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

JOB 1:11KJV
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Job 1:11 (KJV)

What does Job 1:11 mean?

Job 1:11 records Satan challenging God by saying that if God takes away all of Job’s possessions, Job will curse God to His face. The verse suggests that Job’s faithfulness depends on his blessings, and if those are removed, his true loyalty will be revealed.

In this scene, Satan is speaking directly to God, questioning Job’s motives for being righteous. The verse is part of a conversation where Satan argues that Job only serves God because his life is prosperous and protected. This sets up the test of Job’s faith that follows in the story.

The Hebrew behind Job 1:11

  • יָד (yad, “hand”): This word refers to God’s power or action. When Satan says “put forth thine hand,” he is asking God to actively intervene and harm Job’s life.
  • נָגַע (naga‘, “touch”): This word often means to strike or afflict, not just a gentle touch. Satan is suggesting a direct and harmful action against all that Job owns.
  • בָּרַךְ (barakh, “curse”): Interestingly, this word usually means “to bless,” but in this context, it is used ironically or as a euphemism for “curse.” The phrase “curse thee to thy face” is a strong accusation that Job will openly reject God if he suffers loss.
  • פָּנִים (panim, “face”): This word means “face” or “presence.” The idea is that Job would curse God openly and directly, not just in private.

Why Job 1:11 matters

  • Job 1:11 highlights the central question of the book: whether true faith can exist apart from material blessings or personal gain.
  • The verse shows that Satan is challenging not just Job, but also God’s understanding of human loyalty and faithfulness.
  • Understanding the original words clarifies that Satan is asking for a severe test, not a minor inconvenience, and that the accusation is about Job’s public, not hidden, response to suffering.

Where else these words appear

“But” Hebrew H199 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
  • 1 Samuel 25:34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

“curse” Hebrew H3808 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
  • Psalms 17:1 A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

“touch” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.