Job 41:14

KJV

Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth [are] terrible round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who can open {H6605} the doors {H1817} of his face {H6440}? his teeth {H8127} are terrible {H367} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who can pry open the doors of his face, so close to his terrible teeth?

Berean Standard Bible

Who can open his jaws, ringed by his fearsome teeth?

American Standard Version

Who can open the doors of his face? Round about his teeth is terror.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 41:14 vividly portrays the formidable and unyielding nature of Leviathan, a creature presented by God to Job as a profound illustration of divine power and sovereignty. This verse specifically emphasizes the creature's impenetrable mouth and terrifying teeth, underscoring its insurmountable strength and the utter impossibility of human mastery over such a magnificent and fearsome creation. Through this description, God humbles Job, revealing the vast chasm between human capacity and the Creator's boundless might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 41:14 is embedded within God's climactic discourse to Job, spanning from [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Response to Job") through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - The Description of Leviathan"). Following Job's persistent questioning of divine justice and wisdom, God responds not with direct answers to Job's suffering, but with a series of rhetorical questions highlighting His sovereign control over creation. Chapters 40 and 41 focus on two unparalleled creatures, Behemoth and Leviathan, respectively. These creatures serve as tangible, awe-inspiring examples of God's creative power and His absolute dominion over forces that utterly defy human control. The detailed description of Leviathan, culminating in verses like 41:14, functions to humble Job, demonstrating that if humanity cannot contend with one of God's creations, how much less can they contend with the Creator Himself. This divine monologue ultimately prepares Job for his confession of limited understanding and God's unchallengeable authority in [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - Job's Confession of God's Power").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era, likely reflecting ancient Near Eastern (ANE) cultural perspectives on wisdom, suffering, and divine justice. While the exact nature of Leviathan (a real animal, a mythical creature, or a symbolic representation) is debated, its portrayal draws on existing ANE imagery of primordial chaos monsters, often associated with the sea. However, unlike pagan myths where gods might struggle against such entities, the God of Job effortlessly creates and controls Leviathan, demonstrating His unique, unchallenged sovereignty over all forces, including those perceived as chaotic or untamable. This context elevates Yahweh above any regional deities or cosmic forces, affirming His singular omnipotence and wisdom as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. The description would have resonated with an audience familiar with the concept of powerful, untamed beasts, amplifying the awe inspired by God's creation.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed portrayal of Leviathan, particularly in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - The Description of Leviathan"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Primarily, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's absolute control over all creation, even the most fearsome and seemingly untamable creatures. Leviathan stands as a powerful testament to God's boundless power, which far surpasses any human strength or comprehension, echoing the declaration that "[The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - God's Ownership of Creation")". Secondly, it highlights **Human Limitation and Humility**. By presenting a creature beyond human mastery, God reminds Job (and the reader) of humanity's inherent finitude and inability to fully grasp or control the universe. This realization is designed to cultivate a profound sense of humility before God's majesty, a central message throughout the latter part of the book. Finally, the uniqueness and power of Leviathan emphasize **The Uniqueness of God's Creation**, reinforcing that God's wisdom and creative power are unmatched, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God as the Everlasting Creator"), which speaks of the Creator who does not faint or grow weary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Doors (Hebrew, _dalte_):** This word, typically referring to literal doors or gates, is used here metaphorically to describe Leviathan's mouth or jaws. The imagery suggests an impenetrable, unyielding barrier, implying that its mouth is not something any human could easily open, control, or force entry into. It conveys a sense of permanent closure or an incredibly strong, formidable opening that no one dares to pry open, emphasizing the creature's terrifying strength and impenetrable defense.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _ḥattîth_):** In 17th-century English, and particularly in KJV usage, "terrible" did not primarily mean "poor quality" or "unpleasant" as it often does today. Instead, it conveyed a sense of inspiring terror, dread, or awe due to immense power, formidable nature, or greatness. Thus, "his teeth are terrible" means his teeth are awe-inspiringly fearsome, dreadful, and formidable, perfectly fitting the description of a creature utterly beyond human control or approach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who can open the doors of his face?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to elicit the answer "No one." The "doors of his face" is a vivid metaphor for Leviathan's jaws, implying they are sealed shut by immense power or are so fearsome that no one would dare attempt to pry them open. It emphasizes the creature's invulnerability and the utter impossibility of human intervention or control over it, setting the stage for the subsequent description of its fearsome weaponry.
* **"his teeth [are] terrible round about."**: This clause directly follows the rhetorical question, providing a concrete reason for the creature's impenetrability and the terror it inspires. The description of its teeth as "terrible" (in the KJV sense of awe-inspiringly fearsome and dreadful) and arranged "round about" paints a picture of a mouth filled with a menacing, circular array of sharp, formidable teeth. This imagery further amplifies the creature's danger, making it appear unapproachable and unconquerable from any angle, reinforcing God's point about His unparalleled power.

#### Literary Devices
Job 41:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey the overwhelming power of Leviathan and, by extension, God's sovereignty. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Who can open the doors of his face?" This question is not meant to be answered literally but to emphatically declare that no human possesses the ability to control or even approach such a creature, thereby highlighting human limitation and God's unique power. Secondly, **Metaphor** is powerfully used in "the doors of his face," transforming Leviathan's jaws into an impenetrable, gate-like structure, emphasizing its formidable and unyielding nature. The vivid description of "his teeth are terrible round about" also relies on strong **Imagery**, painting a fearsome mental picture of a mouth bristling with menacing, awe-inspiring teeth. This combination of devices creates a sense of dread and insurmountable power, effectively serving God's purpose of humbling Job and illustrating His absolute dominion over creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 41:14, with its depiction of Leviathan's insurmountable power, serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent limitations of humanity. The creature's unopenable "doors of his face" and "terrible" teeth symbolize the forces of chaos and evil that are beyond human control, yet entirely subject to God's command. This passage profoundly humbles Job, forcing him to confront the reality that if he cannot contend with one of God's creations, he certainly cannot contend with the Creator Himself. It reorients Job's perspective from questioning God's justice to acknowledging His incomprehensible majesty and power, fostering a deeper trust in the divine order even amidst suffering. The invincibility of Leviathan, therefore, is a mirror reflecting the invincibility of God's will and wisdom.

* [Psalm 104:26](/psalms/104-26 "Psalm 104:26 - Leviathan, a Creature of God's Making")
* [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - God's Future Triumph Over Leviathan")
* [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1-3 - The Binding of Satan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 41:14 compels us to confront our own assumptions about control and understanding in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. Just as Leviathan was beyond Job's grasp, so too are many of life's circumstances beyond our human capacity to fully comprehend or manage. This verse invites us to cultivate a profound sense of humility and awe before a God whose power is not merely theoretical but tangibly demonstrated in the most fearsome aspects of creation. It reminds us that our finite minds cannot fully grasp the infinite wisdom and might of the Almighty. In moments of doubt, fear, or perceived injustice, remembering God's absolute dominion over even the "terrible" forces of the world can anchor our trust, leading us to rest in His sovereign hand rather than striving to control what is uncontrollable. This perspective fosters a deeper reverence and a more profound surrender to His divine will, knowing that the God who commands Leviathan also holds our lives securely.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Leviathan's "unopenable doors" challenge my desire for control in my own life?**
* **What does the "terrible" nature of Leviathan's teeth reveal about the aspects of God's power that might inspire awe rather than comfort?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to surrender control and trust in God's sovereign power, as demonstrated by His mastery over Leviathan?**

### FAQ

**Is Leviathan a literal animal, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The nature of Leviathan in Job 41 has been a subject of much scholarly debate. Some commentators suggest it refers to a literal, albeit exaggerated, powerful animal known in the ancient world, such as a large crocodile (given the description of scales, teeth, and habitat) or a whale. However, the hyperbolic and mythical language used—describing it as breathing fire and smoke, and being utterly invincible—points more strongly to a symbolic interpretation. Leviathan is most likely a representation of the most powerful, untamable, and chaotic forces in creation, forces that are beyond human control. The purpose of its description is not zoological but theological: to demonstrate God's absolute and effortless sovereignty over all creation, including the most fearsome and seemingly chaotic elements, thus humbling Job and affirming God's unmatched power. God is not merely powerful over the mundane, but over the utterly terrifying.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 41:14 describes God's power over a fearsome creature, its deepest Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment of God's dominion over all creation, including the forces of chaos, sin, and death. If God's power is demonstrated in His mastery over Leviathan, then Christ's power is infinitely greater, as He is the very Word through whom all things were made ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ")). The "doors of Leviathan's face" that no human could open foreshadow the ultimate "doors" of death and the grave, which Christ Himself burst open through His resurrection ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). The "terrible teeth" of Leviathan, representing untamed power and destruction, find their ultimate defeat in Christ's triumph over the spiritual powers and authorities that once held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus, 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")), has conquered the true "Leviathan" of spiritual evil, disarming the devil who held the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Thus, the awe inspired by Leviathan's invincibility in Job points to the far greater, redemptive awe inspired by Christ's complete and final victory over all that opposes God's reign.

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

Proverbs 30:14

[There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Ecclesiastes 12:4

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

Job 38:10

And brake up for it my decreed [place], and set bars and doors,

Psalms 57:4

My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalms 58:6

¶ Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.