And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God doesn't just ask Satan if he's seen Job; he asks if he's truly "set his heart on" him, as if challenging the accuser to find even a flicker of fault in this exceptional man. This isn't just a description of Job; it's God's bold declaration that Job's piety is so genuine, it's a defiant answer to Satan's cynicism about human faithfulness.
And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The scene opens with angels, referred to as "sons of God," presenting themselves before the Lord, with Satan also appearing among them. God then turns His attention to Satan, directly questioning him about his observations regarding Job, highlighting Job's exceptional character and devotion. This sets the stage for Satan's challenge and the subsequent immense trials that Job will face, all under God's sovereign permission.
Imagine a scene in the highest court, with celestial beings present. Who is allowed to speak, and what's the atmosphere like?
A Divine Audience
The opening of Job chapter 1 introduces a dramatic scene: the sons of God (likely angels) presenting themselves before the Lord. Alongside them appears Satan, described as an "adversary" and "accuser." This isn't a random gathering; it's a divine assembly where cosmic matters are discussed.
Satan's Role
Satan, the "accuser of the brethren," has the unique, albeit grim, privilege of appearing in God's presence. He's not there to worship but to observe and, as we see, to accuse. His presence highlights that spiritual warfare is a reality, even in the heavenly realm. God, however, remains sovereign, controlling the narrative and the limits placed on Satan's actions.
What does it mean for God Himself to highlight one person as uniquely exceptional, even challenging an accuser to look closer?
God's Unshakable Trust
In this celestial courtroom, God doesn't wait for Satan to find fault; He proactively draws Satan's attention to Job. The phrase 'Have you considered my servant Job?' is more than a casual question. It's a direct challenge, an invitation to a close examination.
A Unique Standard
God's description of Job is powerful: 'there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil.' This isn't Job boasting; it's God's own testimony. It reveals that true godliness isn't about outward performance alone, but an internal reality characterized by integrity, reverence, and active avoidance of sin. God is so confident in Job's genuine faith that He uses him as a defense against Satan's cynicism.
Ask a follow-up
Why would Satan be so interested in one man, and what does his focus reveal about his ultimate goal?
The Accuser's Motive
Satan's presence in this divine council isn't benign. He is actively looking for flaws, seeking to undermine faith and discredit God's people. His very nature is to accuse and to find reasons why people don't truly belong to God.
The Test of Faith
God's challenge to Satan implies that Satan holds a cynical view: that human devotion is conditional, motivated by self-interest or the absence of hardship. Satan believes that if you remove blessings, piety will crumble. God, by presenting Job, is essentially saying, 'You think faith is shallow? Look at Job. His commitment runs deeper than circumstances.' The upcoming trials will be Satan's opportunity to test this very assumption.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A servant of God is one who is wholly devoted to the service, worship, and obedience of the Creator, carrying out His will with humility and faithfulness.
tam · Hebrew Adjective
Biblically, this describes a state of moral integrity and spiritual maturity; it does not mean absolute sinlessness, but rather a life characterized by sincere devotion, consistency of character, and the absence of flagrant hypocrisy.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to ethical rectitude and living according to God's standard of justice; a person whose life aligns with the righteousness of God's law.
yare’ · Hebrew Verb
A profound, reverent awe and deep respect for the holiness of God, which results in obedience, turning away from sin, and a life lived in the light of His presence.
This passage warns believers to be sober and vigilant because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, a direct echo of Satan's adversarial role seen in Job's story.
Zechariah 3:1-2This vision shows Satan standing to accuse Joshua the high priest, highlighting his consistent role as an accuser of God's people before the heavenly court, much like his challenge concerning Job.
Romans 8:33-34Paul's triumphant declaration that no one can bring a charge against God's elect, because Christ intercedes for them, directly counters Satan's accusatory function presented in Job's trial.
John 10:10Jesus states that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, which aligns with Satan's destructive intentions toward Job, underscoring the contrast between his motives and God's ultimate purposes.
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…
pulpitJob 1:8: "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?"
Verse 8. - And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered? literally. Hast thou set thine heart on? equivalent to "Hast thou given thine attention to?" (comp. Isaiah 41:22; Haggai 1:5, 7). My servant Job; i.e. "my true servant, faithful in all that he does" (comp. Hebrews 3:5). It is a high honour to a…
God doesn't just ask Satan if he's seen Job; he asks if he's truly "set his heart on" him, as if challenging the accuser to find even a flicker of fault in this exceptional man. This isn't just a description of Job; it's God's bold declaration that Job's piety is so genuine, it's a defiant answer to Satan's cynicism about human faithfulness.
The scene opens with angels, referred to as "sons of God," presenting themselves before the Lord, with Satan also appearing among them. God then turns His attention to Satan, directly questioning him about his observations regarding Job, highlighting Job's exceptional character and devotion. This sets the stage for Satan's challenge and the subsequent immense trials that Job will face, all under God's sovereign permission.
The scene opens with angels, referred to as "sons of God," presenting themselves before the Lord, with Satan also appearing among them. God then turns His attention to Satan, directly questioning him about his observations regarding Job, highlighting Job's exceptional character and devotion. This sets the stage for Satan's challenge and the subsequent immense trials that Job will face, all under God's sovereign permission.
"And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”" — God doesn't just ask Satan if he's seen Job; he asks if he's truly "set his heart on" him, as if challenging the accuser to find even a flicker of fault in this exceptional man. This isn't just a d…
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Last reviewed October 2026