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?

JOB 1:8KJV
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Job 1:8 (KJV)

What does Job 1:8 mean?

Job 1:8 describes God speaking to Satan and pointing out Job as a unique example of goodness, calling him blameless, upright, someone who fears God, and avoids evil. God highlights Job’s character as unmatched on earth, inviting attention to Job’s faithfulness.

In this scene, the LORD (God) is addressing Satan in a heavenly setting, almost like a courtroom or council. God draws attention to Job’s exceptional moral character, using strong words to describe Job’s integrity and reverence for God. This sets up the story’s central question about why Job is faithful—whether it is because of his character or because of his blessings.

The Hebrew behind Job 1:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God, emphasizing His authority and personal involvement in the conversation.
  • Satan (שָּׂטָן, Satan): The name means "accuser" or "adversary," highlighting Satan’s role here as one who questions human motives before God.
  • Perfect (תָּם, tam): This word is often understood as "blameless" or "complete," suggesting Job’s moral integrity and wholeness, not absolute sinlessness.
  • Escheweth (סוּר, sur): This means "turns away from" or "avoids," showing that Job actively distances himself from evil, not just passively refraining from it.

Why Job 1:8 matters

  • Job 1:8 clarifies that Job’s goodness is recognized and affirmed by God Himself, not just by human observers.
  • The verse sets up the central challenge of the book: whether true devotion to God can exist apart from personal gain or blessing.
  • By using strong words for Job’s character, the verse emphasizes that Job’s faithfulness is intentional and active, not accidental or superficial.

Where else these words appear

“perfect” Hebrew H8535 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 25:27 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
  • Job 9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
  • Psalms 64:4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

“Satan” Hebrew H7854 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
  • 1 Kings 11:25 And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.
  • Job 2:2 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.

“Job” Hebrew H347 · used in 52 verses

  • Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
  • Job 21:1 But Job answered and said,
  • Job 35:16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

“feareth” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.