Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Job 2:3

Next

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.

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}.

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?"

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.”

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

Job 2:3 continues the intense dialogue between God and Satan, following Job's initial, devastating losses. Here, the LORD reaffirms His complete confidence in Job's character, despite the immense suffering Job has already endured.

Context

This verse is crucial in the overarching narrative of the Book of Job. It occurs after Satan has been granted permission to attack Job's possessions, family, and health, but not his life. In Job 1:8, God first commends Job to Satan as uniquely righteous. Satan then challenges Job's motives, suggesting his piety is conditional on prosperity. After Job endures the loss of his children and wealth without cursing God (Job 1:20-22), Satan is given further permission to afflict Job physically, leading to the scene described in Job 2:1-2, where this verse is spoken. God proudly points to Job's unwavering faithfulness even in the face of ruin.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Confidence in Job: The LORD reiterates Job's unparalleled righteousness, calling him "perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil." This is a divine endorsement of Job's genuine faith.
  • Job's Enduring Integrity: Despite Satan's accusations and the unimaginable suffering Job has faced, God declares, "still he holdeth fast his integrity." This highlights Job's steadfast character and commitment to God, which was not dependent on his circumstances.
  • Satan's Malice and Limited Power: God acknowledges that Satan "movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause." This reveals Satan's destructive intent and the fact that he cannot act without God's permission, even in causing suffering. It underscores that Job's suffering was not a result of his sin, but a test of his faith.
  • Unjust Suffering: The phrase "without cause" is significant. It affirms that Job's calamities were not a punishment for specific wrongdoing, challenging the common ancient Near Eastern belief that suffering was always a direct consequence of sin.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Perfect and an upright man": The Hebrew words used here are tam (תַם), meaning "complete," "blameless," or "whole," and yashar (יַּשַר), meaning "straight" or "righteous." Together, they describe a person of unimpeachable character and moral integrity, not necessarily sinless, but devoted and true.
  • "Escheweth evil": The Hebrew word is sur (סׁור), meaning "to turn away from" or "to depart from." It signifies an active avoidance and rejection of evil, indicating Job's deliberate moral choices.
  • "Holdeth fast his integrity": This emphasizes Job's firm grip on his moral and spiritual uprightness, even under extreme duress. His character was unyielding.

Practical Application

Job 2:3 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • God Knows Your Heart: Even when circumstances are dire and others may accuse, God sees and affirms genuine faith and integrity. Our true character is known to Him.
  • Integrity in Adversity: The verse challenges us to maintain our integrity and faith even when faced with undeserved suffering or trials. It reminds us that our devotion to God should not be conditional on blessings. This echoes the principle that blessed is the man who endures temptation.
  • Understanding Suffering: Not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin. Sometimes, it is part of a larger spiritual battle or a divine test, as seen in Job's case. It reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, even through difficult experiences.
  • Satan's Limitations: While Satan is a formidable adversary, he operates only within the boundaries permitted by God. He cannot touch a believer without divine allowance, and even then, his power is limited, as demonstrated by God's protection of Job's life.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Job 1:8 (7 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?

  • 1 Peter 1:7 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 16:17 (6 votes)

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

  • Job 27:5 (6 votes)

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

  • Job 27:6 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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.