King James Version
What Does Job 41:16 Mean?
“One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.”
Job 41:16 · KJV
Context
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.
17
They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.
18
By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod's description of Leviathan's scales emphasizes their impenetrable nature. 'One is so near to another' (echad be-echad yiggash, אֶחָד בְּאֶחָד יִגַּשׁ) describes the tight joining of scales, while 'no air can come between them' (ve-ruach lo-yabo, וְרוּחַ לֹא־יָבֹא) emphasizes absolute seal—not even wind penetrates. The Hebrew 'ruach' (רוּחַ) means both wind and spirit, suggesting nothing material or immaterial can breach Leviathan's armor. This verse establishes the creature's invulnerability to natural attack, pointing to forces beyond human capacity to overcome. Theologically, Leviathan represents chaos and evil that only divine power can defeat. The impenetrable armor illustrates sin's power to shield the rebellious heart from conviction—until God Himself intervenes. This foreshadows Christ's victory over principalities and powers that appeared invincible (Colossians 2:15). What no human weapon can penetrate, God's word divides (Hebrews 4:12).
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient armor technology sought to create overlapping scales or plates that would deflect weapons while allowing flexibility. Leviathan's natural armor exceeded the best human military technology, emphasizing divine creative power surpassing human achievement. The description would resonate with soldiers who understood armor's life-or-death importance.
Reflection Questions
- What 'leviathans'—seemingly invincible problems or sins—in your life can only be defeated by God's direct intervention?
- How does recognizing evil's real power increase rather than decrease your confidence in Christ's victory?
- In what ways has God's word penetrated defenses in your heart that seemed impregnable?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsיִגַּ֑שׁוּ3 of 7
“is so near”
H5066to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
וְ֝ר֗וּחַ4 of 7
“that no air”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
לֹֽא5 of 7
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בֵֽינֵיהֶֽם׃7 of 7
H996between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
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 41:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.