King James Version
What Does Job 41:28 Mean?
“The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.”
Job 41:28 · KJV
Context
26
The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. habergeon: or, breastplate
27
He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
28
The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.
29
Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.
30
Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. Sharp stones: Heb. Sharp pieces of potsherd
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod's catalog of ineffective weapons continues. 'The arrow cannot make him flee' (lo-yavrisennu ben-qeshet, לֹא־יַבְרִיחֶנּוּ בֶּן־קֶשֶׁת) states that even projectiles shot from distance cannot drive Leviathan away. 'Slingstones are turned with him into stubble' (avnei-qela, אַבְנֵי־קֶלַע) describes stones from slings becoming like worthless chaff against the creature. Arrows and slings represented ranged warfare that allowed attacking from safety—yet even these fail. The progression from close combat (previous verses) to ranged weapons emphasizes that no human tactical advantage avails against Leviathan. Theologically, this teaches that we cannot defeat evil from a safe distance; spiritual warfare requires direct engagement under divine authority. It also reveals that our best efforts apart from God are transformed into worthlessness when facing spiritual opposition. Only in Christ do we have weapons mighty to pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).
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Historical & Cultural Context
Arrows and slings were the primary ranged weapons of ancient warfare, allowing soldiers to engage enemies without close combat's dangers. David's defeat of Goliath with a sling (1 Samuel 17) demonstrated these weapons' potential effectiveness. Yet against Leviathan, even these celebrated weapons fail completely, emphasizing the creature's supernatural invulnerability.
Reflection Questions
- What spiritual battles are you trying to fight from a 'safe distance' that require direct engagement under God's authority?
- How do your best efforts become 'stubble' when attempted in your own strength rather than God's power?
- What does it mean to have weapons mighty through God for pulling down strongholds in your specific circumstances?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsלֹֽא1 of 9
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בֶן3 of 9
“The arrow”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נֶהְפְּכוּ6 of 9
“are turned”
H2015to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
ל֥וֹ7 of 9
H0Study 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 41:28 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 41:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge