Job 40:17

KJV

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

KJV (with Strong's)

He moveth {H2654} his tail {H2180} like a cedar {H730}: the sinews {H1517} of his stones {H6344} are wrapped together {H8276}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He can make his tail as stiff as a cedar, the muscles in his thighs are like cables,

Berean Standard Bible

His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

American Standard Version

He moveth his tail like a cedar: The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:17 is a vivid and powerful description of Behemoth, a colossal creature presented by God to Job as irrefutable evidence of divine power and the profound limits of human understanding. This verse specifically highlights two extraordinary physical attributes of Behemoth: its tail, likened to the mighty cedar, and the dense, interwoven sinews of its lower body, collectively emphasizing its immense strength, stability, and unique, awe-inspiring design. Through such a creature, God underscores His unchallenged sovereignty over all creation, challenging Job's perspective and inviting a posture of humility and reverent awe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within God's second speech to Job, which commences in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God's First Speech to Job"). Following Job's complaints and assertions of his righteousness, God responds from a whirlwind, not by directly addressing Job's suffering, but by showcasing His incomparable wisdom and power as Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. The discourse begins with rhetorical questions about the foundations of the earth, the boundaries of the sea, and the mysteries of weather and celestial bodies. The focus then shifts to the animal kingdom, culminating in detailed descriptions of two preeminent creatures: Behemoth (Job 40:15-24) and Leviathan ([Job 41:1-34](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1-34 - The Description of Leviathan")). Behemoth serves as a prime example of a creature so powerful and beyond human control that it effectively silences Job's attempts to question divine justice, leading directly to Job's profound repentance in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, held a deep respect for the power of wild animals, often viewing them as symbols of chaos or divine might. Descriptions of powerful creatures were common in ancient literature, sometimes blending natural observation with mythical or archetypal elements to convey profound truths. The "cedar of Lebanon" (`erez`) was renowned throughout the ancient world for its immense size, strength, durability, and majestic appearance. It was a prized building material and a symbol of strength and permanence (e.g., [Psalm 92:12](/psalms/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree")). The precise identification of Behemoth has been debated by scholars, with common suggestions including the hippopotamus or elephant due to their massive size and herbivorous diet, or even a creature now extinct, like a dinosaur. However, the theological purpose of the description transcends its biological identification; Behemoth is presented as an archetypal representation of untamable power, a testament to God's creative genius that dwarfs human capabilities.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed portrayal of Behemoth in [Job 40](/job/40 "Job 40 - God Continues His Speech, Describing Behemoth") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Omnipotence**, demonstrating God's absolute and unchallengeable power not only in creating such a formidable being but also in sustaining and controlling it. Secondly, the creature's untamable nature underscores **Human Humility**, illustrating the vast chasm between human weakness and divine might. If Job cannot even contend with a beast of God's creation, how much less can he contend with God Himself, leading to Job's ultimate surrender and repentance (as seen in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Humble Confession")). Finally, Behemoth embodies the **Mystery of Creation**, highlighting that God's wisdom and ways are often beyond full human comprehension. The creature's unique and formidable characteristics invite awe and wonder, challenging humanity to embrace a posture of reverent trust rather than demanding full intellectual understanding of God's intricate designs and providential governance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cedar (Hebrew, _'erez'_):** This term refers to the majestic cedar of Lebanon, famed for its immense size, strength, straightness, and durability. The comparison of Behemoth's tail to a cedar is striking. Unlike the flexible, whip-like tails of many large animals, this simile suggests a tail that is thick, powerful, rigid, and perhaps even ponderous, moving with the slow, deliberate force of a massive tree trunk. It conveys an image of unyielding power and solidity, indicating that even this appendage is a testament to Behemoth's colossal strength.
* **Sinews (Hebrew, _'yeter'_):** This word denotes tendons, cords, or even the very strength or excellence of something. In this context, it refers to the powerful, fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone, emphasizing the structural integrity and concentrated power within Behemoth's musculature. The choice of "sinews" highlights the deep, internal strength and resilience of the creature, not just its outward appearance.
* **Stones (Hebrew, _'pachad'_):** While the KJV translates this as "stones," a more accurate and widely accepted translation in modern versions (e.g., ESV, NIV, NASB) is "thighs" or "loins." The Hebrew word _pachad_ can indeed mean "terror" or "dread," but in an anatomical context, especially when referring to the lower body, it often denotes the powerful, muscular region of the upper legs or loins, which are the seat of strength and stability for a large animal. The KJV's rendering is an archaic euphemism for the testicles, which, while anatomically possible, is less likely given the emphasis on strength and stability in the surrounding context. The focus is on the immense, tightly bound musculature of the hindquarters, which supports the creature's massive frame and enables its powerful movements.
* **Wrapped together (Hebrew, _'chabash'_):** This verb means "to bind," "to gird," "to wrap," or "to tie up." Its use here emphasizes the incredible density, intertwining, and concentrated power of the muscles and tendons in Behemoth's lower body. It suggests a musculature that is not merely strong but is so tightly knit and robust that it forms a virtually unbreakable, unified mass, providing unparalleled stability and power to the creature's colossal frame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He moveth his tail like a cedar:"** This clause immediately establishes Behemoth's extraordinary physical nature. The comparison to a "cedar" is a powerful **simile**, suggesting a tail of immense thickness, strength, and perhaps even stiffness, rather than the flexible, expressive tails of most animals. This detail implies a creature of unparalleled physical might, where even its tail is a formidable, tree-like appendage, capable of significant force and stability. It challenges the conventional understanding of animal anatomy, hinting at a creature of truly monstrous proportions.
* **"the sinews of his stones are wrapped together."**: This second clause focuses on the creature's lower body, specifically the powerful musculature of its thighs or loins. The "sinews" (tendons) being "wrapped together" emphasizes the incredible density, interwoven strength, and compactness of these muscles. This description highlights the immense power and stability of Behemoth's hindquarters, which are essential for supporting its colossal weight and enabling its movements. It speaks to a creature engineered for raw, unyielding power, with every part of its anatomy optimized for strength and endurance.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:17 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of Behemoth's immense power and unique physical characteristics. The most prominent device is **Simile**, specifically "He moveth his tail like a cedar." This comparison is highly effective, as the cedar of Lebanon was a well-known symbol of strength, majesty, and unyielding solidity in the ancient world. By likening Behemoth's tail to such a tree, the text immediately conveys its extraordinary size, density, and perhaps even its ponderous movement, contrasting sharply with the tails of ordinary animals. The description of the "sinews... wrapped together" also employs strong visual and tactile **Imagery**, evoking a sense of dense, tightly packed muscle and tendon, contributing to the overall impression of raw, concentrated power. While not explicit **Hyperbole**, the description pushes the boundaries of natural observation to emphasize the creature's extraordinary nature, serving a theological purpose rather than a purely scientific one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:17, through its description of Behemoth, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's power and wisdom in creation. It highlights that God's creative capacity extends far beyond human comprehension or control, encompassing beings of unimaginable strength and unique design. This demonstration of divine might is not merely for show but is intended to humble humanity, reminding us of our finite understanding and limited power in comparison to the infinite Creator. The existence of such a creature, beyond human mastery, underscores God's sovereign control over all things, even the wild and untamed aspects of His creation. It invites a posture of awe, trust, and surrender to the God who orchestrates all things, from the smallest atom to the mightiest beast.

* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Revealed in Creation")
* [Isaiah 40:12](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12 - God's Incomparable Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The awe-inspiring description of Behemoth in Job 40:17 calls us to a deeper contemplation of God's majesty and sovereign control over all creation. In a world that often seeks to categorize, control, and comprehend everything, this passage reminds us that there are aspects of God's design and power that remain beyond our full grasp, intended to elicit wonder rather than exhaustive understanding. It encourages us to cultivate a profound sense of humility, recognizing our finite wisdom in the face of God's infinite knowledge and creative genius. When we encounter challenges or circumstances that feel overwhelming and uncontrollable, the existence of Behemoth—a creature God effortlessly manages—serves as a powerful reminder that the God who holds such immense power in His hands is certainly capable of sustaining us and navigating the complexities of our lives. It invites us to trust in His unfathomable wisdom and unwavering sovereignty, finding peace not in our ability to control, but in His perfect control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating God's power as demonstrated in creation, particularly in creatures like Behemoth, affect your perception of your own limitations and the challenges you face?**
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to seek control, and how might a deeper trust in God's sovereign design bring you greater peace and humility?**
* **What specific aspects of creation (natural wonders, animal kingdom, cosmic scale) most powerfully stir your sense of awe and wonder at God's wisdom and might?**

### FAQ
**What is Behemoth, and why is its tail compared to a cedar?**
Answer: Behemoth is a colossal creature described by God in the book of Job, presented as an archetype of immense, untamable power. While its precise biological identification is debated by scholars (often suggested as a hippopotamus, elephant, or a creature now extinct), its theological purpose is paramount: to demonstrate God's unparalleled creative might. Its tail is compared to a "cedar" (specifically, the mighty cedar of Lebanon) to emphasize its extraordinary size, strength, and rigidity. Unlike the flexible tails of most animals, Behemoth's tail is depicted as thick, powerful, and perhaps stiff, moving with the ponderous force of a tree trunk, further highlighting the creature's unique and formidable nature.

**Why does God describe Behemoth to Job in such detail?**
Answer: God describes Behemoth to Job in such vivid detail not to provide a zoological lesson, but for a profound theological purpose. The description serves as irrefutable evidence of God's unchallengeable power, wisdom, and sovereignty over all creation. By presenting a creature so immense and beyond human control, God aims to humble Job and demonstrate the vast chasm between human understanding and divine knowledge. If Job cannot even contend with or comprehend one of God's creatures, how much less can he contend with or question the Creator Himself? This discourse ultimately leads to Job's repentance and renewed trust in God's wisdom, even when His ways are mysterious, as seen in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Humble Confession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The description of Behemoth in Job 40:17, revealing God's sovereign power over creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Job's encounter with Behemoth demonstrated God's unchallengeable might and the limits of human understanding, Christ embodies the very wisdom and power of God in a redemptive and relational way. He is not merely the Creator through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Created Through Christ") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), but also the one who exercises dominion over all creation, calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and demonstrating authority over disease, demons, and even death itself. The untamable power of Behemoth, which humbled Job, points forward to Christ, who not only created such power but also perfectly wields it for the good of His people and the glory of God. In Him, the mystery of God's ways, which perplexed Job, is unveiled in the ultimate act of self-giving love and resurrection power, demonstrating that God's strength is perfected in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Christ is the ultimate "Behemoth" of divine power and wisdom, yet He is also the approachable Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), inviting us into relationship with the God who is both infinitely powerful and intimately personal.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 41:23

The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.