King James Version

What Does Job 2:6 Mean?

Job 2:6 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. but: or, only” — study this verse from Job chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. but: or, only”

Job 2:6 · KJV

Salvation

Context

4

And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

5

But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

6

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. but: or, only

7

So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

8

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

Read Job 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God grants Satan permission to afflict Job's body but draws a clear boundary: 'save his life.' This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty even over Satan's attacks—the adversary can only go as far as divinely permitted. The preservation of Job's life ensures the trial doesn't end prematurely and that Job's vindication will be complete. This parallels Jesus's words to Peter: Satan demanded to sift him, but Christ's prayer ensures his faith doesn't fail (Luke 22:31-32).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The limitation placed on Satan reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine sovereignty over both life and death, but Scripture uniquely emphasizes that even evil agents operate only within divinely ordained boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God sets limits on Satan's attacks provide comfort in suffering?
  2. What purposes might God have in preserving your life through trials that could have killed you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר1 of 10

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 10

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּׂטָ֖ן4 of 10

“unto Satan”

H7854

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

הִנּ֣וֹ5 of 10
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בְיָדֶ֑ךָ6 of 10

“Behold he is in thine hand”

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

אַ֖ךְ7 of 10
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶת8 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַפְשׁ֥וֹ9 of 10

“his life”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

שְׁמֹֽר׃10 of 10

“but save”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:13Luke 22:31-32Job 1:12Revelation 2:10Luke 8:29-33Job 38:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

Job 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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