אֱלִיפַז
Eliphaz, the name of one of Job's friends, and of a son of Esau
Definition
Eliphaz is a proper name given to two significant figures in the Old Testament. First, he is the firstborn son of Esau and Adah, making him a grandson of Isaac and a tribal chief in Edom (Genesis 36:4, 15-16). Second, and more prominently, Eliphaz is the name of one of Job's three friends, a Temanite, who engages in lengthy dialogues with Job about the nature of suffering and divine justice (Job 2:11, 4:1). While the name is the same, the two individuals represent distinct lineages and roles within the biblical narrative.
Biblical Usage
The name Eliphaz appears 14 times, primarily in genealogical and narrative contexts. In Genesis and 1 Chronicles, it is used to trace the Edomite lineage from Esau (Genesis 36:10-12; 1 Chronicles 1:35-36). In the Book of Job, it identifies Job's friend who speaks in three cycles of debate (Job 4-5, 15, 22). The usage pattern shows a clear division: historical genealogy versus theological dialogue.
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew elements אֵל (ʼēl, H410), meaning 'God,' and פָּז (pāz, H6337), meaning 'gold' or 'fine gold.' Thus, the name Eliphaz literally translates to 'God is gold' or 'my God is gold,' possibly connoting purity, value, or divine strength. It is a theophoric name, common in Semitic cultures, which incorporates a deity's name.
Semantic Range
Eliphaz is theologically significant primarily as Job's friend. His speeches, while containing elements of traditional wisdom about God's justice and the retribution principle, are ultimately critiqued by God for not speaking rightly (Job 42:7). Studying Eliphaz highlights the complexity of suffering, the limits of human wisdom, and the danger of applying rigid theological formulas. Understanding his role enriches reading by showing the contrast between human presumption and God's mysterious sovereignty.
As a name meaning 'God is gold,' it reflects a cultural practice of using precious metals to symbolize the supreme worth or enduring nature of a deity. In the ancient Near East, such names expressed hope for divine favor and protection. As an Edomite chieftain (Genesis 36:15-16), Eliphaz represents the established, tribal social structure of neighboring nations to Israel. As Job's Temanite friend, he comes from a region renowned for wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7), which frames his authoritative but flawed counsel.
Teman (H8487) — The region or descendant name associated with Eliphaz the friend, denoting wisdom tradition. Edom (H123) — The nation descended from Esau, identifying the lineage of Eliphaz the son.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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