Job 2:11 - 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.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Job 2:11" mean?
This verse (Job 2:11) sets the stage for the central part of the Book of Job – the dialogues between Job and his three friends. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him..." This establishes that Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) were aware of the immense suffering Job was experiencing. The "evil" refers to the series of calamities that had befallen him: the loss of his livestock, servants, and children, followed by a severe skin disease.
"...they each came from his own place..." This indicates that these friends lived in different locations, implying a significant distance between them and Job. The names that follow identify where each friend comes from:
"Eliphaz the Temanite..." Teman was a city in Edom, known for its wisdom.
"Bildad the Shuhite..." The location of Shuah is uncertain, but it was likely somewhere in northern Arabia.
"Zophar the Naamathite..." The location of Naamah is also uncertain, but it might have been in northwest Arabia.
"...and they made an appointment together..." This suggests a level of planning and coordination. It implies that they discussed Job's situation and decided to visit him collectively. The detail emphasizes the gravity of Job's plight, warranting such a concerted effort.
"...to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him." This clarifies their initial intention. Their primary motivation was to offer Job solace and support in his time of distress. "Sympathize" suggests they wanted to share in his sorrow and show understanding. "Comfort" implies they aimed to alleviate his pain and provide emotional support.
In essence, the verse means that when Job's three friends learned about the extensive suffering he had endured, they traveled from their respective homes, coordinated their visits, and arrived with the intention of offering him sympathy and comfort.
Significance:
Introduction of the Friends: This verse introduces the central characters who will engage in the dialogues that form the core of the book.
Setting the Stage: It sets the scene for the discussions about suffering, justice, and the nature of God.
Initial Benevolence: It highlights the friends' initial good intentions. It's important to note that their later arguments, while well-intentioned, ultimately fall short of providing true comfort and understanding to Job. Their initial impulse was driven by empathy and a desire to help.
Contrast: It creates a contrast between their initial compassionate purpose and the increasingly accusatory and dogmatic tone their arguments will take as the book progresses.
Job 2:11 - 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.
What does "Job 2:11" mean?
This verse (Job 2:11) sets the stage for the central part of the Book of Job – the dialogues between Job and his three friends. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him..." This establishes that Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) were aware of the immense suffering Job was experiencing. The "evil" refers to the series of calamities that had befallen him: the loss of his livestock, servants, and children, followed by a severe skin disease.
"...they each came from his own place..." This indicates that these friends lived in different locations, implying a significant distance between them and Job. The names that follow identify where each friend comes from:
"Eliphaz the Temanite..." Teman was a city in Edom, known for its wisdom.
"Bildad the Shuhite..." The location of Shuah is uncertain, but it was likely somewhere in northern Arabia.
"Zophar the Naamathite..." The location of Naamah is also uncertain, but it might have been in northwest Arabia.
"...and they made an appointment together..." This suggests a level of planning and coordination. It implies that they discussed Job's situation and decided to visit him collectively. The detail emphasizes the gravity of Job's plight, warranting such a concerted effort.
"...to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him." This clarifies their initial intention. Their primary motivation was to offer Job solace and support in his time of distress. "Sympathize" suggests they wanted to share in his sorrow and show understanding. "Comfort" implies they aimed to alleviate his pain and provide emotional support.
In essence, the verse means that when Job's three friends learned about the extensive suffering he had endured, they traveled from their respective homes, coordinated their visits, and arrived with the intention of offering him sympathy and comfort.
Significance:
Introduction of the Friends: This verse introduces the central characters who will engage in the dialogues that form the core of the book.
Setting the Stage: It sets the scene for the discussions about suffering, justice, and the nature of God.
Initial Benevolence: It highlights the friends' initial good intentions. It's important to note that their later arguments, while well-intentioned, ultimately fall short of providing true comfort and understanding to Job. Their initial impulse was driven by empathy and a desire to help.
Contrast: It creates a contrast between their initial compassionate purpose and the increasingly accusatory and dogmatic tone their arguments will take as the book progresses.