Job 41:1
Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?
Original Language Analysis
תִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ
Canst thou draw out
H4900
תִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ
Canst thou draw out
Strong's:
H4900
Word #:
1 of 6
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
לִוְיָתָ֣ן
leviathan
H3882
לִוְיָתָ֣ן
leviathan
Strong's:
H3882
Word #:
2 of 6
a wreathed animal, i.e., a large sea-monster; figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of babylon
Cross References
Isaiah 27:1In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.Psalms 104:26There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.Psalms 74:14Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.Job 3:8Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern mythology featured Leviathan as chaos monster. God's domestication questions (hook, cord) mock human presumption to control cosmic powers.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'leviathans' in your life resist your attempts at control?
- How does recognizing divine authority over chaos creatures comfort you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks: 'Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?' This sea creature (possibly crocodile) cannot be caught with fishing gear. Divine power governs what human technology cannot capture.