King James Version

What Does Job 2:12 Mean?

Job 2:12 in the King James Version says “And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every... — study this verse from Job chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.

Job 2:12 · KJV


Context

10

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

11

Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

12

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.

13

So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The friends' inability to recognize Job demonstrates the severity of his disfigurement. Their actions—lifting their voices weeping, tearing their robes, sprinkling dust on their heads—represent genuine covenant mourning. The seven days and nights of silence reveal proper pastoral care: presence precedes pronouncement. Unfortunately, this wise silence will soon give way to false accusations, showing that even those who begin well can fail without maintaining humble dependence on God's wisdom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Seven days of mourning was a standard period (Genesis 50:10, 1 Samuel 31:13), and sitting with mourners without speaking was culturally appropriate, acknowledging that some grief transcends words.

Reflection Questions

  1. How well do you practice the ministry of presence without feeling compelled to speak?
  2. What causes people who begin with genuine compassion to shift into accusation and false counsel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ1 of 17

And when they lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵֽינֵיהֶ֤ם3 of 17

their eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מֵֽרָחוֹק֙4 of 17

afar off

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

וְלֹ֣א5 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִכִּירֻ֔הוּ6 of 17

and knew

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ7 of 17

And when they lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

קוֹלָ֖ם8 of 17

their voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיִּבְכּ֑וּ9 of 17

and wept

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

וַֽיִּקְרְעוּ֙10 of 17

and they rent

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אִ֣ישׁ11 of 17

every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מְעִל֔וֹ12 of 17

his mantle

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וַיִּזְרְק֥וּ13 of 17

and sprinkled

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

עָפָ֛ר14 of 17

dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

עַל15 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם16 of 17

upon their heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַשָּׁמָֽיְמָה׃17 of 17

toward heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 2:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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