Job 41:4
Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
Original Language Analysis
הֲיִכְרֹ֣ת
Will he make
H3772
הֲיִכְרֹ֣ת
Will he make
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 6
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
בְּרִ֣ית
a covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֣ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
2 of 6
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
עִמָּ֑ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
תִּ֝קָּחֶ֗נּוּ
with thee wilt thou take
H3947
תִּ֝קָּחֶ֗נּוּ
with thee wilt thou take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 6
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Cross References
Exodus 21:6Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.Deuteronomy 15:17Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.
Historical Context
Ancient societies relied on domesticated animals and covenant relationships. Leviathan's resistance to both demonstrated that God preserves aspects of creation exclusively under His control. This humbled human pretensions to comprehensive mastery over nature and circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas are you trying to domesticate or control that God intends to remain wild and free?
- How does accepting certain things beyond your control paradoxically increase your freedom and peace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?" Leviathan cannot be bound by covenant (berit, בְּרִית) or enslaved as a servant (eved, עֶבֶד). It remains free, untamed, beyond human authority. God designed certain aspects of creation to resist domestication, preserving wildness that demonstrates divine sovereignty. This teaches that not everything should be brought under human control; some things glorify God precisely by remaining beyond human dominion.