Job 41:18
Job 41:18 in Multiple Translations
His snorting flashes with light, and his eyes are like the rays of dawn.
By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
His sneezings flash forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
His sneezings give out flames, and his eyes are like the eyes of the dawn.
When it sneezes light shines out. Its eyes are like the rising sun.
He esteemeth yron as strawe, and brasse as rotten wood.
His sneezings cause light to shine, And his eyes [are] as the eyelids of the dawn.
His sneezing flashes out light. His eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
His sneezings flash light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
For he shall esteem iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
When crocodiles sneeze, the tiny drops of water that come out of their noses sparkle in the sunlight. Their eyes are red like the rising sun.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:18
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 41:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַשִּׂיגֵ֣/הוּ
חֶ֭רֶב
בְּלִ֣י
תָק֑וּם
חֲנִ֖ית
מַסָּ֣ע
וְ/שִׁרְיָֽה
מַשִּׂיגֵ֣/הוּ
nâsag
H5381
to overtake
V-Hiphil | Suff
חֶ֭רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
בְּלִ֣י
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Part
תָק֑וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
חֲנִ֖ית
chănîyth
H2595
spear
N-fs
מַסָּ֣ע
maççâʻ
H4551
quarry
N-ms
וְ/שִׁרְיָֽה
shiryôwn
H8302
lance
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 41:18
מַשִּׂיגֵ֣/הוּ
nâsag
H5381
"to overtake"
V-Hiphil | Suff
To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.
Definition: 1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to overtake 1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach 1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Samuel 14:26; Psalms 7:6.
חֶ֭רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
בְּלִ֣י
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Part
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
תָק֑וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
חֲנִ֖ית
chănîyth
H2595
"spear"
N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
מַסָּ֣ע
maççâʻ
H4551
"quarry"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a missile like a spear or arrow, or a quarry where stones are extracted. It appears in the Bible to describe something thrown or ejected. In the KJV, it is translated as 'dart'.
Definition: quarry, quarrying, breaking out (of stones)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: before it was brought, dart. See also: 1 Kings 6:7; Job 41:18.
וְ/שִׁרְיָֽה
shiryôwn
H8302
"lance"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a type of armor worn for protection, including breastplates and coats of mail. It is used to describe the defensive gear worn by soldiers in battle, providing them with safety and security. The armor was often made of metal or leather.
Definition: 1) a weapon 1a) perhaps a lance, javelin
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: breastplate, coat of mail, habergeon, harness. See H5630 (סִרְיֹן). See also: 1 Samuel 17:5; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Isaiah 59:17.
Study Notes — Job 41:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 41:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:18
- Sermons on Job 41:18
Context — The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan
16One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them.
17They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated.
18His snorting flashes with light, and his eyes are like the rays of dawn.
19Firebrands stream from his mouth; fiery sparks shoot forth! 20Smoke billows from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 3:9 | May its morning stars grow dark; may it wait in vain for daylight; may it not see the breaking of dawn. |
| 2 | Revelation 1:14 | The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. |
Job 41:18 Summary
[The verse Job 41:18 is describing a powerful sea creature called Leviathan, and its appearance is being used to show how mighty and amazing God is, just like in Psalms 104:25-26. The creature's snorting is so powerful that it flashes with light, and its eyes shine like the sun in the morning, which is a reminder of God's power and majesty, as seen in Job 37:4-5. This helps us to understand and appreciate the wonder of God's creation, as described in Genesis 1:1 and Psalms 8:3-4. By reflecting on this verse, we can gain a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and majesty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being described in Job 41:18?
The description in Job 41:18 is of Leviathan, a powerful sea creature, and its appearance is being used to illustrate God's power and majesty, as seen in other passages like Psalms 104:25-26 and Isaiah 27:1.
What does it mean that 'his snorting flashes with light'?
This phrase is likely a poetic way of describing the creature's powerful and intimidating presence, similar to the description of God's voice in Job 37:4-5, which is accompanied by lightning and thunder.
How do the 'eyes like the rays of dawn' relate to the rest of the description of Leviathan?
The comparison of Leviathan's eyes to the rays of dawn suggests a fierce and piercing gaze, emphasizing the creature's formidable nature, much like the description of God's eyes in Hebrews 4:13, which sees all things.
Is Leviathan a real creature or a mythical one?
While the description of Leviathan in Job 41 is vivid and detailed, it is not clear whether it is a real creature or a mythical one, but it serves as a powerful symbol of God's power and creation, as seen in Psalms 74:13-14 and Ezekiel 32:2-3.
Reflection Questions
- What does the description of Leviathan's snorting and eyes reveal about God's power and majesty?
- How does the comparison of Leviathan's eyes to the rays of dawn make you think about the power of God's gaze in your own life?
- In what ways can the fearsome nature of Leviathan be a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God, as seen in Isaiah 40:28 and Romans 11:33?
- How can the vivid imagery in Job 41:18 help you to better understand and appreciate the wonder of God's creation, as described in Genesis 1:1 and Psalms 8:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Job 41:18
By his neesings a light doth shine,.... The philosopher (i) observes, that those who look to the sun are more apt to sneeze: and it is taken notice of by various writers (k), that the crocodile
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:18
By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. His neesings , [ `ªTiyshaah (H5846)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:18
By his neesings; which may be understood either, 1. Of any commotion or agitation of the body, like that which is in neezing, as when the whale stirreth himself and casteth or shooteth up great spouts of water into the air by the pipes which God hath planted in his head for this use; which water being thin, and transparent, and illuminated by the sun-beams, casts forth a shining light. Or, 2. Of neezing properly so called, which the crocodile is said frequently to do, because it commonly turneth its eyes to the sun, as Strabo and others note; which when a man doth, he is apt to neeze. Like the eyelids of the morning; to which they seem very fitly compared, because the eyes both of the whale and crocodile are dull and dark under the water; but as soon as they appear above water, they cast forth immediately a bright and clear light, though not like that of the sun at noon-day, which had been too great an hyperbole, yet like the morning light, suddenly breaking forth after the dark night.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:18
Job 41:18 By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes [are] like the eyelids of the morning.Ver. 18. By his neesings a light doth shine] When this dreadful monster sneezeth, or snorteth, fire breaketh out at his eyes and nose. By this neesing of the whale is meant the abundance of white frothy water which he casteth forth at his nostrils, In sublime nimbos efflat (Plin. lib. 9, c. 6). And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning] Bright and beamy. Olaus writeth of the Norway whales, that their eyes shine in a dark night like a fire; so that mariners have oft thought, when they have seen them, that they saw a great fire.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:18
(18) By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning—i.e., fiery red and glowing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:18
Verse 18. By his neesings a light doth shine] It is very likely that this may be taken literally. When he spurts up the water out of his nostrils, the drops form a sort of iris or rainbow. We have seen this effect produced when, in certain situations and state of the atmosphere, water was thrown up forcibly, so as to be broken into small drops, which has occasioned an appearance like the rainbow. The eyelids of the morning.] It is said that, under the water, the eyes of the crocodile are exceedingly dull; but when he lifts his head above water they sparkle with the greatest vivacity. Hence the Egyptians, in their hieroglyphics, made the eyes of the crocodile the emblem of the morning. Ανατοληνλεγοντεςδυοοφθαλμουςκροκοδειλουζωογραφουσι. - HORAPP. Egypt. Ieroglyph., lib. i., c. 65. This is a most remarkable circumstance, casts light on ancient history, and shows the rigid correctness of the picture drawn above. The same figure is employed by the Greek poets. Χρυσεαςἡμεραςβλεφαρον.
"The eyelid of the golden day." Soph. Antig. ver. 103. Νυκτοςαφεγγεςβλεφαρον. "The darksome eyelid of the night." Eurip. Phaeniss. ver. 553.
Cambridge Bible on Job 41:18
12–34. Description of the parts of Leviathan.
Barnes' Notes on Job 41:18
By his neesings a light doth shine - The word rendered “neesings” means properly sneezing, and the literal sense here would be, “His sneezings, light shines.” Coverdale renders it, “His nesinge is
Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:18
18. By his neesings a light doth shine — Rather, His sneezings flash forth light.
Sermons on Job 41:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living according to the revelation God has given to individuals. He encourages listeners to follow God's personal instructi |
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A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 1) by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents sharing their personal stories of faith with their children. He encourages parents to start with their own testimo |
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Tokens of His Compassion - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the significance of Jesus' prayers, particularly focusing on the depth and impact of His longest recorded prayer in the Bible. It explores the profound mome |
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(Covenant Series) 2. Abraham by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a covenant between God and Abram (later known as Abraham). The speaker explains that in a covenant, both parties typically have |
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Going Backwards to Go Ahead by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others as the greatest commandment. He highlights the significance of the church in spreading the go |
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The Rise of Antichrist Pt 2 by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of receiving the love of the truth in order to be saved. He references Second Thessalonians chapter two, which warns about the |
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The Holy Spirit and Fire by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a shocking encounter with a fellow believer who confessed to having a sinful life, particularly involving sexual sins. The speaker references M |