SOPHAR (Hebrew Sopher). — One of the three friends of Job (q.v.); he is said to be of Naamah, which some see as a region inhabited by Arameans or Idumeans, while others think of it as a tribe. S. speaks last, reiterating the common view that Job’s calamity was nothing other than the effect of a divine punishment for sins committed.
Since the afflicted man had already rejected this thesis by affirming his innocence, S. insists on pointing out possible hidden faults and advises repentance (Job 11:1–20). In the second debate, offended by Job’s strong expressions against his supposed friends (ibid. 13:4ff.; 16:2; 19:3), S. reproaches him for such boldness in judging and briefly sketches the figure and fate of the wicked (ibid. 20:1–29). In the third debate, S. does not intervene, but this may be due to an unfortunate transmission of the text, which is suspected here of disorder and lacunae. Angelo Penna