Who Was Iyov? Exploring the Mystery, Suffering, and Spiritual Power of Job

Iyov (Job) is one of the most enigmatic figures in the Tanach. Was he a prophet or a parable? A Jew or a non-Jew? Did he live in the time of Avraham, Moshe, or even much later? While his story is famous for its portrayal of intense suffering, Jewish tradition reveals much more beneath the surface, about reincarnation, Divine justice, and the complexity of human faith.

The Hidden Identity of Iyov

The identity and era of Iyov are shrouded in mystery. The Talmud (Bava Batra 15b) presents multiple views: some say he lived in the time of the Patriarchs; others say during Moshe’s lifetime, or during the Babylonian exile, or even in the time of Achashverosh or Nevuchadnezzar. Some sages believe Iyov was a Jew; others claim he was a righteous gentile.

A Midrash in Sotah (11a) adds that Iyov was one of Pharaoh’s three advisors during the decree to throw Jewish baby boys into the Nile. While one advisor, Yitro, protested, and another, Bilam, encouraged the decree, Iyov remained silent. For that silence, he was punished with great suffering later in life.

Yet not all agree he was a historical figure. In the Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), the Rambam (Maimonides) suggests that Iyov may never have existed. Rather, his story is a parable; a profound philosophical narrative designed to explore the mysteries of suffering, faith, and Divine justice. The Rambam writes: “It is not like other allegories, but one that carries deep wonders and truths at the core of existence. It reveals great uncertainties and unveils eternal truths.” (Moreh Nevuchim III:22)

A Soul Reborn: Iyov’s Past Life as Terach

According to one Midrashic teaching, Iyov's suffering was not rooted in his current life but in a previous one. Hashem showed Iyov the image of Terach, the father of Avraham, who had led many people astray into idol worship. Iyov recognized that he was a reincarnation of Terach and that his suffering was meant to purify the soul from the sins of that past life.

Once his spiritual cleansing was complete, Iyov was restored, his blessings returned, and his fortunes renewed.

Misguided Friends and Divine Rebuke

Three friends came to comfort Iyov during his suffering, but instead of offering empathy, they accused him of harboring hidden sins. They argued that his suffering must be a punishment for wrongdoing, perhaps sins he had forgotten or dismissed.

Iyov, confident in his innocence, rejected their accusations. Ultimately, Hashem rebuked the friends for their words: “My anger burns against you… for you have not spoken of Me correctly, as has My servant Iyov. Now take seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Iyov and offer burnt offerings… and My servant Iyov will pray for you…” (Iyov 42:7–8)

Their offense lay not only in misjudging Iyov, but in misrepresenting Hashem’s justice. Ironically, the man they condemned was the one chosen to pray on their behalf.

Iyov Almost Became a Patriarch

According to Yalkut Shimoni, Iyov’s spiritual level was so high that had he not “protested” during his trials, he would have been remembered alongside Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov in our daily prayers. Rabbi Chanina bar Papa states: “If not for the fact that Iyov complained when suffering came upon him, we would say today: ‘The God of Avraham, the God of Yitzchak, the God of Yaakov, and the God of Iyov.’”
Instead, when Iyov cried out, “If only I knew where to find Him…” (Iyov 23:3), Hashem responded: “Who is this who darkens counsel with words without knowledge?” (Iyov 38:2)

Faith: Out of Fear or Out of Love?

One of the deepest debates about Iyov centers around his motive for serving Hashem. Did he serve out of fear or out of love?

Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai argues that Iyov was motivated by fear, concerned that Divine punishment might befall him. In contrast, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Horcanus insists that Iyov served Hashem out of love, regardless of reward or suffering. He cites the verse: “Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him” (Iyov 13:15) (Sotah 27b).

A Message From the Land of Utz

Iyov is introduced as a man from the “land of Utz,” a place named for Utz, the eldest son of Nachor, brother of Avraham. But the Rambam saw deeper meaning in this verse: “There was a man in the land of Utz…”
The Hebrew root utz also means “counsel.” The Rambam reads it symbolically. This is a story meant to offer eitza (guidance), inviting the reader to reflect on the nature of suffering, Divine providence, and the limits of human understanding (Moreh Nevuchim III:22).

Iyov's story remains one of the most powerful explorations of faith, justice, and the human condition in all of Jewish thought. Whether read as historical biography or profound allegory, his life challenges us to confront our assumptions about reward, punishment, and faith, and his spiritual resilience continues to inspire us today.