Job 41:21
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
Original Language Analysis
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ
His breath
H5315
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ
His breath
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
תְּלַהֵ֑ט
kindleth
H3857
תְּלַהֵ֑ט
kindleth
Strong's:
H3857
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze
וְ֝לַ֗הַב
and a flame
H3851
וְ֝לַ֗הַב
and a flame
Strong's:
H3851
Word #:
4 of 6
a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon
Historical Context
Fire-breathing dragons appeared in various ancient mythologies. Unlike pagan myths where such creatures threatened cosmic order, biblical Leviathan remains under Yahweh's control. This distinguished biblical faith—no threat, however perpetual or powerful, challenges God's sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- What perpetual dangers—constant threats—must you trust to God's ongoing sovereign control?
- How does recognizing even constant dangers as under divine governance produce peace?
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Analysis & Commentary
"His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth." Leviathan's breath ignites coals (gachalim, גֶּחָלִים) and produces flame. The imagery emphasizes destructive power concentrated in its very breath—the most natural, continual action. This teaches that some forces are inherently, constantly dangerous. Their threat doesn't require special provocation. Yet God created and controls such forces, demonstrating that even perpetual dangers remain under sovereign governance.