Job 41:9 — Word Study
WLCהֵן־ תֹּחַלְתּ֥וֹ נִכְזָ֑בָה הֲגַ֖ם אֶל־ מַרְאָ֣יו יֻטָֽל׃
BSAmanʼîysh brotherʼâch to cleavedâbaq to capturelâkad notlôʼ to separatepârad
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הֵן־ | there! | Particle |
| תֹּחַלְתּ֥וֹ | hope his | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| נִכְזָ֑בָה | it is proved a lie | Verb, Niphal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| הֲגַ֖ם | ¿ also | Particle, adverb |
| אֶל־ | because of | Preposition |
| מַרְאָ֣יו | appearance its | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| יֻטָֽל׃ | everyone is thrown down | Verb, Hophal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Surely hope of overcoming him is false. Is not the sight of him overwhelming? |
| KJV | Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? |
| ASV | Behold, the hope of him is in vain: Will not one be cast down even at the sight of him? |
| YLT | Lo, the hope of him is found a liar, Also at his appearance is not one cast down? |
| WEB | Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Won’t one be cast down even at the sight of him? |
| BBE | Truly, the hope of his attacker is false; he is overcome even on seeing him! |
Where they part company is מַרְאָ֣יו — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main assertion followed by a rhetorical question, emphasizing the futility of hope against Leviathan's power.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbהוּא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
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 41:9
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 Leviathangenerated
Job 41:9 reflects on the futility of hope against Leviathan, a creature symbolizing chaos and power. The preceding verses warn of the danger of confronting it, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of its presence. This passage highlights the theme of human limitations when faced with divine power, as seen throughout the Book of Job.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:34 | You will be driven mad by the sights you see. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 3:11 | Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle. |
| 3 | Isaiah 28:19 | As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. |
| 4 | Luke 21:11 | There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תֹּחַלְתּ֥וֹ, to.chal.Togenerated
The noun תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת (towcheleth) signifies 'hope' or 'expectation', derived from a root meaning to expect. It conveys a sense of trust and confidence in a positive outcome.
In this verse, it underscores the false hope of overcoming Leviathan, emphasizing that such expectations are in vain. The parsing indicates it is a feminine singular noun, suggesting a specific but misguided anticipation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains two main clauses: the first states that hope of overcoming Leviathan is false, while the second questions the overwhelming sight of this creature. The structure emphasizes the futility of hope against such power.
The finite verb נִכְזָ֑בָה (it is proved a lie) governs the first clause, while יֻטָֽל (everyone is thrown down) governs the second, creating a stark contrast between expectation and reality.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, נִכְזָ֑בָה is rendered as ἀποσπασθῶσιν, which suggests a broader interpretation of being cast down or thrown aside, rather than simply being proven a lie. This choice reflects a more dramatic portrayal of the creature's overwhelming nature.
The other words align closely with their Hebrew counterparts, maintaining the overall message of the verse while adapting to the Greek language.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 41:9 states that any hope of defeating Leviathan is false, and its appearance is overwhelming. This verse emphasizes the futility of human strength against such a powerful creature.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is expressing that any expectation of defeating Leviathan is misguided, emphasizing the creature's immense power.
The overwhelming sight refers to the fearsome and terrifying appearance of Leviathan, which evokes a sense of dread.
This verse illustrates the theme of human limitations in the face of divine power and chaos, a central aspect of the Book of Job.
Job's description serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring power of creation and the futility of human pride.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some situations in my life where I have felt overwhelmed, like Job describes?
- How can I better recognize the limits of my own strength in the face of challenges?
- In what ways can I find hope when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
- How does understanding the power of creation impact my faith and perspective on life's challenges?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Gregory the Dialogist references this verse in his writings, interpreting it in the context of hope and the overwhelming nature of Leviathan.
Behold, his hope shall disappoint him. And in the sight of all he shall be cast down. 37. But this ought to be so understood, as to be referred to his body also;Early Church Fathers on Job 41 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 41:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBehold, the hope of him is in vain,.... Of getting the mastery over him, or of taking him; and yet both crocodiles and whales have been taken; nor is the taking of them to be despaired of; but it
Read John Gill on Job 41 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBehold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 41 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe hope of him; either, 1. Of the fish, i.e. the hope of taking or conquering him. Or rather, 2. Of the man who laid hands upon him, as hoping to take him by force, but in vain. Shall not; the prefix he being put for halo, as it is ofttimes in the Hebrew text, as . Even at the sight of him; not only the fight, but the very sight of him is most frightful. Such is the sight of the whale to mariners, who fear the overturning of their vessel. And such is the sight of the crocodile, by which alone some have been affrighted out of their wits.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 41 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 41:9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not [one] be cast down even at the sight of him?Ver. 9. Behold, the hope of him is in vain] Heb. is lying. A man may promise himseff or others to take the whale, but how or when will he effect it? It is a misery to lie languishing at Hope’ s Hospital, and after all to be disappointed; to labour all night, and take nothing, &c. Shall not one be cast down at the sight of him?] Surely there is cause enough to be cast down, if he be so big and dreadful to behold as is reported.
Read John Trapp on Job 41 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) Behold the hope of him is in vain—i.e., the hope of the rash man who would venture to attack him: at the sight of him, i.e., the infuriated crocodile.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 41 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. Behold, the hope] If thou miss thy first advantage, there is no hope afterwards: the very sight of this terrible monster would dissipate thy spirit, if thou hadst not a positive advantage against his life, or a place of sure retreat to save thine own.
Read AdamClarke on Job 41 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9. the hope of him is in vain] Rather, behold, one’s hope is belied; lit. his hope. The hope of the assailant to overcome Leviathan is disappointed.
Read Cambridge on Job 41 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBehold, the hope of him is in vain - That is, the hope of taking him is vain. Shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
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
Surely hope of overcoming him is false. Is not the sight of him overwhelming?
Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Won’t one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Surely hope of overcoming him is false. Is not the sight of him overwhelming?
See, his expectation is wrong, he is laid low even at the sight of it.
Tyndale line
Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Behold, the hope of him is in vain: Will not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
His niesings make the light to shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
Strictly literal
Lo, hope as to him is belied: is not one cast down even at the sight of him?
Lo, the hope of him is found a liar, Also at his appearance is not one cast down?
Behold, the hope of him is found a liar, || Also, is one not cast down at his appearance?
(41:1) Behold, his expectation was deceived: even at his mere sight is he cast down.
See, the hope of anyone who does that is a lie; will not anyone be thrown down to the ground just by the sight of him?
From the Latin
His sneezing is like the shining of fire, and his eyes like the eyelids of the morning.
Simplified
Any hope to capture it is foolish. Anyone who tries is thrown to the ground.
Truly, the hope of his attacker is false; he is overcome even on seeing 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 and the Septuagint align closely, with six of the seven Hebrew words matched in the Greek translation. This indicates a strong consistency in the portrayal of Leviathan's overwhelming power.
הֵן־ תֹּחַלְתּ֥וֹ נִכְזָ֑בָה הֲגַ֖ם אֶל־ מַרְאָ֣יו יֻטָֽל׃
6 of the 7 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 41:9
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.
הֵן (hen) is a demonstrative adverb or interjection meaning 'lo!' or 'behold!'. It is primarily used to draw attention to a fact that prompts action or leads to a conclusion. The word can also express surprise and is less common than its counterpart הִנֵּה (hinneh). Additionally, it can function hypothetically as 'if'.
הֵן 100 demonstr.adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
base
H2005 הֵן demonstr. adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
2005 hen hane
a primitive particle; lo!; also (as expressing surprise)
if:--behold, if, lo, though.
הֵן (hen) — look!.
interj
1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part
2) if
Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
HTj — ParticleHTj
תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת (towcheleth) means 'hope' and is derived from the root word for 'expectation' found in H3176. The entries consistently define it as a noun related to the concept of hope, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת n.f. hope
base
H8431 תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת
8431 towcheleth to-kheh'-leth
from 3176; expectation:--hope.
see HEBREW for 03176
תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת (to.che.let) — hope.
hope
HNcfsc/Sp3ms — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3ms
כָּזַב (kazab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lie or deceive. It encompasses various forms, including being a liar, telling a lie, and failing or disappointing. The entries indicate its use in different stems, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, which express nuances of lying and deception. One example noted is the phrase, "who will make me a liar?"
[כָּזַב] vb. lie, be a liar
Qal Pt.
Niph. his hope has been made deceptive
Pi.
lie, tell a lie
disappoint, fail
Hiph. who will make me a liar? i.e. prove me to be so
base
H3576 כָּזַב lie, be a liar .Pt.
. his hope has been made deceptive
. . lie, tell a lie
. disappoint, fail
. who will make me a liar? i.e. prove me to be so
3576 kazab kaw-zab'
a primitive root; to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or
figuratively:--fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be
in vain.
כָּזַב (ka.zav) — to lie.
1) to lie, tell a lie, be a liar, be found a liar, be in vain, fail
1a) (Qal) liar (participle)
1b) (Niphal) to be proven to be lying
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to lie, tell a lie, tell a lie with, deceive
1c2) to disappoint, fail
1d) (Hiphil) to make a liar, prove to be a liar
HVNp3fs — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person feminine singularHVNp3fs
Lie
An intentional violation of the truth. Lies are emphatically condemned in Scripture (John 8:44; 1 Tim. 1:9, 10; Rev. 21:27; 22:15). Mention is made of the lies told by good men, as by Abraham (Gen. 12:12, 13; 20:2), Isaac (26:7), and Jacob (27:24); also by the Hebrew midwives (Ex. 1:15-19), by Michal (1 Sam. 19:14), and by David (1 Sam. 20:6). (See ANANIAS.)
גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.
גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
base
H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
1571 gam gam
by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,
though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,
also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,
even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,
nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.
גַּם (gam) — also.
1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea
1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)
1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)
1c) even (for stress)
1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)
1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)
1f) but, yet, though (adversative)
1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)
2) (TWOT) again, alike
HTi/D — Particle · adverbHTi/D
ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
HR — PrepositionHR
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מַרְאֶה (mar'eh) refers to sight, appearance, or vision, encompassing both physical and supernatural aspects of what is seen. It can denote a phenomenon, spectacle, or the power of seeing. The word is derived from a root meaning to see, and it covers a range of meanings related to visual perception.
מַרְאֶה 102 n.m. sight, appearance, vision
sight, phenomenon, spectacle
appearance
appearance, sight, vision
in gen. what is seen
specif. a (supernat.) vision
sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late
base
H4758 מַרְאֶה sight, appearance, vision . . sight, phenomenon, spectacle
. appearance
. appearance, sight, vision
. in gen. what is seen
. specif. a (supernat.) vision
. sight, vision = power of seeing (and enjoying), late
4758 mar'eh mar-eh'
from 7200; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance
(the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if
handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a
vision:--X apparently, appearance(-reth), X as soon as
beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to
look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight,
visage, vision.
see HEBREW for 07200
מַרְאֶה (mar.eh) — appearance.
1) sight, appearance, vision
1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision
1b) what is seen
1c) a vision (supernatural)
1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
HNcmsc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
טוּל (tul) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cast or hurl. It encompasses various forms, including to throw away or carry off, and can describe both active and passive actions, such as being thrown or hurled down. The entries indicate its use in different grammatical forms, but do not specify particular verses.
[טוּל] vb. Pilp. etc., hurl, cast
Pilp. hurleth thee violently
Hiph. cast, cast out
Hoph.
be hurled
of inanimate thing, be cast, thrown
base
H2904 [טוּל] Pilp. etc., hurl, cast
2904 tuwl tool
a primitive root; to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively)
to cast down or out:--carry away, (utterly) cast (down, forth,
out), send out.
טוּל (tul) — to cast.
1) to hurl, cast
1a) (Pilpel) to throw away, carry away, hurl
1b) (Hiphil) to throw, cast, cast out
1c)(Hophal)
1c1) to be hurled, hurled down
1c2) to be cast, be thrown, be cast out, be thrown down
HVHi3ms — Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVHi3ms
