Job 1:9

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Then Satan {H7854} answered {H6030} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, Doth Job {H347} fear {H3372} God {H430} for nought {H2600}?

The Adversary answered ADONAI, "Is it for nothing that Iyov fears God?

Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing?

Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Job 1:9 marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Job, introducing the central conflict that drives the narrative: the nature of genuine piety and the reason for human devotion to God.

Context

This verse occurs during a heavenly council, where God proudly highlights the blameless character of His servant, Job, as described in Job 1:8. Satan, appearing among the "sons of God," challenges this divine assessment. His question is not merely rhetorical but an accusation, designed to undermine Job's integrity and, by extension, God's justice and the sincerity of human faith.

Key Themes

  • Satan's Accusation: Satan suggests that Job's righteousness is not born of pure devotion but is a transactional relationship. He implies that Job serves God only because God has blessed and protected him, creating a "hedge" around him (Job 1:10). This challenges the very concept of disinterested worship.
  • The Nature of True Piety: The core question posed by Satan is whether one can truly fear God "for nought," meaning without any expectation of material reward or protection. This sets the stage for Job's trials, which will test the authenticity of his faith beyond prosperity.
  • Spiritual Warfare: This exchange reveals a dimension of spiritual conflict, where the adversary actively seeks to discredit God's servants and challenge divine wisdom. It underscores the reality that faith is often tested, not just by external circumstances, but by unseen spiritual forces.

Linguistic Insight

The key phrase in this verse is "for nought," which translates the Hebrew word chinnam (חִנָּם). This term means "gratuitously," "without cause," "without recompense," or "for nothing." Satan's question, therefore, is "Does Job serve God for no personal gain?" or "Does he fear God without a reason (other than self-interest)?" It implies that all human devotion is inherently selfish and conditional, a cynical view that the Book of Job aims to refute.

Practical Application

Job 1:9 challenges believers to examine the motives behind their own faith and service. Are we devoted to God only when things are going well, or because we expect blessings? True faith, as exemplified by Job's eventual endurance, is not contingent on circumstances or material rewards. It is a commitment to God simply because He is God, regardless of the trials faced. This verse encourages us to pursue a faith that endures testing and demonstrates genuine, unconditional love for the Lord, trusting in His ultimate goodness even when understanding is limited, much like the testing of faith described in 1 Peter 1:7.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 16:26

    For 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 1:21

    And 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.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • Job 21:14

    Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

  • Job 21:15

    What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

  • Job 2:10

    But 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 4:8

    For 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.

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