Job 1:20
New International Version
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship

New Living Translation
Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.

English Standard Version
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

Berean Literal Bible
And Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and bowed low,

King James Bible
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

New King James Version
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

New American Standard Bible
Then Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped.

NASB 1995
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

NASB 1977
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

Amplified Bible
Then Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head [in mourning for the children], and he fell to the ground and worshiped [God].

Berean Annotated Bible
Then Job (hated) stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

Christian Standard Bible
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

American Standard Version
Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped;

Contemporary English Version
When Job heard this, he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God

English Revised Version
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Job stood up, tore his robe in grief, and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped.

Good News Translation
Then Job got up and tore his clothes in grief. He shaved his head and threw himself face downward on the ground.

International Standard Version
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground, bowed very low,

NET Bible
Then Job got up and tore his robe. He shaved his head, and then he threw himself down with his face to the ground.

New Heart English Bible
Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down with his face to the ground.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

World English Bible
Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Job rises, and tears his robe, and shaves his head, and falls to the earth, and pays respect,

Berean Literal Bible
And Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and bowed low,

Young's Literal Translation
And Job riseth, and rendeth his robe, and shaveth his head, and falleth to the earth, and doth obeisance,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Job will rise and rend his covering, and shave his head, and fall to the earth and worship.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Job rose up, and rent his garments, and having shaven his head fell down upon the ground and worshipped,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Job got up and tore his garments, and, having shaved his head, he collapsed on the ground, and worshipped,

New American Bible
Then Job arose and tore his cloak and cut off his hair. He fell to the ground and worshiped.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Job stood and ripped his cloak and shaved his head, and he fell on the ground and worshiped
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So Job arose, and rent his garments, and shaved the hair of his head, and fell on the earth, and worshipped,

Additional Translations ...



Context
Job Loses His Children and Possessions
19when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 20Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”…

Cross References
Then Job stood up,

2 Samuel 12:20
Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate.

Genesis 23:3
Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites,
tore his robe,

2 Samuel 13:31
Then the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. And all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.

Genesis 37:34
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
and shaved his head.

Jeremiah 16:6
“Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them.

Micah 1:16
Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning for your precious children; make yourselves as bald as an eagle, for they will go from you into exile.
He fell to the ground

Joshua 5:14
“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?”

Genesis 17:3
Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,
and worshiped,

2 Chronicles 20:18
Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him.

1 Chronicles 29:20
Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the LORD your God.” So the whole assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers. They bowed down and paid homage to the LORD and to the king.
James 5:11
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:5-11
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? …

1 Peter 5:6-10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. / Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. / Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. …


Treasury of Scripture

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshipped,

rent.

Genesis 37:29,34
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes…

Ezra 9:3
And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

mantle.

Deuteronomy 9:18
And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

2 Samuel 12:16-20
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth…

2 Chronicles 7:3
And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

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Job 1
1. The holiness, riches, and reverent care of Job for his children.
6. Satan, appearing before God, obtains leave to afflict Job.
13. Understanding of the loss of his children and goods, in his mourning Job blesses God.












Then Job stood up,

Job rose from the place where he had received the reports of his children’s deaths and the loss of his possessions. His movement marks the beginning of a deliberate response to overwhelming grief.

2Sa 12:20 Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed…
Gen 23:3 Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife…

tore his robe,

He followed the customary practice of mourning, outwardly expressing the devastation of his loss. The torn garment reflected the depth of sorrow brought by the sudden destruction of his household.

2Sa 13:31 Then the king stood up, tore his clothes,…
Gen 37:34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist,…

and shaved his head.

Job also adopted a recognized sign of mourning and humiliation. Having been stripped of his wealth and children, he laid aside every appearance of personal honor before God.

Jer 16:6 “Both great and small will die in this land.…
Mic 1:16 Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning…

He fell to the ground

His grief led him into a posture of humility and submission. Though the disasters had come through human violence and natural forces, Job recognized that his life remained under God’s authority.

Jos 5:14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander…”…
Gen 17:3 Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,

and worshiped,

Job did not curse God or abandon his faith. In the first moments after losing nearly everything, he bowed before the Lord, acknowledging God as worthy of worship even in sorrow.

2Ch 20:18 Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah…
1Ch 29:20 Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the LORD…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and steadfast faith.

2. Tearing of the Robe
An ancient Near Eastern custom signifying deep grief or mourning. It was a physical expression of inner turmoil and distress.

3. Shaving of the Head
Another cultural expression of mourning and humility. It symbolized the stripping away of personal glory and pride.

4. Falling to the Ground
A posture of submission and humility before God, often associated with worship and prayer.

5. Worship
Despite his suffering, Job's immediate response was to worship God, demonstrating his unwavering faith and reverence.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Suffering
Suffering is a part of the human experience, even for the righteous. Job's response teaches us that it's okay to express grief and sorrow.

Authentic Worship
True worship is not dependent on circumstances. Job worshiped God in the midst of his suffering, showing that worship is an act of faith and trust.

Humility Before God
Job's actions of tearing his robe and shaving his head reflect a heart of humility. In our trials, we are called to humble ourselves before God.

Faith in Adversity
Job's immediate response to worship in his darkest moment is a powerful testament to his faith. We are encouraged to maintain our faith and trust in God, regardless of our circumstances.

Cultural Expressions of Grief
Understanding the cultural context of mourning practices in the Bible can deepen our appreciation for the emotional and spiritual depth of biblical accounts.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Job 1:20?

2. How does Job 1:20 demonstrate a faithful response to personal suffering?

3. What does Job's reaction in Job 1:20 teach about worship amidst trials?

4. How can Job 1:20 inspire us to maintain faith during life's challenges?

5. What biblical examples parallel Job's worshipful response in Job 1:20?

6. How can we apply Job's humility in Job 1:20 to our daily lives?

7. Why did Job tear his robe and shave his head in Job 1:20?

8. How does Job 1:20 reflect on human suffering and faith?

9. What cultural significance do tearing robes and shaving heads have in Job 1:20?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 1?


(20) And worshipped.--Compare the conduct of David (2Samuel 12:20) and of Hezekiah (2Kings 19:1). Moments of intense sorrow or trial, like moments of intense joy, force us into the immediate presence of God.

Verse 20. - Then Job arose. Not till the last calamity was announced did Job stir. The loss of his wealth little moved him. But when he heard that his children were destroyed, all of them "at one fell swoop," then he could endure no longer, but rose from the seat on which he was sitting, and showed forth his grief. First he rent his mantle, "the outer robe worn by men of rank" (Cook) - a customary sign of grief in the ancient world (Genesis 37:29, 34; Genesis 44:13; 1 Kings 21:27; 2 Kings 19:1; Esther 4:1; Joel 2:13; Herod., 8:99; Livy, 1:13, etc.); then he shaved his head - another less usual but still not uncommon sign of grief, forbidden under the Law of the Jews (Leviticus 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1), but widely practised by the Gentiles (Isaiah 15:2; Jeremiah 47:5; Jeremiah 48:37; Herod., 2:36; 9:24; Plut.,'Vit. Pelop.,' § 34; Q. Gurt.,'Vit. Alex.,' 10:5, § 17). And fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. After giving vent to his natural grief, Job made an act of adoration. Recognizing the fact that adversity, as well as prosperity comes from God, and submitting himself to the Divine will, he "worshipped." How often has his act flashed across the minds of Christians. and enabled them, in their dark hour, to imitate him, and repeat his words, "The Lord gave," etc.!

Job’s five rapid actions—standing, tearing his robe, shaving his head, falling, and worshiping—trace a path from shock to surrender. He fully feels his sorrow yet refuses to sever trust in God. Physical signs of mourning pour out honest grief, while humble worship proclaims unwavering faith. Job 1:20 teaches that the believer may weep freely, but must worship faithfully, affirming God’s unchanging worth even when every earthly blessing is gone.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Job
אִיּוֹב֙ (’î·yō·wḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347: Job -- a patriarch

stood up,
וַיָּ֤קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

tore
וַיִּקְרַ֣ע (way·yiq·ra‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7167: To rend

his robe,
מְעִל֔וֹ (mə·‘i·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4598: A robe

and shaved
וַיָּ֖גָז (way·yā·ḡāz)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1494: To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemy

his head.
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

He fell
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל (way·yip·pōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

to the ground
אַ֖רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and worshiped,
וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃ (way·yiš·tā·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate


Additonal Resources
Job 1:20 Blue Letter Bible
Job 1:20 Bible Gateway
Job 1:20 Bible.com

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Job 1:20 Study Bible
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Job 1:20 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Job 1:20 Then Job arose and tore his robe (Jb)

Job 1:19
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