King James Version
What Does Job 41:31 Mean?
“He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.”
Job 41:31 · KJV
Context
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.
33
Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear. is made without fear: or, behave themselves without fear
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod describes Leviathan's effect on water. 'He maketh the deep to boil like a pot' (yartiach ke-sir metsulah, יַרְתִּיחַ כַּסִּיר מְצוּלָה) depicts violent water disturbance from the creature's movement. 'Maketh the sea like a pot of ointment' (yam yasim ka-merqachah, יָם יָשִׂים כַּמֶּרְקָחָה) suggests the water becomes like mixed or churned perfume—roiling, bubbling, transformed. The dual imagery of boiling pot and churned ointment emphasizes both violent disturbance and the mixing of previously calm waters. Theologically, Leviathan represents chaos challenging God's ordering of creation—the sea that God set boundaries for (Job 38:8-11) becomes turbulent again. Yet God's control over Leviathan demonstrates His ultimate authority even over chaos. The verse anticipates Revelation's sea of glass before God's throne—chaos finally stilled (Revelation 4:6). Christ's calming of the literal sea demonstrates His Leviathan-controlling power (Mark 4:39).
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Historical & Cultural Context
The sea represented chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern thought, often personified as divine enemies God defeated in creation (Psalm 74:13-14). Leviathan's ability to make the sea boil connects it to this chaos mythology while establishing God's sovereignty over it. Ancient mariners feared sea disturbances that could capsize ships, making this imagery particularly terrifying.
Reflection Questions
- What 'seas' in your life—areas of chaos and disturbance—need God's authoritative calming?
- How does Christ's authority over both literal seas and spiritual chaos encourage you in current turmoil?
- In what ways do you need to trust God's control over Leviathan-like forces that seem to create chaos in your ordered life?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsיָ֝֗ם4 of 6
“the sea”
H3220a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
יָשִׂ֥ים5 of 6
“he maketh”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
כַּמֶּרְקָחָֽה׃6 of 6
“like a pot of ointment”
H4841abstractly, a seasoning (with spicery); concretely, an unguentkettle (for preparing spiced oil)
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 41:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.