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בִּלְדַּד (bil.dad)

bil.dad

Bildad

H1085 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Bildad refers to one of the three friends who visited Job during his suffering, appearing first in Job 2:11. He is traditionally identified as the second friend to speak in the debate, following Eliphaz. The sources note that his name may carry a meaning related to "confusing love" or mingling affection, a detail that adds an interesting layer to his role in the narrative.

In the book of Job, Bildad represents a voice of traditional wisdom, insisting on strict divine justice. His arguments often emphasize that God is too pure to tolerate sin, suggesting that Job’s suffering must be evidence of hidden guilt. This perspective contrasts with Job’s insistence on his own innocence, creating the central tension of the dialogue.

Though only five verses mention him by name, Bildad’s contributions are significant in exploring how ancient communities understood the relationship between righteousness and suffering. His words challenge readers to consider the limits of human reasoning when facing unexplained pain, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Bildad appears in the book of Job as one of three friends who travel to sit with Job during his deep suffering. His name may suggest a mingling of affection, yet his words often feel rigid and critical. He represents a voice of traditional wisdom that insists on strict divine justice, believing that God’s purity cannot tolerate sin. This perspective creates tension with Job’s own claims of innocence.

When we face unexplained pain, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking our suffering proves hidden guilt. Bildad’s story warns us against this kind of reasoning. His final act in Job 42:9 shows that even those who speak wrongly can return to faithfulness when they listen to God. This reminds us that human understanding has limits, especially when we try to explain the reasons behind another person's pain.

In your own life, you may encounter people who offer simple answers to complex struggles. Bildad invites you to pause before accepting such explanations. Instead of judging, we are called to sit with others in their silence. God accepts those who humble themselves and seek Him directly, rather than relying on human logic to define His justice.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Bildad3×
  • and/ Bildad2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בִּלְדַּ֥ד3×
  • וּ/בִלְדַּ֣ד2×

Key Verses

  • Job 2:11
    Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.

    This verse introduces Bildad as part of the group that came to sympathize with Job, showing his initial role as a comforter before his arguments begin.

  • Job 8:1
    Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

    Bildad opens his first speech by appealing to God’s justice, setting the tone for his traditional view that suffering is always linked to sin.

  • Job 42:9
    So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what Yahweh commanded them, and Yahweh accepted Job.

    Here Bildad joins his friends in obeying God’s command to pray for Job, demonstrating a return to humility and acceptance after their failed debates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Bildad mean?

The name Bildad is traditionally interpreted as meaning "confusing love" or "mingling affection." This etymology adds an interesting layer to his character, as he comes to comfort Job but ends up offering harsh theological arguments rather than simple empathy.

Why does Bildad argue that Job must have sinned?

Bildad represents a voice of traditional wisdom that insists on strict divine justice. He believes God is too pure to tolerate sin, so he concludes that Job’s suffering must be evidence of hidden guilt. This view contrasts sharply with Job’s insistence on his own innocence.

How does Bildad’s story end?

In Job 42:9, Bildad joins Eliphaz and Zophar in doing what Yahweh commanded them. They pray for Job, and Yahweh accepts Job. This shows that even those who speak wrongly can return to faithfulness when they humble themselves before God.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Job 5 verses
Job 2:11

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz…

Job 8:1

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

Job 18:1

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

Job 25:1

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

Job 42:9

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what Yahweh commanded them, and…