Bible Figure
Eliphaz
character from Book of Job; the first of the three visitors of Job (Book of Job)
Eliphaz the Temanite was the first of Job's three principal friends to speak and repeatedly argued that Job's suffering must reflect wrongdoing.
Biography
Eliphaz initially speaks with relative sympathy, appealing to his observation that those who sow trouble reap it and recounting a mysterious night vision emphasizing human impurity before God. As the debates intensify, he becomes more accusatory, eventually charging Job with specific social sins for which the narrative has supplied no evidence. Job rejects the friends' explanation of his suffering. At the book's end God tells Eliphaz that he and his companions have not spoken rightly about Him as Job has and commands them to offer sacrifices while Job prays for them.
Biblical Significance
Eliphaz illustrates how apparently orthodox principles can become harmful when applied mechanically to another person's suffering. His progression from consolation to unsupported accusation is central to Job's critique of simplistic retribution theology.