Job 41:15

[His] scales [are his] pride, shut up together [as with] a close seal.

His scales {H4043}{H650} are his pride {H1346}, shut up together {H5462} as with a close {H6862} seal {H2368}.

"His pride is his rows of scales, tightly sealed together -

His rows of scales are his pride, tightly sealed together.

Hisstrong scales are his pride, Shut up together as with a close seal.

Commentary

Job 41:15 is part of God's vivid description of Leviathan, a creature presented as immensely powerful and untameable, serving to illustrate God's own supreme sovereignty and power to Job.

Context

In chapters 38-41, God addresses Job directly out of a whirlwind, challenging Job's limited understanding and perspective. After describing Behemoth in chapter 40, God turns to Leviathan in chapter 41, presenting it as an unparalleled creature of immense strength and terrifying appearance. This detailed portrayal underscores God's absolute control over all creation, even its most fearsome elements, thereby humbling Job and demonstrating that God's wisdom and power far exceed human comprehension. The description of Leviathan's impenetrable scales directly contributes to this theme of overwhelming power, a power that no human can challenge or tame, much less God's own.

Key Themes

  • God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty: The primary message is God's absolute power and authority over all creation. Leviathan, with its impenetrable scales, symbolizes forces beyond human control, yet entirely subject to God. This reinforces the broader theme of God's omnipotence as expressed later in Job 42:2.
  • The Formidable Nature of Creation: The verse highlights Leviathan's immense strength and invulnerability, particularly its protective outer layer. "His scales are his pride" speaks to their formidable nature and the creature's formidable defense.
  • Human Limitation: By showcasing a creature no human can conquer or even approach without fear, God emphasizes the vast chasm between human weakness and divine might, inspiring awe and humility.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "His scales are his pride" uses the Hebrew word ga'avah (ื’ึผึทืึฒื•ึธื”), which here signifies majesty, strength, or exaltedness, rather than sinful arrogance. It refers to the creature's formidable and impressive appearance, conveying its inherent power and invulnerability. The phrase "shut up together as with a close seal" (from Hebrew tsarur meaning 'bound' or 'sealed') emphasizes the tightly joined, seamless, and impenetrable nature of these scales, suggesting there is no weak point or opening in its armor. This imagery paints a picture of absolute protection and invincibility.

Practical Application

Job 41:15, as part of God's grand discourse, serves as a powerful reminder of God's awe-inspiring power. It encourages believers to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Recognize the vastness of God's power and our own limitations. This fosters a spirit of humility and reliance on Him, much like Job's ultimate response to God.
  • Trust in God's Control: Even in the face of overwhelming or seemingly uncontrollable circumstances (symbolized by Leviathan), we can find peace knowing that God is sovereign over all things, including the most fearsome. This aligns with the comfort found in Romans 8:28, where all things work together for good for those who love Him.
  • Worship and Awe: The description of Leviathan should inspire wonder and reverence for the Creator who formed such magnificent and powerful beings, leading to a deeper appreciation of His majesty.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 5:5 (2 votes)

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

  • Jeremiah 9:23 (2 votes)

    ยถ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Revelation 5:2 (2 votes)

    And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

  • Revelation 5:3 (2 votes)

    And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.