Job 41:26

Authorized King James Version

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The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.

Original Language Analysis

מַשִּׂיגֵ֣הוּ of him that layeth H5381
מַשִּׂיגֵ֣הוּ of him that layeth
Strong's: H5381
Word #: 1 of 7
to reach (literally or figuratively)
חֶ֭רֶב The sword H2719
חֶ֭רֶב The sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 2 of 7
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּלִ֣י H1097
בְּלִ֣י
Strong's: H1097
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
תָק֑וּם at him cannot hold H6965
תָק֑וּם at him cannot hold
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 4 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
חֲנִ֖ית the spear H2595
חֲנִ֖ית the spear
Strong's: H2595
Word #: 5 of 7
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
מַסָּ֣ע the dart H4551
מַסָּ֣ע the dart
Strong's: H4551
Word #: 6 of 7
a missile (spear or arrow)
וְשִׁרְיָֽה׃ nor the habergeon H8302
וְשִׁרְיָֽה׃ nor the habergeon
Strong's: H8302
Word #: 7 of 7
a corslet (as if twisted)

Analysis & Commentary

"The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon." All weapons—sword (cherev, חֶרֶב), spear (chanit, חֲנִית), dart (masah, מַסָּה), and armor (shiryon, שִׁרְיוֹן)—prove ineffective. Complete invulnerability demonstrates that human military might cannot overcome what God protects. This teaches that ultimate security and victory depend entirely on divine will, not human weaponry or strategy. No human power can overcome divine protection.

Historical Context

Ancient warfare relied on these weapons—cutting, piercing, and protective technologies. Leviathan's immunity to all taught that human military power has absolute limits. This would comfort those facing overwhelming enemies, reminding them that God's protection exceeds any human attack.

Questions for Reflection

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