Job 41:22

In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.

In his neck {H6677} remaineth {H3885} strength {H5797}, and sorrow {H1670} is turned into joy {H1750} before {H6440} him.

"Strength resides in his neck, and dismay dances ahead of him [as he goes].

Strength resides in his neck, and dismay leaps before him.

In his neck abideth strength, And terror danceth before him.

Commentary

Context

Job 41:22 is part of a lengthy and awe-inspiring description of Leviathan, a formidable creature presented by God to Job in chapters 40 and 41. After Job's extensive lamentations and theological debates with his friends, God finally speaks from the whirlwind, not directly answering Job's questions about his suffering, but instead challenging Job's understanding of divine power and wisdom. The detailed portrayal of Leviathan, along with Behemoth in Job 40, serves to illustrate God's incomparable might and sovereignty over creation, highlighting that if Job cannot comprehend or control such creatures, how much less can he grasp or challenge the ways of their Creator?

Meaning of Job 41:22

This verse continues God's vivid depiction of Leviathan's overwhelming power and terrifying presence:

  • "In his neck remaineth strength": The neck is often a symbol of strength, stubbornness, and vital power. This phrase emphasizes Leviathan's immense, enduring power and resilience. It suggests that even the most vulnerable part of many creatures—the neck—is a source of unyielding might for Leviathan, making it incredibly difficult to subdue or harm.
  • "and sorrow is turned into joy before him": This is a striking and somewhat enigmatic phrase. The Hebrew word for "turned into joy" (tā·ḏūṣ) can mean "leaps for joy" or "dances." The "sorrow" (də·’ā·ḇāh) refers to grief, despair, or anguish. The idiom suggests that in the presence of Leviathan's overwhelming power, any other sorrow or concern a person might have is utterly eclipsed and consumed by the immediate, profound terror or awe inspired by the creature. It's as if all other forms of suffering become insignificant, replaced by the sheer, overwhelming reality of Leviathan's might. Alternatively, it can imply that Leviathan itself experiences a kind of triumphant joy or delight in its own destructive power, where the despair of its victims becomes its own twisted pleasure. In the context of God's speech, it underscores the creature's absolute dominance and terrifying nature, further magnifying the Creator's power over it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sorrow is turned into joy" draws from the Hebrew word tā·ḏūṣ (תָּדוּץ), which literally means "to leap" or "to dance for joy." When applied to "sorrow" (də·’ā·ḇāh, דְּאָבָה), it creates a powerful, almost paradoxical image. It's not just a passive transformation, but an active, almost violent displacement of one emotion by another, driven by the creature's formidable presence. This highlights the absolute nature of Leviathan's terrifying impact.

Key Themes

  • God's Incomparable Power and Sovereignty: The primary message of Job 41 is to demonstrate God's absolute control over all creation, even over creatures as terrifying and uncontrollable as Leviathan. If humans cannot contend with Leviathan, they certainly cannot contend with God. This reinforces the Lord's question to Job: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (Job 38:4).
  • The Majesty of Creation: Even the most fearsome and destructive parts of creation testify to the Creator's immense power and creative genius. Leviathan, often associated with primeval chaos, is depicted here as firmly under God's dominion.
  • Human Limitations: The description of Leviathan underscores human weakness and inability to control or even comprehend the full scope of God's creation. This serves to humble Job and put his suffering into perspective, reminding him that God's ways are higher than man's (Isaiah 55:9).

Practical Application

For a general audience, Job 41:22 offers a profound reminder of God's power. When faced with life's immense challenges or seemingly insurmountable problems, this verse encourages us to remember that our God is greater than any "Leviathan" we might encounter. Just as sorrow is overwhelmed by the presence of this mighty creature, so too should our anxieties and fears be eclipsed by the overwhelming reality of God's infinite power and control. It calls us to trust in a God who is sovereign over all, even the most chaotic and terrifying aspects of existence, echoing Job's eventual confession: "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee."

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Cross-References

  • Hosea 13:14 (2 votes)

    I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:55 (2 votes)

    O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?

  • 1 Corinthians 15:57 (2 votes)

    But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Job 40:16 (2 votes)

    Lo now, his strength [is] in his loins, and his force [is] in the navel of his belly.

  • Job 39:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?