Eliphaz the Temanite

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: First and most prominent of Job’s three friends
• Family: Temanite, likely associated with Edom
• Key Books: Job

Biography

Eliphaz comes to comfort Job after his catastrophic losses. He begins with a comparatively restrained appeal to experience and a frightening night vision, arguing that no mortal can be pure before God.

Across the dialogue cycles, Eliphaz moves from general retributive wisdom to direct accusation. By Job 22 he charges Job with exploitation and injustice without evidence, which is why the LORD later rebukes him and the other friends for not speaking rightly.

Key Events

• Job’s friends arrive and sit in silence
• First cycle of speeches
• Third cycle accusation
• Job intercedes for his friends

Relationships

• Job - Friend whom he wrongly accuses
• Bildad - Fellow friend
• Zophar - Fellow friend

Important Verses

• Job 4:7-8
• Job 22:5-11
• Job 42:7-9

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Job

Notes

Eliphaz represents religious explanation at its most polished and dangerous: true general principles become false witness when applied without knowledge.