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.
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.
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.
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.
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