Job 2:12
Job 2:12 in Multiple Translations
When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head.
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his robe, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
And lifting up their eyes when they were still far off, it did not seem that the man they saw was Job because of the change in him. And they gave way to bitter weeping, with signs of grief, and put dust on their heads.
When they saw Job from a distance they hardly recognized him. They broke out into loud wailing, tore their robes, and threw dust into the air over their heads.
So when they lift vp their eyes a farre off, they knewe him not: therefore they lift vp their voyces and wept, and euery one of them rent his garment, and sprinkled dust vpon their heads toward the heauen.
and they lift up their eyes from afar and have not discerned him, and they lift up their voice and weep, and rend each his robe, and sprinkle dust on their heads — heavenward.
When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn’t recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky.
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they raised their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads towards heaven.
And when they had lifted up their eyes afar off, they knew him not, and crying out they wept, and rending their garments they sprinkled dust upon their heads towards heaven.
When they saw Job from a distance, they almost did not recognize him. They wailed loudly, they tore their robes, and they threw dust over their heads to show how sorry they were because of what had happened to Job.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 2:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׂא֨וּ
אֶת
עֵינֵי/הֶ֤ם
מֵ/רָחוֹק֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
הִכִּירֻ֔/הוּ
וַ/יִּשְׂא֥וּ
קוֹלָ֖/ם
וַ/יִּבְכּ֑וּ
וַֽ/יִּקְרְעוּ֙
אִ֣ישׁ
מְעִל֔/וֹ
וַ/יִּזְרְק֥וּ
עָפָ֛ר
עַל
רָאשֵׁי/הֶ֖ם
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיְמָ/ה
וַ/יִּשְׂא֨וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֵינֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
מֵ/רָחוֹק֙
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִכִּירֻ֔/הוּ
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׂא֥וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
קוֹלָ֖/ם
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּבְכּ֑וּ
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַֽ/יִּקְרְעוּ֙
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מְעִל֔/וֹ
mᵉʻîyl
H4598
robe
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּזְרְק֥וּ
zâraq
H2236
to scatter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עָפָ֛ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רָאשֵׁי/הֶ֖ם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp | Suff
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיְמָ/ה
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 2:12
וַ/יִּשְׂא֨וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵינֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מֵ/רָחוֹק֙
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִכִּירֻ֔/הוּ
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
וַ/יִּשְׂא֥וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
קוֹלָ֖/ם
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וַ/יִּבְכּ֑וּ
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
וַֽ/יִּקְרְעוּ֙
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְעִל֔/וֹ
mᵉʻîyl
H4598
"robe"
N-ms | Suff
A meil was a robe or outer garment worn by men of rank, including kings and high priests. It was also worn by David's daughters and is mentioned in various KJV translations as a cloak or coat.
Definition: 1) robe 1a) a garment worn over a tunic by men of rank 1b) a long garment worn by David's daughters 1c) a garment of the high priest 1d) (fig.) of attributes
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: cloke, coat, mantle, robe. See also: Exodus 28:4; 1 Samuel 24:5; Psalms 109:29.
וַ/יִּזְרְק֥וּ
zâraq
H2236
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To scatter or sprinkle something, like in Leviticus 16:14 where the priest scatters blood on the altar. This act symbolizes purification and cleansing.
Definition: 1) to scatter, sprinkle, toss, throw, scatter abundantly, strew 1a) (Qal) to scatter, sprinkle, toss 1b) (Pual) to be sprinkled
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. See also: Exodus 9:8; Leviticus 9:18; Isaiah 28:25.
עָפָ֛ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רָאשֵׁי/הֶ֖ם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיְמָ/ה
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — Job 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 2:12
- Sermons on Job 2:12
Context — Job’s Three Friends
10“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
11Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him.
12When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head.
13Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 2:10 | The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 27:30 | They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 9:1 | On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. |
| 4 | Joshua 7:6 | Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. |
| 5 | Job 1:20 | Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 30:4 | So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep. |
| 7 | Genesis 27:34 | When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” |
| 8 | Lamentations 4:7–8 | Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires. But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick. |
| 9 | Revelation 18:19 | Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 11:4 | When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. |
Job 2:12 Summary
[This verse shows how Job's friends were deeply moved by his suffering and wanted to show their support and sympathy. They were so shocked by his appearance that they could barely recognize him, and they began to weep aloud and mourn with him. This is a powerful example of how we should respond to those who are suffering, with empathy and compassion, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2. By sitting with Job in silence for seven days, his friends showed that sometimes the best way to comfort someone is simply to be present with them, as seen in Job 2:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Job's friends tear their robes and throw dust in the air?
Job's friends tore their robes and threw dust in the air as a sign of mourning and grief, which was a common practice in ancient times, as seen in Joshua 7:6 and Lamentations 2:10. This action showed their deep sorrow and sympathy for Job's suffering.
How did Job's friends recognize him despite his drastic change in appearance?
The Bible doesn't provide a clear answer, but it's possible that they recognized him by his voice, his location, or other distinctive features, despite his physical appearance being severely altered due to his suffering, as mentioned in Job 2:12.
What can we learn from Job's friends' initial reaction to his suffering?
We can learn the importance of empathizing with those who are suffering, as Job's friends did when they wept aloud and mourned with him, as seen in Job 2:12. This is also reflected in Romans 12:15, which encourages us to weep with those who weep.
How does this verse relate to the concept of Christian fellowship?
This verse highlights the value of Christian fellowship, as Job's friends came together to comfort and sympathize with him in his time of need, demonstrating the kind of love and support that Christians are called to show one another, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show empathy and sympathy to those who are suffering, just like Job's friends did?
- How can I balance the desire to comfort someone in their suffering with the need to allow them to process their emotions, as Job's friends did by sitting with him in silence for seven days?
- What are some common practices or rituals that people use to express grief and mourning, and how can these practices be used to comfort those who are suffering?
- How can I use my own experiences of suffering to minister to others who are going through similar difficulties, as Job's story is used to minister to others in the Bible?
Gill's Exposition on Job 2:12
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off,.... Either when at some distance from Job's house, and he being without in the open air, as some think; or as they entered his house, he being at the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 2:12
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. Toward heaven.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 2:12
Afar off, to wit, at some convenient distance from him; whom they found sitting upon the ground, either in the open air, or within his own house. Knew him not; his countenance being so fearfully changed and disfigured by his boils. Sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven; either upon the upper part of their heads, which look towards heaven; or cast it up into the air, so as it should fall upon their heads, as they did . See .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 2:12
Job 2:12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.Ver. 12. And when they lift up their eyes afar off] Hence some conclude that Job lay abroad, as lepers used. And knew him not] For they had never seen him before but in a splendidious fashion; now then to see him in such a pickle, that he had lost all form and fashion, more like a dead beast than a living man; this amazed and amused them; they might also by this, so sad a spectacle, be admonished of their own mutable and miserable condition ( Aut sumus, aut fuimus, aut possumus esse quod hic est either we are, or will be or are able to be because this is), and have the same thoughts as the psalmist afterwards had, Man, being in honour, abideth not, Psalms 45:1-2; he is like the beasts that perish, pecoribus morticinis, dead hearts, saith Tremellius, the beasts that die of the murrain, and so become carrion, and are good for nothing. Job was now no otherwise to be seen than as a stinking carcase full of sores, more like than a living man, as he painteth out himself in most lively colours. They lifted up their voice and wept] Good men are apt to do so, saith the poet, et faciles motus mens generosa capit; we are bound to weep with those that weep, and to be both pitiful and courteous, 1 Peter 3:8. To him that is in misery pity should be showed from his friend (it was so to Job here at first), but he forsaketh the fear of the Lord, Job 6:14. Job’ s friends did so, when, amazed with the greatness of his calamity, they there hence concluded him an arrant hypocrite, unworthy of any one word of comfort. And they rent every one his mantle] His stately mantle, his robe of state, such as men of great honour used to wear, Stolam regiam. royal garment. Some Hebrews and Jesuits will have these three friends of Job to have been kings; such I believe they were, as the three kings of Collen; so the Papists call those wise men, Matthew 2:1, be they what they will; they rent every man his mantle in token of greatest sorrow at their friend’ s calamity, a ceremony not unusual among other nations than those of the East. Suetonius telleth us that Julius Caesar, when he had passed his army to river Rubicon, and was marching toward Rome, he made a speech to his soldiers, weeping and rending his garment, that thereby he might testify to them what a grief it was to him to fight against his country; which he would never have done had there not been a necessity.
And sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven] They so threw it up into the air that it might fall upon their heads; to import, 1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 2:12
(12) And knew him not.—Compare the converse statement descriptive of the love of mm who could recognise his lost son under a disguise as great as that of Job, or even greater (Luke 15:20).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 2:12
Verse 12. They rent every one his mantle] I have already had frequent occasions to point out and illustrate, by quotations from the ancients, the actions that were used in order to express profound grief; such as wrapping themselves in sackcloth, covering the face, strewing dust or ashes upon the head, sitting upon the bare ground, c., &c. significant actions which were in use among all nations.
Cambridge Bible on Job 2:12
12. knew him not] He was so altered and disfigured by the disease. As Job perhaps lay outside the town they may have seen him at a distance. sprinkled dust upon their heads] that is, they threw dust upwards towards heaven, which fell upon their heads, the gesture intimating perhaps that they were laid in the dust by a calamity sent from heaven; comp. Joshua 7:6; 1 Samuel 4:12; Lamentations 2:10. See on Job 1:20.
Barnes' Notes on Job 2:12
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off - “When they saw him at the distance at which they could formerly recognize him without difficulty, disease had so altered his appearance that at first sight they knew him not” - Noyes.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 2:12
12. They lifted up their voice — Sir John Chardin (year 1676) says of the people of Asia, that “their cries are long in the case of death, and frightful, for the mourning is right-down despair, and
Sermons on Job 2:12
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Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson, who was once a powerful and mighty warrior, is now imprisoned and bound with ch |
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Faithfulness - Being Called Out & Into by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God. He refers to the letters to the churches in Revelation, specifically the letter to the church in Smyr |
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Binding God to His Own Word by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God assigns His promises to those in need, not to the perfect. He highlights that God's mercy and favor are extended to those who are tr |
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Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-04 Nehemiah 6 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins as a road to revival. He encourages the audience to approach their ministries with renewed zeal and de |
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The Coming Revival of Truth by Timothy Williams | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of falling in love with the Lord and His Word after being born again. He emphasizes the importance of guarding this passion |
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Conference 1989-04 ~ Nehemiah 6 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about Jesus with excellence and passion. He encourages the audience to set forth Jesus as the all in all, highli |
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Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, highlighting his deep concern for the people and the state of Jerusalem, which ignited a burden in his heart. Nehemiah's |