Job 1:1

Berean Standard Bible
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil.
 
King James Bible
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.
 
NET Bible
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And that man was pure and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
 
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Study Bible:
 
There was a man
The phrase introduces us to the central human character of the book, Job. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which often denotes an individual of significance or standing. This introduction sets the stage for a narrative that is both personal and universal, as Job's experiences will resonate with the human condition across time and culture.
 
in the land of Uz
The "land of Uz" is a geographical reference that situates the account in a real, though somewhat mysterious, location. While the exact location of Uz is debated, it is often associated with areas east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia. This setting outside of Israel emphasizes the universal nature of the story, suggesting that the themes of suffering and righteousness transcend national and ethnic boundaries.
 
whose name was Job
The name "Job" (אִיּוֹב, Iyov) is significant in itself, possibly meaning "persecuted" or "hated." This etymology foreshadows the trials and tribulations that Job will face. The mention of his name at the outset personalizes the narrative, inviting readers to engage with Job's account on an intimate level.
 
And this man was blameless
The Hebrew word for "blameless" is "תָּם" (tam), which conveys a sense of completeness, integrity, and moral innocence. Job's blamelessness is not about sinless perfection but rather a wholehearted devotion to God. This characteristic sets the foundation for understanding the depth of his trials and the profound nature of his faith.
 
and upright
The term "upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar) suggests a straightness or correctness in one's conduct. Job's uprightness indicates his adherence to ethical and moral standards, aligning his life with God's will. This quality complements his blamelessness, painting a picture of a man who lives in harmony with divine principles.
 
fearing God
To "fear God" (יָרֵא אֱלֹהִים, yare Elohim) is a central theme in wisdom literature, denoting reverence, awe, and respect for the Almighty. This fear is not about terror but about a profound recognition of God's majesty and authority. Job's fear of God underscores his deep spiritual commitment and the foundation of his moral character.
 
and shunning evil
The phrase "shunning evil" (וְסָר מֵרָע, vesar mera) indicates an active avoidance of wrongdoing. Job's deliberate choice to turn away from evil highlights his proactive approach to righteousness. This aspect of his character is crucial, as it demonstrates that his piety is not passive but involves conscious decisions to uphold God's standards.
 
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Commentary:
 
Setting and Character Introduction:
 
Land of Uz: The exact location of Uz is uncertain, but it's generally thought to be somewhere in the region of Edom or Aram, placing it in the ancient Near East. This setting gives Job a somewhat exotic or distant backdrop, emphasizing the universal nature of his trials rather than tying them strictly to the history of Israel.
 
Character Description:
 
Blameless and Upright: These attributes describe Job's moral and ethical standing. "Blameless" (or "perfect" in some translations) does not mean sinless but rather complete in integrity, suggesting someone who strives toward moral perfection in his conduct.
 
Feared God: This phrase indicates a deep reverence for God, not just fear in the modern sense but respect, awe, and obedience to divine will.
 
Turned Away from Evil: This highlights Job's active choice to avoid wrongdoing, showcasing his moral fortitude.
 
Theological Implications:
 
This verse sets up the narrative of Job by establishing his righteousness from the outset. It's crucial for the theological discourse that follows because it poses the question of why a righteous person like Job would suffer. The book of Job explores themes of divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of God's relationship with humanity.
 
Literary Context:
 
Job's character is introduced with high praise, setting a dramatic stage for the trials that will challenge not only Job's faith but also the reader's understanding of divine justice. This introduction makes his subsequent suffering all the more poignant and perplexing, laying the groundwork for the philosophical and theological discussions in the rest of the book.
 
Cultural and Historical Context:
 
In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where personal and familial honor was paramount, describing someone as Job is described would have been seen as the epitome of human virtue. This would have made his story particularly engaging and his trials particularly challenging to the contemporary audience's worldview.
 
In summary, Job 1:1 introduces not just a man but a moral exemplar whose story will challenge many religious and philosophical tenets of his time, and indeed, continues to do so. It sets the tone for a narrative that will explore deep questions about suffering, righteousness, and divine providence.