There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job wasn't just "good"; he was described as "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil." This isn't just a list of virtues, but a profound statement of his whole being oriented toward God. It emphasizes a deep-seated integrity and a proactive turning away from anything that would dishonor God, not merely the absence of outward sin.
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Book of Job opens by introducing its main character, a man named Job living in the land of Uz, renowned for his righteousness, integrity, and devotion to God. This detailed description of his upright character and prosperity sets the stage for the dramatic events that are about to unfold. Immediately following this introduction, the narrative shifts to the heavenly realm, where Satan appears before God and challenges Job's integrity, attributing his faithfulness solely to his abundant blessings.
The Bible calls Job 'perfect.' But was he sinless? What does this word really mean in the ancient world?
When the Bible describes Job as 'perfect' (Hebrew: tam), it doesn't mean he was absolutely without sin. Think of it more like 'whole' or 'complete.'
Where was Uz? And why does the Bible mention it? The location might surprise you and hint at God's global perspective.
The 'land of Uz' where Job lived wasn't a well-known part of Israelite territory. Its location, likely in the broader region of Arabia near Mesopotamia or Edom, tells us something important:
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Understand the original words
‘Ûts · Hebrew Proper Noun
A historical region mentioned in the Bible, likely located east of Israel/Canaan, often associated with Edomite or Arabian territories. Its location underscores Job’s status as a righteous figure outside the direct lineage of Abraham.
tām · Hebrew Adjective
Used to describe someone who is morally and ethically sound, not implying sinless perfection, but rather a life of integrity and sincere devotion to God. It suggests a person who is complete or sound in their character.
yāšār · Hebrew Adjective
Describes a person who is straight or righteous in their conduct before God and others; one who follows the path of divine justice and moral rectitude.
yārē’ · Hebrew Verb
A reverential awe, respect, and deep-seated devotion toward the Creator that results in obedience. It is often described as the beginning of wisdom and the proper response to God’s holiness.
sûr · Hebrew Verb
To depart from or shun moral wickedness and rebellion against God’s revealed will. It characterizes a lifestyle that actively chooses holiness over sin.
This verse describes Noah as 'blameless in his generation,' a similar commendation of righteousness that sets the stage for understanding Job's character and God's favor.
Deuteronomy 18:13This verse calls the Israelites to 'be blameless before the LORD your God,' highlighting the ideal of integrity that Job exemplified before the Law was given.
Proverbs 3:7This proverb encourages believers to 'Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil,' mirroring the very description of Job's character in Uz.
Matthew 5:48Jesus calls His followers to 'be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,' showing that the standard of blamelessness and uprightness described in Job is the ultimate goal for all of God's people.
Ezekiel 14:14Ezekiel mentions Job alongside Noah and Daniel as righteous individuals, emphasizing that Job's exemplary character was recognized even in later biblical history as a standard of righteousness.
pooleJob 1:1: "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil."
Job's country, and sincere holiness: his children; their feasts; and his religious care for them, Job 1:1-5 . Satan's appearance before God: God's character of Job, Job 1:6-8 . Satan imputeth Job's goodness to his prosperity; and so obtaineth leave to afflict him in his goods, Job 1:9-12 . Job's oxen, sheep, camels, and servants destroyed, Job 1:13-…
ellicottJob 1:1: "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil."
(1) There was a man in the land of Uz. —The first mention of this name is in Genesis 10:23 , where Uz is said to have been one of the sons of Aram, who was one of the sons of Shem. (Comp. 1Chronicles 1:17 .) Another Uz (in the Authorised Version spelt Huz) is mentioned in Genesis 22:21 as the firstborn of Nahor, the brother of Abraham. A third form…
Job wasn't just "good"; he was described as "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil." This isn't just a list of virtues, but a profound statement of his whole being oriented toward God. It emphasizes a deep-seated integrity and a proactive turning away from anything that would dishonor God, not merely the absence of outward sin.
The Book of Job opens by introducing its main character, a man named Job living in the land of Uz, renowned for his righteousness, integrity, and devotion to God. This detailed description of his upright character and prosperity sets the stage for the dramatic events that are about to unfold. Immediately following this introduction, the narrative shifts to the heavenly realm, where Satan appears before God and challenges Job's integrity, attributing his faithfulness solely to his abundant blessings.
The Book of Job opens by introducing its main character, a man named Job living in the land of Uz, renowned for his righteousness, integrity, and devotion to God. This detailed description of his upright character and prosperity sets the stage for the dramatic events that are about to unfold. Immediately following this introduction, the narrative shifts to the heavenly realm, where Satan appears before God and challenges Job's integrity, attributing his faithfulness solely to his abundant blessings.
"There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil." — Job wasn't just "good"; he was described as "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil." This isn't just a list of virtues, but a profound statement of his whole being orien…
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Last reviewed October 2026