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”).
The Meaning of תָּם וְיָשָׁר in Job 1:1
The description of Job as תָּם וְיָשָׁר establishes him as a model of righteousness in biblical wisdom literature. These terms highlight his moral integrity, ethical behavior, and devotion to God.
Job’s character is presented as beyond reproach, setting the stage for the dramatic theological discussions in the rest of the book.