The Meaning of תָּם וְיָשָׁר in Job 1:1

Job 1:1 in Hebrew

אִ֛ישׁ הָיָ֥ה בְאֶֽרֶץ־ע֖וּץ אִיֹּ֣וב שְׁמֹ֑ו וְהָיָ֣ה הָאִ֣ישׁ הַה֗וּא תָּ֧ם וְיָשָׁ֛ר וִירֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים וְסָ֥ר מֵרָֽע׃

Introduction to Job’s Character

Job 1:1 introduces Job as a man of exemplary character, describing him with four key attributes:

תָּ֧ם וְיָשָׁ֛ר – “blameless and upright”
וִירֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים – “fearing God”
וְסָ֥ר מֵרָֽע – “turning away from evil”

The phrase תָּם וְיָשָׁר is particularly significant in biblical wisdom literature, reflecting moral integrity and righteousness.

Understanding תָּם and יָשָׁר

1. תָּם (Tam) – “Blameless” or “Complete”
– Derived from the root ת־מ־ם (t-m-m), meaning “to be complete, whole, or perfect.”
– In this context, תָּם does not mean sinless perfection but rather moral integrity and wholehearted devotion to God.
– The same term is used in descriptions of spiritual maturity (e.g., Genesis 17:1).

2. יָשָׁר (Yashar) – “Upright” or “Straight”
– Derived from the root י־ש־ר (y-š-r), meaning “to be straight, just, or right.”
– Indicates ethical correctness, suggesting that Job was just and fair in his dealings with others.

The Significance of תָּם וְיָשָׁר in Job 1:1

1. Job as an Ideal Figure in Wisdom Literature
– The description of Job as תָּם וְיָשָׁר aligns with wisdom traditions that emphasize righteousness as the ideal life path.
– His moral character contrasts with the accusations later made by his friends.

2. Linking Internal Character with External Conduct
– תָּם (blameless) describes his inner character.
– יָשָׁר (upright) refers to his ethical actions in the world.
– Together, they depict a man who is internally and externally righteous.

3. Connection to the Fear of God
– The next phrase, וִירֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים (“fearing God”), reinforces that Job’s moral integrity is rooted in reverence for God.
– This fear of God leads to ethical behavior, represented by וְסָ֥ר מֵרָֽע (“turning away from evil”).