Scriptural & Translational Thoughts on Job - Job 2:4

An interesting statement is made by Satan to Jehovah as contained at Job 2:4.  The New International Version translates it this way, “Skin for skin!  A man will give all he has for his own life.”  The New American Standard Bible (Updated Edition) has, “Skin for skin!  Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.”  The New American Bible, a Catholic translation, states it this way, “Skin for skin!  All that a man has will he give for his life”  There is not any real difference between these three translations.  Young’s Literal Translation reads this way, “A skin for a skin, and all that a man hath he doth give for his life.”  The Concordant Version states “Skin in behalf of skin, for all that a man has would he give in behalf of his soul.”  The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures reads here “Skin in behalf of skin, and everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul.”

Many translations and versions read very similar.  But, what does “skin for skin” mean?  What was it that Satan was implying?  The Hebrew text is רוע דעב רוע.  Literally this is “skin for [or, against] skin” and simply means “skin in behalf of skin.”  This appears to come from the idea of sacrificing an animal or even another human in order for one to go free, which suggest that one type of skin that was worth less was surrendered as a replacement to save the more important life – oneself.

Thus Satan is saying to Jehovah that Job was selfish, self-centered and self-sparing; that he was willing for others to die in replacement of himself so that he could go free and suffer no harm.  Since it was Job’s children, servants and animals who perished, Satan made the accusation against Job that he would remain loyal and God-fearing as long as others died but himself be spared.  Wicked accusation.