patience of Job: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘patience of Job’ mean?
The idiom "patience of Job" refers to an exceptional level of patience and endurance, derived from the biblical figure Job who patiently endured immense suffering and remained faithful to God.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "ride out" means to endure or survive a difficult situation or problem without giving up or being greatly affected by it.
The idiom "press on" means to continue or persevere, despite difficulties or obstacles. It implies determination and the refusal to give up. It can be used to encourage someone to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
The idiom "piece of work" refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or understand, often due to their complex or challenging behavior or personality.
The idiom "pay one's dues" means to fulfill obligations or requirements, often through hard work or sacrifice, in order to achieve success or gain a certain position.
The idiom "patience of a saint" means having an exceptionally calm and enduring disposition, similar to the immense patience typically associated with saints or highly virtuous individuals.
An idiom that describes someone who is extremely patient, calm, and tolerant, like an angel. The phrase suggests a high level of endurance in difficult situations.
The idiom "pass the river" refers to successfully overcoming a difficult or challenging situation, often with perseverance or determination, as if crossing a river. It implies a sense of accomplishment or achievement despite obstacles.
Job's Steadfast Endurance
The idiom "patience of Job" is derived from the biblical figure Job, who is known for his enduring patience and faithfulness in the face of extreme adversity. The phrase is often used to describe someone who exhibits great patience, endurance, and fortitude in difficult situations.
In the biblical story, Job faced a series of misfortunes, including the loss of his property, the death of his children, and a severe affliction that caused him physical pain. Despite these hardships, he did not lose faith or complain against God, but instead maintained his trust and patience.
The idiom "patience of Job" can be found in a variety of contexts, including discussions on resilience, perseverance, and personal strength. It carries a powerful message of remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity.
One related idiom is "patience of a saint." This idiom emphasizes the extraordinary level of patience demonstrated by an individual, likening it to the patience typically associated with a saint. It highlights the ability to endure difficult situations with grace and composure.
Another related idiom is "patience of an angel." This idiom suggests a similar level of patience, comparing it to the infinite patience often attributed to angels. It conveys the idea of remaining serene and composed even in the most trying circumstances.
A related phrase, "bear with," is often used to encourage patience and understanding. It implies asking someone to tolerate or endure a situation or behavior without becoming impatient or upset. It is another way to express the concept of enduring difficulties with patience and fortitude.
The last related idiom is "long haul." This phrase refers to enduring or persevering through a difficult or challenging situation for an extended period of time. It emphasizes the need for patience and steadfastness for the duration of a prolonged endeavor or journey.
It is important to note that the use of the idiom "patience of Job" does not necessarily imply a religious or biblical context. While its origin is rooted in the story of Job, it has become a commonly used phrase in secular contexts as well. It serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in patience and endurance, offering inspiration to those who may be going through challenging times.
The idiom "patience of Job" holds a deep meaning rooted in the story of Job's unwavering patience and faithfulness. It is often used to describe someone who exhibits great patience, endurance, and fortitude in difficult situations. This idiom can be found in a variety of contexts, conveying the idea of enduring patience and offering inspiration to those going through challenging times.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *patience of Job* can be used in a sentence:
- Despite facing numerous setbacks, she showed the patience of Job and persevered until she achieved success.
- Even though the customer was being rude and demanding, the salesperson maintained the patience of Job and handled the situation with professionalism.
- During a long and tedious wait at the doctor's office, he demonstrated the patience of Job by calmly reading a book and remaining composed.
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