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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 2:13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/2-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/18_Job_02_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 2:13 - Job's Three Friends" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/2-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/2-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/2-12.htm" title="Job 2:12">◄</a> Job 2:13 <a href="/job/3-1.htm" title="Job 3:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/job/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/job/2.htm">New International Version</a> Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. <a href="/nlt/job/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. <a href="/esv/job/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. <a href="/bsb/job/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was. <a href="/kjv/job/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/job/2.htm">New King James Version</a> So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. <a href="/nasb_/job/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/nasb/job/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/nasb77/job/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/lsb/job/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/amp/job/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So they sat down on the ground with Job for seven days and seven nights and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/csb/job/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then they sat on the ground with him seven days and nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw that his suffering was very intense. <a href="/hcsb/job/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then they sat on the ground with him seven days and nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw that his suffering was very intense. <a href="/asv/job/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/job/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> For seven days and nights, they sat silently on the ground beside him, because they realized what terrible pain he was in. <a href="/erv/job/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/job/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him because they saw that he was in such great pain. <a href="/gnt/job/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then they sat there on the ground with him for seven days and nights without saying a word, because they saw how much he was suffering. <a href="/isv/job/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> and sat with Job on the ground for a full week without saying a word, since they could see the great extent of his anguish. Job Laments the Day He was Born <a href="/msb/job/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was. <a href="/net/job/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Then they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, yet no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/nheb/job/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. <a href="/wbt/job/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him: for they saw that his grief was very great. <a href="/web/job/2.htm">World English Bible</a> So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/job/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And they sit with him on the earth seven days and seven nights, and there is none speaking to him a word when they have seen that the pain has been very great. <a href="/ylt/job/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And they sit with him on the earth seven days and seven nights, and there is none speaking unto him a word when they have seen that the pain hath been very great. <a href="/slt/job/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they sat with him upon, the earth seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word to him: for they saw that grief was great exceedingly.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/job/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no man spoke to him a word: for they saw that his grief was very great. <a href="/cpdv/job/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they sat with him on the ground for seven day and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his sorrow was very great. <a href="/nabre/job/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Then they sat down upon the ground with him seven days and seven nights, but none of them spoke a word to him; for they saw how great was his suffering. <a href="/nrsvce/job/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/job/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him; for they saw that his affliction was very great. <a href="/hpbt/job/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they dwelt with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and there was none that said a word, because they saw that his plague was very severe with him <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/job/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word unto him; for they saw that his grief was very great. <a href="/sep/job/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> and they sat down beside him seven days and seven nights, and no one of them spoke; for they saw that his affliction was dreadful and very great. <a href="/parallel/job/2-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=361" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/job/2.htm">Job's Three Friends</a> …12When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head. 13<a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šə·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">Then they sat</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: lā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">on the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘aṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">for seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: wə·šiḇ·‘aṯ (Conj-w:: Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">and seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lê·lō·wṯ (N-mp) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">nights,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">but no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dō·ḇêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">one spoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a word</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">they saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">how intense</a> <a href="/hebrew/3511.htm" title="3511: hak·kə·’êḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- A pain. From ka'ab; suffering, adversity.">his suffering</a> <a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: ḡā·ḏal (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">was.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a> Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a> a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-4.htm">2 Corinthians 1:4</a> who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a> And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a> Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a> He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8</a> Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Lamentations 2:10</a> The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-26.htm">1 Corinthians 12:26</a> If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. <a href="/psalms/35-14.htm">Psalm 35:14</a> I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother. <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a> Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. <a href="/john/11-19.htm">John 11:19</a> and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. <a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm">Ezekiel 3:15</a> I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1</a> We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. <a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Hebrews 13:3</a> Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him: for they saw that his grief was very great.they sat.<a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Ezra 9:3</a> And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.<a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a> And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,<a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Isaiah 3:26</a> And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.seven days.<a href="/genesis/1-5.htm">Genesis 1:5,8</a> And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day… <a href="/genesis/50-10.htm">Genesis 50:10</a> And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.none spake.<a href="/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2</a> If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?<a href="/psalms/77-4.htm">Psalm 77:4</a> Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/job/2-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/1-19.htm">Great</a> <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">Nights</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-19.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/job/2-8.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-28.htm">Seats</a> <a href="/job/1-3.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/job/1-14.htm">Side</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/job/1-18.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-9.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/esther/9-26.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/6-2.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/job/3-14.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/3-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/job/3-24.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/job/3-16.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/job/7-3.htm">Nights</a> <a href="/job/3-26.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/job/29-25.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/job/29-8.htm">Seats</a> <a href="/job/5-19.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/job/7-4.htm">Side</a> <a href="/job/29-25.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/job/4-2.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/job/9-28.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/job/4-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Job 2</div>1. <a href="/job/2-1.htm">Satan, appearing again before God, obtains further leave to tempt Job.</a> 7. <a href="/job/2-7.htm">He afflicts him with sore boils.</a> 9. <a href="/job/2-9.htm">Job reproves his wife, who moved him to curse God.</a> 11. <a href="/job/2-11.htm">His three friends console with him in silence.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then they sat on the ground with him In ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting on the ground was a sign of mourning and solidarity. Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, demonstrate empathy by physically lowering themselves to Job's level, sharing in his grief. This act reflects the cultural practice of mourning alongside those who suffer, as seen in other biblical accounts such as in <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Lamentations 2:10</a>, where elders sit on the ground in silence.for seven days and seven nights, The period of seven days and nights is significant in biblical terms, often representing completeness or perfection. This mirrors the mourning period for the dead, as seen in <a href="/genesis/50-10.htm">Genesis 50:10</a>, where Joseph mourns his father Jacob for seven days. The duration underscores the depth of Job's suffering and the commitment of his friends to be present with him during this time.but no one spoke a word to him Silence in the face of suffering can be a profound form of support, acknowledging the depth of pain that words cannot address. This silence is reminiscent of the wisdom found in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a>, which states there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak." The friends' initial silence contrasts with their later speeches, which become critical and accusatory.because they saw how intense his suffering was. The friends' silence is motivated by the visible intensity of Job's suffering. This acknowledges the reality of Job's condition, which is described in detail in <a href="/job/2-7.htm">Job 2:7-8</a>, where he is afflicted with painful sores. The friends' initial response is appropriate, recognizing the gravity of Job's situation. This moment foreshadows the later dialogues where their understanding of his suffering becomes a point of contention.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a> A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing immense suffering and loss. 2. <a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a> Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They come to comfort Job in his time of distress. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_uz.htm">The Land of Uz</a> The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia. 4. <a href="/topical/s/seven_days_and_seven_nights.htm">Seven Days and Seven Nights</a> A period of mourning and silence observed by Job's friends, reflecting the depth of Job's suffering. 5. <a href="/topical/g/great_pain.htm">Great Pain</a> The intense physical and emotional suffering Job endures, which is acknowledged by his friends through their silence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_ministry_of_presence.htm">The Ministry of Presence</a> Sometimes, the best way to support someone in pain is simply to be present. Job's friends initially demonstrate this by sitting with him in silence. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_depth_of_suffering.htm">Understanding the Depth of Suffering</a> Recognizing the magnitude of someone's suffering can guide our responses. Job's friends saw his great pain and chose silence over words. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_practices_of_mourning.htm">Cultural Practices of Mourning</a> The seven-day period reflects a cultural understanding of mourning, which can inform how we approach grief in our own contexts. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_silence.htm">The Power of Silence</a> Silence can be a powerful tool in comforting others, allowing space for the grieving person to process their emotions without pressure to respond. <a href="/topical/e/empathy_in_action.htm">Empathy in Action</a> True empathy involves entering into the suffering of others, as Job's friends did by sitting with him for an extended period.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 2</a> <a href="/q/why_did_job's_three_friends_visit_him.htm">Why did Job's three friends visit him?</a> <a href="/q/is_job_6_2-3_literal_or_metaphorical.htm">In Job 6:2–3, does the claim that Job’s grief outweighs the sand of the seas present a literal impossibility or exaggerated metaphor? </a> <a href="/q/does_job_3's_despair_contradict_james_5_11.htm">Does the despair expressed in Job 3 contradict later biblical accounts (e.g., James 5:11) that describe Job as patient and steadfast?</a> <a href="/q/empathize_with_the_grieving.htm">Should we empathize with those who are grieving?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days.--Compare the conduct of David (<a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm" title="David therefore sought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth.">2Samuel 12:16</a>), and see also <a href="/genesis/1-10.htm" title="And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.">Genesis 1:10</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm" title="And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.">1Samuel 31:13</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm" title="Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelled by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.">Ezekiel 3:15</a>. There is a colossal grandeur about this description which is in keeping with the majesty and hoary antiquity of the poem.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights. Professor Lee supposes that this is not to be taken literally. "It means" he says, "that they sat with him a considerable length of time before they opened the question discussed in this book, not that they sat precisely seven days and seven nights, and said not so much as one word to him" ('The Book of the Patriarch Job; p. 194). But the period of" seven days" was appropriate to mournings (<a href="/genesis/1-10.htm">Genesis 1:10</a> 2Samuel 31:13 <a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm">Ezekiel 3:15</a>), and if they could stay with him one day and one night without speaking, why not seven? Food would be brought them, and they might sleep rolled up in their begeds. The long silence may be accounted for by the fact that "among the Jews," and among Orientals generally, "it is a point of decorum, and one dictated by a fine and true feeling, not to speak to a person in deep affliction until he gives an intimation of a desire to be comforted" (Cook). So long as Job kept silence they had to keep silence, at least so far as he was concerned. They might speak to any attendants who drew near, and they might speak one to another. Note the words which follow: And none spake a word unto him None spake to him; but no etiquette imposed complete silence on them. For they saw that his grief was very great. So great that he could not as yet bear to be spoken to. <a href="/commentaries/job/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then they sat וַיֵּשְׁב֤וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on the ground לָאָ֔רֶץ (lā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land with him אִתּוֹ֙ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among for seven שִׁבְעַ֥ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number days יָמִ֖ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day and seven וְשִׁבְעַ֣ת (wə·šiḇ·‘aṯ) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number nights, לֵיל֑וֹת (lê·lō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity but no וְאֵין־ (wə·’ên-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle one spoke דֹּבֵ֤ר (dō·ḇêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue a word דָּבָ֔ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause to אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to him because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they saw רָא֔וּ (rā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see how intense מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily his suffering הַכְּאֵ֖ב (hak·kə·’êḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3511.htm">Strong's 3511: </a> Suffering, adversity had become. גָדַ֥ל (ḡā·ḏal) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> To grow up, become great <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/job/2-13.htm">Job 2:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/job/2-13.htm">OT Poetry: Job 2:13 So they sat down with him (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/2-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 2:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 2:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/3-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 3:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 3:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>