Job 40:22
Job 40:22 in Multiple Translations
The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him.
The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.
The lotus-trees cover him with their shade; The willows of the brook compass him about.
He is covered by the branches of the trees; the grasses of the stream are round him.
The lotus covers it with shade; the willow trees of the valley surround it.
Will he make many prayers vnto thee, or speake thee faire?
Cover him do shades, [with] their shadow, Cover him do willows of the brook.
The lotuses cover him with their shade. The willows of the brook surround him.
The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook encompass him.
Will he make many supplications to thee, or speak soft words to thee?
Those huge animals find shade under the lotus plants, and they are surrounded by poplar trees.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:22
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 40:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְסֻכֻּ֣/הוּ
צֶאֱלִ֣ים
צִֽלֲל֑/וֹ
יְ֝סֻבּ֗וּ/הוּ
עַרְבֵי
נָֽחַל
יְסֻכֻּ֣/הוּ
çâkak
H5526
to fence
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
צֶאֱלִ֣ים
tseʼel
H6628
lotus
N-mp
צִֽלֲל֑/וֹ
tsêlel
H6752
shadow
N-ms | Suff
יְ֝סֻבּ֗וּ/הוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
עַרְבֵי
ʻârâb
H6155
willow
N-fp
נָֽחַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:22
יְסֻכֻּ֣/הוּ
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
צֶאֱלִ֣ים
tseʼel
H6628
"lotus"
N-mp
The lotus tree is a type of plant mentioned in the Bible, known for its shady leaves and thorny branches. It is described as a unique and notable tree in the biblical landscape.
Definition: 1) a kind of lotus 1a) a thorny lotus shrub
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: shady tree. See also: Job 40:21; Job 40:22.
צִֽלֲל֑/וֹ
tsêlel
H6752
"shadow"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for shadow or shade, often used to describe protection or the fleeting nature of life, as seen in the Psalms.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: shadow. See also: Job 40:22; Song of Solomon 4:6; Jeremiah 6:4.
יְ֝סֻבּ֗וּ/הוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
עַרְבֵי
ʻârâb
H6155
"willow"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a type of tree, specifically a willow or poplar, often found near water sources like rivers. It's mentioned in passages like Ezekiel and Isaiah, describing a tree with dark wood. The willow tree has cultural significance in Jewish tradition.
Definition: 1) poplar, willow 1a) a tree characterised by dark wood
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: willow. See also: Leviticus 23:40; Psalms 137:2; Isaiah 15:7.
נָֽחַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
Study Notes — Job 40:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:22
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:22
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:22
Context — The LORD Challenges Job Again
20The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby.
21He lies under the lotus plants, hidden among the reeds of the marsh.
22The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him.
23Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth. 24Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 17:5 | He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow. |
| 2 | Leviticus 23:40 | On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees, the branches of palm trees, and the boughs of leafy trees and of willows of the brook. And you are to rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. |
| 3 | Isaiah 15:7 | So they carry their wealth and belongings over the Brook of the Willows. |
Job 40:22 Summary
The verse Job 40:22 describes a large creature, likely a hippopotamus or crocodile, living in a wetland or riverine environment, surrounded by lotus plants and willows of the brook. This image suggests God's care and provision for all creatures, as seen in Psalm 104:10-30. The description of the creature's habitat also emphasizes God's power and wisdom in creation, as seen in Job 38-41. By considering this verse, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty and care for all living things, and reflect on how that relates to our own lives and relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of creature is being described in Job 40:22?
The creature being described is likely a large animal, such as a hippopotamus or a crocodile, as indicated by the context of Job 40:15-24, where God describes the strength and power of Behemoth to Job.
Why does the verse mention the lotus plants and willows of the brook?
The mention of the lotus plants and willows of the brook in Job 40:22 suggests that the creature being described lives in a wetland or riverine environment, similar to the description of the crocodile's habitat in Ezekiel 29:3-5.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Job?
This verse is part of God's response to Job's questions about suffering and injustice, as seen in Job 38-41, where God emphasizes His power and wisdom in creation, including the creation of powerful creatures like Behemoth.
What can we learn from the description of the creature's habitat in this verse?
The description of the creature's habitat in Job 40:22 teaches us about God's provision and care for all creatures, as seen in Psalm 104:10-30, where the psalmist praises God for His care of all living things.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the lotus plants concealing the creature in their shade suggest about God's care for His creation?
- How does the description of the creature's habitat in this verse relate to your own understanding of God's power and wisdom?
- What can you learn from the way the creature is described as being surrounded by the willows of the brook, and how can you apply that to your own life?
- How does the emphasis on the creature's environment in this verse challenge or comfort you in your own walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:22
The shady trees cover him [with] their shadow,.... Under which it lies, as in Job 40:21; which is thought not so well to agree with the elephant, since, according to Aelianus (h) and other writers,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:22
Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:22
Of the brook; or, of Nilus, of which this word is oft used in Scripture. And this seems to be the chief argument by which the learned Bochart proves this to be meant of the hippopotamus, whose constant residence is in or near the river of Nilus, or the willows that grow by it. But it is well alleged by our learned and judicious Caryl, that this word Naal is never used to express Nilus when it is put by itself, as here it is, but only where the word Egypt is added to it, as it is in all the places which Bochart produceth. And this very phrase, the willows of the brook, is used of other brooks or rivers besides Nilus, as : compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:22
Job 40:22 The shady trees cover him [with] their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.Ver. 22. The shady trees cover him with their shadow, &c.] He leaneth against those trees and sleepeth, for lie down and rise again he cannot, for want of joints in his limbs. And why may not we conceive the trees in those parts big enough to overshade the elephant, when, as in America, but especially in Brazil, the trees are so huge that it is reported of them that several families have lived in several arms of one tree, to such a number as are in some petty village or parish among us? (Abbot’ s Geog., p. 271.) The willows of the brook compass him about] To shelter him from the wind and cold. And although they cannot swim, they are so big, yet they love to be about pools and brooks for shade, and to ease their thirst; for the elephant drinketh off fourteen firkins of water in a morning, saith Aristotle, and eight at night, as it followeth,
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:22
Verse 22. The willows of the brook compass him] This would agree well enough with the hippopotamus.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:22
Chap. Job 40:6 to Job 42:6. The Lord’s Second Answer to Job out of the Storm Shall Man charge God with unrighteousness in His Rule of the World? All that the first speech of the Lord touched upon was the presumption of a mortal man desiring to contend with the Almighty. The display from Creation of that which God is had the desired effect on Job’s mind: he is abased, and will no more contend with the Almighty. But Job had not only presumed to contend with God, he had charged Him with unrighteousness in His rule of the world and in His treatment of himself. This is the point to which the second speech from the storm is directed. The passage has properly two parts. First, Job 40:6-14, as Job had challenged the rectitude of God’s rule of the world, he is ironically invited to clothe himself with the Divine attributes and assume the rule of the world himself. Then follows, ch.
Job 40:15 to Job 41:34, a lengthy description of two monsters, Behemoth and Leviathan. Second, ch. Job 42:1-6, Job’s reply to the Divine challenge. He confesses that he spoke things which he understood not. He had heard of God by the hearing of the ear, but now his eye saw Him, and he abhorred his former words and demeanour, and repented in dust and ashes.
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:22
The shady trees - Probably the “lote-trees;” see the note at Job 40:21. The same word is used here.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:22
22. The willows — A kind of weeping willow, (salix Babylonica,) same as in Psalms 137:2. Of the new Israel, Isaiah tenderly says, they shall spring up as “willows (ibid.) by the water courses.” Chap. Job 44:4.