Job 41:19
Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out.
Original Language Analysis
מִ֭פִּיו
Out of his mouth
H6310
מִ֭פִּיו
Out of his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יַהֲלֹ֑כוּ
go
H1980
יַהֲלֹ֑כוּ
go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Fire represented ultimate destructive force in ancient world. Attributing fire-breathing to Leviathan emphasized overwhelming danger. Yet God controls this creature, teaching that even the most destructive forces remain under divine authority. This assured readers facing threatening circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over destructive forces provide security amid life's dangers?
- What "fire-breathing" threats must you trust to divine control rather than attempting self-protection?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out." Fire imagery—burning lamps (lapidim, לַפִּידִים) and leaping sparks—may describe breath's appearance or represent symbolic power. Either way, it emphasizes destructive capability. Yet God created this, demonstrating sovereignty over even devastating forces. This teaches that God governs powers that could destroy us, using them according to His purposes. Our safety depends on His governance, not the absence of dangerous realities.