Job 1 6

Job 1:6 kjv

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 nkjv

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.

Job 1:6 niv

One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.

Job 1:6 esv

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.

Job 1:6 nlt

One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.

Job 1 verses

Job 1 6 Meaning

Job 1:6 presents a pivotal heavenly scene, setting the stage for the narrative's central conflict. It describes a day when spiritual beings, referred to as "the sons of God," formally assembled before Yahweh, the sovereign Lord. Unexpectedly yet within divine permission, "the Satan" – the Adversary or Accuser – also appeared among this celestial assembly. This verse introduces the cosmic dimension of Job's story, revealing that his impending trials are not arbitrary but unfold within a divine council framework, showcasing God's ultimate authority over all realms, including the adversarial forces.

Job 1 6 Context

The Book of Job begins by introducing Job as an exceptionally righteous, blameless, and prosperous man. The terrestrial scene vividly paints Job's moral integrity and extensive blessings, making his character the immediate focal point. Verse 6 abruptly shifts this earthly focus to the celestial realm, opening the "heavenly prologue." This shift is crucial, as it unveils the cosmic dimension behind Job's forthcoming trials, informing the reader that his suffering will not stem from personal sin (as assumed by his friends) or random chance, but from a divine-level encounter orchestrated within God's sovereign plan. The verse thus sets the stage by introducing the divine assembly where cosmic events unfold, leading directly to the pivotal challenge laid down against Job.

Job 1 6 Word analysis

• Now: A temporal conjunction, initiating a new narrative segment. It transitions the scene from Job's life on Earth to the cosmic dimension of his story, indicating a specific point in time when this celestial event occurred.
• there was a day: Denotes a specific, particular occasion or assembly, rather than a recurring daily event. It marks a moment of significance in the divine realm where a celestial gathering took place, initiating the dramatic developments for Job.
• when: A subordinating conjunction, linking the timing of the divine assembly to the preceding statement, providing context for the sequence of events.
• the sons of God (בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, bĕnê hāʾĕlōhîm): This Hebrew phrase consistently refers to spiritual beings, often understood as angels or members of God's divine council. They are distinct from humanity and operate under God's authority in the heavens. Their appearance before the LORD signifies their subordination and accountability within the divine order.
• came: Implies an intentional act of gathering or convening, suggesting an expected or customary assembly of these celestial entities.
• to present themselves (לְהִתְיַצֵּב, lĕhityattsev): This verb means "to take one's stand," "to present oneself," or "to stand forth." It conveys a sense of formal presentation, akin to subjects or officials appearing before a king or sovereign for review or reporting. It highlights their designated role and direct accountability to the LORD.
• before the LORD (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lipnê YHWH): "The LORD" (Yahweh) is the personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, unmatched authority, and intimate relationship with His creation. "Before the LORD" denotes God's throne room or immediate presence, the central hub of divine governance and judgment in the cosmos.
• and Satan (וְהַשָּׂטָן, wĕhaśśāṭān): The definite article "the" preceding Satan indicates a functional title ("the Accuser" or "the Adversary") rather than a proper name in this initial context. This figure's role is to oppose, test, and bring accusations, primarily against humanity. His presence in the divine assembly highlights that even this adversarial force operates within the bounds of God's sovereign allowance and control.
• came also: The word "also" emphasizes that the Accuser's presence was part of this same general assembly. It suggests he was either a recognized member of the heavenly court in some capacity (e.g., as a prosecuting attorney) or was granted access for this specific occasion, underlining God's permission over his movements.
• among them (בְּתוֹכָם, bĕtôḵām): Literally "in their midst." This signifies that the Accuser was mingled with the "sons of God," not set apart. It indicates his embedded, albeit antagonistic, position within the broader cosmic order under God's ultimate authority, reinforcing that his actions are not outside divine jurisdiction.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Now there was a day": This phrase establishes a specific temporal marker, signaling a singular event in the divine timeline. It pulls the narrative away from the earthly context of Job to the cosmic, indicating that what follows is a particular and momentous celestial gathering.
• "the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD": This full clause reveals the existence and operation of God's heavenly court. It establishes a hierarchy where celestial beings, subservient to Yahweh, report to Him. Their action of "presenting themselves" underscores their accountability and the formal, organized nature of divine administration, solidifying Yahweh's supreme dominion over all spiritual realms.
• "and Satan came also among them": This crucial addition introduces the antagonist. It highlights not only Satan's presence but his surprising inclusion "among" the other heavenly beings. This juxtaposition sets up the dramatic tension, showcasing that even the Accuser operates within God's purview and ultimately under His sovereign control, having access to His presence and participating in His council, though with malevolent intent.

Job 1 6 Bonus section

• Ancient Near Eastern Divine Council Parallels: While the concept of a divine council is found in various ancient Near Eastern mythologies (e.g., Ugaritic texts featuring El's assembly), Job's presentation stands in sharp contrast. In polytheistic councils, deities often squabble, with limited power or conflicting wills. Job's divine council is monotheistic; Yahweh is singular and supreme, unchallenged in authority by any other "god." All participants, including the Adversary, are absolutely subordinate to His will, emphasizing His unique omnipotence and omnibenevolence within this specific theological framework.
• Role of Satan's Title: The use of the definite article "the" (הַשָּׂטָן, haśśāṭān) is critical, denoting a function or office: "the Accuser" or "the Adversary." This indicates that, at this stage in biblical revelation, he is portrayed primarily in terms of his role within God's judicial and cosmic order, rather than a proper name Satan as seen in later books (e.g., 1 Chr 21:1 or New Testament). This subtle distinction reflects a progressive revelation concerning the nature and identity of the evil one.
• Divine Sovereignty over Evil: The scene immediately disarms any notion of dualism (two co-equal forces of good and evil) in Job. "The Satan" enters God's presence, indicating a creature subject to God, not an independent, competing power. His presence within the heavenly council underscores God's total sovereignty, showcasing that even evil machinations cannot occur without divine permission and ultimate control. This establishes a foundational theological truth that brings comfort and stability, even in the face of profound suffering.

Job 1 6 Commentary

Job 1:6 peels back the veil of the mundane to expose the unseen cosmic realm that undergirds human experience. It unveils a scene of profound theological significance: God's majestic sovereignty presiding over a "divine council" comprised of loyal "sons of God" (angels), yet strikingly, including "the Satan." This assembly isn't about God gaining information—He is omniscient. Rather, it dramatically portrays divine governance, where spiritual forces, good and adversarial alike, are subordinate to God's ultimate authority. The inclusion of the Accuser, particularly "among" the others, emphatically teaches that no evil is beyond God's oversight; the Accuser must present himself and operates strictly by divine permission. This sets the cosmic stakes for Job's narrative, redefining his future suffering not as punitive justice or random misfortune, but as a direct result of a divinely permitted test of faith's integrity, proving God's control even amidst the deepest human trials.