Job 40:21

KJV

He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.

KJV (with Strong's)

He lieth {H7901} under the shady trees {H6628}, in the covert {H5643} of the reed {H7070}, and fens {H1207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He lies down under the thorny lotus bushes and is hidden by the reeds in the swamp;

Berean Standard Bible

He lies under the lotus plants, hidden among the reeds of the marsh.

American Standard Version

He lieth under the lotus-trees, In the covert of the reed, and the fen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:21 is a pivotal moment in God's majestic discourse to Job, where the Creator challenges human understanding by vividly describing the immense and formidable Behemoth. This verse specifically details Behemoth's preferred habitat—a secluded, water-rich environment of "shady trees," "reed," and "fens"—thereby emphasizing its untamed nature and the secure, hidden realm over which God alone exercises dominion. It serves to powerfully underscore God's absolute sovereignty, His intricate design in creation, and the inherent limits of human power and comprehension in the face of His divine majesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 40:21 is situated within God's second and climactic speech to Job, which commences in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") and extends through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Description of Leviathan"). Following Job's initial responses and renewed laments, God finally addresses him directly from a whirlwind, not by explaining the specific reasons for Job's suffering, but by overwhelmingly showcasing His own infinite wisdom, power, and intricate control over creation. The detailed descriptions of Behemoth ([Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth")) and Leviathan ([Job 41:1-34](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1-34 - Description of Leviathan")) serve as the pinnacle of this divine revelation. These creatures are presented as prime examples of God's unmatched might, so powerful and untameable by human hands that only the Creator Himself can control them. Verse 21, specifically, contributes to the awe-inspiring portrait of Behemoth by illustrating its natural, unassailable dwelling, further cementing the creature's wildness and the Creator's unique authority over it, thereby humbling Job and the reader alike.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, large, powerful, and often fearsome creatures held significant symbolic weight, frequently representing untamed forces of nature, primeval chaos, or even divine judgment. While the precise zoological identification of Behemoth remains a subject of scholarly debate (with common suggestions including the hippopotamus or elephant due to its immense size and preferred habitat), its symbolic function within the text is paramount. The imagery of "shady trees," "reed," and "fens" accurately depicts the marshy, riverine environments common in regions like the Nile or Mesopotamian deltas, known for their dense vegetation and formidable wildlife. For an ancient audience, such a description would evoke a creature of immense power, thriving in an environment difficult or dangerous for humans to navigate or control. This context highlights God's authority not just over domesticated animals or human endeavors, but over the wildest, most formidable, and seemingly chaotic aspects of His creation, profoundly reinforcing His transcendence above human understanding and control.

* **Key Themes:** The description of Behemoth's habitat in [Job 40:21](/job/40-21 "Job 40:21 - Behemoth's Habitat") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Unchallengeable Power and Sovereignty**. If humanity cannot even contend with a creature like Behemoth, how can they possibly question the Creator who fashioned and controls it? This theme is echoed throughout scripture, reminding us that [God's understanding is infinite and His power beyond measure](/psalms/147-5 "Psalm 147:5 - God's Great Power and Understanding"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Nature's Wildness and God's Dominion over Chaos**. Behemoth thrives in a "covert" of "reed and fens," a place of untamed, dense wilderness, signifying that God's order extends even to the most formidable and seemingly chaotic elements of His creation. This demonstrates that no aspect of the created order is outside His providential care and command. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Human Humility and the Limits of Human Comprehension**. By presenting such a creature, God impresses upon Job (and the reader) the vastness of His wisdom and power, fostering a profound sense of humility in the face of His magnificent and often mysterious works, as [His judgments are unsearchable and His ways past finding out](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depth of God's Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lieth (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** This primitive root verb signifies "to lie down" for various purposes, including rest, repose, or security. In the context of Behemoth, it conveys a sense of secure, undisturbed rest and mastery within its environment. Behemoth is not merely present but is comfortably and confidently "lying down," implying a creature utterly at ease and unthreatened in its chosen domain, highlighting its formidable nature and the absence of any human challenge to its peace.
* **Shady trees (Hebrew, _tseʼel'_):** This term refers to a specific type of tree, often identified as the lotus tree or thorny acacia, known for its dense foliage and preference for water-rich environments. The emphasis here is on the deep, impenetrable shade and cover these trees provide. They serve as a natural fortress, a place of safety, concealment, and cool refuge for this colossal creature, underscoring its secure and hidden dwelling place.
* **Covert (Hebrew, _çêther'_):** Meaning "hiding place," "secret place," or "shelter." This word profoundly emphasizes the security and inaccessibility of Behemoth's habitat. It's not merely a place where Behemoth lies, but a place intrinsically designed for concealment and protection, reinforcing the creature's untamed nature and the inherent difficulty for any human to approach, observe, or subdue it. It speaks to the creature's unassailable sanctuary.
* **Fens (Hebrew, _bitstsâh'_):** This intensive term denotes marshy, swampy, or boggy ground. It paints a vivid picture of a water-logged, wild, and often treacherous environment. The "fens" are an integral part of Behemoth's domain, indicating a creature perfectly adapted to and thriving in a habitat that is typically inhospitable or challenging for humans. This further underscores Behemoth's formidable and wild character, as it is perfectly at home in a realm where humanity is not.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He lieth under the shady trees":** This opening clause establishes Behemoth's posture and primary resting place, immediately conveying a sense of security and dominion. The verb "lieth" suggests a state of repose, confidence, and mastery over its environment, rather than vulnerability or fear. The "shady trees" provide not only physical cover from the elements but also a symbolic sense of deep concealment and unassailability, indicating a creature that remains largely hidden from human observation and control, thriving in its natural, undisturbed state.
* **"in the covert of the reed":** This phrase further specifies the nature of Behemoth's impenetrable hiding place. The "covert" emphasizes a place of secret refuge and secure shelter, while "reed" (Hebrew: *qaneh*) refers to tall, dense marsh vegetation. This imagery portrays Behemoth as perfectly camouflaged and protected within its natural habitat, making it virtually unassailable by human means. It highlights the creature's seamless integration into an environment that offers it ultimate protection.
* **"and fens":** This concluding phrase broadens the scope of Behemoth's domain to include the surrounding swampy, marshland environment. The "fens" represent the wild, untamed, and often treacherous terrain that Behemoth inhabits and thrives in. This reinforces the creature's immense power and its complete adaptation to a formidable natural world, a realm where humanity is typically at a disadvantage. It underscores that this creature is perfectly at home and sovereign within its wild, watery domain, a testament to God's diverse and powerful creation.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:21 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message and impress upon the reader God's overwhelming power. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid and sensory-rich picture of Behemoth's habitat with specific details like "shady trees," "reed," and "fens." This detailed description allows the reader to visualize the creature's secure, wild, and watery domain, evoking a sense of its unassailable nature. This contributes to the powerful **Symbolism** at play, where Behemoth itself becomes a symbol of God's untamed power and the forces of nature that are utterly beyond human control or full comprehension. The creature's hidden, inaccessible dwelling further symbolizes the limits of human knowledge and the vastness of God's creation that remains mysterious and sovereignly managed by Him alone. The verse also utilizes precise **Description** to build a profound sense of awe and wonder, not just at Behemoth's formidable presence, but ultimately at the Creator who designed and sustains such a magnificent and formidable creature in its perfectly suited, impenetrable environment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:21, in its detailed portrayal of Behemoth's impenetrable habitat, serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including its most formidable and untamed aspects. It challenges the human tendency to believe we can fully comprehend or control the world around us, let alone the God who made it. The verse highlights that God's power is not limited to the orderly or the comprehensible but extends to the wild, the hidden, and the seemingly chaotic. This understanding cultivates a deep sense of awe and humility, reminding us that God's wisdom and might far surpass our own, and that even in the most obscure corners of His creation, His design and dominion are perfectly evident. It compels us to worship a God whose power is not just vast, but also intricately detailed in His providential care for every creature and every corner of His cosmos.

* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation")
* [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - God's Judgment on Leviathan")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Qualities Seen in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 40:21 invites us to step back from our often anthropocentric view of the world and marvel at the sheer scale and diversity of God's creation, particularly those aspects that remain beyond our control or full comprehension. In a world where we often strive for mastery and understanding, the image of Behemoth in its unassailable "covert" serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent limitations and God's infinite power. This contemplation can foster a profound sense of humility, moving us away from self-reliance and towards a deeper trust in the Creator. When we face our own "Behemoths"—the overwhelming challenges, uncertainties, or seemingly uncontrollable circumstances in our lives—this verse encourages us to remember that the same God who effortlessly controls the mightiest creatures of the wild also holds our lives in His sovereign hand. This realization can bring immense comfort and peace, knowing that even in the "fens" of our darkest experiences, God is present, powerful, and utterly in control, working all things according to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's control over untamed creation deepen your trust in His sovereignty over your own life's "wild" or uncontrollable circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and acknowledge God's ultimate power, much like Job was called to?**
* **How can the sheer wonder of God's creation, even its more formidable aspects, lead you to greater worship and humility, fostering a deeper sense of awe?**

### FAQ
**What is Behemoth? Is it a real animal?**

Answer: Behemoth, as described in [Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth"), is a creature of immense power and size, whose exact zoological identification has been debated for centuries. Many scholars suggest it refers to a hippopotamus or elephant, given its size, strength, and association with water-rich, marshy environments like those described in [Job 40:21](/job/40-21 "Job 40:21 - Behemoth's Habitat"). Others propose it might be a mythical or legendary creature, or even a symbolic representation of a primeval force. Regardless of its precise biological identity, the primary purpose of Behemoth in the Book of Job is symbolic: it represents a creature so powerful and untameable by human hands that it serves as a testament to God's unparalleled might and sovereignty over all creation. God uses Behemoth (and Leviathan in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - Description of Leviathan")) to humble Job and demonstrate that if humanity cannot control these creatures, they certainly cannot question or comprehend the Creator who brought them into being.

**Why does God describe Behemoth and Leviathan to Job instead of answering his questions directly about his suffering?**

Answer: God's purpose in describing Behemoth and Leviathan is not to provide a direct explanation for Job's suffering, but rather to re-establish His infinite wisdom, power, and sovereignty in a way that humbles Job and shifts his perspective. Job had been demanding an explanation from God for his inexplicable pain, essentially putting God on trial. Instead of a legal defense, God responds by showcasing His incomprehensible creative power and control over the universe, including its most formidable and untamed elements. By presenting creatures like Behemoth, which are beyond human control and comprehension, God illustrates the vast chasm between His divine wisdom and Job's finite understanding. This divine discourse forces Job to recognize his own limitations and God's absolute authority, leading Job to repent of his presumptuous questioning in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession"). The point is not to explain suffering, but to affirm God's unchallengeable nature, fostering trust rather than demanding answers and ultimately calling Job to a deeper, more humble faith in the Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth revealed in Job 40:21, concerning God's absolute sovereignty over the most formidable and untamed elements of creation, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Behemoth exemplifies a creature beyond human control, demonstrating God's power, Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of that divine power and wisdom. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The same divine power that sustains Behemoth in its hidden "covert" is manifested in Christ's authority over all creation, from calming the raging storm with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) to casting out demons and healing all manner of disease. Furthermore, the untamed forces that Behemoth symbolizes—chaos, wildness, and elements beyond human mastery—find their ultimate conqueror in Christ. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who triumphed over the spiritual "behemoths" of sin, death, and the devil, disarming principalities and powers and leading them in triumph ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the security and refuge Behemoth finds in its natural habitat foreshadow the ultimate "covert" and "refuge" humanity finds in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). He is the one who truly holds all things together, demonstrating God's power not just in creation, but supremely in redemption and the promise of a new heaven and new earth where His perfect order will reign eternally.

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

Isaiah 19:6

And they shall turn the rivers far away; [and] the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.

Isaiah 19:7

The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no [more].

Isaiah 35:7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes.