And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse reveals a crucial, often overlooked detail: God gives Satan permission, but doesn't empower him directly; Satan acts as an executor of God's allowance, not God's agent. This shows that even the greatest destructive forces are ultimately held within divine limits, acting only on what God permits for His own wise purposes.
And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after an angelic meeting where Satan accused Job of only serving God because of his blessings, God grants Satan permission to test Job. However, God explicitly forbids Satan from harming Job himself, limiting his destructive power only to Job's possessions. Armed with this divine allowance, Satan immediately leaves to carry out his malicious plan.
Ever feel like evil is out of control? This passage reveals a divine hand holding the reins, even when suffering strikes.
The scene in Job 1 is intense: Satan is given permission to test Job. Notice how God frames this permission: 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand.'
A Measured Permission
This isn't God handing over the keys to chaos. It's a specific, limited authorization. God declares the scope of Satan's power: Job's possessions, his family, everything he has is vulnerable. But crucially, God draws a sharp line: 'Only against him do not stretch out your hand.'
This reveals a profound truth: even when God permits suffering, it's not a free-for-all. Evil operates within boundaries set by divine sovereignty. God is not surprised, nor is He powerless. He is actively directing the circumstances, for reasons that will ultimately bring Him glory and strengthen the faith of His people.
Why would God allow Satan anywhere near His presence, let alone grant him permission to act? This passage shows Satan's place in the divine courtroom.
The text describes Satan coming 'among them' as the sons of God presented themselves before the LORD. This isn't a scene of equal footing; Satan is an adversary, an accuser.
The Adversary's Argument
Satan's presence implies he's not just lurking in the shadows but actively engaged in challenging God's people. He comes to accuse Job, suggesting Job's piety is conditional, fueled only by blessings. He's the 'adversary' (the meaning of his name) and the 'accuser' (as seen in Revelation).
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Under Divine Authority
Crucially, Satan acts only after receiving permission from God. He is an 'executor' of judgment in this instance, not an independent power. God uses Satan's malice to test and refine Job, proving the genuineness of his faith. This highlights that Satan's power is always delegated and limited by God's ultimate authority.
Understand the original words
satan · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title meaning "the adversary" or "the accuser," referring to the supernatural being who acts as the primary tempter and antagonist to God's people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God who is eternally self-existent.
panim · Hebrew Noun
The presence or face of God, signifying proximity to Him and His immediate oversight and judgment.
Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked to sift the disciples, highlighting the spiritual battle and God's ultimate control, mirroring the limited permission given to Satan in Job's story.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse assures believers that God will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear and will provide a way out, echoing the specific boundary God set on Satan's power over Job.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9Paul describes a 'thorn in the flesh' given to keep him humble, which God's grace was sufficient to endure, showing that even allowed suffering comes with divine limitations and purpose.
Zechariah 3:1-2This passage depicts Satan standing as an accuser against Joshua the high priest, with God rebuking Satan, similar to the heavenly court setting where Satan accuses Job.
bensonJob 1:12: "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD."
Job 1:12 . The Lord said, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power — I give thee full power to do with his property, his servants, his children, and his wife, whatsoever thy craft or malice shall prompt thee to do; only upon himself put not forth thy hand — Meddle not with his own person, with his body or soul. It seem…
jfbJob 1:6-12: "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them."
Job 1:6-12. Satan, Appearing before God, Falsely Accuses Job.6. sons of God—angels (Job 38:7; 1Ki 22:19). They present themselves to render account of their "ministry" in other parts of the universe (Heb 1:14).the Lord—Hebrew, Jehovah, the self-existing God, faithful to His promises. God says (Ex 6:3) that He was not known to the patriarchs by this name. But, as the…
The verse reveals a crucial, often overlooked detail: God gives Satan permission, but doesn't empower him directly; Satan acts as an executor of God's allowance, not God's agent. This shows that even the greatest destructive forces are ultimately held within divine limits, acting only on what God permits for His own wise purposes.
Just after an angelic meeting where Satan accused Job of only serving God because of his blessings, God grants Satan permission to test Job. However, God explicitly forbids Satan from harming Job himself, limiting his destructive power only to Job's possessions. Armed with this divine allowance, Satan immediately leaves to carry out his malicious plan.
Just after an angelic meeting where Satan accused Job of only serving God because of his blessings, God grants Satan permission to test Job. However, God explicitly forbids Satan from harming Job himself, limiting his destructive power only to Job's possessions. Armed with this divine allowance, Satan immediately leaves to carry out his malicious plan.
"And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD." — The verse reveals a crucial, often overlooked detail: God gives Satan permission, but doesn't empower him directly; Satan acts as an executor of God's allowance, not God's agent. This shows that ev…
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Last reviewed October 2026