Old Testament
Job 2:11
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Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they each came 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.
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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.
What Job 2:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—coming together after hearing about the terrible suffering Job has experienced. They each come from their own homes, indicating that they are making a significant effort to support Job during this difficult time. Their intention is to mourn with him and offer comfort, which highlights the importance of community and friendship in times of distress. This moment sets the stage for the dialogues that follow, where they will attempt to understand Job's suffering and offer their perspectives. The act of coming together signifies solidarity and compassion, showing that even in the face of great tragedy, human connection can provide solace. This verse emphasizes the value of having friends who are willing to stand by you in your darkest moments, illustrating the need for empathy and support in the face of adversity.
How to apply Job 2:11 to your life
When facing hardships, it is crucial to have supportive friends who can stand by us. We should strive to be like Job's friends, offering comfort and companionship to those in need. Reaching out to others can make a significant difference in their lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Three Friends Come (Job 2:11–13)
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Job
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Job 2:11
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 2:11 mean?
Job 2:11 describes how Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—came together after hearing about his suffering. They traveled from their own homes to mourn and comfort Job, highlighting the importance of friendship and support during difficult times.
What is the significance of Job's friends in Job 2:11?
Job's friends represent the human need for companionship and empathy in times of distress. Their decision to come together shows solidarity and the value of having supportive relationships when facing hardships.
What does the phrase 'made an appointment together' in Job 2:11 mean?
The phrase 'made an appointment together' indicates that Job's friends intentionally planned to visit him. This shows their commitment to support him and emphasizes the importance of actively reaching out to those in need.
What themes are present in Job 2:11?
Job 2:11 highlights themes of friendship, support, compassion, and community. It illustrates how important it is to have friends who stand by you during tough times and the role of empathy in human relationships.
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