King James Version
What Does Job 41:14 Mean?
“Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.”
Job 41:14 · KJV
Context
12
I will not conceal his parts, nor his power , nor his comely proportion.
13
Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle? with: or, within
14
Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.
15
His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. scales: Heb. strong pieces of shields
16
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary"Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about." Leviathan's jaws ("doors of his face") and terrifying teeth (emah, אֵימָה, "terror/dread") emphasize deadly danger. Opening its mouth would be fatal. This demonstrates that intimate encounter with overwhelming power destroys the presumptuous. This teaches that some aspects of divine sovereignty and natural power must be approached with appropriate fear and distance, not casual familiarity.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient hunters and warriors sometimes needed to approach dangerous animals' mouths to kill or capture them. Leviathan's "doors" remain permanently closed to human approach. This taught that certain boundaries must not be crossed, certain powers must not be challenged—humility requires respecting such limits.
Reflection Questions
- What boundaries has God established that wisdom requires respecting rather than transgressing?
- How does healthy fear of overwhelming realities produce safety rather than paralysis?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsפָ֭נָיו2 of 7
“of his face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מִ֣י3 of 7
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
פִתֵּ֑חַ4 of 7
“Who can open”
H6605to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
סְבִיב֖וֹת5 of 7
“round about”
H5439(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
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 41:14 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 41:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge