from לָוָה; a wreathed animal, i.e. a serpent (especially the crocodile or some other large sea-monster); figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of Babylon; leviathan, mourning.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **livyâthân**, represented by `{{H3882}}`, refers to a **wreathed animal**, such as a serpent or a large sea-monster. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Figuratively, it can represent the constellation of the dragon, serve as a symbol of Babylon, or denote **mourning**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3882}}` is depicted as a mighty sea creature that is beyond human control. The question is posed, "Canst thou draw out **leviathan** with an hook?" [[Job 41:1]], highlighting its formidable nature. Despite its power, it is subject to God. The LORD made **leviathan** to **play** `{{H7832}}` in the **sea** `{{H3220}}` [[Psalms 104:26]], and in another instance, God **brakest** `{{H7533}}` its **heads** `{{H7218}}` and gave it as **meat** `{{H3978}}` to the people in the wilderness [[Psalms 74:14]]. Prophetically, God will **punish** `{{H6485}}` **leviathan**, described as a **piercing** `{{H1281}}` and **crooked** `{{H6129}}` **serpent** `{{H5175}}`, with His **great** `{{H1419}}` and **strong** `{{H2389}}` **sword** `{{H2719}}` [[Isaiah 27:1]]. In a distinct figurative sense, the term is used for **mourning**, as in those who are ready to **raise up** `{{H5782}}` their **mourning** `{{H3882}}` [[Job 3:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the description and context of Leviathan:
* `{{H5175}}` **nâchâsh** (serpent): This word is directly equated with Leviathan, which is called the **piercing** `{{H1281}}` **serpent** and the **crooked** `{{H6129}}` **serpent** [[Isaiah 27:1]], emphasizing its serpentine nature.
* `{{H8577}}` **tannîyn** (dragon, sea-monster): Used in parallel with Leviathan, this term for a **dragon** or **sea-monster** reinforces its identity as a formidable creature of the **sea** `{{H3220}}` that the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` will ultimately **slay** `{{H2026}}` [[Isaiah 27:1]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (sea): As the habitat of Leviathan, the **sea** is the domain where it was **made** `{{H3335}}` by God to **play** `{{H7832}}` [[Psalms 104:26]] and where the final judgment against it as a **dragon** `{{H8577}}` will take place [[Isaiah 27:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3882}}` is significant in illustrating divine power.
* **Sovereignty over Chaos:** Leviathan embodies a powerful, seemingly chaotic force of nature. However, scripture shows it is a creature that God **made** `{{H3335}}` [[Psalms 104:26]] and can **break** `{{H7533}}` in pieces [[Psalms 74:14]], demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over even the most formidable parts of His creation.
* **Symbol of Hostile Powers:** As the **crooked** `{{H6129}}` **serpent** `{{H5175}}` and a **dragon** `{{H8577}}`, Leviathan symbolizes powers hostile to God. The promise that the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` will **punish** `{{H6485}}` and **slay** `{{H2026}}` it in that **day** `{{H3117}}` [[Isaiah 27:1]] serves as a prophecy of God's final victory over his enemies, which the base definition identifies figuratively as Babylon.
* **Incomprehensible Power:** The inability of man to **draw out** `{{H4900}}` Leviathan with a **hook** `{{H2443}}` [[Job 41:1]] underscores the vast gulf between human strength and the power of God's creation, ultimately pointing to the even greater power of the Creator himself.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3882}}` **livyâthân** is a term for a great sea creature, a wreathed animal that is both a part of God's creation and a symbol of powers that oppose Him. From the untamable beast in Job to the conquered enemy in Isaiah and Psalms, Leviathan consistently serves to magnify the supreme power and authority of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. Its use also extends into the purely figurative, representing deep **mourning** [[Job 3:8]], making it a multifaceted word in the biblical text.
TRV