Job 41

I leviathan. Most probably the crocodile.

Or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down. Rather, “or compress his tongue with a cord.”

2 a hook. Rather, “a rush-rope.”

a thorn. Or, “a hook” (R.V.).

6. Shall the companions, etc.? This verse may be rendered, “Do the companies [of fishermen] dig [pitfalls] for him,” or, “make traffic of him?” (R.V.).

8 do no more. Or, “thou wilt not do it again.”

9 the hope of him. That is, of any one who attempts to attack him.

11 prevented me. Or, “anticipated me”; i.e., in good offices, so as to lay me under obligation.

12 his comely proportion. Or, “the beauty of his array.”

13. Who can discover, etc.? Or, “Who can slip off the surface of his clothing [of scales]? Within the doubling of his bridle [i.e., his rows of teeth] who can enter?”

18. By his neesings a light doth shine. “His neesings flash forth light” (R.V.). This highly figurative language (18-21) describes the respiration [“sneezings”] of the animal rising out of the water, when the sunlight falls on the spray ejected from his nostrils.

22. In his neck remaineth strength, etc. Rather, “Strength dwelleth in his neck, and terror danceth before him” (R.V.).

24 the nether millstone. The nether or lower millstone was of harder material than the upper.

25. By reason of breakings they purify themselves. Rather, “By terrors they are bewildered.”

26 cannot hold. That is, can effect nothing.

29. Darts. Rather, “clubs.”

30. Sharp stones are under him, etc. Rather, “Under him are sharp potsherds; he spreadeth his threshing-sledge upon the mire”: alluding to the marks made by his scales on the mud.

31 like a pot of ointment. A shining, oily track.

34. He beholdeth all high things. He looks down on every thing as inferior to himself. The “children of pride” are the stronger and fiercer animals.