Job 41:25

When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.

When he raiseth up {H7613} himself, the mighty {H352} are afraid {H1481}: by reason of breakings {H7667} they purify {H2398} themselves.

When he rears himself up, the gods are afraid, beside themselves in despair.

When Leviathan rises up, the mighty are terrified; they withdraw before his thrashing.

When he raiseth himself up, the mighty are afraid: By reason of consternation they are beside themselves.

Commentary

Job 41:25 is part of God's awe-inspiring discourse to Job from the whirlwind, where the Creator describes the magnificent and terrifying creature known as Leviathan. This particular verse highlights the immense power and intimidating presence of Leviathan, so formidable that even "the mighty" are struck with fear and compelled to purify themselves.

Context

Chapters 40 and 41 of the book of Job feature God's direct challenge to Job, who has questioned divine justice and wisdom. After presenting Behemoth, God introduces Leviathan, a creature of immense power and untamable strength, often depicted as a sea monster or crocodile-like beast. The detailed description of Leviathan serves to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty and control over creation, contrasting it sharply with human weakness and inability to control even a single beast of such magnitude. This divine monologue aims to humble Job and remind him of his limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom and power. The surrounding verses in Job 41 vividly portray Leviathan's impenetrable scales, fiery breath, and terrifying roar, setting the stage for the profound impact described in verse 25.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The central theme is God's unparalleled power, which is so vast that even His creation, Leviathan, can instill terror in the strongest of men. This creature serves as a testament to the Creator's boundless might, reinforcing the message that if man cannot contend with Leviathan, he certainly cannot contend with God.
  • Human Insignificance and Fear: "The mighty are afraid" underscores the fragility and limitations of human strength and pride in the face of truly overwhelming power. It speaks to the universal human experience of terror when confronted with forces beyond control or comprehension.
  • Spiritual Response to Awe and Terror: The phrase "by reason of breakings they purify themselves" suggests a profound spiritual or ritualistic response. When faced with such immense, destructive power (the "breakings" or shattering effect of Leviathan), even the most powerful individuals are driven to seek spiritual cleansing or atonement. This implies a recognition of their own vulnerability and perhaps sinfulness before a greater power, leading them to humble themselves or seek divine mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "by reason of breakings" translates the Hebrew word shever (ืฉึถืื‘ึถืจ), which can mean "breaking," "shattering," "calamity," or "ruin." In this context, it vividly portrays the devastating impact and overwhelming force of Leviathan's presence, causing a psychological or spiritual "breaking" in those who witness it. The response, "they purify themselves," comes from the Hebrew verb chata (ื—ึธื˜ึธื) in the Hithpael stem, meaning "to cleanse oneself from sin," "to make atonement," or "to purify oneself." This indicates a deliberate act of ritual or spiritual cleansing, prompted by fear and the realization of one's own impurity or inadequacy in the face of such a formidable creature, which ultimately points to God's majesty.

Practical Application

Job 41:25 offers profound insights for contemporary life. It reminds us that even when confronted with overwhelming challenges, fears, or forces that seem beyond our control (our "Leviathans"), our natural and proper response should be one of humility and turning towards God. Instead of relying on our own strength or worldly power, the verse suggests that true wisdom lies in acknowledging our limitations and seeking spiritual cleansing and reliance on the ultimate power of God. This can manifest as repentance, prayer, or a renewed commitment to living righteously, recognizing that all earthly might pales in comparison to divine sovereignty. Just as the ancients might have sought ritual purification, we are called to seek spiritual renewal and trust in the One who commands all creation.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 107:28 (2 votes)

    Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

  • Jonah 1:4 (2 votes)

    ยถ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

  • Jonah 1:6 (2 votes)

    So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.