Job 1 1

Job 1:1 kjv

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 1:1 nkjv

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

Job 1:1 niv

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.

Job 1:1 esv

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 1:1 nlt

There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless ? a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.

Job 1 verses

Job 1 1 Meaning

Job chapter 1 verse 1 introduces the central character, Job, describing him as a real individual from the land of Uz. The verse meticulously outlines Job's exceptional moral and spiritual character: he was blameless and upright, one who genuinely feared God, and consistently shunned evil. This initial portrait establishes Job as a man of extraordinary piety and integrity, setting a stark contrast with the profound suffering he is about to endure, and raising fundamental questions about the nature of divine justice and human faithfulness.

Job 1 1 Context

Job 1:1 introduces the entire narrative of the Book of Job. This book belongs to the Wisdom Literature section of the Old Testament. Its context is set outside of Israel, in "the land of Uz," implying that Job was not an Israelite. This universal setting suggests that the theological questions explored—especially suffering and God's justice—transcend national boundaries and speak to all humanity. The precise dating is uncertain, but the social customs, long lifespans (implied), and lack of reference to Mosaic Law or Israelite covenant elements suggest a patriarchal setting, possibly contemporary with Abraham or slightly later. The literary genre combines narrative with extensive poetic dialogue, creating a sophisticated exploration of theological and existential dilemmas. This opening verse establishes Job's extraordinary character as the baseline, making his subsequent trials even more poignant and the questions raised more acute.

Job 1 1 Word Analysis

• There was a man: Points to the historicity or at least the grounded reality of Job as an individual. Not an allegory of an entire nation or concept, but a specific person.
• in the land of Uz: Hebrew: אֶרֶץ עוּץ ('erets 'Utz). A geographical location often associated with Edom, northeast of Israel, or areas further east (such as Transjordan or northern Arabia). Its specific location is debated, but it signals that Job was not an Israelite, thus expanding the scope of God's interaction with righteous individuals beyond the covenant people of Israel. This suggests God's universal sovereignty and relationship with humanity.
• whose name was Job: Hebrew: אִיּוֹב ('Iyyov). The meaning is uncertain and debated; possibilities include "persecuted," "where is the divine father?", or "hated one." The ambiguity subtly prefigures the questions about divine justice and Job's personal suffering that form the core of the book. His name is central to the narrative identity.
• and that man was blameless: Hebrew: תָּם (tām). This significant word means complete, perfect, sound, upright, or innocent. In a biblical context, tām does not imply sinless perfection (as only Christ is truly sinless) but rather moral integrity, spiritual maturity, and completeness of character. It denotes one who is wholehearted in their devotion to God, consistently walking according to His ways, and unblemished by overt transgression. It suggests consistency and sincerity.
• and upright: Hebrew: וְיָשָׁר (vəyāshār). This word means straight, right, proper, just. It describes moral and ethical rectitude, a person who lives in alignment with what is right in God's eyes and in society. While tām speaks of internal integrity, yāshār describes outward ethical behavior.
• and one who feared God: Hebrew: וִירֵא אֱלֹהִים (vîrē' 'ĕlōhîm). "Fear of God" in biblical thought is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverent awe, respect, and obedience that leads to ethical behavior and wisdom. It signifies a humble recognition of God's majesty, holiness, and supreme authority, motivating faithful submission to His will. This is a foundational concept in Old Testament wisdom literature and essential for true piety.
• and shunned evil: Hebrew: וְסָר מֵרָע (vəsār mērā'). This means "departed from evil" or "turned away from evil." It indicates an active avoidance of sin and wrongdoing, a deliberate turning away from unrighteous paths. This final descriptor completes the picture of Job's comprehensive righteousness, encompassing both his inward reverence for God and his outward ethical conduct in avoiding wrongdoing. This proactive shunning underscores the depth of his devotion.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job;": This opening immediately sets the stage. It grounds the story in a specific (though somewhat mysterious) geographical and historical context, establishing Job as a particular individual, not just a mythical figure. The universal setting beyond Israel allows the theological message of the book to resonate with all humanity.
• "and that man was blameless and upright,": This phrase introduces the core attributes of Job's moral character. The combination of "blameless" (tām – internal integrity) and "upright" (yāshār – external rectitude) paints a picture of a man whose moral compass was truly aligned with God's will, both inwardly and in his actions. These two terms highlight his completeness and consistency.
• "and one who feared God and shunned evil.": This concluding phrase elaborates on the source and consequence of Job's integrity. His "fear of God" is the deep reverence and worship that forms the root of his spiritual life, leading directly to his active decision to "shun evil." This quartet of descriptions (blameless, upright, feared God, shunned evil) presents Job as the epitome of righteousness, setting up the profound paradox of his impending suffering. This comprehensive description ensures that the reader understands that Job's trial is not due to any prior sin or spiritual deficiency on his part.

Job 1 1 Bonus section

The profound portrayal of Job's character in this opening verse also implicitly raises the concept of divine knowledge and endorsement. It's not just a human assessment of Job; the very structure of the narrative, especially given God's later commendation of Job in Job 1:8, confirms the accuracy of this description. This verse highlights the profound connection between reverence for God (fear of God) and practical, ethical living (shunning evil), emphasizing that true piety manifests in both inward disposition and outward conduct. Job is depicted as an exemplary figure whose righteousness is comprehensive and deep-seated, making him a model, even for believers today, of a steadfast and God-honoring life regardless of cultural or religious context. His character in this verse serves as a crucial theological touchstone throughout the book, especially when the other characters accuse him of hidden sin.

Job 1 1 Commentary

Job 1:1 is a crucial preamble, effectively front-loading the central conflict of the entire book. By unequivocally stating Job's exceptional righteousness, the verse preempts any simple conclusion that his later suffering is a direct result of his own sin. It presents a protagonist whose character is unimpeachable, setting up the dramatic tension between a man truly devoted to God and the catastrophic events that befall him. This initial portrait of Job challenges conventional ancient Near Eastern (and even some biblical) wisdom, which often linked prosperity to righteousness and suffering to sin. The verse lays the groundwork for the core theological question the book will grapple with: Why do the righteous suffer? It prepares the reader to view Job's ordeal not as divine punishment for a moral failing, but as a test, a mystery, or part of a larger divine purpose beyond human comprehension. This initial description is the anchor to which all subsequent challenges to Job's character must be compared.