King James Version
Job 40:23 in the King James Version says “Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. he drinketh up: ...” — study this verse from Job chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. he drinketh up: Heb. he oppresseth”
Job 40:23 · KJV
He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.
The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.
Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. he drinketh up: Heb. he oppresseth
He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares. He: or, Will any take him in his sight, or, bore his nose with a gin?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Behold he drinketh up”
H6231to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
“a river”
H5104a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and hasteth”
H2648properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear
“not he trusteth”
H982properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“into his mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
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.
Job 40:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Job 40:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge