Job 41:23
The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.
Original Language Analysis
מַפְּלֵ֣י
The flakes
H4651
מַפְּלֵ֣י
The flakes
Strong's:
H4651
Word #:
1 of 7
a falling off, i.e., chaff; also something pendulous, i.e., a flap
בְשָׂר֣וֹ
of his flesh
H1320
בְשָׂר֣וֹ
of his flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
2 of 7
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
דָבֵ֑קוּ
are joined together
H1692
דָבֵ֑קוּ
are joined together
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
יָצ֥וּק
they are firm
H3332
יָצ֥וּק
they are firm
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
עָ֝לָ֗יו
H5921
עָ֝לָ֗יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient observers understood structural integrity in building and engineering. Leviathan's natural construction exceeded human architectural achievement. This taught that God's design wisdom surpasses human engineering, creating perfect structural systems in living creatures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does observing perfect integration in nature teach about spiritual unity and cohesion?
- What areas of your life need better integration under God's design rather than fragmented dysfunction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved." Leviathan's flesh forms solid, immovable mass. The Hebrew mapeley (מַפְּלֵי, "folds/layers") being yatsuq (יָצוּק, "poured/firm") and bal-yimmot (בַּל־יִמּוֹט, "cannot be moved") emphasizes structural integrity. God designed this creature with perfect cohesion—every part integrated, nothing vulnerable. This teaches that divine design achieves perfect unity and strength through proper integration of parts.