Job 1:1

KJV

¶ There 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was a man {H376} in the land {H776} of Uz {H5780}, whose name {H8034} was Job {H347}; and that man {H376} was perfect {H8535} and upright {H3477}, and one that feared {H3373} God {H430}, and eschewed {H5493} evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a man in the land of 'Utz whose name was Iyov. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.

Berean Standard Bible

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil.

American Standard Version

There 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 turned away from evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 1:1 serves as the foundational introduction to the protagonist of one of the Bible's most profound wisdom books, immediately establishing Job's extraordinary character and moral standing. It presents him as a man of unparalleled integrity and piety, living in the land of Uz, whose life is defined by a deep reverence for God and a consistent avoidance of evil. This initial portrait sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of the narrative, where the nature of true righteousness and suffering will be rigorously tested against the backdrop of this blameless man's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 1:1 functions as the prologue to the Book of Job, a masterpiece of wisdom literature presented primarily as a dramatic poem. This opening verse is part of a prose framework (chapters 1-2 and 42:7-17) that encloses the extensive poetic dialogues between Job and his friends. The immediate literary context is the beginning of the narrative arc, introducing the central character, his setting, and his character before the divine challenge and subsequent trials commence. This detailed introduction of Job's exemplary character is crucial, as it establishes the premise that his suffering is not a direct consequence of personal sin, thereby setting up the central theological problem of the book: why the righteous suffer.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "land of Uz" is a geographical location generally believed to be east of Palestine, possibly in the region of Edom, northern Arabia, or southern Syria. The fact that Job is not an Israelite but a righteous Gentile patriarch is significant, suggesting that true piety and the fear of God are not exclusive to a particular nation or covenant, but are universal principles. This context places the narrative within the broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, which often explored themes of justice, suffering, and the nature of the divine. The prevailing cultural understanding of the time, particularly in Israelite wisdom, often linked suffering directly to sin (the retribution principle), making Job's blamelessness a radical challenge to this conventional theological framework.

* **Key Themes:** Job 1:1 introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire book. Foremost among these is the theme of **righteousness and integrity**, embodied in Job's "perfect and upright" character. This blamelessness sets up the central theological dilemma of the book, questioning the simplistic retribution principle that suffering is always a direct result of sin. Another key theme is the **fear of God**, which is presented as the cornerstone of Job's piety and the foundation of true wisdom, a concept echoed throughout biblical wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). The verse also highlights the active **rejection of evil**, demonstrating that Job's righteousness was not merely passive but involved a deliberate turning away from wrongdoing. These themes collectively establish Job as an ideal figure whose subsequent trials will test the very nature of his devotion and the justice of God's governance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _tam'_):** This term does not imply sinless perfection in an absolute sense, but rather "blameless," "complete," or "wholehearted." It signifies integrity and moral soundness, indicating that Job was consistent in his devotion to God and upright in his dealings with humanity. He was without blemish in the eyes of God and man, fulfilling all expected duties and living in accordance with divine standards. This concept of blamelessness is also applied to figures like [Noah](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah's Blamelessness") and [Abraham](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - Abraham's Call to Be Blameless"), emphasizing a life lived in full devotion and obedience.
* **Upright (Hebrew, _yashar'_):** Meaning "straight" or "right," this word describes Job's moral rectitude and ethical conduct. It suggests that Job walked a straight path, adhering to justice and righteousness in his actions and decisions. He was honest, fair, and honorable, not deviating into crooked or deceitful ways. This term complements "perfect" by focusing on the outward manifestation of his inner integrity, demonstrating consistency between his character and his conduct.
* **Feared God (Hebrew, _yare' Elohim'_):** This is a profound theological phrase denoting deep reverence, awe, and submission to God's will. It is not a fear of terror, but a reverential respect that leads to obedience and worship. In wisdom literature, the "fear of the LORD" is often presented as the "beginning of wisdom" and knowledge (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")). For Job, this fear was the foundation of his piety, motivating his blamelessness and uprightness, and demonstrating a right relationship with the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name [was] Job;":** This opening clause immediately introduces the protagonist, Job, and situates him geographically in "the land of Uz." The indefinite "a man" (Hebrew: *'ish*) suggests a universal human experience, while the specific naming "Job" (Hebrew: *'Iyyov*, possibly meaning "persecuted one" or "where is the father?") grounds the narrative in a particular individual. The mention of Uz, a non-Israelite territory, broadens the scope of the book's message beyond the covenant people, indicating that divine principles and human suffering transcend national boundaries.
* **"and that man was perfect and upright,":** This phrase begins the four-fold description of Job's exemplary character. "Perfect" (Hebrew: *tam*) signifies blamelessness, integrity, and completeness in his moral and spiritual walk, indicating a wholehearted devotion to God. "Upright" (Hebrew: *yashar*) describes his moral rectitude, suggesting he walked a straight, just, and honorable path in all his dealings. Together, these terms establish Job's impeccable character, setting him apart as a man of exceptional virtue.
* **"and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.":** This final clause completes the description of Job's piety. "Feared God" (Hebrew: *yare' Elohim*) denotes a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to the divine will, which is the cornerstone of true wisdom and piety. "Eschewed evil" (Hebrew: *sur ra'*) means he actively turned away from and avoided wrongdoing. This wasn't merely passive abstinence but a deliberate and consistent rejection of sin, demonstrating his active commitment to God's ways and the practical outworking of his fear of God.

#### Literary Devices
Job 1:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to establish its central character and foreshadow the narrative's trajectory. **Characterization** is immediately evident, as the verse provides a concise yet comprehensive four-fold description of Job's moral and spiritual excellence, painting him as an ideal figure. This detailed portrayal is a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing Job's extraordinary righteousness to underscore the paradox of his subsequent suffering. The deliberate use of four distinct, yet complementary, descriptors ("perfect," "upright," "feared God," "eschewed evil") also demonstrates **parallelism** and **repetition**, reinforcing the depth and consistency of Job's character. Furthermore, this initial, pristine depiction of Job serves as a powerful instance of **foreshadowing**, setting up the dramatic tension and theological challenge that will unfold as such a blameless man endures inexplicable suffering, forcing the reader to grapple with the nature of divine justice and human faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 1:1 establishes a profound theological foundation by presenting a man whose righteousness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition rooted in a deep reverence for God. This portrayal challenges the simplistic notion that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin, a common theological framework in ancient Israel. Job's blamelessness, uprightness, and active rejection of evil highlight the biblical ideal of living a life of integrity before God, irrespective of one's national or covenantal identity. His "fear of God" is presented as the wellspring of his moral excellence, aligning with the broader biblical wisdom tradition that identifies reverence for the Creator as the beginning of true knowledge and righteous living. This verse thus sets the stage for a profound exploration of divine sovereignty, human suffering, and the nature of faith when conventional explanations fail.

* [Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah's Blamelessness and Uprightness")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 15:1-2](/psalms/15-1 "Psalm 15:1-2 - Description of a Righteous Dweller in God's Tent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 1:1 presents us with an ideal of human character, challenging believers to cultivate a similar integrity and devotion in their own lives. Job's "perfection" is not about sinlessness but about wholeness and consistency—a life where inner conviction aligns with outward conduct. His "uprightness" calls us to walk a straight path of justice and honesty in all our dealings, rejecting duplicity and deceit. Most profoundly, his "fear of God" reminds us that genuine reverence and awe for the Almighty are the wellsprings of true wisdom and righteous living, leading to a deliberate and active "eschewing of evil." In a world that often compromises on truth and embraces moral relativism, Job's example urges us to pursue a consistent, God-honoring life, not merely avoiding sin passively but actively turning away from anything that displeases God. This foundation of character, as seen in Job, is what prepares an individual to face life's inevitable trials with steadfast faith, demonstrating that true piety is not contingent on circumstances but on an unwavering commitment to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater "wholeness" or "integrity" (Job's "perfect" character)?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect an "upright" walk, characterized by honesty and justice?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "fear God" in a practical sense, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **Am I actively "eschewing evil," or am I passively allowing sin to linger in my life? What specific steps can I take to turn away from wrongdoing?**

### FAQ
**What does "perfect" mean in the context of Job 1:1, if not sinless?**
Answer: In Job 1:1, "perfect" (Hebrew: *tam*) does not imply absolute sinlessness, which is a state only attributable to God and, ultimately, Christ. Instead, it signifies "blameless," "complete," or "wholehearted." It describes a person of integrity whose character is sound, consistent, and fully devoted to God. Job was morally upright and religiously sincere, without any significant blemish or hypocrisy in his walk with God or man. This is similar to how [Noah is described as "perfect" in his generations](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah's Blamelessness"), meaning he was righteous and blameless in his context, not that he never committed a sin. Job's perfection refers to his unwavering commitment to God's ways and his consistent obedience, setting him apart as an exemplary figure.

**Why is it significant that Job was from the "land of Uz" and not an Israelite?**
Answer: The location "land of Uz" is generally believed to be outside the geographical boundaries of ancient Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia. The fact that Job was not an Israelite is highly significant because it broadens the theological scope of the book. It demonstrates that righteousness, piety, and the fear of God are not exclusive to the covenant people of Israel but are universal principles applicable to all humanity. Job's story thus transcends national and ethnic boundaries, presenting a model of faith and integrity that resonates with people from all backgrounds. It also suggests that God's dealings and the universal problem of suffering extend beyond the specific covenant relationship with Israel, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 1:1, with its portrayal of a "perfect and upright" man who "feared God and eschewed evil," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate righteous sufferer, Jesus Christ. While Job's perfection was relative and human, albeit exemplary, Christ's perfection was absolute and divine. Jesus alone truly fulfilled the description of being "perfect" (Hebrews: *tam*), being "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), and perfectly "upright" in every thought, word, and deed. He perfectly "feared God" in absolute obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). More than merely "eschewing evil," Christ was the very embodiment of goodness who "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) and actively overcame all temptation. Job's blameless suffering, though profound, was a shadow of the innocent suffering of the Lamb of God, who, though perfectly righteous, bore the sins of the world ([1 Peter 2:22-24](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22-24 - Christ's Example of Suffering Righteously")). Thus, Job 1:1 introduces a human ideal that finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment only in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the truly perfect and upright one.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.