TRV
Translation
King James Version
Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Complete Jewish Bible
"Look, any hope [of capturing him] is futile -one would fall prostrate at the very sight of him.
Berean Standard Bible
Surely hope of overcoming him is false. Is not the sight of him overwhelming?
American Standard Version
Behold, the hope of him is in vain: Will not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
World English Bible Messianic
Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Won’t one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Geneva Bible (1599)
His niesings make the light to shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
Young's Literal Translation
Lo, the hope of him is found a liar, Also at his appearance is not one cast down?
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In the KJVVerse 13,898 of 31,102
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Commentary on Job 41 verses 1–10
1 ¶ Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?
2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
3 Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?
4 Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
5 Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
6 Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?
7 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?
8 Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.
9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
10 None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?
Whether this leviathan be a whale or a crocodile is a great dispute among the learned, which I will not undertake to determine; some of the particulars agree more easily to the one, others to the other; both are very strong and fierce, and the power of the Creator appears in them. The ingenious Sir Richard Blackmore, though he admits the more received opinion concerning the behemoth, that it must be meant of the elephant, yet agrees with the learned Bochart's notion of the leviathan, that it is the crocodile, which was so well known in the river of Egypt. I confess that that which inclines me rather to understand it of the whale is not only because it is much larger and a nobler animal, but because, in the history of the Creation, there is such an express notice taken of it as is not of any other species of animals whatsoever (Gen 1:21, God created great whales), by which it appears, not only that whales were well known in those parts in the time of Moses, who lived a little after Job, but that the creation of whales was generally looked upon as a most illustrious proof of the eternal power and godhead of the Creator; and we may conjecture that this was the reason (for otherwise it seems unaccountable) why Moses there so particularly mentions the creation of the whales, because God had so lately insisted upon the bulk and strength of that creature than of any other, as the proof of his power; and the leviathan is here spoken of as an inhabitant of the sea (Job 41:31), which the crocodile is not; and Psa 104:25, Psa 104:26, there in the great and wide sea, is that leviathan. Here in these verses,
I. He shows how unable Job was to master the leviathan. 1. That he could not catch him, as a little fish, with angling, Job 41:1, Job 41:2. He had no bait wherewith to deceive him, no hook wherewith to catch him, no fish-line wherewith to draw him out of the water, nor a thorn to run through his gills, on which to carry him home. 2. That he could not make him his prisoner, nor force him to cry for quarter, or surrender himself at discretion, Job 41:3, Job 41:4. "He knows his own strength too well to make many supplications to thee, and to make a covenant with thee to be thy servant on condition thou wilt save his life." 3. That he could not entice him into a cage, and keep him there as a bird for the children to play with, Job 41:5. There are creatures so little, so weak, as to be easily restrained thus, and triumphed over; but the leviathan is not one of these: he is made to be the terror, not the sport and diversion, of mankind. 4. That he could not have him served up to his table; he and his companions could not make a banquet of him; his flesh is too strong to be fit for food, and, if it were not, he is not easily caught. 5. That they could not enrich themselves with the spoil of him: Shall they part him among the merchants, the bones to one, the oil to another? If they can catch him, they will; but it is probable that the art of fishing for whales was not brought to perfection then, as it has been since. 6. That they could not destroy him, could not fill his head with fish-spears, Job 41:7. He kept out of the reach of their instruments of slaughter, or, if they touched him, they could not touch him to the quick. 7. That it was to no purpose to attempt it: The hope of taking him is in vain, Job 41:9. If men go about to seize him, so formidable is he that the very sight of him will appal them, and make a stout man ready to faint away: Shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? and will not that deter the pursuers from their attempt? Job is told, at his peril, to lay his hand upon him, Job 41:8. "Touch him if thou dare; remember the battle, how unable thou art to encounter such a force, and what is therefore likely to be the issue of the battle, and do no more, but desist from the attempt." It is good to remember the battle before we engage in a war, and put off the harness in time if we foresee it will be to no purpose to gird it on. Job is hereby admonished not to proceed in his controversy with God, but to make his peace with him, remembering what the battle will certainly end in if he come to an engagement. See Isa 27:4, Isa 27:5.
II. Thence he infers how unable he was to contend with the Almighty. None is so fierce, none so fool-hardy, that he dares to stir up the leviathan (Job 41:10), it being known that he will certainly be too hard for them; and who then is able to stand before God, either to impeach and arraign his proceedings or to out-face the power of his wrath? If the inferior creatures that are put under the feet of man, and over whom he has dominion, keep us in awe thus, how terrible must the majesty of our great Lord be, who has a sovereign dominion over us and against whom man has been so long in rebellion! Who can stand before him when once he is angry?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
FRAGMENTS ON JOB 28.85
[“And all the ships come together would not be able to bear the mere skin of his tail.”] All the ships come together are not capable to mortify the extreme and main parts of the dragon. People using bodies or ships cannot by themselves lift a single piece of the skin of his tail. But with the favor of divine virtue, they can bear not only a piece of the skin of his tail but also his entire body, and [they can] mortify it. Each of us mortifies what is in him, that is, the devil, according to the words of the apostle, “Then God will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 33.34
“Will you fill nets with its skin and the cabin of fish with its head?” What is designated by “nets” or a “cabin of fish” except the churches of the faithful that make one universal church? Hence it is written in the Gospel, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea and gathering of every kind of fish.” “Will you fill nets with its skin and the cabin of fish with its head?” What is designated by “nets” or a “cabin of fish” except the churches of the faithful that make one universal church? Hence it is written in the Gospel, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea and gathering of every kind of fish.” The church is in truth called the kingdom of heaven, for while the Lord exalts its conduct to things above, it already reigns herself in toward the Lord by heavenly conversation. And the church is also rightly compared with a net cast into the sea, gathering every kind of fish, because when cast into this Gentile world, it rejected no one but caught the wicked with the good, the proud with the humble, the angry with the gentle and the foolish with the wise. By the “skin” of this Leviathan, we understand the foolish, and by “its head,” the wise ones of its body. Or certainly by the “skin,” which is outermost, are designated those who serve it as inferiors in these lowest offices, but by the “head” those placed over them. And the Lord observing the proper order rightly declares that he will fill these “nets” or “cabin of fish,” that is, his church, and the wishes of the faithful with its “skin” first and then with its “head.”
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
37. But this ought to be so understood, as to be referred to his body also; because all wicked men who fear not the strictness of Divine justice, flatter themselves in vain on His compassion. And He presently returns to console us, and foretels his coming destruction at the last judgment, saying; And in the sight of all he shall be cast down. For he will be cast down in the sight of all, because when the eternal Judge then terribly appears, when legions of Angels stand at His side, when the whole ministry of heavenly Powers is attending, and all the Elect are brought to behold this spectacle, this cruel and mighty monster is brought captive into the midst, and with his own body, that is, with all reprobates, is consigned to the eternal fires of hell, when it is said, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels. [Matt. 25, 41] O what a spectacle will that be, when this most huge monster will be displayed to the eyes of the Elect, which at this time of contest, could he but be seen, might have too much terrified them! But it is so ordered by the secret and wonderful judgment of God, that he is now conquered by His grace, though not seen by the combatants, and that then he is beheld by the joyful victors as already captive. But they then learn more fully how much they are indebted to the Divine assistance, when they have once seen so mighty a beast, whom they have now conquered in their weakness; and behold in the huge size of their enemy, how much they owe to the grace of their Defender. For our soldiers then return from this battle bringing back the trophies of their virtues; and when, having recovered their bodies, they are now about to obtain, in that judgment, an admission to the heavenly kingdom, they behold first the most monstrous strength of this ancient serpent, that they may not esteem lightly the danger they have escaped. It is therefore well said; And in the sight of all he will be cast down, because the sight of his death then causes joy, whose life, being now endured, daily engages with tortures in contest with the just. But as if we should immediately complain on hearing these things, and should say to the Lord, ‘O Lord, Who art not ignorant that this Leviathan is of such great strength, why dost Thou arouse him to engage in contest with our weakness?’
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 33.37
He will fall down before everybody’s eyes, because, when the Judge appears in his awesome aspect, before the eyes of the angelic legions, before the eyes of the entire court of the heavenly powers and before the eyes of all the elect summoned to this spectacle, this cruel and strong beast will be brought among them in chains, and together with its body, that is, all the wicked, will be condemned to the eternal fire of Gehenna.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Job 41:9, "Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not [one] be cast down even at the sight of him?", powerfully conveys the insurmountable and terrifying nature of Leviathan, a creature presented by God to Job as a profound illustration of divine, unparalleled might. This verse underscores the absolute futility of any human attempt to confront, subdue, or even withstand Leviathan, emphasizing that its mere presence is sufficient to overwhelm and utterly dishearten any observer, stripping them of all courage and resolve. It serves as a stark testament to the vast chasm between human limitation and God's boundless sovereignty over all creation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 41:9, like much of God's discourse in Job, employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is the Rhetorical Question: "shall not [one] be cast down even at the sight of him?" This question is posed not to seek information but to make an emphatic assertion. It assumes an obvious answer—that indeed, anyone would be utterly overwhelmed—thereby powerfully affirming Leviathan's terrifying nature and the futility of human opposition. This device engages the listener (Job) directly, forcing him to acknowledge the self-evident truth of human weakness. Furthermore, the description of Leviathan throughout chapter 41, culminating in this verse, makes extensive use of Hyperbole. While perhaps rooted in real creatures, the portrayal of Leviathan's invincibility and terror is exaggerated to emphasize God's infinitely greater power. The creature becomes a symbol of the ultimate untamed force in creation, a magnified representation of God's creative might. Finally, Symbolism is pervasive. Leviathan itself functions as a potent symbol. It represents not merely a physical creature but the untamed, chaotic, and overwhelming forces of creation that are utterly beyond human control. By demonstrating His absolute mastery over Leviathan, God symbolically asserts His sovereignty over all chaos, all power, and all aspects of creation that might seem insurmountable to humanity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 41:9 is a profound theological statement, not merely about a creature, but about the Creator. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute and unquestionable sovereignty over all creation, even its most terrifying and untamable elements. If humanity cannot contend with a mere creature of God's making, how much less can they contend with the Almighty Himself? This verse cultivates a proper sense of humility and reverence in the face of divine majesty. It challenges any human presumption of control or understanding, redirecting our focus from our own limited strength and wisdom to the infinite power and wisdom of God. The futility of "hope" against Leviathan mirrors the futility of resisting God's will or questioning His divine prerogative. True hope and wisdom, therefore, lie in acknowledging God's supremacy and submitting to His sovereign plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 41:9 offers a potent lesson for contemporary believers, reminding us of the vastness of God's power and the limitations of our own. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and control, this verse calls us to profound humility. We frequently encounter "Leviathans" in our lives—overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or circumstances that strip us of hope and leave us feeling "cast down." These might be personal crises, societal injustices, or even existential doubts. This verse compels us to recognize that just as no human could contend with Leviathan, we cannot truly contend with the sovereign God, nor can we overcome life's ultimate challenges in our own strength. It encourages us to shift our hope from our own limited capabilities to the boundless might of the One who controls all things, even creatures far more formidable than any problem we face. When we feel overwhelmed, this passage implicitly points us to the God who is greater than all fear and power, inviting us to place our trust and find our true hope in His unfathomable wisdom and omnipotence, rather than futilely resisting His divine will or attempting to control what is beyond our grasp.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is Leviathan, literally and symbolically?
Answer: Literally, Leviathan (Hebrew: לִוְיָתָן, liwyatan) is described in Job 41 as a colossal, untamable aquatic creature, possessing impenetrable scales, terrifying teeth, and the ability to breathe fire and smoke. Scholars have debated its precise identification, with common suggestions including a gigantic crocodile, a whale, or even a dinosaur, though its hyperbolic description suggests it transcends any ordinary animal. Symbolically, Leviathan represents the epitome of untamed power, chaos, and forces beyond human control. In ancient Near Eastern mythology, similar creatures often embodied primordial chaos that only a supreme deity could subdue. In the Bible, Leviathan is depicted as a creature of immense strength that only God can master or destroy, signifying God's ultimate dominion over all chaos and evil in creation (Psalm 74:14; Isaiah 27:1).
Why does God describe Leviathan to Job?
Answer: God describes Leviathan to Job as the culmination of His discourse from the whirlwind, primarily to humble Job and demonstrate His unparalleled power and wisdom. Job had questioned God's justice and governance, seeking to understand the reasons for his suffering. Rather than providing direct answers, God challenges Job's limited perspective by showcasing the complexity and power of His creation. The description of Leviathan serves as a powerful rhetorical device: if Job, a mere human, cannot even contend with this creature—a part of God's creation—how can he possibly contend with or comprehend the Almighty Creator Himself? The purpose is to lead Job to a place of profound humility, awe, and trust in God's sovereign wisdom, even when His ways are inscrutable. It underscores that God's authority is absolute and His control over all things, including the most chaotic, is complete, making any human challenge futile (Job 40:1-2).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 41:9 describes a creature of immense power that no human can hope to subdue, its ultimate theological fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who is the true embodiment of God's power and the one before whom all creation bows. The "hope" that is in vain when set against Leviathan finds its ultimate and triumphant reality in Christ, for in Him, our hope is never in vain. Christ, as the Word through whom all things were made and by whom all things hold together, is the Creator and Sustainer of Leviathan itself. He is the one who truly has power over all chaos, not just mythical beasts, but the spiritual forces of darkness, sin, and death that truly "cast down" humanity. His victory on the cross and resurrection demonstrate His ultimate dominion over the very powers that seek to overwhelm and destroy us, fulfilling the implicit promise that God alone is sovereign over all that is fearsome and chaotic. In Christ, we see the visible manifestation of the invisible God, before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship. He is the one who has overcome the world, and through Him, we are given a hope that is steadfast and sure, a hope that triumphs over all that seeks to cast us down.