Job 1:7

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמַ֔ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֙
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַשָּׂטָ֤ן
H7854
thou Then Satan
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
#5
מֵאַ֣יִן
H370
Whence
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
#6
תָּבֹ֑א
H935
comest
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
וַיַּ֨עַן
H6030
answered
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,
#8
הַשָּׂטָ֤ן
H7854
thou Then Satan
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
יְהוָה֙
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
וַיֹּאמַ֔ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
מִשּׁ֣וּט
H7751
From going to and fro
properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
#13
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
H776
in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וּמֵֽהִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ
H1980
and from walking up and down
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#15
בָּֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Job's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection