Job 1:6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיּ֔וֹם
Now there was a day
H3117
הַיּ֔וֹם
Now there was a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בְּנֵ֣י
when the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
when the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
to present
H3320
לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
to present
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
6 of 12
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָ֑ה
themselves before the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
themselves before the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גַֽם
H1571
גַֽם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Job 2:1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.Job 38:7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?Zechariah 3:1And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.1 Chronicles 21:1And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.1 Kings 22:19And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Genesis 6:4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.John 6:70Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?Luke 3:38Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.Psalms 103:20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Historical Context
The divine council motif appears throughout ancient Near Eastern literature, but only in Scripture is God depicted as absolutely sovereign over all spiritual beings. This prefigures Christ's authority over all powers and principalities (Colossians 2:15).
Questions for Reflection
- What comfort can you find in knowing that Satan must ask God's permission to test believers?
- How does the heavenly courtroom scene change your perspective on earthly trials?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew phrase 'sons of God' (bene elohim) refers to angelic beings presenting themselves before God's throne, establishing the cosmic courtroom scene. Satan ('the adversary' in Hebrew) appears among them not as an equal but as one subject to God's sovereign authority. This scene reveals that earthly suffering has heavenly dimensions.