anticipates a vision of equity rooted in God's generous character. Keziah's fragrant name points to the sweetness that can emerge from suffering endured in faithfulness. For readers, she is a symbol that God's restoration is richer and more comprehensive than what was lost, affirming that those who trust God through darkness will see his goodness made manifest.
Verse Appearances (1)
Job
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
