Job 41:4
Job 41:4 in Multiple Translations
Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life?
Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
Will he make a covenant with thee, That thou shouldest take him for a servant for ever?
Will he make an agreement with you, so that you may take him as a servant for ever?
Will it make a contract with you? Will it agree to be your slave forever?
Who can discouer the face of his garmet? or who shall come to him with a double bridle?
Doth he make a covenant with thee? Dost thou take him for a servant age-during?
Will he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever?
Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can go into the midst of his mouth?
Will they make an agreement with you to work for you, to be your slaves as long as they live?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:4
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 41:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לא
לֽ/וֹ
אַחֲרִ֥ישׁ
בַּדָּ֑י/ו
וּ/דְבַר
גְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת
וְ/חִ֣ין
עֶרְכּֽ/וֹ
לא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אַחֲרִ֥ישׁ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
בַּדָּ֑י/ו
bad
H907
bluster
N-mp | Suff
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
גְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
might
N-fp
וְ/חִ֣ין
chîyn
H2433
beauty
Conj | N-ms
עֶרְכּֽ/וֹ
ʻêrek
H6187
valuation
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 41:4
לא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אַחֲרִ֥ישׁ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
בַּדָּ֑י/ו
bad
H907
"bluster"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for empty or false talk, like a lie or brag, is used to describe someone who speaks falsely. It appears in the Bible as a warning against dishonesty. In the KJV, it is translated as liar or lie.
Definition: empty talk, idle talk, liar, lie
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: liar, lie. See also: Job 11:3; Isaiah 44:25; Isaiah 16:6.
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
גְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
"might"
N-fp
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
וְ/חִ֣ין
chîyn
H2433
"beauty"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means beauty or grace, describing something pleasing to the eye. It is used in 1 Samuel 16:12 to describe David's appearance.
Definition: beauty, grace
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: comely. See also: Job 41:4.
עֶרְכּֽ/וֹ
ʻêrek
H6187
"valuation"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a valuation or estimate of something's worth. It is used to describe the price or proportion of something, like the valuation of goods in Ezekiel 40.
Definition: 1) order, row, estimate, things that are set in order, layer, pile 1a) order, row 1b) estimate, valuation Aramaic equivalent: ar.ka (אַרְכָֿא "lengthening" H0754)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: equal, estimation, (things that are set in) order, price, proportion, [idiom] set at, suit, taxation, [idiom] valuest. See also: Exodus 40:4; Leviticus 27:15; Psalms 55:14.
Study Notes — Job 41:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 41:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:4
- Sermons on Job 41:4
Context — The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan
2Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?
3Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly?
4Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life?
5Can you pet him like a bird or put him on a leash for your maidens? 6Will traders barter for him or divide him among the merchants?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:6 | then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:17 | then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way. |
| 3 | Psalms 8:5–6 | You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: |
| 4 | 1 Kings 20:31–34 | Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. |
| 5 | Genesis 1:28 | God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” |
Job 41:4 Summary
This verse, Job 41:4, is asking if the powerful Leviathan would ever agree to be a slave to humans, which is clearly not possible. It's a rhetorical question that highlights the absurdity of humans thinking they can control such a powerful creature, as seen in the surrounding verses, Job 41:1-3. This reminds us of our limitations and God's sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 95:3-5 and Romans 11:33-36. We can apply this principle to our own lives by recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's power and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job 41:4 and how does it relate to the rest of the chapter?
Job 41:4 is part of a larger passage where God is speaking to Job about the majesty and power of the Leviathan, a monstrous sea creature, as seen in Job 41:1-34, to humble Job and remind him of God's sovereignty, as stated in Job 40:6-14 and Isaiah 46:10.
Is the idea of making a covenant with a wild animal like the Leviathan found elsewhere in the Bible?
While the Bible does not mention making a covenant with a wild animal like the Leviathan, it does discuss making covenants with God, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14 and Jeremiah 31:31-34, highlighting the unique relationship between God and humanity.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
Job 41:4 contributes to the book of Job's exploration of God's power, wisdom, and justice, as seen in Job 38:1-41:34, reminding us that God is the all-powerful Creator, as stated in Psalm 104:1-35 and Isaiah 40:28.
What does this verse say about human limitations and our relationship with God?
This verse emphasizes human limitations in trying to tame or control powerful creatures like the Leviathan, pointing to our need for humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- How does the idea of making a covenant with a powerful creature like the Leviathan challenge my understanding of God's power and majesty?
- In what ways do I try to 'tame' or control things in my life that are beyond my control, and how can I apply the lesson of Job 41:4 to those situations?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's sovereignty and limitations, as seen in this verse and other Scripture passages like Psalm 115:3 and Matthew 19:26?
- How can I apply the principle of humility and recognition of God's power, as seen in Job 41:4, to my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Job 41:4
Will he make a covenant with thee?.... To live in friendship or servitude, as follows; wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:4
Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever? Can he be tamed for domestic use? (so Job 39:10-12.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:4
A covenant, to wit, to do thee faithful service, as the next words explain it. Canst thou bring him into bondage, and force him to serve thee?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:4
Job 41:4 Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?Ver. 4. Will he make a covenant with thee?] And compound, where he cannot conquer. Wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?] To be at thy disposal, and to do thy drudgery? q.d. He scorns the motion. Before the fall this and all other creatures were at man’ s service, Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:19-20; but now, alas! it is otherwise. Howbeit to those that are in Christ this part of God’ s lost image is in part restored, Hebrews 2:6, with Psalms 8:4-5, and shall be perfectly, Revelation 2:26. What singular service the whale did Jonas in shipping him to land who knows not?
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:4
(4) A servant for ever.—The crocodile being probably quite untameable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:4
Verse 4. Will he make a covenant] Canst thou hire him as thou wouldst a servant, who is to be so attached to thy family as to have his ear bored, that he may abide in thy house for ever? Is not this an allusion to the law, Exodus 21:1-6?
Cambridge Bible on Job 41:4
4. Will he consent to be one of thy domesticated animals, and serve thee?
Barnes' Notes on Job 41:4
Will he make a covenant with thee? - That is, will he submit himself to thee, and enter into a compact to serve thee?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:4
4. Will he make a covenant? — The same phrase, λψϊαψιϊ, is used in the description in Genesis 15:18, of the covenant between the Lord and Abraham.
Sermons on Job 41:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 2:7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the similarities and differences between different types of automobiles, specifically Ford and Chevrolet. He uses this analogy to highlight th |
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The Lord Will Give Grace and Glory by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound nature of glory as an overflow of grace and a divine connection to God, which quickened Christians can experience. He encourages believers to e |
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Being and Doing by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between 'being' and 'doing,' arguing that society often defines individuals by their occupations rather than their inherent humanity. He asser |
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The Angels by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the intricate details of angels as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing their distinct order of creation, heavenly position above man, and the va |
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All Things of God to Him and in Him It Was Indeed to Be by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes that man, created in God's image, is designed to reflect God's divine glory and attributes. He explains that God's righteousness, holiness, love, and goodn |
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John 11:28 Lonsdale Square by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the 'Resurrection and the Life,' highlighting His divine nature as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God's promises. H |
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神造男人的目的 - the Purpose of a Man by Paul Washer | In this sermon, Paul begins by explaining that in the first three chapters of the Bible, he discusses everything that God has done for us in Christ. He then transitions to chapter |