Job 41:16
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.
Original Language Analysis
יִגַּ֑שׁוּ
is so near
H5066
יִגַּ֑שׁוּ
is so near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
3 of 7
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
וְ֝ר֗וּחַ
that no air
H7307
וְ֝ר֗וּחַ
that no air
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
4 of 7
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient armor technology sought to create overlapping scales or plates that would deflect weapons while allowing flexibility. Leviathan's natural armor exceeded the best human military technology, emphasizing divine creative power surpassing human achievement. The description would resonate with soldiers who understood armor's life-or-death importance.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'leviathans'—seemingly invincible problems or sins—in your life can only be defeated by God's direct intervention?
- How does recognizing evil's real power increase rather than decrease your confidence in Christ's victory?
- In what ways has God's word penetrated defenses in your heart that seemed impregnable?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's description of Leviathan's scales emphasizes their impenetrable nature. 'One is so near to another' (echad be-echad yiggash, אֶחָד בְּאֶחָד יִגַּשׁ) describes the tight joining of scales, while 'no air can come between them' (ve-ruach lo-yabo, וְרוּחַ לֹא־יָבֹא) emphasizes absolute seal—not even wind penetrates. The Hebrew 'ruach' (רוּחַ) means both wind and spirit, suggesting nothing material or immaterial can breach Leviathan's armor. This verse establishes the creature's invulnerability to natural attack, pointing to forces beyond human capacity to overcome. Theologically, Leviathan represents chaos and evil that only divine power can defeat. The impenetrable armor illustrates sin's power to shield the rebellious heart from conviction—until God Himself intervenes. This foreshadows Christ's victory over principalities and powers that appeared invincible (Colossians 2:15). What no human weapon can penetrate, God's word divides (Hebrews 4:12).