Job 1:13
New International Version
One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,

New Living Translation
One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house,

English Standard Version
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

Berean Standard Bible
One day, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

Berean Literal Bible
And there came to be a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their brother, the firstborn.

King James Bible
And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:

New King James Version
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house;

New American Standard Bible
Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

NASB 1995
Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

NASB 1977
Now it happened on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their brother, the firstborn,

Amplified Bible
Now there was a day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

Berean Annotated Bible
One day, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

Christian Standard Bible
One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

American Standard Version
And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

Contemporary English Version
Job's sons and daughters were having a feast in the home of his oldest son,

English Revised Version
And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One day when Job's sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's home,

Good News Translation
One day when Job's children were having a feast at the home of their oldest brother,

International Standard Version
Some time later, when his children were celebrating in their oldest brother's house,

NET Bible
Now the day came when Job's sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,

New Heart English Bible
Now the day came when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

Webster's Bible Translation
And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
One day, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

World English Bible
It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the day is, that his sons and his daughters are eating and drinking wine in the house of their brother, the firstborn.

Berean Literal Bible
And there came to be a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their brother, the firstborn.

Young's Literal Translation
And the day is, that his sons and his daughters are eating, and drinking wine, in the house of their brother, the first-born.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the day will be and his sons and daughters will be eating and drinking wine in the house of their brother, the first-born:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now upon a certain day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother,

Catholic Public Domain Version
So, on a certain day, when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine, in the house of their first-born brother,

New American Bible
One day, while his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother,

New Revised Standard Version
One day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother’s house,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there was a day when Job's sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the day came and the sons and daughters of Job were eating and drinking in the house of their elder brother
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass on a certain day, that Job's sons and his daughters were drinking wine in the house of their elder brother.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job Loses His Children and Possessions
13 One day, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14a messenger came and reported to Job: “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,…

Cross References
One day,

Luke 17:26-27
Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: / People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

Matthew 24:37-39
As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. / For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. / And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. / While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
while Job’s sons and daughters

Genesis 46:7
Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.

1 Samuel 1:4-5
And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. / But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.

Deuteronomy 31:12-13
Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
were eating and drinking wine

Daniel 5:1-4
Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. …

Amos 6:4-6
You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. / You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. / You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. / For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.
in their oldest brother’s house,

Luke 15:25-32
Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. / So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. / ‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ …

Genesis 27:1-4
When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. / “Look,” said Isaac, “I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death. / Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. …

2 Samuel 13:8-10
So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked them. / Then she brought the pan and set it down before him, but he refused to eat. “Send everyone away!” said Amnon. And everyone went out. / Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, so that I may eat it from your hand.” Tamar took the cakes she had made and went to her brother Amnon’s bedroom.
Job 2:1-3
On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.”

Job 42:10-11
After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions. / All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

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.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.


Treasury of Scripture

And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house:

when.

Job 1:4
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Ecclesiastes 9:12
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

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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.












One day
This phrase sets the scene for a specific event in the narrative of Job. It indicates a particular moment in time, suggesting the suddenness and unexpected nature of the events that follow. In the broader context of the book, it emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the trials that can come without warning.

while Job’s sons and daughters
Job's family is central to his life and wealth, reflecting the cultural importance of family in ancient Near Eastern societies. The mention of both sons and daughters highlights Job's prosperity and the blessings he enjoyed. It also sets the stage for the personal nature of the trials he will face, as they directly impact his loved ones.

were eating and drinking wine
This phrase suggests a time of celebration and fellowship, possibly a feast or a special occasion. In the cultural context, such gatherings were common and signified joy and abundance. The mention of wine indicates a festive atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with the calamity that is about to occur.

in their oldest brother’s house
The gathering at the oldest brother's house may imply a position of leadership or honor within the family, as the eldest often held a place of prominence. This setting underscores the unity and closeness of Job's family, which is significant given the trials that will test these bonds. The house serves as a symbol of security and familial connection, soon to be disrupted by the events that follow.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is central to the account as a model of faith and endurance.

2. Job's Sons and Daughters
They are gathered together, enjoying a feast, which indicates a time of peace and prosperity before the trials begin.

3. Oldest Brother’s House
The setting for the event, symbolizing familial unity and the blessings Job's family enjoyed.

4. Eating and Drinking Wine
This activity signifies celebration and normalcy, setting the stage for the sudden calamities that follow.

5. The Day
This unspecified day marks the beginning of Job's trials, highlighting the unpredictability of life's challenges.
Teaching Points
The Unpredictability of Life
Life can change suddenly and without warning. We must be prepared spiritually for the trials that may come.

The Importance of Family and Community
Job's children gathered together, showing the value of family unity. In times of trial, community support is vital.

Faith Amidst Prosperity
Even in times of peace and prosperity, maintaining a strong relationship with God is crucial, as trials can come unexpectedly.

The Role of Celebration in Life
Celebrations are a part of life and should be enjoyed, but they should not distract us from our spiritual vigilance.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Understanding that God is sovereign even when life seems chaotic can provide comfort and strength during difficult times.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Job 1:13?

2. How does Job 1:13 illustrate the suddenness of trials in our lives?

3. What can we learn from Job's response to unexpected adversity in Job 1?

4. How does Job 1:13 connect to James 1:2-4 about facing trials?

5. How can we prepare spiritually for unexpected challenges like Job faced?

6. What role does faith play when we encounter sudden hardships, as seen in Job 1?

7. Why does God allow Satan to test Job's faith in Job 1:13?

8. How does Job 1:13 challenge the concept of divine protection for the righteous?

9. What does Job 1:13 reveal about the nature of suffering in a believer's life?

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

11. How does the Bible offer comfort in grief?

12. Who are the sons of God in the Bible?

13. Why would Job 3 present a poetic lament that appears contradictory to a worldview promoting divine compassion, and how has this been reconciled historically?

14. How does Job remain faithful amidst immense suffering?
What Does Job 1:13 Mean
One day

• Scripture presents this as a real, historical day—an ordinary date on the calendar when no one expected calamity (cf. James 4:13-15; Proverbs 27:1).

• The phrase reminds us that God’s sovereignty rules over each single day (Psalm 118:24), and the trials He permits are never random (Romans 8:28).

• Its suddenness foreshadows how swiftly testing can break in on apparent peace, echoing the warning that “while they are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction comes” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).


while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine

• This ties directly to Job 1:4-5, where the siblings routinely gathered for festive meals, and Job, acting as priest of his household, covered them with burnt offerings.

• Eating and drinking are gifts from God meant to be enjoyed with gratitude (Ecclesiastes 9:7; 1 Timothy 6:17). The text never hints at debauchery; rather, it portrays normal, wholesome celebration.

• Their gathering highlights Job’s prior blessing: a united family living in harmony (Psalm 133:1). Yet even in blessing we must remember life’s fragility (Luke 17:27).

• The scene illustrates that tests often strike at what we cherish most, pressing us to trust the Giver more than the gifts (Job 1:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31).


in their oldest brother’s house

• The eldest brother hosted, reflecting ancient custom and firstborn leadership (Genesis 27:29). His home served as the central place of family fellowship.

• By specifying the location, Scripture shows how particular and personal God’s permissions can be: one identifiable house becomes the target of the coming whirlwind (Job 1:18-19).

• The detail intensifies the later news Job receives; the very spot of joy turns into a scene of tragedy, underscoring the contrast between earthly security and ultimate dependence on God (Matthew 7:24-27).

• It also affirms the literal historicity of the narrative—this was a genuine house, a real family, a concrete setting in Uz.


summary

Job 1:13 sets the stage for the testing of a righteous man by spotlighting an ordinary, joy-filled family gathering suddenly exposed to extraordinary trial. The verse reminds us that every day is under God’s rule, that His blessings are to be enjoyed with thankful hearts, and that even the strongest earthly securities can vanish in a moment. Our confidence must rest not in the feast, the house, or the harmony, but in the Lord who gives and, at times, permits them to be taken away.

Verse 13. - And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house. One of the birthdays, the eldest brother's probably, had come round, and the ordinary gathering (see ver. 4) had taken place - the feasting and drinking had begun, while the father, remaining in his own house, was perhaps interceding with God for his children, or anxiously considering the possibility that, in their light-hearted merriment, they might have put God away altogether from their thoughts, and So have practically renounced him, when the series of calamities began. How often calamity comes to us when we are least expecting it, when all seems quiet about us, when everything is prospering - nay, even when a high festival-time has come, and the joy-bells are sounding in our ears, and our 'hearts are elated within us! Job was, at any rate, spared the sudden plunge from exuberant joy into the depths of woe. It was his habit to preserve an even temper, and neither to be greatly exalted, nor, unless under an extremity of suffering, to be greatly depressed. He was now, however, about to be subjected to a fiery trial.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One day,
הַיּ֑וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

while Job’s sons
וּבָנָ֨יו (ū·ḇā·nāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and daughters
וּבְנֹתָ֤יו (ū·ḇə·nō·ṯāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

were eating
אֹֽכְלִים֙ (’ō·ḵə·lîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 398: To eat

and drinking
וְשֹׁתִ֣ים (wə·šō·ṯîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

wine
יַ֔יִן (ya·yin)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

in their oldest
הַבְּכֽוֹר׃ (hab·bə·ḵō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

brother’s
אֲחִיהֶ֥ם (’ă·ḥî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

house,
בְּבֵ֖ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT Poetry: Job 1:13 It fell on a day when his (Jb)
Job 1:12
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