Job 2:11
New International Version
When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.

New Living Translation
When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite.

English Standard Version
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.

Berean Standard Bible
Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Job’s three friends heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, they came, each one from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.

NASB 1995
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.

NASB 1977
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Job’s three friends heard of all this calamity that had come upon him. So they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to console him and comfort him.

Amplified Bible
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; for they had made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.

Christian Standard Bible
Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had happened to him, each of them came from his home. They met together to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had happened to him, each of them came from his home. They met together to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.

American Standard Version
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, and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him.

Contemporary English Version
Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuah, and Zophar from Naamah were three of Job's friends, and they heard about his troubles. So they agreed to visit Job and comfort him.

English Revised Version
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: and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Job's three friends heard about all the terrible things that had happened to him, each of them came from his home-Eliphaz of Teman, Bildad of Shuah, Zophar of Naama. They had agreed they would go together to sympathize with Job and comfort him.

Good News Translation
Three of Job's friends were Eliphaz, from the city of Teman, Bildad, from the land of Shuah, and Zophar, from the land of Naamah. When they heard how much Job had been suffering, they decided to go and comfort him.

International Standard Version
When Job's three friends heard all these tragedies that happened to him, they each traveled from their home towns to visit him. Eliphaz came from Teman, Bildad came from Shuah, and Zophar came from Naamath. They met together and went to console and comfort him.

Majority Standard Bible
Now when Job?s three friends?Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite?heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him.

NET Bible
When Job's three friends heard about all this calamity that had happened to him, each of them came from his own country--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to come to show sympathy for him and to console him.

New Heart English Bible
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had 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.

World English Bible
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And three of the friends of Job hear of all this evil that has come on him, and they each come in from his place—Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—and they have met together to come to bemoan him, and to comfort him;

Young's Literal Translation
And three of the friends of Job hear of all this evil that hath come upon him, and they come in each from his place -- Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite -- and they are met together to come in to bemoan him, and to comfort him;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the three friends of Job will hear all this evil coming upon him, and they will come, a man from his place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: and they will appoint to come together to deplore for him, and to comfort him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now when Job's three friends heard all the evil that had befallen him, they came every one from his own place, Alphas the Themanite, and Baldad the Suhite, and Sophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment to come together and visit him, a nd comfort him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, three friends of Job, hearing about all the evil that had befallen him, arrived, each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Themanite, and Baldad the Suhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had agreed to come together to visit and console him.

New American Bible
Now when three of Job’s friends heard of all the misfortune that had come upon him, they set out each one from his own place: Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuh, and Zophar from Naamath. They met and journeyed together to give him sympathy and comfort.

New Revised Standard Version
Now when Job’s three friends heard of all these troubles that had come upon him, each of them set out from his home—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to go and console and comfort him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this misfortune that had come upon him, they set a time of meeting, and came to him every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; for they had made an appointment together to console and comfort him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the three friends of Job heard of all this evil that had come upon him, and they made an appointment and they came to him, each man from his place: Eliphaz the Taymanite and Beldad the Shukhite and Tsuphar the Namthite, and they made an appointment as one to come and to speak with his heart and for his comfort
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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; and they made an appointment together to come to bemoan him and to comfort him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now his three friends having heard of all the evil that was come upon him, came to him each from his own country: Eliphaz the king of the Thaemans, Baldad sovereign of the Saucheans, Sophar king of he Minaeans: and they came to him with one accord, to comfort and to visit him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job's Three Friends
11Now when Job’s three friends— Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite— heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him. 12When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head.…

Cross References
Job 42:11
All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

Job 16:20-21
My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God. / Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor!

Job 19:13-14
He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. / My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!

2 Corinthians 1:4
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

2 Corinthians 7:6
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

James 5:11
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

John 11:19
and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother.

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.

Luke 10:33-34
But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.


Treasury of Scripture

Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come on 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.

friends.

Job 6:14
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Job 16:20
My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

Job 19:19,21
All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me…

Temanite.

Job 6:19
The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

Job 15:1
Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,

Genesis 36:11,15
And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz…

Shuhite.

Job 8:1
Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

Job 18:1
Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

Genesis 25:2
And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

to come.

Job 42:11
Then 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.

Genesis 37:35
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Isaiah 51:19
These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

to comfort.

Job 13:4
But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.

Job 16:2
I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.

Jump to Previous
Appointment Bildad Comfort Eliphaz Evil Friends Heard Job's Mourn Naamathite Shuhite Sympathize Temanite Three Together Zophar
Jump to Next
Appointment Bildad Comfort Eliphaz Evil Friends Heard Job's Mourn Naamathite Shuhite Sympathize Temanite Three Together Zophar
Job 2
1. Satan, appearing again before God, obtains further leave to tempt Job.
7. He afflicts him with sore boils.
9. Job reproves his wife, who moved him to curse God.
11. His three friends console with him in silence.














Now when Job’s three friends
The mention of "three friends" introduces us to key figures in the narrative. In Hebrew culture, friendship was a sacred bond, often involving loyalty and mutual support. The number three may symbolize completeness or stability, suggesting that these friends represent a full spectrum of human counsel and companionship. Their role is pivotal in the unfolding drama, as they attempt to provide wisdom and comfort, albeit imperfectly.

Eliphaz the Temanite
Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, linking him to the region of Teman, known for its wise men (Jeremiah 49:7). This association suggests that Eliphaz is a man of wisdom and experience. The name Eliphaz means "God is fine gold," indicating a person of noble character or divine insight. His perspective in the dialogues often reflects traditional wisdom and the retributive justice of God.

Bildad the Shuhite
Bildad's designation as a Shuhite connects him to Shuah, a region or tribe possibly linked to the descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2). His name means "son of contention," which may foreshadow his argumentative nature in the dialogues. Bildad represents a more rigid, perhaps legalistic, approach to understanding suffering and divine justice.

Zophar the Naamathite
Zophar is called a Naamathite, though the exact location of Naamah is uncertain. His name means "chirper" or "one who talks," which is fitting given his often blunt and outspoken contributions to the discussions. Zophar's approach is characterized by a more dogmatic and impatient stance, emphasizing the need for repentance and the inscrutability of God's ways.

heard about all this adversity
The phrase "heard about all this adversity" indicates that Job's suffering was widely known, suggesting a close-knit community where news traveled quickly. The Hebrew word for adversity, "ra'ah," encompasses calamity, evil, or distress, highlighting the severity of Job's trials. This sets the stage for the friends' journey, motivated by concern and the cultural expectation to support those in distress.

that had come upon him
This phrase underscores the passive nature of Job's suffering, emphasizing that the adversity was not due to his actions but had "come upon him." This aligns with the overarching theme of the book, which challenges the simplistic equation of suffering with personal sin. It invites readers to explore the complexities of divine sovereignty and human suffering.

they each came from his own place
The friends' journey from their respective places signifies their commitment and the importance of their mission. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of visiting and mourning with those who suffer. This act of coming together also symbolizes unity and shared purpose, despite the diverse backgrounds and perspectives they bring.

and they met together
The decision to meet together before approaching Job suggests a deliberate and collective effort to provide support. It implies a level of coordination and mutual agreement on how to address Job's situation. This unity, however, will be tested as their differing views on suffering and divine justice emerge in the dialogues.

to go and sympathize with Job
The intention "to go and sympathize" reveals the friends' initial compassion and empathy. The Hebrew root "nud" conveys the idea of shaking the head in sympathy or mourning, indicating a deep emotional response to Job's plight. This sets a hopeful tone, as true friendship is marked by the willingness to share in another's suffering.

and comfort him
The goal "to comfort him" reflects the friends' desire to alleviate Job's distress. The Hebrew word "nacham" can mean to console or to change one's mind, suggesting that comfort involves both emotional support and offering new perspectives. This intention, though genuine, will be challenged by the complexities of Job's situation and the limitations of human understanding.

(11) Eliphaz the Temanite.--Teman was the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau, to whose family this Eliphaz is probably to be referred (Genesis 36:4; Genesis 36:10-11). If so, this may roughly indicate the date of the book. The inhabitants of Teman, which lay north-east of Edom, were famed for their wisdom (Jeremiah 47:7).

Bildad the Shuhite probably derived his origin from Shuah, the son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:2). Of the district from which Zophar the Naamathite came nothing is known. It probably derived its name from a Naamah or Naaman, of which there were several (e.g., Genesis 4:22; 1Kings 14:21; Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:40; 2Kings 5:1), as names of persons or places called after them. . . .

Verse 11. - Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him. It is not to be supposed that Job had no more than three friends - indeed, Elihu the Buzzite appears later on as one of his friends (Job 32:2-6) - but he had three contemporaries with whom he was especially intimate, old men (Job 32:6), with whom he was probably accustomed to confer from time to time, and who were in the habit of giving him their advice. All three, apparently, lived at a distance; and it seems to have been some weeks before the news of his misfortunes reached them. When the news came they held communication one with another, and agreed to pay him visits of condolence at a certain definite time, which was determined upon between them. Some months - at least two - seem to have elapsed between the date of Job's latest affliction and the time of their arrival (Job 7:3). They came every one from his own place. They had separate homes, and probably lived at some considerable distance from one another. Eliphaz the Temanite. There was an Eliphaz, the son of Esau by his wife Adah, who had a son Teman (Genesis 36:4; 1 Chronicles 1:35, 36); but it is not supposed that this can be the person here intended. The name Teman did not become geographical until the descendants of this Eliphaz's son had multiplied into a tribe, when they gave name to the portion of Arabia which they inhabited. This tract seems to have been either a part of Edom, or in its immediate vicinity (Genesis 36:42, 43; Jeremiah 49:7, 8, 20; Ezekiel 25:15; Obadiah 1:8, 9), but cannot be located with accuracy. The Temanitee were celebrated for their wisdom, as we learn from Jeremiah, who says (Jeremiah 49:7), "Concerning Edom, thus saith the Lord of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?" Job's friend was probably among their wisest men at the time; and his discourses certainly show a considerable knowledge of human nature. They do not, however, solve the riddle of the universe. And Bildad the Shuhite. Bildad is a name which does not occur elsewhere in Scripture, neither is there any other mention of Shuhites. Conjecture has identified the Shuhites with the Saccaei of Ptolemy ('Geograph.,' 5:15), whom he places in the neighbourhood of Batanaea and Trachonitis. But the Saccaei are unheard of till Ptolemy's time, and seem to be a tribe of very small importance. Perhaps Bildad belonged to the people known to the Assyrians as the Tsukhi, or Sukhi ('Records of the Past,' vol. 1. p. 14), who dwelt on the Middle Euphrates from about Anah to Hit ('Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 2. pp. 66, 67). And Zophar the Naamathite. Zophar, or rather Tsophar, is another unknown name. There was a Naamah, a city, in south-western Judaea (Joshua 15:41), to which Zophar may have belonged, though probably a region, rather than a city, is here intended. For they had made an appointment together; or, agreed together, by message or letter probably. To come to mourn with him and to comfort him. A good intention, at any rate, and one agreeable to the apostolic injunction to us to "weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15). That they failed to carry out their intention (Job 16:2; Job 21:34) was owing to a want of judgment, and, perhaps, in part, to a want of love.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now when Job’s
אִיּ֗וֹב (’î·yō·wḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347: Job -- a patriarch

three
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת ׀ (šə·lō·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

friends—
רֵעֵ֣י (rê·‘ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

Eliphaz
אֱלִיפַ֤ז (’ĕ·lî·p̄az)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 464: Eliphaz -- 'God is fine gold', a son of Esau, also a friend of Job

the Temanite,
הַתֵּימָנִי֙ (hat·tê·mā·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8489: Temanite -- inhabitant of Teman

Bildad
וּבִלְדַּ֣ד (ū·ḇil·daḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1085: Bildad -- perhaps 'Bel has loved', one of Job's friends

the Shuhite,
הַשּׁוּחִ֔י (haš·šū·ḥî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7747: Shuhite -- a Shuchite

and Zophar
וְצוֹפַ֖ר (wə·ṣō·w·p̄ar)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6691: Zophar -- one of Job's friends

the Naamathite—
הַנַּֽעֲמָתִ֑י (han·na·‘ă·mā·ṯî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5284: Naamathite -- inhabitant of Naamah

heard
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֞וּ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

about all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

this
הַזֹּאת֮ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

adversity
הָרָעָ֣ה (hā·rā·‘āh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

that had come
הַבָּ֣אָה (hab·bā·’āh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

upon him,
עָלָיו֒ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

each of them
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

came
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from his home
מִמְּקֹמ֔וֹ (mim·mə·qō·mōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

and met
וַיִּוָּעֲד֣וּ (way·yiw·wā·‘ă·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3259: To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage

together
יַחְדָּ֔ו (yaḥ·dāw)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly

to go
לָב֥וֹא (lā·ḇō·w)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and sympathize
לָנֽוּד־ (lā·nūḏ-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5110: To nod, waver, to wander, flee, disappear, to console, deplore, taunt

with [Job]
ל֖וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 0: 0

and comfort him.
וּֽלְנַחֲמֽוֹ׃ (ū·lə·na·ḥă·mōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge


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OT Poetry: Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard (Jb)
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