Credible Theories
Hebrew Bible · Job 1:6; 38:7

The sons of God present themselves

ReferenceJob 1:6; 38:7
Writtenc. 600–400 BCE
SetTimeless
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them… When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.

Translation: KJV

Read it literally

Regular meetings, reports from the field, and one member whose job is to test humans. The sons of God were present at the making of the earth.

What scholars say

'The satan' here is a title, 'the accuser', a member of the court.

Council of gods

Quick answers about Job 1:6

Where is Job 1:6 found?

Job 1:6; 38:7 (Hebrew Bible). Translation quoted: King James Version (1611; standard 1769 text), with Apocrypha.

When was Job 1:6 written?

c. 600–400 BCE.

What do scholars say about Job 1:6?

'The satan' here is a title, 'the accuser', a member of the court.

Rabbit holes in this passage

BeingThe divine council (sons of God)The Bible's glimpses of a heavenly assembly where 'sons of God' report, debate and receive their sentences.

Sources

  1. King James Version (1611; standard 1769 text), with ApocryphaPrimary text
  2. Psalm 82, King James VersionPrimary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

Updated