Job 2:11
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֞וּ
heard
H8085
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֞וּ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 25
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת׀
three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת׀
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
2 of 25
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לָב֥וֹא
that was come
H935
לָב֥וֹא
that was come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 25
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עָלָיו֒
H5921
עָלָיו֒
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לָב֥וֹא
that was come
H935
לָב֥וֹא
that was come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 25
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 25
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִמְּקֹמ֔וֹ
from his own place
H4725
מִמְּקֹמ֔וֹ
from his own place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
13 of 25
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֱלִיפַ֤ז
Eliphaz
H464
אֱלִיפַ֤ז
Eliphaz
Strong's:
H464
Word #:
14 of 25
eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau
הַנַּֽעֲמָתִ֑י
the Naamathite
H5284
הַנַּֽעֲמָתִ֑י
the Naamathite
Strong's:
H5284
Word #:
19 of 25
a naamathite, or inhabitant of naamah
וַיִּוָּֽעֲד֣וּ
for they had made an appointment
H3259
וַיִּוָּֽעֲד֣וּ
for they had made an appointment
Strong's:
H3259
Word #:
20 of 25
to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi
לָב֥וֹא
that was come
H935
לָב֥וֹא
that was come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
22 of 25
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Job 42:11Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.Proverbs 17:17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.Jeremiah 49:7Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?Genesis 25:2And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.Job 6:14To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.1 Corinthians 12:26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.Genesis 36:11And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
Historical Context
The friends' distant origins (Teman in Edom, Shuah in Arabia, Naamah location uncertain) demonstrate Job's international reputation and influence. Their willingness to travel considerable distances shows the depth of their friendship.
Questions for Reflection
- When friends are suffering, do you prioritize presence over solutions?
- How do you discern between godly counsel and well-intentioned but false comfort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—hear of his calamities and come 'to mourn with him and to comfort him.' Their names and origins suggest they represent the wisdom traditions of the wider Ancient Near East. Their initial motivation appears righteous: covenant friendship demands presence in suffering. This sets up the tragedy that follows—good intentions without divine wisdom produce false comfort that 'makes the heart sick' (Proverbs 13:12).