Job 1:8
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַשָּׂטָ֔ן
unto Satan
H7854
הַשָּׂטָ֔ן
unto Satan
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
4 of 20
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
הֲשַׂ֥מְתָּ
Hast thou considered
H7760
הֲשַׂ֥מְתָּ
Hast thou considered
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
5 of 20
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לִבְּךָ֖
H3820
לִבְּךָ֖
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 20
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
that there is none like him in the earth
H776
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
that there is none like him in the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
13 of 20
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 20
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
תָּ֧ם
a perfect
H8535
תָּ֧ם
a perfect
Strong's:
H8535
Word #:
15 of 20
complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
18 of 20
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
Cross References
Job 2:3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.Job 1:1There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.Isaiah 1:16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.Job 8:20Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:2 Kings 23:25And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Numbers 12:3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Psalms 37:27Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Historical Context
The heavenly council scene (1:6-12) reflects ancient Near Eastern imagery where divine beings present themselves before the sovereign deity. Satan (ha-satan, הַשָּׂטָן) means 'the adversary,' appearing with the definite article suggesting a role or title. This dialogue format demonstrates that earthly events have heavenly dimensions—Job's suffering involves cosmic stakes regarding whether creatures can love God for Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that our faithfulness has cosmic significance affect how we view trials?
- What does God's confidence in Job teach us about how He views His faithful servants even when allowing testing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's question to Satan introduces the central conflict. The phrase 'Hast thou considered' (sam libbeka, שַׂמְתָּ לִבְּךָ) literally means 'Have you set your heart/mind upon'—God directs Satan's attention to Job. The divine description repeats verse 1's language about Job being 'perfect and upright.' The phrase 'there is none like him in the earth' establishes Job's unique righteousness. This sets up Satan's accusation: does Job serve God freely or only for benefits? The text reveals God's sovereign control—Satan can only act with divine permission, bound by limits God sets.