King James Version

What Does Job 1:10 Mean?

Job 1:10 in the King James Version says “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed ... — study this verse from Job chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. substance: or, cattle

Job 1:10 · KJV


Context

8

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? considered: Heb. set thy heart on

9

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

10

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. substance: or, cattle

11

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. and he: Heb. if he curse thee not to thy face

12

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. power: Heb. hand


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Satan acknowledges God's protective sovereignty over Job's person, family, and possessions. The Hebrew 'suk' (hedge) implies a thorough, impenetrable barrier. This reveals a profound Reformed truth: believers are preserved not by their own strength but by God's sovereign protection. Satan can only touch God's elect when permission is granted for their ultimate sanctification (Romans 8:28), as with Job and Peter (Luke 22:31-32).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of divine protection hedging the righteous appears throughout Scripture and Ancient Near Eastern literature, but here it uniquely emphasizes God's active, sovereign preservation of His covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have you experienced God's protecting hedge in your life?
  2. How does knowing God sovereignly permits trials affect your response to suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הֲלֹֽא1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אַ֠תָּ2 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שַׂ֣כְתָּ3 of 17

Hast not thou made an hedge

H7753

to entwine, i.e., shut in (for formation, protection or restraint)

וּבְעַ֥ד4 of 17

about him and about

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

וּבְעַ֥ד5 of 17

about him and about

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

בֵּית֛וֹ6 of 17

his house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּבְעַ֥ד7 of 17

about him and about

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

כָּל8 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר9 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֖וֹ10 of 17
H0
מִסָּבִ֑יב11 of 17

and about all that he hath on every side

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה12 of 17

the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדָיו֙13 of 17

of his hands

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בֵּרַ֔כְתָּ14 of 17

thou hast blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

וּמִקְנֵ֖הוּ15 of 17

and his substance

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

פָּרַ֥ץ16 of 17

is increased

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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