What is the meaning of Job 1:9?

Satan answered the LORD

• Scripture presents Satan as an actual, personal being, not a mere symbol (Revelation 12:9; Luke 4:1–13).

• His title means “adversary,” and here he stands before God to accuse (Job 1:6; Zechariah 3:1–2; Revelation 12:10).

• By “answering” the LORD, he reveals his audacious posture—speaking in God’s presence yet seeking to undermine one of God’s servants.

• The scene reminds us that nothing escapes divine oversight; even the enemy operates within boundaries God permits (Job 1:12; 2:6).

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Does Job

• Satan targets Job by name, acknowledging his unique reputation for integrity (Job 1:1, 8).

• The adversary knows who truly belongs to God and directs his assaults accordingly (1 Peter 5:8).

• Job’s life becomes a test case for every believer who longs to be “blameless and upright” (Philippians 2:15; Psalm 25:21).

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fear God

• “Fear” here speaks of reverence and worship, not terror (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10).

• Genuine fear of God is evidenced by obedience, humility, and trust (Deuteronomy 6:13; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

• Satan concedes that Job’s devotion is real—he doesn’t question the fact of Job’s fear, only the motive behind it.

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for nothing?

• The enemy insinuates that Job’s faith is transactional, driven by blessing rather than love (Job 1:10–11).

• This mirrors later temptations: Satan offered Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” for worship (Matthew 4:8–10), and some in the church treat godliness “as a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:5).

• God will prove that authentic faith endures even when earthly benefits disappear (Habakkuk 3:17–18; James 1:2–4).

• The question also highlights God’s confidence in His own work within Job; He permits the test knowing true faith perseveres (1 Corinthians 10:13).

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summary

Job 1:9 records, “Satan answered the LORD, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’” The adversary challenges the purity of Job’s devotion, suggesting that human worship hinges on rewards. God allows the ensuing trials to display that saving faith is anchored in the worthiness of God Himself, not in the gifts He grants. Job’s steadfastness will vindicate God’s grace and encourage believers today to love the Lord with undivided hearts (James 5:11; Job 42:12).