Job 1:1 (KJV)

What does Job 1:1 mean?

Job 1:1 introduces a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz and describes him as "perfect and upright," someone who respected God and deliberately avoided evil. This verse sets the stage by highlighting Job's strong moral character and his commitment to living rightly before God.

The book of Job opens with a narrator describing Job to the reader, not as a conversation but as background information. The verse uses strong terms to show that Job was not just a good man by local standards, but someone who stood out for his integrity and reverence for God. This introduction prepares the reader to understand why Job’s later suffering is so striking and puzzling.

The Hebrew behind Job 1:1

• "Perfect" (תָּם, tam): This word is often understood as "blameless" or "complete," suggesting Job’s character was whole and without obvious fault, not necessarily sinless but sincere and consistent.
• "Upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This term means "straight" or "right," emphasizing Job’s honesty and fairness in his dealings with others.
• "Feared" (יָרֵא, yare): This word for "feared" God means to deeply respect or revere, not just be afraid; it points to Job’s genuine awe and devotion toward God.
• "Eschewed" (סוּר, sur): This verb means "turned away from" or "shunned," showing that Job made active choices to avoid evil, not just passively staying good.

Why Job 1:1 matters

• Job 1:1 makes clear that Job’s later troubles are not a result of secret wrongdoing; the narrator leaves no doubt about his character.
• The verse emphasizes that Job’s goodness is recognized by God and people alike, setting up the tension for the rest of the book.
• By describing Job’s actions as deliberate—he "feared God and eschewed evil"—the verse shows that living rightly involves both attitude and choice.