Job 41:7

7 Will you put sharp-pointed irons into his skin, or fish-spears into his head?

Job 41:7 Meaning and Commentary

Job 41:7

Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with
fish spears?
] This seems not so well to agree with the whale; whose skin, and the several parts of his body, are to be pierced with harpoons and lances, such as fishermen use in taking whales; and their flesh to be cut in pieces with their knives: but better with the crocodile, whose skin is so hard, and so closely set with scales, that it is impenetrable; (See Gill on Ezekiel 29:4). Or if the words are rendered, as by some, "wilt thou fill ships with his skin? and the fishermen's boat with his head" ^F14? it makes also against the whale; for this is done continually, ships of different nations are loaded every year with its skin, flesh, and the bones of its head.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F14 Vid. Schultens in loc.

Job 41:7 In-Context

5 Will you make sport with him, as with a bird? or put him in chains for your young women?

6 Will the fishermen make profit out of him? will they have him cut up for the traders?

7 Will you put sharp-pointed irons into his skin, or fish-spears into his head?

8 Only put your hand on him, and see what a fight you will have; you will not do it again!

9 Truly, the hope of his attacker is false; he is overcome even on seeing him!