New International VersionThe LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”
New Living Translation“Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”
English Standard VersionThe LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
Berean Standard Bible“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”
King James BibleAnd the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
New King James VersionAnd the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
New American Standard BibleThe LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”
NASB 1995The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”
NASB 1977And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Yahweh said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered Yahweh and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”
Amplified BibleThe LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming around on the earth and from walking around on it.”
Christian Standard BibleThe LORD asked Satan, “Where have you come from? ” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe LORD asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” “From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered Him, “and walking around on it.”
American Standard VersionAnd Jehovah said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Contemporary English Versionthe LORD asked, "Satan, where have you been?" Satan replied, "I have been going all over the earth."
English Revised VersionAnd the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe LORD asked Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From wandering all over the earth."
Good News TranslationThe LORD asked him, "What have you been doing?" Satan answered, "I have been walking here and there, roaming around the earth."
International Standard VersionThe LORD asked Satan, "Where have you come from?" In response, Satan answered the LORD, "From wandering all over the earth and walking back and forth throughout it."
NET BibleThe LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" And Satan answered the LORD, "From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it."
New Heart English BibleThe LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, "From going back and forth on the earth, and from walking up and down on it."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the LORD said to Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down upon it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”
World English BibleYahweh said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to Satan, “Where do you come from?” And Satan answers YHWH and says, “From going to and fro in the land, and from walking up and down on it.”
Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith unto the Adversary, 'Whence comest thou?' And the Adversary answereth Jehovah and saith, 'From going to and fro in the land, and from walking up and down on it.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jehovah will say to the adversary, From whence wilt thou come? And the adversary will answer Jehovah, and say, From running to and fro in the earth, and from walking about in it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord said to him: Whence comest thou ? And he answered and said: I have gone round about the earth, and walked through it.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe Lord said to him, “Where do you come from?” Answering, he said, “I have circled the land, and walked around in it.”
New American BibleThe LORD said to the satan, “Where have you been?” Then the satan answered the LORD and said, “Roaming the earth and patrolling it.”
New Revised Standard VersionThe LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to Satan, Whence have you come? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking on it.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd LORD JEHOVAH said to Satan: “From where have you come?” Satan answered and said to LORD JEHOVAH: “I have been going around the earth and I have been walking in it.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said unto Satan: 'Whence comest thou?' Then Satan answered the LORD, and said: 'From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the Lord said to the devil, Whence art thou come? And the devil answered the Lord, and said, I am come from compassing the earth, and walking up and down in the world.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Satan's First Attack6One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7“Wherehave you come from?”saidthe LORDtoSatan.“From roamingthrough the earth,”hereplied,“and walking back and forthin it.”8Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.”…
Cross References 1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Zechariah 3:1-2Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”
Revelation 12:9-10And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. / And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.
Luke 22:31Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.
2 Corinthians 2:11in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Ephesians 6:11-12Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
John 8:44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
Matthew 4:1-11Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...
Genesis 3:1-5Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ...
1 Chronicles 21:1Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.
2 Corinthians 11:14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
James 4:7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Revelation 20:2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
Matthew 13:19When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
Mark 4:15Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said to Satan, From where come you? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Whence. Job 2:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 2 Kings 5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whencecomest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. From going. Zechariah 1:10,11 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, Theseare they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth… Zechariah 6:7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Jump to Previous AdversaryEarthForthFroRoamingSatanWalkingWanderingWhenceJump to Next AdversaryEarthForthFroRoamingSatanWalkingWanderingWhenceJob 1 1.The holiness, riches, and reverent care of Job for his children.6.Satan, appearing before God, obtains leave to afflict Job.13.Understanding of the loss of his children and goods, in his mourning Job blesses God.“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan.This question from the LORD to Satan is not due to a lack of knowledge, as God is omniscient. Instead, it serves to initiate a dialogue that reveals Satan's activities and intentions. The setting is a heavenly council, a concept found in other parts of Scripture, such as 1 Kings 22:19-22, where God interacts with spiritual beings. This interaction underscores the sovereignty of God over all creation, including the spiritual realm. The question also highlights the accountability that even rebellious beings like Satan have before God. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied,
Satan's response indicates his role as an adversary and accuser, as seen in1 Peter 5:8, where he is described as prowling around like a roaring lion. The phrase suggests a restlessness and a search for opportunities to challenge and accuse humanity. This roaming can be seen as a metaphor for his influence and presence in the world, seeking to undermine God's creation. The earth, in biblical terms, is often depicted as the domain where spiritual battles occur, as seen inEphesians 6:12. “and walking back and forth in it.”
This phrase emphasizes Satan's persistent and thorough examination of the earth, reflecting his intent to find fault and cause harm. It echoes the language ofZechariah 1:10-11, where angelic beings patrol the earth, but in contrast, Satan's purpose is malevolent. The imagery of walking back and forth suggests a comprehensive and relentless pursuit, akin to the adversarial role he plays in the lives of believers. This activity foreshadows the trials that Job will face, serving as a test of his faith and integrity. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God who is omniscient and omnipresent, engaging in a dialogue with Satan. 2. SatanThe adversary, whose name in Hebrew means "accuser" or "adversary," presenting himself before God. 3. The EarthThe realm where Satan claims to have been roaming, indicating his active presence and influence in the world. 4. Heavenly CourtThe setting of this dialogue, where spiritual beings present themselves before God, indicating a divine council. 5. JobThough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central human figure in the account, whose faith and righteousness are about to be tested. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control and aware of all that happens, even the activities of Satan. The Reality of Spiritual WarfareUnderstand that Satan is actively seeking to challenge and accuse believers, necessitating vigilance and spiritual preparedness. The Nature of SatanAcknowledge Satan's role as the adversary who roams the earth, looking for opportunities to undermine faith and righteousness. Faith Under TrialBe prepared for trials and tests of faith, knowing that God allows them for His purposes and our growth. God's Protection and PurposeTrust in God's protection and His ultimate purpose, even when facing adversities orchestrated by Satan. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Job 1
What is Satan's role according to the Bible?
What are the Courts of Heaven?
How does Job remain faithful amidst immense suffering?
Can Satan read human thoughts?(7) From going to and fro . . .--Compare our Lord's words in Matthew 13:25 : "and went his way." St. Peter evidently had this passage in mind ( 1Peter 5:8, "walketh about"). Verse 7. - And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? God condescends to address the evil spirit, and asks him questions - not that anything could be added to his own knowledge, but that the angels, who were present (ver. 6), might hear and have their attention called to the doings of Satan, which would need to be watched by them, and sometimes to be restrained or (it may be) prevented (comp. 1 Kings 22:20, where again the colloquy is opened by God asking a question). Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Satan, therefore, is not himself, like the bulk of his evil angels, "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the last day" ( Jude 1:6). He searches the whole earth continually, never passing, never resting, but "going about ," as St. Peter says ( 1 Peter 5:8), "like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour," waiting till the coming of the "thousand years," when an angel will "bind him with a great chain, and cast him into the bottom-less pit" ( Revelation 20:1, 2). It will be a happy day for the earth when that time comes.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Whereמֵאַ֣יִן(mê·’a·yin)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 370:Whence?have you come from?”תָּבֹ֑א(tā·ḇō)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gosaidוַיֹּ֧אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saythe LORDיְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHtoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toSatan.הַשָּׂטָ֖ן(haś·śā·ṭān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7854:An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of good“From roamingמִשּׁ֣וּט(miš·šūṭ)Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7751:To push forth, to lash, to row, to travelthrough the earth,”בָּאָ֔רֶץ(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landheהַשָּׂטָ֤ן(haś·śā·ṭān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7854:An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of goodreplied,וַיַּ֨עַן(way·ya·‘an)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond“and from walking back and forthוּמֵֽהִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ(ū·mê·hiṯ·hal·lêḵ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkin it.”בָּֽהּ׃(bāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Poetry: Job 1:7 Yahweh said to Satan Where have you (Jb) |
