Job 41:22 — Word Study
WLCבְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ יָלִ֣ין עֹ֑ז וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו תָּד֥וּץ דְּאָבָֽה׃
BSAunderneathtachath pointchaddûwd△ earthenwarecheres to spreadrâphad sharpchărûwts uponʻal mudṭîyṭ
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ | in neck its | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| יָלִ֣ין | it lodges | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| עֹ֑ז | strength | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו | and before it | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| תָּד֥וּץ | it leaps | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| דְּאָבָֽה׃ | dismay | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Strength resides in his neck, and dismay leaps before him. |
| KJV | In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. |
| ASV | In his neck abideth strength, And terror danceth before him. |
| YLT | In his neck lodge doth strength, And before him doth grief exult. |
| WEB | There is strength in his neck. Terror dances before him. |
| BBE | Strength is in his neck, and fear goes dancing before him. |
The translations agree on the meanings of the key terms, presenting a consistent understanding of the creature's power and the fear it inspires.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a subordinate clause, emphasizing the relationship between strength and the resulting fear.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectרָפַד
verbחֶרֶשׂ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
2 of 6 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 41:22
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Might of Creationgenerated
Job 41:22 is part of a larger poetic discourse on the strength and majesty of God's creations, particularly focusing on a powerful creature that evokes awe and fear. This section of Job highlights the limitations of human understanding when faced with the might of God's creations, encouraging humility in the face of divine power.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 39:19 | Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? |
| 2 | Job 40:16 | See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly. |
| 3 | Hosea 13:14 | I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from Death. Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting? Compassion is hidden from My eyes. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 | “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֹ֑ז, 'Ozgenerated
The word עֹז (*'oz*) refers to strength or might, encompassing various dimensions such as physical power, social status, and boldness. In this verse, it highlights the inherent strength of the creature being described, suggesting a formidable presence.
The parsing indicates that it is a common noun in the masculine singular form, emphasizing its role as a subject that embodies strength. This word is often associated with the might of God, suggesting that the creature's strength is a reflection of divine power.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses strength for עֹ֑ז and dismay for דְּאָבָֽה, aligning with the KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יָלִ֣ין (*ya.Lin*) governs the structure of the verse, indicating that strength is present in the creature's neck. The sentence is built around this verb, with additional phrases providing context about the creature's strength and the dismay that precedes it.
The word order emphasizes the creature's strength first, followed by the action of dismay leaping before it, highlighting the immediate impact of its presence.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עֹ֑ז as a word that conveys strength but does not directly match the Hebrew word. This choice indicates a broader interpretation of the creature's might.
The Greek word used for dismay also reflects a sense of fear, aligning with the Hebrew meaning but potentially expanding its implications for the audience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 41:22 describes a powerful creature, stating that strength is found in its neck and that dismay leaps before it. This highlights the creature's formidable presence and the fear it evokes.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The strength in the neck symbolizes the source of power and authority, indicating that the creature's might is concentrated in this area.
This phrase suggests that fear and terror precede the creature, emphasizing its intimidating presence and the effect it has on others.
This verse contributes to the theme of God's sovereignty and the awe-inspiring nature of His creations, illustrating the limits of human understanding.
We can learn about the power of creation and the importance of recognizing our place in relation to God's might.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How do I perceive strength in my own life, and what does it mean to me?
- What are some instances where I have felt fear or dismay in the presence of something powerful?
- In what ways can I acknowledge the power of creation in my daily life?
- How does understanding the might of God impact my perspective on challenges I face?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators have reflected on this verse to discuss the nature of strength and fear in relation to God's creations.
In his neck will remain strength. 1. Because we bear about us a body from this world, let us consider the end of the universe, from the part of it in which we ourselves are [al. 'which we are'].Early Church Fathers on Job 41 →
“In its neck” means in arrogant self-estimation; “its strength abides,” because it does not stand still but always overestimates itself.Early Church Fathers on Job 41 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 41:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn his neck remaineth strength,.... This is thought to be an argument against the whale, which is said to have no neck: but whatever joins the head and body may be called the neck, though ever so
Read John Gill on Job 41 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIn his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. Remaineth - abideth permanently. His chief strength is in the neck. Sorrow - anxiety or dismay personified.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 41 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHis neck is exceeding strong. This is meant either 1. Of the whale, who though he hath no neck no more than other fishes have, yet he hath a part in some sort answerable to it, where the head and body are joined together. Or, 2. Of the crocodile, whom Aristotle, (who made it his business to search out the several natures and parts of all living creatures, and had all the helps and advantages which he desired to find them out,) and Scaliger, and others affirm to have a neck, though some deny it. Sorrow is turned into joy before him, i.e. the approach of any enemy, which usually causeth fear and sorrow in others, fills him with joy, as being desirous of nothing more than fighting. Or, sorrow…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 41 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 41:22 In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.Ver. 22. In his neck remaineth strength] Aristotle saith, that among fishes the dolphin, whale, and such as breathe, have necks proportionate to their bodies. The word rendered remaineth is in the Hebrew lodgeth, or abideth all night; so spoken, saith one, because the whale, as also the dolphin, sleepeth with his head erected above water. And sorrow is turned into joy before him] i.e. He knows no sorrows, he fears no hurt, but always rejoiceth, bearing himself bold upon his strength, God having made him to sport in the sea, Psalms 104:26. Others read it, And before him danceth fear ( Pavor et Pallor, Tullus…
Read John Trapp on Job 41 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(22) Sorrow is turned into joy before him.—Literally, and before him danceth fear, or pining sorrow exulteth before him. A marvellous personification of the terror which goes with him wherever he goes.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 41 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 22. In his neck remaineth strength] Literally, "strength has its dwelling in his neck." The neck is the seat of strength of most animals; but the head and shoulders must be here meant, as the crocodile has no neck, being shaped nearly like a lizard. And sorrow is turned into joy before him.] ולפניו תדוץ דאבה ulephanaiv taduts deabah; "And destruction exulteth before him." This is as fine an image as can well be conceived. It is in the true spirit of poetry, the legitimate offspring of the genie createur. Our translation is simply insignificant.
Read AdamClarke on Job 41 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12–34. Description of the parts of Leviathan.
Read Cambridge on Job 41 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIn his neck remaineth strength - That is, strength is “permanently residing” there. It is not assumed for the moment, but his neck is so constructed as to be the abode of strength.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 41 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Strength resides in his neck, and dismay leaps before him.
There is strength in his neck. Terror dances before him.
Strength resides in his neck, and dismay leaps before him.
Strength lodges in its neck, and despair runs before it.
Tyndale line
In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.
In his neck abideth strength, And terror danceth before him.
In his neck abideth strength, and terror danceth before him.
In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.
He maketh the depth to boyle like a pot, and maketh the sea like a pot of oyntment.
Strictly literal
In his neck lodgeth strength, and terror danceth before him.
In his neck lodge doth strength, And before him doth grief exult.
Strength lodges in his neck, || And grief exults before him.
(41:14) In his neck abideth strength, and before him danceth terror joyfully.
In his neck is strength, and terror dances in front of him.
From the Latin
He shall make the deep sea to boil like a pot, and shall make it as when ointments boil.
Simplified
Its neck is powerful, and all who face him shake with terror.
Strength is in his neck, and fear goes dancing before him.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads בְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ יָלִ֣ין עֹ֑ז וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו תָּד֥וּץ דְּאָבָֽה׃, while the Septuagint matches only 3 of the 6 words. This indicates some divergence in translation, particularly in how the strength and dismay are expressed.
בְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ יָלִ֣ין עֹ֑ז וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו תָּד֥וּץ דְּאָבָֽה׃
3 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 41:22
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word צַוָּאר (*tsavvar*) primarily means 'neck' or 'back of the neck,' and can refer to both humans and animals. It is related to the word צַוָּרוֹן (*tsavvaron*), which means 'necklace,' as noted in Song of Solomon 4:9. The term is derived from a root meaning 'binding,' suggesting a connection to burdens carried on the neck.
צַוָּאר n.m. neck, back of neck
base
[צַוָּרוֹן] n.[m.]pl. necklace;—sf. Ct 4:9.
ref
H6677a צַוָּאר neck, back of neck H6677b צַוָּרוֹן n. [m.] pl. necklace
6677 tsavva'r tsav-vawr'
or tsavvar (Nehemiah 3:5) {tsav-vawr'}; or tsavvaron (Song of
Solomon 4:9) {tsav-vaw-rone'}; or (feminine) tsavva.rah (Micah
2:3) {tsav-vaw-raw'}; intensively from 6696 in the sense of
binding; the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are
bound):--neck.
see HEBREW for 06696
צַוָּאר (tsav.var) — neck.
1) neck, back of neck
1a) neck, back of neck (of man)
1b) neck (of animals)
Aramaic equivalent: tsav.var (צַוַּאר "neck" H6676)
צַוָּרוֹן (tsav.va.ron) — necklace.
necklace
HR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
לוּן (luwn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lodge or pass the night, and it can also imply abiding or remaining. It has a negative connotation when referring to murmuring or complaining. The word can be used in various forms, including Qal, Hiphil, and Hithpalpel, indicating different nuances of lodging and grumbling.
לוּן, לִין vb. lodge, pass the night, fig. abide
Qal
lodge, pass the night
fig. abide, remain
Hiph. cause to rest, lodge
Hithpalp. dwell, abide, of eagle
base
[לוּן] vb. murmur
Niph. murmur against
Hiph. murmur; cause to murmur
base
H3885a לוּן, לִין lodge, pass the night, fig. abide H3885b לוּן murmur
3885 luwn loon
or liyn {leen}; a primitive root; to stop (usually over
night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad
sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to
complain):--abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure,
grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night,
in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all
night, that night).
לוּן (lun) — to lodge.
1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lodge, pass the night
1a2) to abide, remain (fig.)
1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge
1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
לוּן (lun) — to grumble.
1) to grumble, complain, murmur
1a) (Niphal) to grumble, murmur
1b) (Hiphil) to complain, cause to grumble
HVqi3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
עֹז (oz) refers to strength or might, encompassing material, physical, personal, social, and political dimensions. It can denote boldness or impudence and is associated with the might of God. The word is built from the root related to strength and power, with various applications noted in the entries.
עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז n.m. strength, might
material and physical
personal, social, and political
might of י׳
= boldness, impudence
= stronghold
base
H5797 עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז strength, might . material and physical
. personal, social, and political
. might of י׳
. = boldness, impudence
. = stronghold
5797 `oz oze
or (fully) rowz {oze}; from 5810; strength in various
applications (force, security, majesty, praise):--boldness,
loud, might, power, strength, strong.
see HEBREW for 05810
עֹז (oz) — strength.
1) might, strength
1a) material or physical
1b) personal or social or political
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
→ A title given to Jehovah 1Sa 15:29
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
HC/R/Ncmpc/Sp3ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/R/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
דּוּץ (duts) is a primitive root meaning to leap or dance. It covers actions like springing and dancing, as noted in Job 41:14, where it conveys a sense of lively movement. The entries consistently highlight its association with energetic physical expression.
[דּוּץ] vb. spring, leap, dance Jb 41:14 before him danceth dismay.
ref
H1750 דּוּץ
1750 duwts doots
a primitive root; to leap:--be turned.
דּוּץ (duts) — to dance.
(Qal) to leap, dance, spring
HVqi3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs
דְּאָבָה (d'abah) refers to a state of faintness or dismay, often linked to a failure of mental energy. It is derived from a root meaning 'pining' and can also imply sorrow or fear. The word appears in contexts like Job 41:14, where it describes a sense of dismay.
דְּאָבָה n.f. faintness, failure of mental energy, dismay Jb 41:14 and before him (i.e. the crocodile) danceth dismay.
ref
H1670 דְּאָבָה
1670 d'abah deh-aw-baw'
from 1669; properly, pining; by analogy, fear:--sorrow.
see HEBREW for 01669
דְּאָבָה (de.a.vah) — dismay.
faintness, dismay, failure of mental energy
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa