Job 41:6

KJV

Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall the companions {H2271} make a banquet {H3739} of him? shall they part {H2673} him among the merchants {H3669}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Will a group of fishermen turn him into a banquet? Will they divide him among the merchants?

Berean Standard Bible

Will traders barter for him or divide him among the merchants?

American Standard Version

Will the bands of fishermen make traffic of him? Will they part him among the merchants?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 41:6 is a powerful rhetorical question posed by God to Job, continuing His detailed description of the formidable Leviathan. Through these questions, God challenges the very notion that humans could ever capture, control, or commercially exploit such an untamable creature. The verse serves to underscore Leviathan's immense power and invincibility, thereby magnifying God's own unchallengeable sovereignty and wisdom, which far surpass human understanding and capability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 41:6 is embedded within God's second major discourse to Job, which begins in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job"). Following Job's renewed complaints and desire to contend with God, the Almighty speaks from the whirlwind, not to answer Job's specific questions about suffering, but to confront Job's presumptuousness and limited perspective. After describing the terrestrial Behemoth in [Job 40:15-24](/job/40-15 "Job 40:15-24 - God Describes Behemoth"), God shifts His focus to the aquatic Leviathan in [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God Describes Leviathan"). This section, particularly verses 1-11, sets the stage by asking a series of rhetorical questions about humanity's ability to subdue Leviathan, all designed to highlight the creature's untamable nature and, by extension, God's absolute dominion over creation. Verse 6 specifically challenges the idea of human collaboration for capture or commercial gain, building upon the previous verses that describe Leviathan's impenetrable scales and fearsome might.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, large, fearsome creatures often symbolized chaos and primordial forces beyond human control. While Leviathan's exact nature (mythological creature, a real but exaggerated animal like a crocodile, or a symbolic representation of chaotic evil) is debated, its portrayal here taps into a cultural understanding of powerful beasts that defied human mastery. Hunting and fishing were vital for sustenance and commerce, and the ability to capture large animals was a mark of strength and skill. The concept of "companions" (a hunting party) and "merchants" (those who would profit from the catch) reflects the typical human interaction with the natural world – to subdue, consume, and trade. By presenting Leviathan as utterly immune to such human endeavors, God speaks into a context where human dominion over creation was understood, yet He demonstrates that His creation extends far beyond the reach of human enterprise or power. The mention of "Canaanites" (often translated as "merchants") further grounds the imagery in the commercial realities of the time, where Canaanites were renowned traders.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this section of Job is God's **unchallengeable sovereignty and wisdom**. Through the elaborate descriptions of Behemoth and Leviathan, God demonstrates that His power is not merely abstract but tangibly evident in the most fearsome and untamable parts of His creation. This directly addresses the theme of **human limitations and ignorance**, humbling Job by showing him that if he cannot even comprehend or control these creatures, how can he possibly grasp the ways of their Creator? The rhetorical questions in [Job 41:1-11](/job/41-1 "Job 41:1-11 - Can You Tame Leviathan?") emphasize **Leviathan's invincibility**, portraying it not as a mere animal but as a creature beyond human subjugation or commercial exploitation. This reinforces the idea that some aspects of creation are uniquely God's domain, serving as a constant reminder of His awesome power and wisdom, which are far beyond human questioning or manipulation, echoing the sentiment found in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Companions (Hebrew, _ḥabbārîm'_):** This term (חַבָּרִים) refers to associates, partners, or a group of individuals working together. In this context, it specifically denotes a collective of hunters, fishermen, or perhaps even enchanters/charmers who might attempt to subdue a powerful beast. The rhetorical question posits whether even a coordinated human effort, typically successful against formidable prey, could possibly overcome Leviathan to "make a banquet of him," implying a celebratory feast after a successful capture and kill. It highlights the creature's resistance to even the most organized human endeavors.
* **Banquet (Hebrew, _yikhrû'_):** The verb (יִכְרוּ) derives from the root כרה (_kārâ_), which can mean "to dig," "to feast," "to trade," or "to make a covenant" (often by cutting or digging). In the KJV's "make a banquet of him," it implies preparing a feast from the captured creature, a common practice after a successful hunt. The question thus asks if Leviathan could ever be reduced to mere game, providing sustenance or occasion for human celebration, powerfully asserting its untouchable status and its complete removal from the realm of human consumption.
* **Merchants (Hebrew, _kənaʿănîm'_):** This word (כְּנַעֲנִים) literally means "Canaanites," who were famously known in the ancient world for their extensive trade and commercial activities. By using this term, God evokes the image of Leviathan being divided, sold, and profited from, much like any other valuable commodity or captured animal. The rhetorical question forcefully declares that Leviathan is beyond such commercial exploitation, unlike common fish or game that might be "parted among the merchants." This underscores the creature's unique, untamable, and non-commercial status, setting it apart from anything humans could hope to control or commodify.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall the companions make a banquet of him?"**: This clause challenges the very idea of a collective human effort, such as a hunting party or a group of associates, being able to capture Leviathan for their own consumption or celebratory feast. It suggests that Leviathan is so formidable that it defies even the most organized and determined human attempts at subjugation for sustenance or sport. The implication is a resounding "No," emphasizing the creature's untamable nature and its complete separation from the realm of human dominion.
* **"shall they part him among the merchants?"**: This second clause extends the challenge to the commercial realm. It questions whether Leviathan could ever be reduced to a commodity, its parts divided and sold for profit among traders. The use of "merchants" (literally "Canaanites," known for their commerce) highlights the absurdity of treating this creature as just another valuable item to be bought and sold. This reinforces Leviathan's invincibility, asserting that it is beyond human exploitation, trade, or economic gain, further solidifying its status as a unique testament to God's unparalleled power.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Job 41:6 is the **Rhetorical Question**. God poses two questions that demand an obvious negative answer, thereby emphasizing the utter impossibility of humans subduing Leviathan. This technique serves to humble Job, forcing him to acknowledge his own limitations and God's incomprehensible power. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** in its description of Leviathan's untamable nature; while perhaps based on real creatures, the portrayal is exaggerated to convey a creature of unparalleled might, serving as a symbol of forces utterly beyond human control. There is a clear **Contrast** established between human weakness and commercial ambition on one hand, and Leviathan's (and by extension God's) overwhelming, unexploitable power on the other. This contrast underscores the vast chasm between the Creator and His creation, and between human presumption and divine reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 41:6 profoundly reinforces the biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, even its most fearsome and chaotic elements. If humanity cannot subdue Leviathan, a mere creature, how much less can they contend with or comprehend the God who created it? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that there are aspects of God's power and wisdom that remain utterly beyond human grasp or control, inviting a posture of humility and awe rather than questioning or complaint. It teaches us that true wisdom begins with acknowledging our limitations and God's boundless might, finding peace in His ultimate dominion over all things, visible and invisible.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God's Sovereign Rule")
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God's Everlasting Power and Wisdom")
* [Psalm 104:24-26](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24-26 - God's Wisdom in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 41:6, through its vivid depiction of Leviathan's untamable nature, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often prizes control, efficiency, and human ingenuity, this verse serves as a vital corrective, reminding us that there are forces and realities far beyond our capacity to manage, understand, or exploit. It calls us to a posture of humility, acknowledging that our wisdom and strength are finite, especially when confronted with the vastness and complexity of God's creation and His providential ways. When we face overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or periods of profound uncertainty, this verse encourages us to release our need for control and instead lean into God's sovereign power. It fosters a deeper trust in the Creator who orchestrates even the most chaotic elements of the universe, assuring us that His wisdom and might are infinitely greater than our struggles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Leviathans" or uncontrollable forces do you encounter in your life that challenge your sense of control or understanding?**
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over such untamable elements bring you peace or humble your perspective?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "part" or "commodify" aspects of God's creation or even His purposes for your life, rather than submitting to His design?**

### FAQ
**Is Leviathan a literal creature or a symbolic one?**

Answer: The nature of Leviathan in Job 41 is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal, though perhaps exaggerated, description of a real, fearsome creature known in the ancient world, most commonly identified with a large crocodile. Others view Leviathan as a symbolic representation of primordial chaos, evil, or forces beyond human control, drawing parallels with ancient Near Eastern mythology where such creatures often embodied the uncreated, untamed aspects of the cosmos. Regardless of its precise literal identity, its function in the text is undeniably symbolic: it serves as a powerful illustration of God's unchallengeable power and sovereignty over all creation, including its most fearsome and chaotic elements, effectively demonstrating to Job the limits of human understanding and power. The point is not just the creature itself, but what it represents about God's dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 41:6 describes a creature beyond human control, it ultimately points to the One who has ultimate dominion over all things, including the "Leviathans" of chaos and evil: Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, untamable creatures like Leviathan often symbolize forces of chaos and rebellion against God, elements that humanity is utterly powerless to subdue. However, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the Lord of all creation, whose authority extends even over the most formidable natural and spiritual powers. We see His power over the natural world when [He calms the storm with a word](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), demonstrating a mastery that far surpasses any human attempt to "banquet" or "part" creation for their own ends. More profoundly, Jesus is the ultimate conqueror of the spiritual "Leviathan" – Satan and the forces of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, [He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"), triumphing over them. Unlike Leviathan, whom no human could exploit, Jesus willingly became the ultimate "commodity" for our salvation, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the true spiritual "banquet" for those who believe, as He declared, "[I am the bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and invited His followers to partake of His flesh and blood for eternal life ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thus, Job 41:6, by highlighting humanity's inability to control creation, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the one true Lord who holds all creation, and all spiritual powers, firmly in His grasp.

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.