Job 1:7

And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Satan {H7854}, Whence {H370} comest {H935} thou? Then Satan {H7854} answered {H6030} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, From going to and fro {H7751} in the earth {H776}, and from walking up and down {H1980} in it.

ADONAI asked the Adversary, "Where are you coming from?" The Adversary answered ADONAI, "From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there."

“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”

And Jehovah said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Commentary

Job 1:7 KJV presents a pivotal moment in the heavenly court, revealing the nature and activity of Satan in the presence of God. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in the Book of Job, highlighting a direct dialogue between the Almighty and His adversary.

Context

This verse immediately follows a scene described in Job 1:6, where the "sons of God" (often interpreted as angels) present themselves before the LORD, and Satan comes among them. God initiates the conversation, questioning Satan's whereabouts. This illustrates God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of evil, as He calls Satan to account for his activities. The setting is a divine assembly, providing a glimpse into the unseen spiritual realm that influences earthly affairs.

Key Themes

  • Satan's Activity and Nature: Satan's response—"From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it"—reveals his restless, purposeful movement. He is not omnipresent like God but actively surveys the world, seeking opportunities to accuse, tempt, and cause destruction. This aligns with other biblical descriptions of him as a watchful adversary, like a prowling lion seeking whom he may devour.
  • God's Sovereignty and Authority: Despite Satan's malice, he operates under God's ultimate authority. God questions him, and Satan must respond, demonstrating that he is not an independent power but a created being accountable to the Creator. This conversation underscores God's control even over evil forces.
  • The Spiritual Realm's Influence: The dialogue between God and Satan pulls back the curtain on the spiritual dimensions that impact human experience, hinting that unseen battles often precede earthly trials, as seen in Ephesians 6:12.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Satan" (Hebrew: שָׂטָן, satan) literally means "adversary" or "accuser." His description of "going to and fro" (הִתְהַלֵּךְ, hithalek) and "walking up and down" (מִתְהַלֵּךְ, mithalek) in the earth emphasizes a constant, active, and investigative surveillance. He is depicted as a diligent scout, always observing and seeking out potential targets for his schemes, a role later described as the accuser of the brethren.

Practical Application

Job 1:7 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Awareness of Spiritual Reality: It reminds us that there is an active spiritual realm and an adversary at work. This awareness encourages spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's protection.
  • Comfort in God's Control: Even though Satan is active, he is not sovereign. This verse reassures us that God is ultimately in control, overseeing even the movements and activities of evil. No trial or temptation comes without God's permission and within the bounds of His ultimate purpose.
  • Understanding Suffering: For those facing inexplicable suffering, this passage provides a framework that some trials may have spiritual origins, not necessarily tied to personal sin, but to a larger spiritual conflict permitted by God for His purposes, as further explored in Job 1:8 and subsequent verses.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:8 (11 votes)

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • Job 2:2 (5 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

  • Matthew 12:43 (4 votes)

    When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

  • Revelation 12:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

  • Revelation 12:17 (3 votes)

    And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

  • Revelation 20:8 (3 votes)

    And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

  • Zechariah 1:10 (2 votes)

    And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These [are they] whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.