King James Bible
"And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life."
Satan responds to God's observation about Job's continued faithfulness despite losing his wealth and children. This exchange occurs during Satan's second appearance before God's heavenly court, escalating the cosmic test of Job's integrity. This ancient proverb likely originated from bartering practices where traders exchanged animal skins of equal value. Satan uses it to argue that Job's previous losses were merely external—like trading one skin for another—and haven't truly tested his core commitment. Satan cynically asserts that self-preservation trumps all other loyalties, implying Job's faithfulness is ultimately selfish. This statement challenges whether anyone serves God purely for who He is rather than for protection or benefits.