### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Naʻămâthîy**, represented by `{{H5284}}`, is a patrial term for a **Naamathite**, or an inhabitant of a place called Naamah. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This word is not used as a concept but as a specific identifier for one of the key figures in the book of Job.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5284}}` is used exclusively to describe Zophar `{{H6691}}`, one of Job's three friends `{{H7453}}`. He is introduced as "Zophar the Naamathite" when he and his companions, Eliphaz the Temanite `{{H8489}}` and Bildad the Shuhite `{{H7747}}`, hear of the evil `{{H7451}}` that has come upon Job `{{H347}}`. They make an appointment `{{H3259}}` together `{{H3162}}` to mourn `{{H5110}}` with and comfort `{{H5162}}` their friend [[Job 2:11]]. The term is also used to preface Zophar's speeches, where he answers `{{H6030}}` Job ([[Job 11:1]], [[Job 20:1]]). Finally, Zophar the Naamathite is mentioned as he and the other friends obey the LORD's `{{H3068}}` command `{{H1696}}` at the end of the story [[Job 42:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for the Naamathite's identity and role:
* `{{H6691}}` **Tsôwphar** (departing; Tsophar, a friend of Job): This is the proper name of the individual who is always identified as the Naamathite [[Job 2:11]].
* `{{H347}}` **ʼÎyôwb** (hated (i.e. persecuted); Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience; Job): He is the central figure to whom Zophar the Naamathite comes to offer comfort and counsel [[Job 2:11]].
* `{{H7453}}` **rêaʻ** (an associate (more or less close); brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other): This word describes the relationship of the Naamathite to Job, as one of his three friends who came to see him in his affliction [[Job 2:11]].
* `{{H1085}}` **Bildad** (of uncertain derivation; Bildad, one of Job's friends): One of the three friends who joins the Naamathite in visiting Job [[Job 2:11]].
* `{{H464}}` **ʼĔlîyphaz** (God of gold; Eliphaz, the name of one of Job's friends, and of a son of Esau; Eliphaz): The third friend who accompanies the Naamathite on his mission to comfort Job [[Job 2:11]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5284}}` is tied directly to the actions and role of the person it describes, Zophar.
* **Intentional Comfort:** The Naamathite is part of a group of friends who intentionally came together `{{H3162}}` with a stated purpose: "to mourn `{{H5110}}` with him and to comfort `{{H5162}}` him" [[Job 2:11]]. This demonstrates a foundational role of companionship in suffering.
* **Human Counsel:** The designation is used to introduce Zophar's discourses, where he answers `{{H6030}}` Job and offers his perspective on divine justice and Job's situation ([[Job 11:1]], [[Job 20:1]]).
* **Ultimate Obedience:** At the conclusion of the dialogue, Zophar the Naamathite, along with his friends, "did `{{H6213}}` according as the LORD `{{H3068}}` commanded `{{H1696}}` them," leading to the LORD accepting `{{H5375}}` Job [[Job 42:9]]. This shows a final submission to God's authority over human reasoning.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5284}}` is a geographical identifier, or patrial, for Zophar, one of the three friends of Job. Its use is confined entirely to the book of Job, where it serves to introduce this character and frame his participation in the narrative. The term tracks Zophar's journey from a compassionate friend to a vocal counselor and, ultimately, to an individual who demonstrates obedience to God's command.
TRV