Job 1:8

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַשָּׂטָ֔ן
unto Satan
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
#5
הֲשַׂ֥מְתָּ
Hast thou considered
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
לִבְּךָ֖
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
עַבְדִּ֣י
my servant
a servant
#9
אִיּ֑וֹב
Job
ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
כָּמֹ֙הוּ֙
as, thus, so
#13
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
that there is none like him in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
אִ֣ישׁ
man
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)
#15
תָּ֧ם
a perfect
complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear
#16
וְיָשָׁ֛ר
and an upright
straight (literally or figuratively)
#17
יְרֵ֥א
one that feareth
fearing; morally, reverent
#18
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
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
#19
וְסָ֥ר
and escheweth
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#20
מֵרָֽע׃
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection