Behemoth and Leviathan

The words

1. Behemoth

   Job is told to behold Behemoth, which eats grass like an ox; the description then emphasizes its strength and shelter.

   Did you know?

   The NET note explains that Behemoth has the form of a Hebrew plural meaning beasts, but serves here as a title.

   Job 40:15–16; Job 40:21–22 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Job 40:15 (opens a new tab)

2. Fens

   Behemoth lies among reeds and fens, beneath shady trees; brookside willows surround it in the next verse.

   Job 40:21–22 (opens a new tab)

3. Flesh

   Flakes is rendered folds in the NET.

   Describing Leviathan to Job, God says “the flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved” (Job 41:23).

   Job 41:23 (opens a new tab) · Job 41:1–11 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Job 41:23 (opens a new tab)

4. Hook

   The chapter opens by asking whether Job can draw Leviathan out with a hook or restrain its tongue with a cord.

   Job 41:1 (opens a new tab)

5. Leviathan

   Job is asked whether Leviathan will make a covenant or become his servant; the questions challenge the possibility of mastering it.

   Job 41:1–4 (opens a new tab)

6. Mouth

   Leviathan’s mouth is described with burning lamps and flame, part of a passage filled with images of fire and smoke.

   Job 41:19–21 (opens a new tab)

7. Nose

   The KJV asks whether Job can put a hook into Leviathan’s nose; the NET speaks instead of a cord through it.

   Job 41:2 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Job 41:1-2 (opens a new tab)

8. Power

   The description announces Leviathan’s power alongside its parts and proportion, before describing its face, scales and strength.

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   The chapter ends by calling Leviathan without equal on earth, made without fear and king over all the children of pride.

   Job 41:12–15 (opens a new tab) · Job 41:22; Job 41:33–34 (opens a new tab)

9. Reed

   Reed appears with fens as Behemoth’s cover, while shady trees and brookside willows complete the picture of its shelter.

   Job 40:21–22 (opens a new tab)

10. Scales

    Leviathan’s scales are compared to a close seal: they fit so tightly together that the passage says no air can pass between.

    Did you know?

    The NET describes rows of shields on its back; its note contrasts the Hebrew “his pride” with “his back” in ancient versions.

    Job 41:15–17 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Job 41:15 (opens a new tab)

11. Shady Trees

    Shady trees cover Behemoth with their shadow, while willows of the brook surround it; the NET calls the shade plants lotus trees.

    Job 40:21–22 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Job 40:21-22 (opens a new tab)

12. Sparks

    Sparks leap from Leviathan’s mouth amid fiery images: burning lamps, smoking nostrils and breath that kindles coals.

    Job 41:19–21 (opens a new tab)

13. Spear

    The passage presents sword and spear as ineffective against Leviathan, then pictures the creature laughing at the shaking of a spear.

    Job 41:26; Job 41:29 (opens a new tab)

14. Tail

    The KJV compares Behemoth’s moving tail to a cedar; the NET describes the tail as made stiff like a cedar.

    Job 40:17 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Job 40:17 (opens a new tab)

15. Teeth

    The question “Who can open the doors of his face?” is followed by Leviathan’s teeth, described as terrible all around.

    Job 41:14 (opens a new tab)