Job 1:7

Translations

Modern

“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

And YHWH said to Satan, “From where have you come?” And Satan answered YHWH and said, “From roaming on the earth, and walking back and forth on it.”

Latin

Cui dixit Dominus: Unde venis? Qui respondens, ait: Circuivi terram, et perambulavi eam.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”

Notes

Job 1:6–7

These sons of God are spiritual beings and members of the court of heaven. They are probably either holy angels or demons (Genesis 6:2, 4). They join God in his discussions, including during creation and in his rule over creation (Genesis 1:26; Job 1:6; Genesis 3:22; 2:1; 1 Kings 22:19–22; Psalms 82:1; 89:5, 7–8; Daniel 3:13, 17, 23, 25; 7:9–14).
It is uncertain in the account if Satan usually came with other court members of heaven to report or if he forced his way in as Job’s opponent.
"Where have you come from?": This question was God’s command for a report from one of his subjects (see Genesis 3:9).
Satan was not roaming through the earth to do God’s will (compare 1 Chronicles 21:1–14; 2 Kings 19:35 is equivalent to Isaiah 37:36; Ezekiel 1:5–9). Instead, he opposes God’s plans (2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Peter 5:8).

Job 1:1–2:13

God and Satan agree to test Job, which causes his troubles and confirms his integrity (1:20–21; 2:10). None of the book's characters ever learn of this council in heaven.

Theme notes and profiles

Satan God or Satan? Jesus and Satan

Events

Job's Trialc. 1650 BC

Related verses

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Matthew 12:43
When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
Job 2:2
“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”
Revelation 12:12–17
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time.”
Revelation 20:8
…and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore.
Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Zechariah 6:7
As the strong horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth; and the LORD said, “Go and patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth.
Zechariah 1:10–11
Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.”
2 Kings 5:25
When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.

People

Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Apocalyptic Book of Job Earth Power Satan

Topics

Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In

Job 1:7

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