Job 40:24
He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
Original Language Analysis
בְּעֵינָ֥יו
it with his eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֥יו
it with his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
1 of 5
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יִקָּחֶ֑נּוּ
He taketh
H3947
יִקָּחֶ֑נּוּ
He taketh
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
2 of 5
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְּ֝מֽוֹקְשִׁ֗ים
snares
H4170
בְּ֝מֽוֹקְשִׁ֗ים
snares
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
3 of 5
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
Historical Context
Ancient hunting employed traps, snares, and other methods to capture animals for food or control. Behemoth's immunity to such methods taught that human ingenuity has limits. Not everything can be controlled or domesticated. This humble recognition distinguished biblical wisdom from human hubris claiming to master all nature.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of creation or circumstance must you accept as beyond your control, trusting God's sovereignty?
- How does recognizing limits to human dominion paradoxically free you from anxiety about controlling everything?
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Analysis & Commentary
"He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares." Behemoth cannot be caught by watching (be'eynav, בְּעֵינָיו, "with his eyes") or snares through the nose. Human hunting methods fail against this creature. Only God controls Behemoth. This demonstrates that some aspects of creation remain beyond human dominion, keeping humans humble. We are not given mastery over everything—some things remain exclusively under God's authority, teaching dependence and trust.