Job 1:11

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

But {H199} put forth {H7971} thine hand {H3027} now, and touch {H5060} all that he hath, and he will curse {H1288}{H3808} thee to thy face {H6440}.

But if you reach out your hand and touch whatever he has, without doubt he'll curse you to your face!"

But stretch out Your hand and strike all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.โ€

But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face.

Commentary

Job 1:11 KJV presents Satan's direct challenge to God concerning the integrity of Job's faith. This verse is pivotal in setting the stage for the intense trials that Job is about to endure, questioning the very nature of devotion.

Context

In the opening chapters of the Book of Job, Job is introduced as a man of unparalleled righteousness and prosperity in the land of Uz (Job 1:1). God Himself commends Job's character to Satan, noting that there is "none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil" (Job 1:8). However, Satan, the accuser, suggests that Job's piety is not genuine but merely a byproduct of God's blessings and protection. In Job 1:10, Satan argues that God has placed a "hedge" around Job and his possessions. Verse 11 is Satan's direct provocation, daring God to remove that hedge and allow him to inflict suffering, predicting Job would then "curse thee to thy face."

Key Themes

  • The Nature of True Faith: This verse raises the fundamental question: Is faith conditional? Satan asserts that Job's devotion is merely transactional, based on material prosperity. The ensuing narrative will profoundly explore the concept of unconditional faith, even in the face of immense loss and suffering.
  • Satan's Accusation and Tactics: Satan is portrayed here as the accuser (a common role, as seen in Revelation 12:10), challenging God's assessment of humanity. His tactic is to suggest that removing blessings will reveal true character, leading to blasphemy. He aims to break the relationship between God and His faithful servant.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Permitted Evil: God permits Satan to test Job, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty even over the forces of evil. This permission is not an endorsement of evil but a demonstration that God's purposes, though often mysterious, are higher than human comprehension.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "curse thee to thy face" in the KJV is a translation of the Hebrew verb ื‘ึธึผืจึทืšึฐ (barakh), which typically means "to bless." However, in this context, it functions as an ironic euphemism for "to curse" or "to renounce." The idea is that Job would openly and defiantly reject God, an act of blasphemy. This ironic usage highlights the depth of Satan's cynical view of Job's devotion.

Practical Application

Job 1:11 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • It reminds us that trials and suffering are not always a result of personal sin but can be part of a larger spiritual dynamic, testing the authenticity and depth of our faith (James 1:1-4).
  • It exposes the adversary's constant desire to undermine our relationship with God and to accuse us before Him.
  • It challenges us to examine our own faith: Is our devotion to God dependent on our circumstances, or is it steadfast, even when blessings are removed? The ultimate outcome for Job (Job 42:10) serves as an encouragement that enduring faith is ultimately rewarded.
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Cross-References

  • Job 2:5 (11 votes)

    But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

  • Job 19:21 (10 votes)

    Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

  • Revelation 16:11 (7 votes)

    And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

  • Malachi 3:13 (3 votes)

    ยถ Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?

  • Malachi 3:14 (3 votes)

    Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

  • Revelation 16:9 (3 votes)

    And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

  • Revelation 16:21 (3 votes)

    And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.