King James Version
What Does Job 41:30 Mean?
“Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. Sharp stones: Heb. Sharp pieces of potsherd”
Job 41:30 · KJV
Context
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
31
He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.
32
He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod describes Leviathan's underside and movement. 'Sharp stones are under him' (tachataiv chaddudei chares, תַּחְתָּיו חַדּוּדֵי־חָרֶשׂ) suggests the creature's belly is covered with sharp, pottery-like projections. 'He spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire' (yirpad charuts alei-tit, יִרְפַּד חָרוּץ עֲלֵי־טִיט) describes how Leviathan leaves impressions like a threshing sledge in mud. A threshing sledge was studded with sharp stones or metal to separate grain—Leviathan's movement creates similar patterns. This verse reveals that even the creature's underside—typically a vulnerability in armored animals—is weaponized. There is no weak point, no opportunity for attack. Theologically, this represents evil's comprehensive nature—it protects itself from every angle, requires divine intervention to defeat. The threshing imagery also connects to judgment (Isaiah 41:15), suggesting Leviathan's movement brings destruction, grinding whatever it passes over.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Threshing sledges were wooden boards studded with sharp stones, dragged over grain to separate kernels from chaff. This agricultural tool created distinctive patterns in the threshing floor. God's description of Leviathan creating similar patterns emphasizes its destructive power and the impossibility of approaching it from below—even its vulnerable underside is deadly.
Reflection Questions
- What 'weak points' do you expect in evil or temptation that actually prove to be more dangerous than anticipated?
- How does recognizing evil's comprehensive defenses drive you to depend on Christ rather than your own strategy?
- In what ways does God use His enemies' destructive movements to accomplish His threshing purposes?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsתַּ֭חְתָּיו1 of 7
H8478the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
חָר֣וּץ5 of 7
“sharp pointed things”
H2742properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
עֲלֵי6 of 7
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 41:30 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 41:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge