Job 41:24
His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone.
Original Language Analysis
לִ֭בּוֹ
His heart
H3820
לִ֭בּוֹ
His heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְ֝יָצ֗וּק
is as firm
H3332
וְ֝יָצ֗וּק
is as firm
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
2 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
Historical Context
Millstones, especially lower ones bearing upper stone's weight, required extreme hardness. This comparison emphasized Leviathan's unyielding nature. Ancient readers would understand this represented maximum hardness available in their experience.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish when hardness is appropriate strength versus sinful resistance to God?
- What areas require firm resolve (proper hardness) versus soft responsiveness (proper tenderness)?
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Analysis & Commentary
"His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone." Leviathan's heart—libo (לִבּוֹ)—is hard as stone, specifically the lower millstone (pelek tachtit, פֶּלַח תַּחְתִּית), the hardest part. This emphasizes unyielding nature. Unlike humans whose hearts should be soft toward God, Leviathan's hard heart serves its created purpose—unwavering strength. This teaches that the same attribute may be virtue or vice depending on context and calling.