King James Version

What Does Job 41:7 Mean?

Job 41:7 in the King James Version says “Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?” — study this verse from Job chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?”

Job 41:7 · KJV

Context

5

Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?

6

Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?

7

Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?

8

Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.

9

Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

Read Job 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?" Conventional weapons—barbed harpoons (sukkot, שֻׂכּוֹת) or fishing spears (tsiltsil dagim, צִלְצַל דָּגִים)—cannot penetrate Leviathan. Human military technology fails against this creature. This demonstrates limits to human power and ingenuity. No weapon crafted by human hands can overcome what God protects or empowers. This teaches that ultimate security and victory depend on divine power, not human weaponry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient hunting and warfare relied on spears, harpoons, and projectile weapons. Leviathan's invulnerability taught that human military might has absolute limits. This would comfort Israel facing powerful enemies, reminding them that God's power, not weapons, determines outcomes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "weapons" or methods do you rely on that cannot solve spiritual or supernatural challenges?
  2. How does recognizing limits to human power increase dependence on God's limitless strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַֽתְמַלֵּ֣א1 of 6

“Canst thou fill”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בְשֻׂכּ֣וֹת2 of 6

“with barbed irons”

H7905

a dart (as pointed like a thorn)

עוֹר֑וֹ3 of 6

“his skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

וּבְצִלְצַ֖ל4 of 6

“spears”

H6767

a cymbal (as clanging)

דָּגִ֣ים5 of 6

“with fish”

H1709

a fish (often used collectively)

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃6 of 6

“or his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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 41:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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