One verse. Three ways to understand.
When they looked up from far away and didn't recognize him, they cried out loudly and wept. Each of them tore their clothes and threw dust on their heads toward the sky.
Job's three friends were so shocked by how terrible he looked after all his suffering that they didn't even recognize him at first, and they immediately began mourning with him.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishAnd 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.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Job, set in ancient patriarchal times, Job is a righteous man who endures severe suffering as a test of his faith, including the loss of his health and possessions. When his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, hear of his misfortunes, they travel to comfort him and are shocked upon seeing him from afar, as his afflictions have altered his appearance beyond recognition. Their response of weeping, tearing their clothes, and sprinkling dust on their heads reflects common ancient Near Eastern customs of mourning and expressing deep solidarity with the afflicted.