Job 2:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Satan {H7854}, Hast thou {H7760} considered {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}? and still he holdeth fast {H2388} his integrity {H8538}, although thou movedst {H5496} me against him, to destroy {H1104} him without cause {H2600}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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, and that he still holds on to his integrity, even though you provoked me against him to destroy him for no reason?"

Berean Standard Bible

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. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 2:3 marks a profound moment in the cosmic drama, where the LORD unequivocally reaffirms His unwavering confidence in Job's character despite the immense suffering Job has already endured. God directly challenges Satan, highlighting Job's continued faithfulness and integrity even after catastrophic losses and profound affliction. This verse powerfully underscores Job's unparalleled righteousness in God's estimation and exposes the malicious, baseless nature of Satan's accusations, revealing that Job's suffering was not a consequence of his sin but a severe test of his genuine and unadulterated devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is strategically placed at the outset of the second heavenly council, immediately following Job's initial, devastating trials detailed in [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Job's Character and Initial Trials"). In the preceding narrative, [Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6-12 "Job 1:6-12 - The First Heavenly Council") describes God's initial commendation of Job to Satan, who then maliciously challenges Job's motives, asserting that his piety is merely a transactional response to prosperity. After Job endures the unimaginable loss of his children and wealth without succumbing to despair or cursing God ([Job 1:20-22](/job/1-20-22 "Job 1:20-22 - Job's Response to Loss")), Satan returns to the divine court ([Job 2:1-2](/job/2-1-2 "Job 2:1-2 - The Second Heavenly Council")). Here, God powerfully reiterates His praise for Job, directly confronting Satan's failed attempt to dismantle Job's integrity. The verse thus serves as the dramatic prelude to Satan's second, even more severe assault on Job's physical health, setting the stage for the extensive and profound dialogues between Job and his three friends in the subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient land of Uz, a region generally identified with Edom or northern Arabia, placing its narrative outside the geographical and national boundaries of Israel. This deliberate setting suggests a universal scope for the profound theological questions the book addresses, transcending specific ethnic or national concerns. The cultural backdrop is permeated by the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice, often encapsulated in the "retribution principle," which posited a direct correlation between suffering and sin, and prosperity with righteousness. Job's narrative directly and boldly challenges this simplistic worldview, presenting a righteous man who suffers "without cause." This verse, with God's explicit declaration of Job's blamelessness, serves as a divine refutation of the prevailing cultural assumption that Job's calamities must be divine punishment for hidden transgressions, thereby dismantling the very foundation of his friends' later arguments.

* **Key Themes:** [Job 2:3](/job/2-3 "Job 2:3 - God's Reaffirmation of Job's Integrity") powerfully reinforces several central themes that permeate the entire Book of Job. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, as God permits and oversees the unfolding trials, yet maintains ultimate control over Satan's destructive power, setting clear boundaries for his actions. It profoundly highlights the theme of **True Piety and Integrity**, demonstrating that genuine faith, as exemplified by Job, remains steadfast and authentic even when all earthly blessings are stripped away, proving that his devotion was not merely a conditional transaction. The verse also unequivocally introduces the theme of **Unjust Suffering**, explicitly stating that Job's destruction was "without cause," thereby systematically dismantling the simplistic retribution principle that Job's friends will later champion with relentless fervor. This declaration sets up the profound theological debate about the nature of suffering, the mystery of God's ways with humanity, and the true nature of faith, which unfolds throughout the rest of the book, particularly in the challenging dialogues found in sections like [Job 13](/job/13 "Job 13 - Job's Plea for Justice") and [Job 21](/job/21 "Job 21 - Job Questions the Prosperity of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _tâm'_):** This word (H8535, תָּם) signifies completeness, blamelessness, or integrity. It does not denote absolute sinless perfection, but rather moral uprightness, wholeness of character, and unwavering devotion to God. In the context of the ancient world, it describes someone whose life is consistent with their covenant obligations or ethical principles, lacking any fundamental defect in their relationship with God. It implies a life lived with sincerity and without hypocrisy.
* **Holdeth fast (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This verb (H2388, חָזָק) means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to retain." In this context, it vividly portrays Job's firm, unyielding grip on his integrity. It signifies an active, courageous, and obstinate adherence to his blameless character and devotion to God, despite immense pressure and suffering. It speaks to Job's inner fortitude and unwavering resolve.
* **Without cause (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** This term (H2600, חִנָּם) means "gratis," "devoid of cost, reason, or advantage," or "for nothing." It is a crucial declaration by God, directly refuting Satan's original accusation that Job served God only for material gain. It unequivocally states that Job's suffering was not a punishment for sin, a consequence of wrongdoing, or an act with any just provocation on Job's part. It underscores the unprovoked, unjust, and malicious nature of Satan's assault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job,"**: This opening phrase reiterates the divine initiative from the first heavenly council, with God directly engaging Satan. The phrase "my servant Job" is a profound title of honor and intimacy, signifying God's deep affection, protective regard, and divine endorsement of Job's character, even as He permits the trial. It serves as a powerful testament to Job's unique status and genuine devotion in God's eyes.
* **"that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?"**: This is God's repeated commendation of Job, almost verbatim from [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's First Praise of Job"). It emphasizes Job's unparalleled righteousness among humanity. The four descriptors—"perfect," "upright," "feareth God," and "escheweth evil"—collectively define Job's exemplary character, highlighting his moral integrity, ethical conduct, profound reverence for God, and active, deliberate rejection of wickedness. This establishes him as a model of true and authentic piety.
* **"and still he holdeth fast his integrity,"**: This is the crucial new element in God's statement, directly addressing and refuting Satan's failed challenge from the first trial. Despite the catastrophic losses of family, wealth, and health, Job has not wavered in his devotion or character. The phrase "holdeth fast his integrity" signifies Job's firm, unyielding grip on his moral and spiritual wholeness. It is a powerful testament to Job's steadfastness and the authenticity of his faith, which proved resilient and unwavering even under the most extreme duress.
* **"although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause."**: This final clause is a powerful indictment of Satan and a profound vindication of Job. God explicitly acknowledges Satan's malicious instigation ("thou movedst me against him") and destructive intent ("to destroy him"). Most significantly, the phrase "without cause" (חִנָּם, _chinnam_) is a direct and definitive refutation of Satan's original accusation that Job served God only for gain. It unequivocally declares that Job's suffering was not a punishment for sin or a consequence of any wrongdoing on his part, but rather an unprovoked, unjust assault orchestrated by Satan, albeit within the carefully defined boundaries of God's sovereign permission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominently featured, as God reiterates His initial commendation of Job from [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Praise of Job"). This repetition serves to underscore Job's consistent and unwavering character, as well as God's steadfast and accurate assessment of him. Furthermore, this repetition enhances the **dramatic irony**, as the audience is privy to Job's blamelessness and the heavenly dialogue, while Job himself remains tragically unaware of the cosmic stakes of his suffering. **Personification** is subtly present in the concept of "integrity" being something Job "holds fast," imbuing an abstract quality with a tangible, active presence, emphasizing Job's deliberate and tenacious adherence to his character. The dialogue itself, occurring between God and Satan, is a form of **divine discourse**, revealing the unseen spiritual realities at play. Finally, the potent phrase "without cause" functions as a powerful **theological statement** and a crucial **foreshadowing** device, setting the central problem of the entire book: how can a righteous person suffer unjustly? This profound question drives the subsequent dialogues and challenges the conventional wisdom of the day, inviting the reader into a deeper contemplation of divine justice and human suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Job 2:3](/job/2-3 "Job 2:3 - God's Reaffirmation of Job's Integrity") profoundly deepens the theological questions surrounding suffering, divine justice, and human integrity that are central to the Book of Job. It unequivocally establishes that Job's suffering is not punitive but probational, a test of genuine faith rather than a consequence of hidden sin. This declaration directly challenges the simplistic "retribution principle" that permeates much of ancient Near Eastern thought and will be fiercely debated by Job and his friends throughout the narrative. God's emphatic affirmation of Job's integrity, even after immense loss, underscores that true righteousness and authentic faith are not contingent on material blessings or an absence of hardship. It also provides a crucial glimpse into the nature of the cosmic battle, revealing that Satan, though powerful and malicious, operates strictly within the boundaries of God's sovereign will, unable to inflict harm without divine permission. This verse thus serves as a foundational statement about God's character, His intimate knowledge of His faithful servants, and the perplexing reality of undeserved suffering in a fallen world.

* [Psalm 7:3-5](/psalms/7-3-5 "Psalm 7:3-5 - David's Plea of Innocence")
* [Proverbs 27:21](/proverbs/27-21 "Proverbs 27:21 - The Test of Praise")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - The Testing of Your Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Job 2:3](/job/2-3 "Job 2:3 - God's Reaffirmation of Job's Integrity") offers a powerful and enduring lens through which to view our own trials and the profound nature of God's relationship with us. It serves as a poignant reminder that God sees our hearts and knows our true character, even when others accuse us, misunderstand our motives, or when circumstances seem to contradict our deepest faith. Job's unwavering integrity in the face of unimaginable loss and physical torment presents a profound challenge to us: Will our faith remain steadfast and authentic when everything is stripped away, or is it merely conditional on the blessings we receive? This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep, unconditional devotion to God, recognizing that our worth, righteousness, and identity are not defined by our external circumstances, the opinions of others, or the absence of suffering. It also provides immense comfort, assuring us that not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin; sometimes, it is part of a larger spiritual reality, a test that God permits to refine our faith, deepen our reliance on Him, and ultimately demonstrate His glory through our endurance. Our response to adversity, like Job's, can become a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and our genuine trust in His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's affirmation of Job's integrity in this verse challenge your own assumptions about the relationship between suffering and sin, particularly in your life or the lives of others?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or character might your integrity be tested, and what practical steps can you take to "hold fast" to your faith and moral uprightness in those moments?**
* **How does knowing that God sees and affirms your true character, even when others misunderstand or falsely accuse you, bring you comfort, and how might it challenge you to live more authentically?**
* **What does Job's story, particularly this verse, teach you about the nature of spiritual warfare, Satan's limitations, and the ultimate sovereignty of God in the face of evil?**

### FAQ
**Does "perfect" mean Job was sinless?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word _tâm_ (H8535, תָּם), translated as "perfect" in the King James Version, does not imply absolute sinlessness in the way that only God is perfectly sinless. Rather, it signifies completeness, blamelessness, or integrity in a moral and spiritual sense. It describes someone who is wholehearted in their devotion to God, upright in their conduct, and consistent in their character, lacking any fundamental flaw or hypocrisy in their relationship with God. It means Job was exemplary in his piety and righteousness, living consistently with God's commands and his own conscience, as seen in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Character and Piety"). The Bible consistently teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), so Job, as a human being, would not have been entirely without sin. However, his life was marked by exceptional integrity, profound devotion, and a blamelessness that stood out among his contemporaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Job 2:3](/job/2-3 "Job 2:3 - God's Reaffirmation of Job's Integrity"), with its poignant declaration of Job's suffering "without cause," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate righteous sufferer, Jesus Christ. While Job's integrity was tested and proven genuine, Christ's was absolute and perfect, truly "without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Like Job, Jesus endured immense suffering, false accusations, and the ultimate "destruction," not for His own sin, but as the sinless sacrifice for the sins of others, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The cosmic dialogue between God and Satan in Job finds its ultimate and decisive resolution in the cross of Christ, where Satan's power is definitively broken and disarmed ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Job "held fast his integrity" in the face of personal calamity, but Jesus, in His perfect obedience to the Father, not only maintained His divine integrity but also secured eternal salvation and righteousness for all who believe, demonstrating a love that led to His ultimate self-sacrifice, "even to the point of death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, Job's experience points forward to the greater suffering and ultimate vindication of Christ, who, though innocent, bore the ultimate "destruction without cause" so that humanity might find redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life through His atoning sacrifice ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")).

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.

Cross-References

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?

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Job 9:17

For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.

Proverbs 16:17

¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Job 27:5

God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

Job 27:6

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.