King James Version
What Does Job 41:8 Mean?
“Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.”
Job 41:8 · KJV
Context
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?
10
None is so fierce that dare stir him up : who then is able to stand before me?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod warns about Leviathan: 'Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.' This suggests anyone who tries to fight Leviathan learns immediately not to repeat the attempt. Divine governance extends to creatures humans wisely avoid.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient hunters might attempt to capture dangerous animals, but Leviathan exceeds all such efforts. God's warning shows the creature's fearsome nature.
Reflection Questions
- What battles have you learned not to repeat after initial attempt?
- How does wisdom include recognizing which conflicts to avoid?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsשִׂים1 of 7
“Lay”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
עָלָ֥יו2 of 7
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּפֶּ֑ךָ3 of 7
“thine hand”
H3709the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
זְכֹ֥ר4 of 7
“upon him remember”
H2142properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אַל6 of 7
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
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 41:8 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 41:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge