King James Version
What Does Job 1:6 Mean?
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Satan: Heb. the adversary among: Heb. in the midst of”
Context
4
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. continually: Heb. all the days
6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Satan: Heb. the adversary among: Heb. in the midst of
7
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **Sons of God.**—Comp. Job 38:7, Genesis 6:2; Genesis 6:4; and for the sense comp. 1Kings 22:19. The phrase probably means *the angels;* or at all events an incident in the unseen spiritual world is referred to simultaneous with a corresponding one on earth. (Comp. 1Corinthians 11:10.) In the latter sense, a solemn thought is suggested by it to those who join in the public worship of God.
**Satan.**—The word appears in the Old Testament as the name of a specific person only here and in Zechariah 3:2, and possibly in 1Chronicles 21:1 and Psalm 109:6. If this psalm is David’s, according to the inscription, no reliance can be placed on speculations as to the late introduction of a belief in Satan among the Jews, nor, therefore, on any as to the lateness of these early chapters of Job. Precisely the same word is used, apparently as a common name, in the history of Balaam (Numbers 22:22; Numbers 22:32), also in 1Samuel 29:4, and 1Kings 5:4; 1Kings 11:14; 1Kings 11:23; 1Kings 11:25, where it can hardly be otherwise. Here only and in Zechariah it is found with the definite article “the adversary.” The theory of the personality of the evil one must largely depend upon the view we take of these and other passages of Scripture as containing an authoritative revelation.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:6 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 1:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge