Definition: And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous passage from Job 2:4. It’s a really important and complex verse, and it deals with a fundamental struggle between good and evil. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Satan’s response to God asking him what he wants. It's essentially saying Satan is tempting God with the idea of seeking pleasure and avoiding pain – literally, "skin for skin." Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Job 2:4” : This is the verse itself, and it's a big deal because it's one of the most impactful parts of the Bible. It's part of Job’s story – a story about a man named Job who goes through immense suffering. “And Satan answered the LORD…” : This tells us that Satan is the antagonist in this scene. He's challenging God, trying to persuade him to do something he doesn’t want to do. “…and said, ‘Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.’” : This is where it gets really interesting. Satan presents a tempting proposition: “If you get what you want – like pleasure and avoiding pain – you'll be willing to sacrifice your very life!” What does this really mean? The key here isn’t just about wanting things. It’s about the desire for something that brings suffering. Satan is suggesting that a man’s happiness or well-being depends on obtaining physical gratification, and that if he can obtain these pleasures, he won't be unhappy. He's appealing to the human tendency to seek pleasure above all else. The Theological Significance (What it’s about): The Temptation of Evil: This verse is a classic example of Satan tempting God – and us! It highlights the danger of pride and the temptation to stray from righteous living. The Struggle Between Good and Evil: It speaks to the ongoing battle between good, which represents God's will and righteousness, and evil, which represents the desire for self-gratification and destruction. Satan is a powerful force trying to undermine God’s plan. Human Nature: It also touches on our own nature – that we are prone to seeking things that bring us pain, even if it means compromising our values. Important Note: This verse isn't about Satan actually wanting to kill Job! It's a symbolic representation of the temptation to selfish desires and the potential for evil within humans. In short, this verse describes Satan’s attempt to undermine God by offering a tempting but ultimately destructive path – one that focuses on obtaining pleasure at the expense of our souls. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to real-life situations?