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.

JOB 2:11KJV
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Job 2:11 (KJV)

What does Job 2:11 mean?

Job 2:11 describes how three men—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—heard about the terrible suffering that had come upon Job and decided to travel from their own homes to visit him. They arranged to meet together with the purpose of mourning with Job and offering him comfort in his time of distress.

This verse sets the scene after Job has lost his children, wealth, and health. The three friends are not yet speaking; instead, they are introduced as people who care enough to come together and support Job. The verse highlights their intention to comfort and mourn with him, showing an initial act of friendship and concern before any conversations or debates begin.

The Hebrew behind Job 2:11

  • The word for "friends" (רֵעַ, re'a) often means a close companion or associate, suggesting these men had a real relationship with Job, not just casual acquaintance.
  • The word for "evil" (רָעָה, ra'ah) refers broadly to calamity or disaster, emphasizing the severity of what happened to Job.
  • The word for "appointment" (יָעַד, ya'ad) means to set a time or agree together, showing that the friends coordinated their visit intentionally, not by chance.
  • The word for "comfort" (נָחַם, nacham) carries the sense of trying to bring relief or consolation, not just expressing sympathy but actively seeking to ease Job’s pain.

Why Job 2:11 matters

  • Job 2:11 clarifies that Job’s friends originally came with good intentions: to mourn and comfort, not to criticize or judge.
  • The verse introduces the three friends who will play a major role in the following chapters, setting up the dialogues and debates that shape much of the book.
  • By noting that the friends came from different places and coordinated their visit, the verse underscores the seriousness of Job’s suffering and the depth of their initial concern.