King James Version
What Does Job 41:23 Mean?
“The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. flakes: Heb. fallings”
Job 41:23 · KJV
Context
21
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
22
In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. is turned into joy: Heb. rejoiceth
23
The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. flakes: Heb. fallings
24
His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone.
25
When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary"The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved." Leviathan's flesh forms solid, immovable mass. The Hebrew mapeley (מַפְּלֵי, "folds/layers") being yatsuq (יָצוּק, "poured/firm") and bal-yimmot (בַּל־יִמּוֹט, "cannot be moved") emphasizes structural integrity. God designed this creature with perfect cohesion—every part integrated, nothing vulnerable. This teaches that divine design achieves perfect unity and strength through proper integration of parts.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient observers understood structural integrity in building and engineering. Leviathan's natural construction exceeded human architectural achievement. This taught that God's design wisdom surpasses human engineering, creating perfect structural systems in living creatures.
Reflection Questions
- How does observing perfect integration in nature teach about spiritual unity and cohesion?
- What areas of your life need better integration under God's design rather than fragmented dysfunction?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsבְשָׂר֣וֹ2 of 7
“of his flesh”
H1320flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
דָבֵ֑קוּ3 of 7
“are joined together”
H1692properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
יָצ֥וּק4 of 7
“they are firm”
H3332properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
עָ֝לָ֗יו5 of 7
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִמּֽוֹט׃7 of 7
“in themselves they cannot be moved”
H4131to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
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 41:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.