King James Version

What Does Job 1:8 Mean?

Job 1:8 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect a...” — study this verse from Job chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Job 1:8 · KJV

Context

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

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's question to Satan introduces the central conflict. The phrase 'Hast thou considered' (sam libbeka, שַׂמְתָּ לִבְּךָ) literally means 'Have you set your heart/mind upon'—God directs Satan's attention to Job. The divine description repeats verse 1's language about Job being 'perfect and upright.' The phrase 'there is none like him in the earth' establishes Job's unique righteousness. This sets up Satan's accusation: does Job serve God freely or only for benefits? The text reveals God's sovereign control—Satan can only act with divine permission, bound by limits God sets.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The heavenly council scene (1:6-12) reflects ancient Near Eastern imagery where divine beings present themselves before the sovereign deity. Satan (ha-satan, הַשָּׂטָן) means 'the adversary,' appearing with the definite article suggesting a role or title. This dialogue format demonstrates that earthly events have heavenly dimensions—Job's suffering involves cosmic stakes regarding whether creatures can love God for Himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that our faithfulness has cosmic significance affect how we view trials?
  2. What does God's confidence in Job teach us about how He views His faithful servants even when allowing testing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּׂטָ֔ן4 of 20

“unto Satan”

H7854

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

הֲשַׂ֥מְתָּ5 of 20

“Hast thou considered”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לִבְּךָ֖6 of 20
H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַל7 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַבְדִּ֣י8 of 20

“my servant”

H5650

a servant

אִיּ֑וֹב9 of 20

“Job”

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

כִּ֣י10 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֤ין11 of 20
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כָּמֹ֙הוּ֙12 of 20
H3644

as, thus, so

בָּאָ֔רֶץ13 of 20

“that there is none like him in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אִ֣ישׁ14 of 20

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

תָּ֧ם15 of 20

“a perfect”

H8535

complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear

וְיָשָׁ֛ר16 of 20

“and an upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

יְרֵ֥א17 of 20

“one that feareth”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

אֱלֹהִ֖ים18 of 20

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְסָ֥ר19 of 20

“and escheweth”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵרָֽע׃20 of 20

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 2:3Job 1:1Numbers 12:7-82 Kings 23:25Proverbs 8:13Job 8:20

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