Lexical Summary Tsophar: Zophar Original Word: צוֹפַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zophar From tsaphar; departing; Tsophar, a friend of Job -- Zophar. see HEBREW tsaphar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tsaphir Definition one of Job's friends NASB Translation Zophar (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֹפַר and (Job 2:11) צוֺפַר proper name, masculine Job's third friend הַנַּעַמָתִי ׳צ Job 2:11; Job 11:1; Job 20:1; Job 42:9; Σωφαπ. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Zophar, the Naamathite, is the third of Job’s three original friends (Job 2:11). His designation “Naamathite” likely ties him to Naamah in northern Arabia or Edom, situating him among the sages of the ancient East whose counsel Job esteemed (Job 12:3). Occurrences in Scripture Job 2:11; Job 11:1; Job 20:1; Job 42:9. These four references mark Zophar’s arrival, his two speeches, and his later obedience to the divine command to seek Job’s intercession. Historical Context The narrative of Job is set in the patriarchal period, evidenced by Job’s longevity, his role as family priest, and the absence of Mosaic institutions. In that milieu, Zophar represents a stream of traditional Near-Eastern wisdom that equated righteousness with prosperity and sin with suffering. Role in the Book of Job 1. Arrival and Intent (Job 2:11): Zophar comes “to sympathize with him and comfort him.” Yet his sympathy quickly gives way to indictment. Theological Themes in Zophar’s Speeches Retributive Justice: Zophar assumes a mechanistic view—suffering proves sin (Job 11:6). Divine Transcendence: While misapplied, he affirms a lofty vision of God. “Can you fathom the deep things of God?” (Job 11:7–8). Call to Repentance and Hope: He promises that confession will lead to a “life brighter than noonday” (Job 11:13–17). The Fleeting Prosperity of the Wicked: His vivid imagery in Job 20 portrays evil as sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach (Job 20:12–23). Comparative Assessment with Job’s Other Friends Eliphaz appeals to experience and visions, Bildad to tradition, whereas Zophar leans on dogmatic certainty. Together they embody the inadequacy of human wisdom when detached from divine revelation. Doctrinal Lessons 1. Partial Truth Can Become Error: Zophar’s correct assertions about God’s greatness become accusatory when misapplied. Practical Ministry Application • Guard against presuming guilt when counseling the afflicted. Canonical Relevance Zophar’s speeches, though flawed, serve the inspired purpose of exposing inadequate human explanations and preparing the reader for the LORD’s own declaration: “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2). His place within Job’s drama underscores that even sincere believers must submit their theology to the corrective light of divine revelation. Forms and Transliterations וְצוֹפַ֖ר וצופר צֹפַ֥ר צֹפַר֙ צפר ṣō·p̄ar ṣōp̄ar tzoFar vetzoFar wə·ṣō·w·p̄ar wəṣōwp̄arLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 2:11 HEB: וּבִלְדַּ֣ד הַשּׁוּחִ֔י וְצוֹפַ֖ר הַנַּֽעֲמָתִ֑י וַיִּוָּעֲד֣וּ NAS: the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; KJV: the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: INT: Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite made Job 11:1 Job 20:1 Job 42:9 4 Occurrences |
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