Job 40:23

KJV

Behold, he drinketh up a river, [and] hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, he drinketh up {H6231} a river {H5104}, and hasteth {H2648} not: he trusteth {H982} that he can draw up {H1518} Jordan {H3383} into his mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the river overflows, it doesn't worry him; he is confident even if the Yarden rushes by his mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth.

American Standard Version

Behold, if a river overflow, he trembleth not; He is confident, though a Jordan swell even to his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 40:23 is a profound segment of God's majestic discourse to Job from the whirlwind, vividly portraying the formidable power and unhurried confidence of Behemoth. This verse illustrates the creature's immense capacity for water, depicting it as effortlessly consuming vast quantities, even to the point of trusting it can draw up the Jordan River into its mouth. This hyperbolic description serves not merely as a zoological account but as a powerful revelation of divine creative might, designed to humble Job and underscore the incomprehensible scale of God's dominion over creation, which far exceeds human understanding or challenge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within God's climactic and unchallengeable address to Job, which commences in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Discourse to Job"). Following chapters of Job's profound lamentations and the circular theological debates with his friends, God finally intervenes, not to provide a direct explanation for Job's suffering, but to assert His absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power as the Creator. The divine discourse unfolds through a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the intricate wonders of the cosmos and the untamed forces of nature. This culminates in the detailed and awe-inspiring descriptions of two magnificent, untamable creatures: Behemoth, detailed in [Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15-24 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth"), and Leviathan, extensively described in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - Description of Leviathan"). Job 40:23 specifically contributes to the portrayal of Behemoth's overwhelming strength, immense capacity, and unperturbed demeanor, serving as a powerful, tangible example of God's unparalleled might and intricate design, which Job, in his finite understanding, cannot possibly grasp or control. It sets the stage for Job's ultimate surrender and confession of ignorance in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1-6 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, the setting for the book of Job, was a world intimately acquainted with the raw power of nature and the untamed wilderness. Large, formidable animals such as hippopotamuses or elephants, often considered as potential inspirations for Behemoth by commentators, would have been recognized as forces entirely beyond human control. The Jordan River, a vital and iconic water source in the region, held immense significance, making its mention in the context of Behemoth's thirst a profoundly impactful hyperbole. The use of such grand, even near-mythical, imagery was a common literary and theological device in ancient wisdom literature. Its purpose was to convey profound truths about divine power, cosmic order, and humanity's humble place within the vastness of creation. This cultural context underscores the intended impact on both Job and the original audience: to evoke a deep sense of awe, humility, and reverence before a God who not only creates but also effortlessly commands such overwhelming forces.
* **Key Themes:** Job 40:23 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Omnipotence and Wisdom**, demonstrating God's absolute power and sovereign control over every aspect of His creation. If God can create and manage a creature as formidable and untamable as Behemoth, His power far surpasses any human comprehension or ability to challenge, as highlighted in God's initial challenge to Job in [Job 38:2-3](/job/38-2-3 "Job 38:2-3 - God Challenges Job's Knowledge"). Secondly, the verse vividly emphasizes **Behemoth's Unrivaled Strength and Appetite**, employing hyperbolic imagery of "drinking up a river" and "drawing up Jordan into his mouth" to stress the creature's immense size, insatiable thirst, and effortless power. This makes Behemoth a compelling illustration of divine creative power and design. Finally, this powerful depiction serves to highlight **Human Limitations and Humility**. God uses Behemoth as a tangible object lesson to humble Job, demonstrating that if Job cannot even contend with one of God's creatures, he certainly cannot contend with or question the Almighty Creator Himself, echoing the sentiment of Job's ultimate confession in [Job 42:3](/job/42-3 "Job 42:3 - Job's Confession of Ignorance and Repentance"). This underscores the vast chasm between human weakness and divine strength, calling Job, and all humanity, to a posture of profound humility and unwavering trust in the Creator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drinketh up (Hebrew, _ʻâshaq'_):** This word, typically meaning "to press upon, oppress, defraud," takes on a unique nuance here, signifying an overwhelming capacity to "overflow" or "drink up." In the context of Behemoth, it conveys an aggressive, dominant consumption, suggesting that the creature not merely sips but powerfully engulfs the river, demonstrating an immense, almost violent, capacity for water. This highlights Behemoth's formidable strength and insatiable nature.
* **hasteth (Hebrew, _châphaz'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to start up suddenly, to hasten away, to fear," the negation "hasteth not" implies a complete absence of urgency, fear, or trepidation. Behemoth is portrayed as utterly confident and unperturbed, demonstrating a serene and unchallenged power. This calm demeanor in the face of such vast consumption further magnifies the creature's formidable nature, contrasting sharply with human anxiety and weakness.
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yardên'_):** This refers to the principal river of Palestine, a significant and substantial body of water in the ancient Near East. Its inclusion here is not meant to be taken literally, but rather serves as a powerful hyperbole. The Jordan represents a vast, seemingly inexhaustible source of water, and Behemoth's perceived ability to "draw it up into his mouth" amplifies the sense of its immense capacity and, by extension, the limitless, awe-inspiring power of its Creator.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, he drinketh up a river":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to Behemoth's extraordinary capacity and power. The imagery is not of a casual drink but of consuming an entire river, emphasizing an immense, almost insatiable thirst and a physical ability far beyond any ordinary creature. This act is presented as a demonstration of effortless power, a creature so mighty that it can command and consume vast natural resources without strain or difficulty.
* **"[and] hasteth not":** This parenthetical yet crucial phrase profoundly underscores the creature's supreme confidence, unperturbed nature, and lack of fear. Behemoth does not need to rush its consumption or fear depletion; its power is so inherent and absolute that it can take its time, secure in its ability to consume whatever it desires. This conveys a sense of unchallenged authority and overwhelming might, implying that nothing can hinder its appetite or capacity.
* **"he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth":** This climactic statement employs powerful hyperbole to convey the creature's self-assurance and the sheer scale of its perceived power. The "Jordan" represents a major, iconic river, symbolizing an immense and vital volume of water. Behemoth's "trust" in its ability to "draw it up into his mouth" highlights its absolute confidence in its own formidable capabilities. This is not a literal claim but a vivid, exaggerated description designed to impress upon Job the creature's formidable nature and, ultimately, the boundless, incomprehensible power of the God who created and controls it.

#### Literary Devices
Job 40:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message about divine power and human limitation. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, vividly seen in the descriptions of Behemoth "drinking up a river" and trusting it can "draw up Jordan into his mouth." These are deliberate and dramatic exaggerations, not meant to be taken literally, but to emphasize the creature's immense size, overwhelming strength, and insatiable appetite, thereby magnifying the power and majesty of its Creator. **Symbolism** is also profoundly at play, as Behemoth itself functions as a symbolic representation of untamed, immense power in creation—a creature so formidable that it defies human control or understanding. In this role, Behemoth serves as a tangible testament to God's own unchallengeable might and sovereignty over all things, including the forces of chaos. Furthermore, the passage evokes a strong sense of **Awe and Wonder**, intended to humble Job and the reader by confronting them with a creature so powerful and mysterious that it defies human comprehension, thus redirecting their focus from human suffering and questioning to the overwhelming majesty and sovereign authority of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 40:23 is far more than a mere zoological description; it is a profound theological statement. It serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation, even its most formidable and untamed elements. In a book grappling with the profound problem of suffering, divine justice, and human understanding, God's ultimate response is not a logical explanation for Job's plight but an overwhelming display of His unchallengeable power, wisdom, and right to rule and act without human counsel. Behemoth's untamed strength, immense capacity, and unhurried confidence illustrate that God's power extends even to the most formidable and seemingly uncontrollable elements of His creation. This implicitly communicates that His dominion over human affairs, even in the midst of profound suffering, is equally absolute, mysterious, and beyond human questioning. This passage thus calls humanity to a posture of profound humility, unquestioning trust, and reverent awe in the face of the incomprehensible wisdom and boundless might of the Almighty Creator.

* [Job 41:1](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1 - Can You Draw Out Leviathan?") - The depiction of Behemoth's overwhelming power sets the stage for the even more fearsome and untamable description of Leviathan, both serving to illustrate God's majesty and the absolute limits of human power.
* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation") - This psalm praises God for the multitude and diversity of His works, declaring, "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures," echoing the awe-inspiring creative power and intricate design seen in the description of Behemoth.
* [Isaiah 40:13-14](/isaiah/40-13-14 "Isaiah 40:13-14 - Who Has Instructed the Spirit of the Lord?") - The emphasis on human inability to contend with God's power and wisdom, and the futility of questioning His ways, resonates powerfully with Isaiah's rhetorical questions: "Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man of his counsel has instructed him? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 40:23 stands as a profound and enduring reminder of God's incomprehensible greatness, His limitless power, and the vastness of His dominion, extending even to the most formidable and seemingly untamable creatures of His design. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful invitation to deep spiritual reflection, urging us to humbly recognize our own finite understanding and limited control in the face of an infinitely powerful and wise Creator. It challenges any human tendency toward self-sufficiency, intellectual arrogance, or the questioning of divine sovereignty, calling us instead to a posture of radical humility and unwavering trust. If God can create and effortlessly sustain a creature as immense, powerful, and unperturbed as Behemoth, then He is surely capable of managing the intricate complexities of our lives, navigating the most daunting challenges we face, and holding the mysteries of suffering within His perfect wisdom. This profound realization should cultivate within us a deep sense of awe and wonder, leading us to trust implicitly in His sovereign plan and His unfailing ability to sustain us through all circumstances, fostering a spirit of worship for the God who is mighty to save, powerful to uphold all things by His word, and infinitely wise in all His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Behemoth's power in Job 40:23 challenge my preconceived notions of God's limitless might and absolute sovereignty?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own limited strength, understanding, or control rather than fully trusting in God's incomprehensible power and wisdom?**
* **How can reflecting on the vastness and intricacy of God's creation, as exemplified by a creature like Behemoth, deepen my sense of humility and lead me to a more profound posture of worship and surrender?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is Behemoth, and is it a real animal?**

Answer: While commentators have often associated Behemoth with large, powerful animals like the hippopotamus or elephant due to some shared characteristics (such as its immense size, strength, and preference for watery habitats as described in [Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15-24 "Job 40:15-24 - Description of Behemoth")), it is most accurately understood as a "super-beast" or a symbolic representation of God's untamed creative power. The Hebrew word _bəhēmōṯ_ is a plural of intensity, suggesting something far beyond a typical animal. The description in Job goes beyond any known creature, particularly in its hyperbolic strength and capacity (as seen in [Job 40:23](/job/40-23 "Job 40:23 - Behemoth's Capacity")). Therefore, Behemoth is likely not a literal, identifiable creature but a literary device—a creature of immense, almost mythical proportions—designed to illustrate God's unchallengeable dominion over creation and His sovereign power over chaos.

**Why does God use creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan to respond to Job's questions about suffering?**

Answer: God's response to Job, which begins in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Speaks to Job from the Whirlwind"), is not a direct, propositional explanation for Job's suffering but a profound, awe-inspiring demonstration of His own unchallengeable power, wisdom, and absolute sovereignty. By describing creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan, which are utterly beyond human control or comprehension, God humbles Job and exposes the severe limits of human understanding and wisdom. The underlying message is clear: if Job cannot even contend with or comprehend one of God's most formidable creatures, how can he possibly presume to question or contend with the Creator Himself? This divine approach redirects Job's focus from his personal suffering and perceived injustice to the majestic, mysterious, and utterly sovereign nature of God, ultimately leading Job to a place of repentance and renewed, humble trust, as powerfully evidenced in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1-6 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession"). These creatures serve as tangible, albeit hyperbolic, examples of God's dominion over chaos and His absolute, unquestionable authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The awe-inspiring power and unhurried confidence of Behemoth in [Job 40:23](/job/40-23 "Job 40:23 - Behemoth's Capacity"), a creature so immense it can "drink up a river" and "trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth," serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate display of God's power, wisdom, and sovereign dominion revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. While Behemoth powerfully demonstrates God's dominion over the created order, Christ is not merely an example but the very agent and embodiment of that creative power. As the Gospel of [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ") declares, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." The cosmic power that fashioned Behemoth and all creation is fully present in Christ, who is described in [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") as 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." Furthermore, the untamed strength and unperturbed confidence of Behemoth pale in comparison to Christ's absolute authority over all creation, as He demonstrated by calming raging storms with a mere word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and by His ultimate, definitive victory over sin, sickness, and death through His glorious resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). The humility Job learns before God's overwhelming power finds its ultimate and necessary expression in bowing before Christ, the incarnate God, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow Before Jesus")). Thus, the formidable Behemoth points beyond itself to the infinitely greater power, majesty, and redemptive authority of the Lamb of God, who not only created all things but also sustains them by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")).

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

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Psalms 55:8

I would hasten my escape from the windy storm [and] tempest.

Isaiah 37:25

I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

Joshua 3:15

And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.