Job 41:22
In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ
In his neck
H6677
בְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ
In his neck
Strong's:
H6677
Word #:
1 of 6
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
יָלִ֣ין
remaineth
H3885
יָלִ֣ין
remaineth
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
2 of 6
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
עֹ֑ז
strength
H5797
עֹ֑ז
strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
3 of 6
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו
before
H6440
וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
The neck's strength was crucial for ancient warriors and animals. Leviathan's extraordinary neck strength emphasized its dominance. The fleeing enemies taught that overwhelming power doesn't need to struggle—opposition simply dissolves. This assured readers of God's effortless victory over all threats.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's intervention transformed your sorrows to joy, making opposition flee?
- What enemies or threats need to be confronted by God's overwhelming power rather than your struggling effort?
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Analysis & Commentary
"In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him." Leviathan's neck contains concentrated strength (oz, עֹז). The phrase "sorrow is turned into joy" likely means terror dances before it—enemies flee in panic. This demonstrates that overwhelming power changes circumstances dramatically—what opposes it becomes its celebration. Spiritually, this anticipates how God's power transforms sorrow to joy (Psalm 30:11), making enemies flee.