Who were the three friends of Job?

Job’s Friends in the Bible

(Job 2:11–42:9)

When Job experienced immense suffering—losing his wealth, children, and health—his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to comfort him. However, instead of offering true support, they accused him of wrongdoing. Later, Elihu appeared and provided a different perspective.

1. Eliphaz the Temanite

• First to Speak (Job 4–5, 15, 22)
• Based on personal experience and visions, Eliphaz believed that Job must have sinned to deserve his suffering. He argued that God only punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous.
• Key Verse: “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?” (Job 4:7)

Problem: His theology was too simple—he assumed suffering was always a result of sin.

read also Summary of Book of Habakkuk

2. Bildad the Shuhite

• Second to Speak (Job 8, 18, 25)
• More harsh than Eliphaz, Bildad insisted that Job’s children had died because of their sins. He believed that if Job were truly righteous, God would restore him.
• Key Verse: “Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?” (Job 8:3)

Problem: He relied on tradition but ignored Job’s innocence.

Read also Jeremiah the prophet 2

3. Zophar the Naamathite

• Third to Speak (Job 11, 20)
• The most aggressive, Zophar accused Job of being a hypocrite. He insisted that Job’s suffering was actually less than he deserved!
• Key Verse: “Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.” (Job 11:6)

Problem: He was legalistic and lacked compassion.

Read also How to become a servant leader

4. Elihu the Young Man

• Last to Speak (Job 32–37)
• Unlike the others, Elihu did not assume Job had sinned. Instead, he suggested that suffering could be a way for God to teach and refine a person.
• Key Verse: “But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” (Job 36:15)

Strength: He acknowledged God’s sovereignty and wisdom, though he still didn’t fully understand Job’s situation.

God’s Response (Job 38–42)

• God rebuked Job’s three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) for misrepresenting Him. He told them to offer sacrifices and have Job pray for them (Job 42:7-9).
• Job’s health, family, and wealth were restored after he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10).

Key Lessons

1. Not all suffering is due to sin – Job was innocent, but his friends wrongly assumed guilt.
2. True comfort means listening, not accusing – Job’s friends made his suffering worse with their false assumptions.
3. God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding – He allows suffering for reasons we may not immediately see.
4. Forgiveness restores relationships – Job prayed for his friends despite their harsh words, and God blessed him.