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?

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Satan {H7854}, Hast thou considered {H7760}{H3820} my servant {H5650} Job {H347}, that there is none like him in the earth {H776}, a perfect {H8535} and an upright {H3477} man {H376}, one that feareth {H3373} God {H430}, and escheweth {H5493} evil {H7451}?

ADONAI asked the Adversary, "Did you notice my servant Iyov, that there's no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil?"

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.”

And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil.

Commentary

Job 1:8 (KJV) presents a pivotal moment in the narrative, revealing God's profound assessment of Job's character to Satan. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic tests that follow, highlighting Job's exceptional piety and integrity before his trials begin.

Context

The Book of Job opens with a scene in the heavenly court, where the LORD (God) and Satan are in dialogue. Job, described as a wealthy and righteous man from the land of Uz, is introduced as a man of exemplary character. In this specific verse, the LORD initiates the conversation about Job, challenging Satan with Job's unparalleled devotion. This divine conversation establishes the spiritual battleground and the high stakes involved, moving beyond Job's earthly prosperity to the core of his faith.

Key Themes

  • Divine Endorsement: The verse begins with God Himself speaking to Satan, directly testifying to Job's character. This is not merely Job's reputation among men, but God's own affirmation of him as "my servant Job," signifying a deep, personal relationship and trust.
  • Job's Unparalleled Righteousness: God states, "there is none like him in the earth." This emphasizes Job's unique standing as the most righteous man of his time, setting him apart from all others in his devotion and moral uprightness.
  • A Perfect and Upright Man: The description of Job as "perfect and an upright man" speaks to his completeness and integrity. The Hebrew word for "perfect" (tam) here means blameless, whole, or complete in his devotion to God, rather than being sinless in an absolute sense. "Upright" (yashar) signifies moral rectitude and walking a straight path before God and man.
  • Fear of God and Eschewing Evil: These two phrases encapsulate Job's active piety. To "fear God" (Hebrew: yare') implies a deep reverence, awe, and submission to the LORD's will, which is often presented as the beginning of wisdom. To "escheweth evil" (Hebrew: sur ra') means to actively turn away from, depart from, or shun wickedness, demonstrating a conscious and consistent choice for righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "perfect" (Hebrew: tam) does not mean sinless perfection, but rather a blamelessness or integrity of heart and life. It suggests a wholehearted devotion to God without hypocrisy or division. This is similar to how God commanded Abraham to "walk before me, and be thou perfect" (Genesis 17:1).
  • "Upright" (Hebrew: yashar) conveys the idea of straightness, correctness, and moral integrity. It describes one who walks justly and righteously.
  • "Feareth God" (Hebrew: yare') signifies a profound reverence and awe for the divine, leading to obedience and moral conduct.
  • "Escheweth evil" (Hebrew: sur ra') is an active verb, meaning to turn aside from, to avoid, or to depart from evil. It highlights Job's deliberate choice to separate himself from wickedness.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully illustrates God's intimate knowledge of His servants, much like the detailed understanding expressed in Psalm 139:1-4. The dialogue also introduces Satan's role as the accuser, a theme echoed later in the Bible, particularly in Revelation 12:10, where he is described as "the accuser of our brethren."

Practical Application

Job 1:8 challenges believers today to examine the depth and authenticity of their own faith. It prompts us to consider:

  • Genuineness of Faith: Is our righteousness merely outward appearance, or does it stem from a true "fear of God" and a wholehearted desire to "eschew evil"?
  • Integrity in All Areas: Job was described as "perfect and upright," suggesting consistency in his character whether in prosperity or adversity. This calls us to live lives of integrity, where our private actions align with our public profession.
  • God's Perspective: Ultimately, it is God's assessment of our character that matters most. This verse reminds us that God sees beyond our circumstances and knows the true condition of our hearts.

Job's exemplary character, affirmed by God Himself, serves as a powerful model for genuine piety and unwavering devotion.

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Cross-References

  • Job 2:3 (12 votes)

    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? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

  • Job 1:1 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Numbers 12:7 (9 votes)

    My servant Moses [is] not so, who [is] faithful in all mine house.

  • Numbers 12:8 (9 votes)

    With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

  • 2 Kings 23:25 (8 votes)

    ¶ And 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.

  • Proverbs 8:13 (8 votes)

    The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

  • Isaiah 1:16 (8 votes)

    ¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;