Abstract
This essay examines how interpretations of the Book of Job have evolved throughout history, focusing particularly on Job's final words (42:6), traditionally translated as "I repent in dust and ashes." This interpretation, originating from the Latin translation, aligns with Christian theology of sin and repentance but likely diverges from the original Hebrew meaning.
The author traces Job's image shifting from the patient, pious figure in Greek tradition, through the sinful yet righteous man in Latin translations, to the protesting Job in modern readings. Post-Auschwitz theology critically challenged the notion that innocent Job should express repentance.
An alternative reading of 42:6 as "I have found consolation for my miserable existence" better corresponds with the theme of mourning and comfort running throughout the book. Job's consolation comes not from acknowledging guilt, but from God not condemning him and Job's realization that his innocent suffering can coexist with God's good governance.
The Book of Job represents a bold theological experiment questioning standard answers to the problem of suffering. By rediscovering its original Hebrew context, we better understand how revolutionary this text was and remains.
The author traces Job's image shifting from the patient, pious figure in Greek tradition, through the sinful yet righteous man in Latin translations, to the protesting Job in modern readings. Post-Auschwitz theology critically challenged the notion that innocent Job should express repentance.
An alternative reading of 42:6 as "I have found consolation for my miserable existence" better corresponds with the theme of mourning and comfort running throughout the book. Job's consolation comes not from acknowledging guilt, but from God not condemning him and Job's realization that his innocent suffering can coexist with God's good governance.
The Book of Job represents a bold theological experiment questioning standard answers to the problem of suffering. By rediscovering its original Hebrew context, we better understand how revolutionary this text was and remains.
| Translated title of the contribution | Job's Comfort |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Title of host publication | De lijdende mens |
| Subtitle of host publication | Perspectieven op lijden, schuld en troost bij het boek Job met bijdragen van Christophe Vekeman, Désanne van Brederode, Esther van Fenema en Matthijs de Jong |
| Publisher | Nederlands-Vlaams Bijbelgenootschap |
| Pages | 54-70 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9789089123329 |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Keywords
- Job, history of interpretation, guilt, sin, punishment, repentance, comfort