King James Version

What Does Job 41:1 Mean?

Job 41:1 in the King James Version says “Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? leviathan: That is, a wha...” — study this verse from Job chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? leviathan: That is, a whale or a whirlepoole which: Heb. which thou drownest?”

Job 41:1 · KJV

Context

1

Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? leviathan: That is, a whale or a whirlepoole which: Heb. which thou drownest?

2

Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

3

Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?

Read Job 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God asks: 'Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?' This sea creature (possibly crocodile) cannot be caught with fishing gear. Divine power governs what human technology cannot capture.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern mythology featured Leviathan as chaos monster. God's domestication questions (hook, cord) mock human presumption to control cosmic powers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'leviathans' in your life resist your attempts at control?
  2. How does recognizing divine authority over chaos creatures comfort you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ1 of 6

“Canst thou draw out”

H4900

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

לִוְיָתָ֣ן2 of 6

“leviathan”

H3882

a wreathed animal, i.e., a large sea-monster; figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of babylon

בְּחַכָּ֑ה3 of 6

“with an hook”

H2443

a hook (as adhering)

וּ֝בְחֶ֗בֶל4 of 6

“with a cord”

H2256

ruin

תַּשְׁקִ֥יעַ5 of 6

“which thou lettest down”

H8257

to subside; by implication, to be overflowed, cease; causatively, to abate, subdue

לְשֹׁנֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“or his tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

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 41:1 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 41:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 74:14Job 3:8Isaiah 27:1Psalms 104:26

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