Job 41:7

7 Can you fill his skin with harpoons, Or his head with fishing spears?

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 Vid. Schultens in loc.

Job 41:7 In-Context

5 Will you play with him as with a bird, Or will you leash him for your maidens?

6 Will your companions make a banquet of him? Will they apportion him among the merchants?

7 Can you fill his skin with harpoons, Or his head with fishing spears?

8 Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle-- Never do it again!

9 Indeed, any hope of overcoming him is false; Shall one not be overwhelmed at the sight of him?