Job 1 12

Job 1:12 kjv

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 nkjv

And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job 1:12 niv

The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job 1:12 esv

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.

Job 1:12 nlt

"All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." So Satan left the LORD's presence.

Job 1 verses

Job 1 12 Meaning

Job 1:12 presents the critical moment where God grants Satan permission to test Job, limiting the scope of affliction. God states that all of Job's vast possessions are delivered into Satan's power, but strictly prohibits any direct physical harm to Job himself. Immediately following this declaration, Satan departs from God's presence to execute the authorized trials. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all things, including malevolent spiritual forces, setting clear boundaries for Satan's actions. It establishes the dramatic tension and the parameters of Job's initial test of faith, which centers on the loss of all his worldly wealth and family, yet preserving his life.

Job 1 12 Context

Job 1:12 is embedded within the opening scene of the Book of Job, a prologue that shifts the narrative from earthly perfection to a cosmic, divine dialogue. Preceding this verse, Job is introduced as an impeccably righteous and wealthy man. A divine council convenes, and among "the sons of God," Satan appears. The Lord initiates the conversation about Job, commending his blameless character. Satan challenges this, positing that Job's righteousness is purely transactional, dependent on God's abundant blessings. He proposes that if God removes Job's protection and prosperity, Job will surely curse God. This verse is God's immediate and decisive response to Satan's challenge, providing limited permission for the trial to commence. It sets the stage for the narrative's exploration of undeserved suffering, the nature of true faith, and God's sovereign control over even the forces of evil.

Job 1 12 Word analysis

• And the Lord said (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה - vayyomer YHWH):
  • vayyomer: Waw-consecutive perfect, indicating immediate action following what precedes. It highlights a decisive, authoritative pronouncement.
  • YHWH: The unique covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, sovereign authority and relationship. This confirms that the permission is from the ultimate divine authority.
• to Satan (אֶל־הַשָּׂטָן - el-ha-satan):
  • el: Preposition meaning "to, towards."
  • ha-satan: The definite article 'ha' ('the') prefixed to satan means "the accuser" or "the adversary." At this point in biblical development, it emphasizes a specific function within the divine court rather than solely a proper name for an evil being. It conveys his role as God's designated challenger, operating under divine supervision, not an independent, dualistic force.
• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinneh):
  • An emphatic interjection, drawing immediate attention to the ensuing declaration. It highlights the significance and gravity of what God is about to say, serving as an indicator of an important announcement or concession.
• all that he has (כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ - kol-asher-lo):
  • kol: "All, every," stressing totality.
  • asher-lo: "that which belongs to him," referring comprehensively to Job's material wealth, family (excepting his life). This vast domain is now subjected to testing.
• is in your power (בְּיָדֶךָ - b'yadekha):
  • b'yadekha: "in your hand/power." The Hebrew 'hand' (yad) is a powerful idiom for control, authority, and agency. God effectively hands over these assets, demonstrating that Satan's ability to act is contingent upon divine delegation.
• only (רַק - raq):
  • A strong adversative particle, "but," "only," "however." It emphatically introduces the crucial limitation God places on Satan's authority. This word sets a strict, non-negotiable boundary.
• do not lay a hand (לֹא תִשְׁלַח יָדֶךָ - lo tishlach yadekha):
  • lo: The absolute negative, meaning "not" or "shall not."
  • tishlach: "You shall send/stretch out" (from shalach). When used with yad ("hand"), it means to harm, strike, or kill. This phrase is a definitive prohibition against physical harm or death.
• on his person (אֵלָיו - elav):
  • "Against him" or "upon him." This refers specifically to Job himself, his body, and his life, setting him apart from his possessions. It directly protects Job's physical being.
• So Satan went out (וַיֵּצֵא הַשָּׂטָן - vayyetze ha-satan):
  • vayyetze: Waw-consecutive perfect, showing immediate and obedient departure. It underscores Satan's subservience to God's command.
  • ha-satan: Again, "the adversary," resuming his role to act upon the permission given.
• from the presence of the Lord (מֵאֵת פְּנֵי יְהוָה - me'et penei YHWH):
  • me'et penei: "From the face of," "from before," indicating departure from God's immediate sphere of activity or audience. This marks the transition from the heavenly deliberation to earthly execution.

Word-Groups Analysis:

• "And the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold'": This phrase immediately establishes the ultimate authority and source of the forthcoming events. It’s God’s active will and decree that sets the trial in motion, not Satan’s independent power.
• "all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person": This critical clause defines the exact parameters of the first test. It highlights both the sweeping permission given (to afflict possessions) and the precise, life-saving restriction (no harm to Job's body). This dual declaration signifies God's sovereign control even over the evil He permits.
• "So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord": This final statement in the verse illustrates Satan's subordinate position and prompt obedience to God’s command. It shows that he has no power to exceed the divine boundary and begins his destructive work immediately.

Job 1 12 Bonus section

• Divine Passive Role (Active Permission): While God "allows" Satan, it's not a passive oversight. He actively "gives over" Job's assets with specific instructions, highlighting deliberate divine intention within a cosmic framework rather than mere absence.
• Challenging Retribution Theology: This verse fundamentally challenges the simplistic belief that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin. Job, a righteous man, is clearly suffering due to a test sanctioned by God, not due to personal transgression.
• Progressive Revelation: The staged nature of the permission (first possessions, then body in Job 2) demonstrates a purposeful escalation of the trial, carefully measured by God to achieve His greater purpose of revealing Job's genuine faith.

Job 1 12 Commentary

Job 1:12 serves as the theological linchpin of Job's initial suffering, revealing several profound truths. Firstly, it unmistakably asserts God's supreme sovereignty; Satan, a powerful yet created being, operates solely under God's explicit permission and strict limitations. He is "the accuser," an agent, not an equal or opposing force to God. Secondly, the verse lays bare the premise of the test: Job's piety will be scrutinized not through his actions but by removing the very blessings that Satan claims underpin it. This probes the depth and authenticity of Job's faith. Finally, the specific boundary – Job's person – is crucial, indicating that even in allowing grievous suffering, God maintains ultimate control over life itself. This selective permission underscores God's careful oversight even amid calamity, showing that no affliction is random or limitless. Satan's swift departure emphasizes his immediate submission to God's command, demonstrating that God is firmly on the throne.