King James Version

What Does Job 40:20 Mean?

Job 40:20 in the King James Version says “Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. — study this verse from Job chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

Job 40:20 · KJV


Context

18

His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.

19

He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.

20

Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

21

He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.

22

The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play." Behemoth grazes peacefully in mountains—harim (הָרִים) provide its food. Other animals "play" (yesachaqu, יְשַׂחֲקוּ) nearby without fear. This massive creature lives peacefully within God's created order despite its power. God designed even the most formidable creatures to fit harmoniously into ecosystems. This demonstrates that power under divine governance produces order, not chaos. It anticipates the peaceable kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9) where strength serves rather than threatens.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples often viewed powerful animals as threats to order. God reveals that even Behemoth, despite overwhelming strength, participates peacefully in creation. This taught that divine design integrates all creatures—even the most powerful—into harmonious systems. It assured readers that God's governance produces order from potential chaos.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Behemoth's peaceful coexistence with smaller creatures model proper use of power?
  2. What strength has God given you that should be exercised peaceably within His established order?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּֽי1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ב֭וּל2 of 10

food

H944

produce (of the earth, etc.)

הָרִ֣ים3 of 10

Surely the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂאוּ4 of 10

bring him forth

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

ל֑וֹ5 of 10
H0
וְֽכָל6 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַיַּ֥ת7 of 10

where all the beasts

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה8 of 10

of the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

יְשַֽׂחֲקוּ9 of 10

play

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

שָֽׁם׃10 of 10
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 40:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 40:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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