Job 2:6
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַשָּׂטָ֖ן
unto Satan
H7854
הַשָּׂטָ֖ן
unto Satan
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
4 of 10
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
בְיָדֶ֑ךָ
Behold he is in thine hand
H3027
בְיָדֶ֑ךָ
Behold he is in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אַ֖ךְ
H389
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.Job 1:12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Historical Context
The limitation placed on Satan reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine sovereignty over both life and death, but Scripture uniquely emphasizes that even evil agents operate only within divinely ordained boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God sets limits on Satan's attacks provide comfort in suffering?
- What purposes might God have in preserving your life through trials that could have killed you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God grants Satan permission to afflict Job's body but draws a clear boundary: 'save his life.' This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty even over Satan's attacks—the adversary can only go as far as divinely permitted. The preservation of Job's life ensures the trial doesn't end prematurely and that Job's vindication will be complete. This parallels Jesus's words to Peter: Satan demanded to sift him, but Christ's prayer ensures his faith doesn't fail (Luke 22:31-32).