Job 41:31
He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.
Original Language Analysis
כַּסִּ֣יר
like a pot
H5518
כַּסִּ֣יר
like a pot
Strong's:
H5518
Word #:
2 of 6
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
יָ֝֗ם
the sea
H3220
יָ֝֗ם
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 6
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Historical Context
The sea represented chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern thought, often personified as divine enemies God defeated in creation (Psalm 74:13-14). Leviathan's ability to make the sea boil connects it to this chaos mythology while establishing God's sovereignty over it. Ancient mariners feared sea disturbances that could capsize ships, making this imagery particularly terrifying.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'seas' in your life—areas of chaos and disturbance—need God's authoritative calming?
- How does Christ's authority over both literal seas and spiritual chaos encourage you in current turmoil?
- In what ways do you need to trust God's control over Leviathan-like forces that seem to create chaos in your ordered life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God describes Leviathan's effect on water. 'He maketh the deep to boil like a pot' (yartiach ke-sir metsulah, יַרְתִּיחַ כַּסִּיר מְצוּלָה) depicts violent water disturbance from the creature's movement. 'Maketh the sea like a pot of ointment' (yam yasim ka-merqachah, יָם יָשִׂים כַּמֶּרְקָחָה) suggests the water becomes like mixed or churned perfume—roiling, bubbling, transformed. The dual imagery of boiling pot and churned ointment emphasizes both violent disturbance and the mixing of previously calm waters. Theologically, Leviathan represents chaos challenging God's ordering of creation—the sea that God set boundaries for (Job 38:8-11) becomes turbulent again. Yet God's control over Leviathan demonstrates His ultimate authority even over chaos. The verse anticipates Revelation's sea of glass before God's throne—chaos finally stilled (Revelation 4:6). Christ's calming of the literal sea demonstrates His Leviathan-controlling power (Mark 4:39).