Job 40:18
Job 40:18 in Multiple Translations
His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron.
His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
His bones are as tubes of brass; His limbs are like bars of iron.
His bones are pipes of brass, his legs are like rods of iron.
Its bones are like bronze tubes; its limbs like iron rods.
Behold, he spoyleth the riuer, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw vp Iorden into his mouth.
His bones [are] tubes of brass, His bones [are] as a bar of iron.
His bones are like tubes of bronze. His limbs are like bars of iron.
His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
Behold, he will drink up a river, and not wonder: and he trusteth that the Jordan may run into his mouth.
Their thigh bones are like tubes made of bronze, and the bones of their legs are like bars made of iron.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 40:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲ֭צָמָי/ו
אֲפִיקֵ֣י
נְחוּשָׁ֑ה
גְּ֝רָמָ֗י/ו
כִּ/מְטִ֥יל
בַּרְזֶֽל
עֲ֭צָמָי/ו
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp | Suff
אֲפִיקֵ֣י
ʼâphîyq
H650
channel
N-mp
נְחוּשָׁ֑ה
nᵉchûwshâh
H5154
bronze
N-fs
גְּ֝רָמָ֗י/ו
gerem
H1634
bone
N-mp | Suff
כִּ/מְטִ֥יל
mᵉṭîyl
H4300
rod
Prep | N-ms
בַּרְזֶֽל
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:18
עֲ֭צָמָי/ו
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
אֲפִיקֵ֣י
ʼâphîyq
H650
"channel"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a channel or stream, and can also mean a strong or mighty thing. It appears in various forms, such as a brook or river, and is used to describe a powerful object or hero. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural features like streams and valleys.
Definition: 1) channel 2) ravine 3) of hollow bones (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: brook, channel, mighty, river, [phrase] scale, stream, strong piece. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:16.
נְחוּשָׁ֑ה
nᵉchûwshâh
H5154
"bronze"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for copper or bronze, a metal made from melting copper ore, is used in the Bible to describe items like the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:9. It is also translated as brass or steel in some versions. This metal was highly valued in ancient times.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (made from melting copper ore) 1b) bronze (made from copper and alloy) Aramaic equivalent: ne.chash (נְחָשׁ "bronze" H5174)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: brass, steel. Compare H5176 (נָחָשׁ). See also: Leviticus 26:19; Job 41:19; Psalms 18:35.
גְּ֝רָמָ֗י/ו
gerem
H1634
"bone"
N-mp | Suff
A bone is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also be used figuratively to refer to one's self or inner strength. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) bone, strength, bare?, self? 1a) bone 1b) strength, strong-boned 1c) self?, bare? (of stairs) Aramaic equivalent: ge.rem (גְּרַם "bone" H1635)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: bone, strong, top. See also: Genesis 49:14; Job 40:18; Proverbs 17:22.
כִּ/מְטִ֥יל
mᵉṭîyl
H4300
"rod"
Prep | N-ms
The word metil means a rod made of iron that has been hammered or forged into shape. It is often translated as bar in the King James Version of the Bible. This word is used to describe a strong and sturdy piece of metal.
Definition: hammered bar, wrought iron bar, wrought metal rod
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bar. See also: Job 40:18.
בַּרְזֶֽל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Job 40:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:18
- Sermons on Job 40:18
Context — The LORD Challenges Job Again
16See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly.
17His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.
18His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron.
19He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him. 20The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 48:4 | For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze. |
| 2 | Job 7:12 | Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep, that You must keep me under guard? |
Job 40:18 Summary
This verse in Job 40:18 talks about a very strong creature that God made, with bones as strong as bronze tubes and limbs as powerful as iron rods. This shows us how amazing and powerful God is as a creator, similar to how we see God's power in nature (as mentioned in Psalm 19:1). The description is meant to help us understand and respect God's incredible abilities and wisdom. By reading this, we can be reminded of God's greatness and our place in His creation, just as Psalm 8:3-4 encourages us to consider our role in God's universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the bones of this creature are like tubes of bronze?
This description in Job 40:18 emphasizes the incredible strength and durability of the creature, much like the way the Psalmist describes God's words as being refined like silver in Psalm 12:6, highlighting their enduring value and unchanging nature.
How can we understand the comparison of the creature's limbs to rods of iron?
The comparison to rods of iron in Job 40:18 signifies the immense power and resilience of the creature's limbs, similar to how the prophet Isaiah describes God's voice as shattering the cedars of Lebanon in Isaiah 2:13, demonstrating an unstoppable force.
Is this description meant to be taken literally or figuratively?
While the description of the creature's bones and limbs in Job 40:18 is vivid and powerful, it is likely meant to convey the awe-inspiring nature of God's creation rather than being a scientifically precise description, much like the poetic language used in Job 38:4 to describe the foundations of the earth.
What does this verse tell us about God's power and creation?
This verse, along with the surrounding context in Job 40, highlights God's incredible power and wisdom in creating such a magnificent and formidable creature, echoing the sentiment in Psalm 104:24, which praises God for His wonderful works in creation.
Reflection Questions
- How does the description of the creature's strength and resilience challenge or inspire my perception of God's power and creation?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of enduring strength, like the bronze bones, to my own life and faith?
- What does the comparison of the creature's limbs to rods of iron teach me about the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges?
- How can reflecting on the majestic descriptions in Job 40:18 influence my attitude towards nature and God's creation?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:18
His bones [are as] strong pieces of brass: his bones [are] as bars of iron. Than which nothing is stronger.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:18
Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:18
His bones; under which title are comprehended his ribs (as the LXX here render it) and his teeth. As strong pieces of brass, exceeding hard and strong, as they are in both these creature.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:18
Job 40:18 His bones [are as] strong pieces of brass; his bones [are] like bars of iron.Ver. 18. His bones are as strony pieces of brass] Or, as conduit pipes of brass, whereby may be understood his hollow bones, as by bars of iron the solid ones, and by both (together with his trunk, composed of gristles, and his teeth and tusks, eight feet long, some of them) we may conjecture to be the size of his whole body; the size of all earthly creatures, saith Pliny; nine cubits high, saith Aelian, of some. Now can Job look upon such a monstrous creature, or hear his noise, or stand before him, without great horror? and will he not submit to the great God, and give him all his glory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:18
(18) Strong pieces.—Or, perhaps, tubes. His limbs are like bars of iron.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:18
Verse 18. His bones are as strong pieces of brass-bars of iron.] The tusk I have mentioned above is uncommonly hard, solid, and weighty for its size.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:18
18. strong pieces of brass] Rather literally, are pipes of brass.
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:18
His bones are as strong pieces of brass - The circumstance here adverted to was remarkable, because the common residence of the animal was the water, and the bones of aquatic animals are generally
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:18
18. His bones… strong pieces of brass, etc. — Although he eat grass, his bones are as tubes of brass — are like hammered bars of iron.
Sermons on Job 40:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Am I a Sea, or a Whale?" by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon explores Job's lamentation, 'Am I a sea, or a whale?' to illustrate how some individuals feel excessively scrutinized by God during their struggles. He emphasizes tha |