Job 40:18
His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
Original Language Analysis
עֲ֭צָמָיו
His bones
H6106
עֲ֭צָמָיו
His bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
1 of 6
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
אֲפִיקֵ֣י
are as strong
H650
אֲפִיקֵ֣י
are as strong
Strong's:
H650
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero
גְּ֝רָמָ֗יו
his bones
H1634
גְּ֝רָמָ֗יו
his bones
Strong's:
H1634
Word #:
4 of 6
a bone (as the skeleton of the body); hence, self, i.e., (figuratively) very
Historical Context
Bronze and iron represented the hardest substances in ancient technology, used for weapons and tools. God's comparison taught that even humanity's greatest technological achievements pale before natural design in God's creation. This would humble human pride in technological progress.
Questions for Reflection
- How does nature's superior design compared to human technology reveal God's wisdom?
- What human achievements are you tempted to pride yourself in, forgetting they cannot match God's creative work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron." The comparison to brass (nechushshah, נְחוּשָׁה) and iron (barzel, בַּרְזֶל) emphasizes skeletal strength. Ancient metallurgy produced the hardest materials humans knew—yet Behemoth's bones surpass these. God designs creatures with specifications exceeding human engineering. This teaches that divine creation employs "materials" and principles humans cannot replicate, demonstrating the Creator's superior wisdom and power.