Job 40:14-24

14 Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can deliver you.^[a]

15 Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He eats grass like an ox.

16 Look at the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly.

17 He stiffens his tail like a cedar tree; the tendons of his thighs are woven firmly together.

18 His bones are bronze tubes; his limbs are like iron rods.

19 He is the foremost of God's works;^[b] [only] his Maker can draw the sword against him.

20 The hills yield food for him, while all [sorts of] wild animals play there.

21 He lies under the lotus plants, hiding in the protection^[c] of marshy reeds.

22 Lotus plants cover him with their shade; the willows by the brook surround him.

23 Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains confident, even if the Jordan surges up to his mouth.

24 Can anyone capture him while he looks on,^[d] or pierce his nose with snares?^[e]

Job 40:14-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 40

In this chapter Job is called upon to give in his answer, Job 40:1,2, which he does in the most humble manner, acknowledging his vileness and folly, Job 40:3-5; and then the Lord proceeds to give him further conviction of his superior justice and power, Job 40:6-9; and one thing he proposes to him, to humble the proud, if he could, and then he would own his own right hand could save him, Job 40:10-15; and observes to him another instance of his power in a creature called behemoth, which he had made, and gives a description of, Job 40:15-24.

Footnotes

• [a]. Ps 17:7; 20:6; 108:6
• [b]. Jb 26:14; Gn 1:24
• [c]. Lit plants, in the hiding place
• [d]. Lit capture it in its eyes
• [e]. Jb 41:2