איוב, פרק מ״ב, פסוק י״ד

Job 42:14Sefaria

וַיִּקְרָ֤א שֵׁם־הָאַחַת֙ יְמִימָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית קְצִיעָ֑ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית קֶ֥רֶן הַפּֽוּךְ׃

The names given to Job’s daughters serve as more than simple identification; they are living testimonies to their exceptional traits. These names reflect their rare physical beauty while also hinting at profound insights into the essence of life and the legacy a person leaves behind. The commentators agree that the daughters were blessed with great beauty, and their names directly expressed their looks and grace [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

The first daughter was named Yemimah, a name associated with the day [אבן עזרא, תקות אנוש]. Her appearance was pure and bright, clear and illuminated like the day itself [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ], with her face shining brightly like the sun [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. The second daughter, Keziah, carries the name of a familiar and pleasant perfume [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, תקות אנוש]. She received this name because her scent was sweet and traveled great distances, much like the fragrance of a fine spice [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

For the third daughter, Keren Happuch, there are different explanations regarding the imagery behind her name. One approach suggests it refers to a cosmetic tool, specifically a horn used to store powder for eye makeup [רש״י, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective views the name as an expression of glow and prestige. According to this view, the first part of her name means shining, while the second part refers to a precious, sparkling stone, indicating that her beauty was brilliant and glowing like a rare gem [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, תקות אנוש].

Beyond the physical layer of beauty and success, there is a deeper philosophical message regarding human purpose. After enduring intense suffering, Job reaches the understanding that physical life and the material body are temporary, and a person's true existence is the life of the soul in the World to Come. In light of this realization, the specific focus on his daughters' names hints that the most valuable thing a person can acquire during their lifetime is a good name. The good reputation and the deeds a person leaves behind are the true provisions for the eternal life of the soul [מלבי״ם].

נעזרתם בפירוש שלנו ומצאתם בו ערך?

עזרו לנו להגדיל תורה ולהאדירה. תחזוקת האתר והשבחת התוכן כרוכות בהוצאות מרובות. תרומה קטנה שלכם תסייע לנו להחזיק את הפלטפורמה ותהפוך אתכם לשותפים מלאים בהנגשת חוכמת המקרא.

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