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ZOPHAR

(Heb. ṣôpar)

The Naamathite, one of Job’s three friends who intends to commiserate with Job (Job 2:11) but ends up arguing with him (16:2). Zophar’s name appears nowhere else in the OT; he does not come from Naamah in Judah (Josh. 15:41). Edomite connections are argued.

In the first two dialogue cycles in the book of Job, each friend offers a speech of approximately the same length; Zophar speaks last. The third cycle contains no speech from Zophar, and various explanations have been offered for accidental and deliberate dislocation.

Zophar’s first speech (Job 11:1-20) reproaches Job for his claims of innocence (vv. 2-6), emphasizes God’s inscrutability (vv. 7-12), and counsels repentance (vv. 13-20). He argues that God has not punished Job to the extent he deserves (Job 11:6). Zophar’s second speech (Job 20:1-29) stresses the inescapable fate of the wicked. Locked in retributive theology, his tone is aggressive and contemptuous. Ultimately, Zophar is rebuked by God (Job 42:7-9).

Patricia A. MacNicoll






Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)

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