### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÎyôwb**, represented by `{{H347}}`, is the name of the patriarch **Job**. It appears **58 times** across **52 unique verses**. The name's definition is **hated (i.e. persecuted)**, and he is a patriarch famous for his patience. He is introduced as a man from the land of Uz who was "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" [[Job 1:1]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The story of **ʼÎyôwb** is a central narrative on righteous suffering. The LORD himself describes Job as a "perfect and an upright man" with "none like him in the earth" ([[Job 1:8]], [[Job 2:3]]). Despite this, Satan is permitted to test him, resulting in the loss of his wealth, his children, and his health, leaving him with "sore boils" from head to foot [[Job 2:7]]. In his initial response to immense loss, Job "arose, and rent his mantle...and worshipped" [[Job 1:20]]. The scripture emphasizes that "Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" [[Job 1:22]] and "did not Job sin with his lips" [[Job 2:10]]. Job is also remembered outside his own book, mentioned alongside Noah `{{H5146}}` and Daniel `{{H1840}}` as one of three men whose righteousness would deliver their own souls ([[Ezekiel 14:14]], [[Ezekiel 14:20]]). After his trial, the LORD rebukes Job's friends for not speaking rightly of Him as Job had [[Job 42:7]], and commands them to have Job pray for them [[Job 42:8]]. After Job prayed for his friends, the LORD "turned the captivity of Job" and blessed his "latter end more than his beginning" ([[Job 42:10]], [[Job 42:12]]), granting him a long life ([[Job 42:16]], [[Job 42:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The narrative of **ʼÎyôwb** is framed by his interactions with several key figures:
* `{{H464}}` **Eliphaz** (God of gold; Eliphaz, the name of one of Job's friends): The Temanite friend who, along with two others, came to mourn with and comfort Job [[Job 2:11]]. The LORD's wrath was kindled against Eliphaz for not speaking "of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath" [[Job 42:7]].
* `{{H1085}}` **Bildad** (Bildad, one of Job's friends): The Shuhite who was one of the three friends that made an appointment to comfort Job in his suffering [[Job 2:11]] and was later instructed by the LORD to seek Job's intercession [[Job 42:9]].
* `{{H6691}}` **Zophar** (departing; Tsophar, a friend of Job): The Naamathite friend who joined Eliphaz and Bildad in their visit [[Job 2:11]]. He too was rebuked by the LORD and required to have Job pray for him [[Job 42:9]].
* `{{H453}}` **Elihu** (God of him; Elihu, the name of one of Job's friends): A younger man whose wrath was kindled against Job because he "justified himself rather than God" and against the three friends because they had condemned Job [[Job 32:2-3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **ʼÎyôwb** is centered on the profound question of suffering and divine justice.
* **Righteous Suffering:** Job is established as "perfect and upright" [[Job 1:1]], and the LORD affirms there is "none like him in the earth" [[Job 1:8]]. His suffering is initiated "without cause" [[Job 2:3]], directly challenging the idea that all hardship is a direct result of personal sin.
* **Unwavering Integrity:** Despite losing everything, Job's initial response is worship [[Job 1:20]]. He holds "fast his integrity" [[Job 2:3]] even when challenged by his wife [[Job 2:9]]. His steadfastness is highlighted by the declaration that he "sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" [[Job 1:22]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative affirms God's ultimate authority. God speaks to Job "out of the whirlwind" [[Job 38:1]], revealing his "wondrous works" [[Job 37:14]] to show the limits of human understanding. It is the LORD who allows the trial and the LORD who restores Job's fortunes [[Job 42:10]].
* **Righteous Intercession:** Job's standing before God is confirmed when the LORD designates him as an intercessor for his friends, stating "for him will I accept" [[Job 42:8]]. His restoration follows his prayer for them, demonstrating a connection between forgiveness and blessing.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÎyôwb** `{{H347}}` is far more than the name of a historical figure; it represents a foundational biblical examination of faith in the face of incomprehensible suffering. The narrative traces Job from a position of great blessing and righteousness, through devastating loss and accusation, to a place of divine restoration and greater prosperity [[Job 42:12]]. His story explores the limits of human wisdom and the nature of divine sovereignty, ultimately affirming the value of holding fast to one's integrity [[Job 2:3]] even when God's purposes are hidden.
TRV