Job's comforter

noun

ˈjōbz-

: a person who discourages or depresses while seemingly giving comfort and consolation

Did you know?

Poor Job. He's the biblical character who endures extraordinary afflictions in a test of his piety. He loses his possessions, his children, and his health. And then, to make matters worse, three friends show up to "comfort" him. These friends turn out to be no comfort at all. Instead, they say that the things that have been happening to him happen to all sinners-and point out a number of his faults. In the mid-18th century, English speakers began using the phrase Job's comforter for anyone who offers similarly unhelpful consolation.

Word History

Etymology

from the tone of the speeches made to Job by his friends

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Job's comforter was in 1738

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Style

“Job's comforter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Job%27s%20comforter. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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