King James Version
What Does Job 41:3 Mean?
“Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?”
Job 41:3 · 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?
5
Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary"Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?" Leviathan won't beg for mercy or negotiate—it cannot be reasoned with or persuaded. The Hebrew tachanun (תַּחֲנוּן, "supplications") and rakot (רַכּוֹת, "soft/gentle words") emphasize impossibility of peaceful resolution. Some forces cannot be diplomatically managed, requiring sovereign power to control. This teaches that not all problems yield to human wisdom or negotiation—some require divine intervention beyond human capability.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient diplomatic practices involved negotiation and appeals for mercy. God's questions establish that Leviathan exists beyond such human methods. This taught that certain threats—whether natural forces, evil powers, or overwhelming circumstances—require divine power, not human cleverness, to overcome.
Reflection Questions
- What situations have you tried to negotiate or reason with that actually require God's powerful intervention?
- How does recognizing the limits of human diplomacy increase dependence on divine power?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsאִם4 of 7
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יְדַבֵּ֖ר5 of 7
“unto thee will he speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
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 41:3 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 41:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge