Job 2:4

Skin for skin. This expression has provoked much discussion among commentators. The saying, evidently proverbial, may have had its origin in the language of barter or exchange, signifying that a man would give up one thing for another, or one piece of property of less value in order to save a greater. In like manner he would be willing to surrender everything, in order that his life, the most valuable object, might be preserved. Satan is trying to show that a test of sufficient severity had not been imposed on Job to reveal his actual character. He advances the theory that every man has his price. Job’s integrity had demonstrated that a man may lose his property and still serve God; but Satan was not willing to admit that a man will maintain his loyalty to God if his life is placed in jeopardy. Compare Matt. 6:25.

Skin for skin. This expression has provoked much discussion among commentators. The saying, evidently proverbial, may have had its origin in the language of barter or exchange, signifying that a man would give up one thing for another, or one piece of property of less value in order to save a greater. In like manner he would be willing to surrender everything, in order that his life, the most valuable object, might be preserved. Satan is trying to show that a test of sufficient severity had not been imposed on Job to reveal his actual character. He advances the theory that every man has his price. Job’s integrity had demonstrated that a man may lose his property and still serve God; but Satan was not willing to admit that a man will maintain his loyalty to God if his life is placed in jeopardy. Compare Matthew 6:25.