Job 41:27
Job 41:27 in Multiple Translations
He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood.
He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
He counteth iron as straw, And brass as rotten wood.
Iron is to him as dry grass, and brass as soft wood.
It brushes aside iron like straw, and bronze like rotten wood.
He reckoneth iron as straw, brass as rotten wood.
He counts iron as straw, and bronze as rotten wood.
He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
They certainly are not afraid of weapons made of straw or rotten wood, but they are not even afraid of weapons made of iron or bronze!
Study Notes — Job 41:27
- Context
- Job 41:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:27
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:27
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:27
Context — The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan
27He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood.
28No arrow can make him flee; slingstones become like chaff to him. 29A club is regarded as straw, and he laughs at the sound of the lance.Job 41:27 Summary
This verse means that Leviathan, a powerful creature, thinks that even the strongest materials like iron and bronze are weak and useless, like straw or rotten wood. This helps us understand that God's power is much greater than anything we can imagine, and that we should trust in Him, not in our own strength or abilities (Psalm 37:3-7). It's like when we feel strong and capable, but then we face a problem that's too big for us to handle, and we have to remember that God is always with us and can help us (Isaiah 41:10). By trusting in God's power, we can face any challenge that comes our way, just like Leviathan is not afraid of any human weapon (Job 41:26).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Leviathan to regard iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood?
This means that Leviathan, a powerful symbol of God's creation, considers even the strongest human materials, like iron and bronze, to be weak and insignificant, much like how we might view straw or rotten wood, as seen in Job 41:27 and also in Psalm 2:1-4 where God views human strength as futile against His power.
Is Leviathan a real creature or just a mythological being?
While the Bible does not provide a clear answer, it is believed by many to be a metaphorical or poetic representation of God's power and creation, as seen in Job 41:1-34 and also in Isaiah 27:1 where it is described as a creature that only God can control.
What can we learn from Leviathan's strength and power?
We can learn that God's power is far greater than any human strength or material, and that we should trust in Him rather than our own abilities, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our own strength and resources are limited, and that we should put our trust in God, who is all-powerful and able to overcome any challenge, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 and Matthew 19:26.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I consider strong and powerful, and how do they compare to God's power?
- How can I apply the lesson of Leviathan's strength to my own life, and trust in God's power rather than my own?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's power, and not rely on my own strength or resources?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others to trust in God's power, and not be afraid of the challenges they face?