Job 1:9
Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 9
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,
הַשָּׂטָ֛ן
Then Satan
H7854
הַשָּׂטָ֛ן
Then Satan
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
2 of 9
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַֽחִנָּ֔ם
for nought
H2600
הַֽחִנָּ֔ם
for nought
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
6 of 9
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
Cross References
Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Job 1:21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.Job 2:10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Historical Context
The divine council scene parallels Ancient Near Eastern court imagery but reveals YHWH's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual beings, including Satan, who must request permission to act (compare 1 Kings 22:19-22).
Questions for Reflection
- Would your faith in God survive if you lost all earthly blessings?
- How do you guard against treating God as a means to prosperity rather than as your ultimate treasure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Satan's question probes the foundation of genuine faith: does Job fear God for His own sake, or merely for the benefits received? The Hebrew 'chinnam' (for nothing/freely) is crucial—true saving faith perseveres without earthly reward. This challenges the prosperity gospel and affirms Reformed theology's emphasis on God's glory as faith's ultimate object. Satan cannot comprehend worship without self-interest, revealing his fundamental incomprehension of grace.