Job 2:13
Job 2:13 in Multiple Translations
Then 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.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
And they took their seats on the earth by his side for seven days and seven nights: but no one said a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.
They sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. None of them said anything to him because they saw how badly he was suffering.
So they sate by him vpon the ground seuen dayes, and seuen nights, and none spake a worde vnto him: for they sawe, that the griefe was very great.
And they sit with him on the earth seven days and seven nights, and there is none speaking unto him a word when they have seen that the pain hath been very great.
So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no man spoke to him a word: for they saw that his grief was very great.
Then they sat on the ground with Job for seven days. None of them said anything to Job, because they saw that he was suffering greatly, and they did not think that anything that they said would lessen his pain.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 2:13
BAB
Word Study
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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 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֤וּ
אִתּ/וֹ֙
לָ/אָ֔רֶץ
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
יָמִ֖ים
וְ/שִׁבְעַ֣ת
לֵיל֑וֹת
וְ/אֵין
דֹּבֵ֤ר
אֵלָי/ו֙
דָּבָ֔ר
כִּ֣י
רָא֔וּ
כִּֽי
גָדַ֥ל
הַ/כְּאֵ֖ב
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֤וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִתּ/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
לָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
יָמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
וְ/שִׁבְעַ֣ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
לֵיל֑וֹת
layil
H3915
night
N-mp
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
דֹּבֵ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Qal
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גָדַ֥ל
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/כְּאֵ֖ב
kᵉʼêb
H3511
pain
Art | N-ms
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 2:13
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֤וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אִתּ/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
לָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יָמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וְ/שִׁבְעַ֣ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
לֵיל֑וֹת
layil
H3915
"night"
N-mp
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
דֹּבֵ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Qal
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גָדַ֥ל
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
הַ/כְּאֵ֖ב
kᵉʼêb
H3511
"pain"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, and is used to describe grief, sorrow, or hardship in the Bible, such as in the book of Job.
Definition: pain (mental and physical), sorrow
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: grief, pain, sorrow. See also: Job 2:13; Isaiah 17:11; Psalms 39:3.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Job 2:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 2:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 2:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 2:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 2:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 2:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 2:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 2:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 2:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 2:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 2:13
- Sermons on Job 2:13
Context — Job’s Three Friends
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 | Genesis 50:10 | When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 1:4 | When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 3:15 | I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. |
| 4 | Isaiah 3:26 | And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. |
| 5 | Job 4:2 | “If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? Yet who can keep from speaking? |
| 6 | Psalms 77:4 | You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak. |
| 7 | Ezra 9:3 | When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. |
| 8 | Genesis 1:5 | God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. |
| 9 | Genesis 1:8 | God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. |
| 10 | Isaiah 47:1 | “Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of Chaldea! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate. |
Job 2:13 Summary
This verse shows us that sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone who is hurting is to simply be present with them, without needing to say a lot of words. Job's friends sat with him in silence for seven days and nights, because they could see how much pain he was in, as described in Job 2:13. This teaches us the value of quiet companionship and empathy, as also encouraged in passages like Romans 12:15. By being present with those who are suffering, we can offer comfort and support, even when we don't have the right words to say, and this can be a powerful way to show love and care for one another, as seen in Galatians 6:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Job's friends not speak to him for seven days and seven nights?
Job's friends did not speak to him because they saw the intensity of his suffering, and they were giving him space to grieve and process his emotions, as seen in Job 2:13, a practice also reflected in the customs of mourning described in the book of Ezekiel 24:17
What can we learn from the actions of Job's friends in this verse?
We can learn the importance of being present with those who are suffering, even if we don't have the right words to say, as demonstrated by Job's friends in Job 2:13, and also encouraged in Romans 12:15 to weep with those who weep
How does this verse relate to the concept of mourning and bereavement in the Bible?
This verse shows that in biblical times, mourning was a significant and public display of grief, as seen in Job 2:12-13, and also described in other passages such as Lamentations 3:28 and Ecclesiastes 3:4
What role does silence play in this verse, and what can we learn from it?
The silence of Job's friends in this verse teaches us that sometimes, the most comforting thing we can offer to those who are suffering is our quiet presence, rather than words, as also suggested in Proverbs 17:28
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have experienced intense suffering, and how did others respond to me during those times?
- How can I apply the principle of being present with those who are suffering, as demonstrated by Job's friends, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- In what ways can I balance the need to speak words of comfort with the need to respect someone's desire for silence and space during a difficult time?
- How does this verse challenge or encourage me to think differently about how I respond to those who are grieving or suffering around me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 2:13
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,.... Which was the usual time of mourning, Genesis 50:10; not that they were in this posture all this time, without sleeping,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 2:13
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. Seven days ... nights.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 2:13
Sat down with him upon the ground, in the posture of mourners condoling with him. Seven days and seven nights was the usual time of mourning for the dead, , and therefore proper both for Job’ s children, who were dead, and for Job himself, who was in a manner dead whilst he lived. But we must not fancy that they continued in this place and posture so long together, which no laws of religion or civility required of them, and the necessities of nature could not bear; but only that they spent a great or the greatest part of that time in sitting with him, and silent mourning over him. And so such general expressions are frequently understood, as 24:53 . None spake a word to him; either, 1. About any thing. Or rather, 2. About his afflictions, and the causes of them. The reason of this silence was, partly the greatness of their grief for him, and their surprise and astonishment at his condition; partly, because they thought it convenient to give him some further time to vent his own sorrows; and partly, because as yet they knew not what to say to him: for though they had ever esteemed him to be a truly wise and godly man, and came with full purpose to comfort him; yet the prodigious greatness of his miseries, and that hand and displeasure of God which they manifestly perceived in them, made them at a stand, and to question Job’ s sincerity; so that they could not comfort him as they had intended, and yet were loth to grieve him with those convictions and reproofs which they thought he greatly needed. And here they stuck till Job gave them occasion to speak their minds.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 2:13
Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that [his] grief was very great.Ver. 13. So they sat down with him on the ground] Though his scent and loathsomeness were intolerable, yet they bare him company; this was love and sympathy, thus to sit by him on the ground, then, when every one loathed him, and would not lend him a hand to help to scrape him. Seven days and seven nights] Not all this time, but the most part of it, without giving almost any regard to their ordinary rest and necessary sustenance. Origen saith, they were sustained and preserved all that while without sleep and meat, by a miracle; others, holding it a thing impossible, have, therefore, judged this whole book to be a parable only. And none spake a word unto him] So great was their grief, Curae leves loquuntur, ingentes stupent. They speak of light care, they are astounded not natural. Calvin thinks they were to blame to be so long silent. Belike they were loth to be troublesome, and waited a fit opportunity; looking that he should speak first, and harbouring hard conceits of him. For they saw that his grief was very great] His pain was extreme, and, therefore, no time to talk with him. Besides, though they came prepared, yet, altering their opinions of him, they doubted how and what to speak, till at length they became Satan’ s advocates.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 2:13
(13) So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days.—Compare the conduct of David (2 Samuel 12:16), and see also Genesis 1:10; 1 Samuel 31:13; Ezekiel 3:15. There is a colossal grandeur about this description which is in keeping with the majesty and hoary antiquity of the poem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 2:13
Verse 13. They sat down with him upon the ground seven days] They were astonished at the unprecedented change which had taken place in the circumstances of this most eminent man; they could not reconcile his present situation with any thing they had met with in the history of Divine providence. The seven days mentioned here were the period appointed for mourning. The Israelites mourned for Jacob seven days, Genesis 50:10. And the men of Jabesh mourned so long for the death of Saul, 1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:12. And Ezekiel sat on the ground with the captives at Chebar, and mourned with and for them seven days. Ezekiel 3:15. The wise son of Sirach says, "Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead;" Ecclus. 22:12. So calamitous was the state of Job, that they considered him as a dead man: and went through the prescribed period of mourning for him. They saw that his grief was very great.] This is the reason why they did not speak to him: they believed him to be suffering for heavy crimes, and, seeing him suffer so much, they were not willing to add to his distresses by invectives or reproach.
Job himself first broke silence.
Cambridge Bible on Job 2:13
13. none spake a word] Being overwhelmed by the affecting sight before them; as the Author adds: they saw that the grief, i. e. the pain or affliction, was very great. Comp. Ezekiel 3:15. The length of time during which they sat in silence, seven days and seven nights (the time of mourning for the dead, Genesis 50:10; 1 Samuel 31:13), shews the profound impression made upon them.
Barnes' Notes on Job 2:13
So they sat down with him upon the ground; - see Job 1:20, note; Job 2:8, note; compare Ezra 9:3, “I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head, and my beard, and sat down
Whedon's Commentary on Job 2:13
13. Seven days and seven nights — The Orientals not only bemoaned the event of death for a period of seven days, (Genesis 50:10, Sir 22:12,) but other calamities — those of a national.
Sermons on Job 2:13
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The Life of Abraham - Part 7 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching the Bible not just as a source of facts or ammunition, but as a way to understand the heart and mind of God. He |
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(Genesis) Genesis 50:4-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the burial of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the significance of his burial place. Joseph, Jacob's son, requests permission from Pharaoh to |
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A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson | This sermon is a powerful call to anguish, urging listeners to move beyond concern to a deep sense of inner pain and distress for the state of the church and society. It emphasizes |
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Losing the Anointing - Part 2 (High Quality) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a fresh anointing from God, recounting personal experiences of revival and the need for a renewed passion for ministry. The speaker |
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Lessons From Nehemiah by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for spiritual revival in a society where moral values have been destroyed. He compares the state of the country to the broken walls |
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A Hindrance to Revival by William McCrea | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of concern and tears among believers for the cause of Christ and the affliction of God's people. He highlights the indifference tow |
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What Makes a Man of God by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Chr |