### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĔlîyphaz**, represented by `{{H464}}`, means **God of gold**. It appears **15 times** across **14 unique verses** and identifies two separate individuals in the scriptures: a son of Esau and one of Job's friends.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Genesis, Eliphaz is the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Esau** `{{H6215}}` and his **wife** `{{H802}}` **Adah** `{{H5711}}` ([[Genesis 36:15]], [[Genesis 36:4]]). His sons, including **Teman** `{{H8487}}`, **Omar** `{{H201}}`, and **Kenaz** `{{H7073}}`, became **dukes** `{{H441}}` in the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Edom** `{{H123}}` [[Genesis 36:15-16]]. Through his **concubine** `{{H6370}}` **Timna** `{{H8555}}`, Eliphaz also fathered **Amalek** `{{H6002}}` [[Genesis 36:12]]. In the book of Job, a different Eliphaz is introduced as the **Temanite** `{{H8489}}`, one of **Job's** `{{H347}}` three **friends** `{{H7453}}` who came **together** `{{H3162}}` to **comfort** `{{H5162}}` him [[Job 2:11]]. This Eliphaz speaks several times, beginning his dialogues in [[Job 4:1]], [[Job 15:1]], and [[Job 22:1]]. Ultimately, the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` declared that His **wrath** `{{H639}}` was **kindled** `{{H2734}}` against Eliphaz and his two friends for not having **spoken** `{{H1696}}` rightly of Him [[Job 42:7]]. After obeying the LORD's command, Eliphaz the **Temanite** `{{H8489}}` was **accepted** `{{H5375}}` [[Job 42:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related figures and terms provide context for the two individuals named Eliphaz:
* `{{H6215}}` **ʼÊsâv** (Esau): Defined as **rough (i.e. sensibly felt); Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity; Esau**. He is the father of the first Eliphaz, establishing a patriarchal line [[Genesis 36:10]].
* `{{H347}}` **ʼÎyôwb** (Job): Defined as **hated (i.e. persecuted); Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience; Job**. He is the recipient of the counsel from the second Eliphaz [[Job 2:11]].
* `{{H7453}}` **rêaʻ** (friend): Meaning **an associate (more or less close);... friend**. This term defines the relationship of Eliphaz the Temanite to Job, which is central to the narrative of the book [[Job 42:7]].
* `{{H8489}}` **Têymânîy** (Temanite): A term meaning **a Temanite or descendant of Teman**. It describes Job's friend Eliphaz, linking him to the region of Teman [[Job 4:1]]. The name **Teman** `{{H8487}}` also belongs to one of the sons of the first Eliphaz [[Genesis 36:11]].
### Theological Significance
The name Eliphaz carries significance in two distinct biblical contexts:
* **Patriarchal Lineage:** The first Eliphaz, as the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Esau** `{{H6215}}`, is a foundational figure in the genealogies of **Edom** `{{H123}}`. His sons became **dukes** `{{H441}}` and the progenitors of peoples like the Amalekites, establishing a key lineage in the Old Testament narrative ([[Genesis 36:12]], [[Genesis 36:16]]).
* **Flawed Human Counsel:** Eliphaz the **Temanite** `{{H8489}}`, a **friend** `{{H7453}}` to **Job** `{{H347}}`, represents well-intentioned but misguided human wisdom. Though he came to **comfort** `{{H5162}}` Job, his speeches led to a divine rebuke, highlighting the limits of human understanding in the face of suffering ([[Job 2:11]], [[Job 42:7]]).
* **Divine Rebuke and Restoration:** The story of Job's friend Eliphaz culminates in the **LORD's** `{{H3068}}` **wrath** `{{H639}}` being **kindled** `{{H2734}}` against him for not speaking rightly [[Job 42:7]]. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over theological speech and provides a model for restoration, as Eliphaz and his friends find acceptance only after they **did** `{{H6213}}` as the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **commanded** `{{H1696}}` [[Job 42:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĔlîyphaz** `{{H464}}` is a name assigned to two important but separate figures. The first is a patriarch whose lineage is detailed in Genesis, forming a part of the nation of **Edom** `{{H123}}`. The second is a central speaker in the book of Job, whose interactions with **Job** `{{H347}}` serve as a timeless lesson on the nature of suffering and the danger of speaking presumptuously for God. The name thus bridges the historical genealogies with profound wisdom literature, illustrating how a single name can anchor two vastly different biblical narratives.
TRV