Meaning
To possess an extraordinary amount of patience, like the biblical figure Job.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'Sabr' is often linked to the concept of 'Tavakkul' (trusting in God's plan). Having 'Sabr-e Ayub' is seen as a sign of spiritual maturity. Similar to Iran, Dari speakers in Afghanistan use this phrase frequently, especially when discussing the long years of conflict and the resilience of the people. In Tajik Persian, the phrase remains a staple of formal literature and is used to describe the endurance of farmers and mountain dwellers. In Sufi poetry, Ayub's patience is a metaphor for the lover's patience in waiting for the Beloved (God).
Use it for empathy
If a friend is complaining about a long struggle, say 'Vaghean sabr-e Ayub dari' to show you respect their strength.
Don't over-use
If you use it for everything, it loses its power. Save it for truly 'heroic' waiting.
Meaning
To possess an extraordinary amount of patience, like the biblical figure Job.
Use it for empathy
If a friend is complaining about a long struggle, say 'Vaghean sabr-e Ayub dari' to show you respect their strength.
Don't over-use
If you use it for everything, it loses its power. Save it for truly 'heroic' waiting.
Religious sensitivity
While common, remember it refers to a Prophet. Use it with respect in religious circles.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
برای بزرگ کردن بچهها، مادرها باید _______ داشته باشند.
The context of raising children implies a need for extreme, long-term patience.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Sabr-e Ayub'?
In which case would you use this idiom?
The idiom is for long-term, significant endurance.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Matching the core idiom to its direct English counterpart.
What is the best response in this dialogue?
A: 'این ترافیک هیچوقت تمام نمیشود!' B: '_______'
Responding to traffic frustration with the appropriate idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبرای بزرگ کردن بچهها، مادرها باید _______ داشته باشند.
The context of raising children implies a need for extreme, long-term patience.
In which case would you use this idiom?
The idiom is for long-term, significant endurance.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the core idiom to its direct English counterpart.
A: 'این ترافیک هیچوقت تمام نمیشود!' B: '_______'
Responding to traffic frustration with the appropriate idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, Ayub is the Arabic/Persian name for the biblical Prophet Job.
Yes, you can use it sarcastically, e.g., 'He has the patience of Job to stay with that annoying person.'
It is neutral. It works in a PhD thesis and in a grocery store.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but 'Azhul-baz' (someone very hurried/impatient) is a related concept.
Not at all. It is a standard part of the Persian language used by everyone.
Yes, as an exclamation: 'Vay, sabr-e Ayub!' (Wow, Job's patience!)
Related Phrases
صبر تلخ است ولیکن بر شیرین دارد
similarPatience is bitter, but it has sweet fruit.
سنگ صبور
relatedPatience stone.
دندان روی جگر گذاشتن
similarTo put teeth on the liver.
با دم شیر بازی کردن
contrastTo play with a lion's tail.
