King James Version
What Does Job 41:2 Mean?
“Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?”
Job 41:2 · 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?
4
Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary"Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?" God asks if Job can capture Leviathan using fishing methods—hook in nose or thorn through jaw. The Hebrew chach (חָח, "hook/ring") and choach (חוֹחַ, "thorn/hook") suggest futility of human techniques. Leviathan, whether representing crocodile, whale, or symbolic chaos-creature, remains beyond human control. This teaches that God alone governs forces that overwhelm human capacity. Recognizing what we cannot control should produce humble trust in God who can.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern mythology featured Leviathan or similar sea monsters representing primordial chaos (Ugaritic Lotan, Babylonian Tiamat). Unlike pagan myths where gods struggled against such forces, Yahweh presents Himself as effortlessly sovereign over Leviathan. This distinguished biblical faith—God faces no threatening rivals.
Reflection Questions
- What "leviathans" in your life—overwhelming chaotic forces—must you entrust to God's control?
- How does God's effortless sovereignty over chaos encourage trust amid life's storms?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsהֲתָשִׂ֣ים1 of 6
“Canst thou put”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
בְּאַפּ֑וֹ3 of 6
“into his nose”
H639properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
תִּקֹּ֥ב5 of 6
“or bore”
H5344to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
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 41:2 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 41:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge