The Hebrew book of Job is an exquisite piece of literary art that many consider one of the most outstanding compositions in world literature. It is a poetic work of remarkable theological richness, passion, and honesty, yet it is an immensely difficult text to understand. C. L. Seow’s inaugural Illuminations commentary offers a literary-theological interpretation of Job written in an accessible style for a wide audience, a new translation, and detailed verse-by-verse commentary for a deeper dive into the complex linguistic and thematic issues. The commentary’s unique History of Consequences section draws attention to the reception history of Job in Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Western secular interpretations found in writings and artistic representations. Seow reveals not only how interpreters throughout history have grappled with the human struggle to understand the reasons for suffering and the possibility of divine complicity in undeserved suffering but also why we continue to struggle with these ideas today.

C. L. Seow is Vanderbilt, Buffington, Cupples Chair in Divinity and Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible at Vanderbilt University. A recognized expert in Old Testament studies and the general editor of the Illuminations series, he is also the author of Ecclesiastes in the Anchor Bible commentary series.

Praise for Job 1–21: Interpretation and Commentary

“The appearance of Leong Seow’s marvelous, eclectic commentary on the book of Job is an occasion for celebration. It is the first critical commentary to give proper weight to reception history along with the philological and literary analysis necessary to support judicious interpretation. Seow is a thorough and learned commentator with a keen eye and ear for ambiguity and nuance. In addition, his lucid and elegant writing is a pleasure to read.”
— Alan Cooper, Jewish Theological Seminary

“As in his masterful commentary on Ecclesiastes, Seow brings to the book of Job a rare combination of historical knowledge, linguistic expertise, patient attention to details, and a sense of existential and theological perspective.… The result is a commentary that is bound to become a classic in Job studies.”
— J. Gerald Janzen, Christian Theological Seminary

“This is easily the most comprehensive commentary available on the book of Job. From detailed textual analysis to artistic and poetic interpretations, Seow provides a rich avenue into one of our most complex biblical books. The breadth of scholarship is matched by the clarity and attractiveness of presentation. This will be a standard work for a long time to come.”
— Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary

“A lucid, extraordinarily erudite commentary.”
— Michael V. Fox, University of Wisconsin–Madison

“An outstanding masterpiece of philology, exegesis, and theological interpretation.”
—Thomas Krüger, University of Zurich

“One of the very best commentaries in the last hundred years.… Much of Seow’s work will not need to be redone.”
— Michael D. Coogan, Harvard Divinity School

“A dazzling combination of sophisticated linguistic work and profound theological insights. Seow is an ideal commentator on what is arguably the most challenging book—linguistically and theologically—in the Hebrew Bible.”
— James Kugel, Bar-Ilan University

“Leong Seow is arguably the master scholar, researcher, teacher, and interpreter of his generation. In this remarkable book, his singular capacities are fully on exhibit—mastery of the critical apparatus, attentiveness to rhetorical nuance, theological sensibility, and acuteness concerning the historical spectrum of interpretations.”
— Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

“Seow’s brilliant Illuminations commentary will have a tremendous influence on all future interpretations of the book of Job.”
— Tremper Longman, Westmont College

“A breathtaking example of learning and erudition on an astonishing number of fronts.”
— Carol A. Newsom, Candler School of Theology

Biblical Archaeology Society 2015 Publication Award for Best Book Relating to the Hebrew Bible