Job 1:7
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַשָּׂטָ֤ן
thou Then Satan
H7854
הַשָּׂטָ֤ן
thou Then Satan
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
4 of 15
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
מֵאַ֣יִן
Whence
H370
מֵאַ֣יִן
Whence
Strong's:
H370
Word #:
5 of 15
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הַשָּׂטָ֤ן
thou Then Satan
H7854
הַשָּׂטָ֤ן
thou Then Satan
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
8 of 15
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִשּׁ֣וּט
From going to and fro
H7751
מִשּׁ֣וּט
From going to and fro
Strong's:
H7751
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
Cross References
1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Job 2:2And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.Matthew 12:43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.Revelation 20:8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.2 Kings 5:25But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
Historical Context
The dialogue format reflects ancient legal proceedings where defendants must give account. God's sovereignty over Satan's movements anticipates the New Testament teaching that temptation is always limited by divine permission (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Satan's limited authority encourage you in spiritual warfare?
- What does this passage teach about God's control over evil?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's question 'Whence comest thou?' is not seeking information but establishing Satan's limited authority. The adversary can only 'go to and fro' and 'walk up and down' - restless activity without ultimate power. Satan's roaming earth seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8) is depicted here as subject to divine interrogation.