Job 40:17
Job 40:17 in Multiple Translations
His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.
He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
He moveth his tail like a cedar: The sinews of his thighs are knit together.
His tail is curving like a cedar; the muscles of his legs are joined together.
It bends its tail like a cedar; its thigh sinews are strong.
Can the trees couer him with their shadow? or can the willowes of the riuer compasse him about?
He doth bend his tail as a cedar, The sinews of his thighs are wrapped together,
He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are knit together.
He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his male organs are wrapped together.
The shades cover his shadow, the willows of the brook shall compass him about.
Their tails are stiff (OR, bend down) like the branches of a cedar tree. The sinews/muscles of their thighs are close together.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:17
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 40:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
זְנָב֣/וֹ
כְמוֹ
אָ֑רֶז
גִּידֵ֖י
פחד/ו
פַחֲדָ֣י/ו
יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
זְנָב֣/וֹ
zânâb
H2180
tail
N-ms | Suff
כְמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
אָ֑רֶז
ʼerez
H730
cedar
N-ms
גִּידֵ֖י
gîyd
H1517
sinew
N-mp
פחד/ו
pachad
H6344
thigh
N-ms | Suff
פַחֲדָ֣י/ו
pachad
H6344
thigh
N-md | Suff
יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ
sârag
H8276
to intertwine
V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:17
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
זְנָב֣/וֹ
zânâb
H2180
"tail"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the tail of an animal, and can also mean the end or stump of something. It is used literally and figuratively in the Bible.
Definition: tail, end, stump
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: tail. See also: Exodus 4:4; Job 40:17; Isaiah 7:4.
כְמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
אָ֑רֶז
ʼerez
H730
"cedar"
N-ms
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
גִּידֵ֖י
gîyd
H1517
"sinew"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a sinew or tendon, which connects muscles to bones. In the Bible, it is used to describe the physical body, such as in Job 40:17, where it refers to a strong tendon. The word symbolizes strength and connection.
Definition: sinew
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: sinew. See also: Genesis 32:33; Isaiah 48:4; Ezekiel 37:8.
פחד/ו
pachad
H6344
"thigh"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word literally means thigh, but it can also refer to a source of shame or vulnerability. The book of Genesis uses it to describe the shame of nakedness. It is not directly related to fear or dread.
Definition: thigh
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: stone. See also: Job 40:17.
פַחֲדָ֣י/ו
pachad
H6344
"thigh"
N-md | Suff
In Hebrew, this word literally means thigh, but it can also refer to a source of shame or vulnerability. The book of Genesis uses it to describe the shame of nakedness. It is not directly related to fear or dread.
Definition: thigh
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: stone. See also: Job 40:17.
יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ
sârag
H8276
"to intertwine"
V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
To intertwine means to wrap or twist things together, like a wreath or a braid. This Hebrew word is used to describe things that are closely connected or intertwined. It appears in descriptions of intricate designs or patterns.
Definition: 1) to be intertwined 1a) (Pual) to be intertwined 1b) (Hithpael) to intertwine oneself
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wrap together, wreath. See also: Job 40:17; Lamentations 1:14.
Study Notes — Job 40:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:17
Context — The LORD Challenges Job Again
15Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox.
16See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly.
17His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.
18His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron. 19He is the foremost of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 41:23 | The folds of his flesh are tightly joined; they are firm and immovable. |
Job 40:17 Summary
[This verse is describing a huge, powerful creature called Behemoth, which God created. Its tail is so big and strong that it is compared to a cedar tree, and its thighs are very muscular, showing its incredible physical power. This shows us how amazing and powerful God's creation is, as seen in Psalm 19:1, which says that the heavens declare God's glory. By looking at creatures like Behemoth, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's wisdom and might, as stated in Romans 1:20, which says that God's invisible attributes can be seen in His creation.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being described in Job 40:17?
The description in Job 40:17 is of Behemoth, a powerful creature created by God, as seen in Job 40:15, where it is stated that God made Behemoth along with humanity.
What does the comparison of the tail to a cedar tree signify?
The comparison of Behemoth's tail to a cedar tree in Job 40:17 signifies its enormous size and strength, much like the cedar tree is known for its grandeur and might, as described in Ezekiel 31:3.
How does the description of Behemoth's thighs relate to its overall character?
The tightly knit sinews of Behemoth's thighs, as described in Job 40:17, indicate its incredible physical power and agility, highlighting its role as a formidable creature, as further emphasized in Job 40:18, which mentions its bones and limbs being made of bronze and iron.
What does this verse reveal about God's creation?
This verse reveals that God's creation includes powerful and majestic creatures like Behemoth, showcasing His incredible power and wisdom, as stated in Psalm 104:24, which says that God's works are all wonderful.
Reflection Questions
- What does the description of Behemoth's physical strength say about God's power and creativity in creation?
- How does the image of Behemoth's tail swaying like a cedar tree impact your understanding of the natural world and God's role in it?
- In what ways can reflecting on the strength and majesty of creatures like Behemoth inspire awe and reverence for God?
- How does the depiction of Behemoth in Job 40:17 challenge or reinforce your current understanding of God's character and creation?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:17
He moveth his tail like a cedar,.... To which it is compared, not for the length and largeness of it; for the tail both of the elephant and of the river horse is short; though Vartomannus (c) says,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:17
Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:17
He moveth his tail; which though it be but short, both in the elephant and in the hippopotamus, yet when it is erected is exceeding stiff and strong. But this may be understood, either, 1. Of his generative part, which is off called by that or the like name, which the following close of the verse may seem to favour. Or, 2. Of the elephant’ s trunk, which being so eminent and remarkable a part, would not probably be omitted in this description, to which these words very fitly agree, because of its admirable motion and strength. Nor is it strange that this is called his tail, because that word is oft used improperly for any end of a thing, as . See also 28:13,44. The sinews of his stones: this may be noted, because the elephant’ s testicles do not hang down below the belly, as they do in other beasts, but are contained within his belly, where they are fastened by ligaments of extraordinary strength. Or, the sinews of the terror thereof, to wit, of the trunk last mentioned, under the name of the tail, i.e. its terrible sinews are strongly and strangely wrapped together, that he can move it as he listeth with wonderful dexterity and strength. Or, the sinews of his thighs, as the latter word oft signifies in the Arabic tongue, which is very near akin to the Hebrew.
The thighs and feet of the hippopotamus are noted to be so sinewy and strong, that one of them is able to break or overturn a large boat.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:17
Job 40:17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.Ver. 17. He moveth his tail like a cedar] The elephant hath but a small and short tail for his bulk; Beza, therefore, rendereth it his prominent part, which is as the cedar, and interpreteth it to be his proboscis, or large snout, which truly, saith he, as being proper to the elephant, and of very great use, might not in any wise be pretermitted in this description. See Job 40:15. The sinews of his stones are wrapped together] This is also another of the elephant’ s properties, whose testicles are hidden and stick to his belly, fastened there by certain sinews and ligaments, and do not hang, as other beasts’ testicles do. As his genital members are but small, considering his size; so his lust to the female is not great, never coupling with her but in secret, and when she is once filled, forbearing her company.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:17
(17) The sinews of his stones.—Rather, of his thighs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:17
Verse 17. He moveth his tail like a cedar] Therefore it was neither the elephant, who has a tail like that of the hog, nor the hippopotamus, whose tail is only about a foot long. The sinews of his stones] I translate with Mr. Good, and for the same reasons, the sinews of his haunches, which is still more characteristic; as the animal must have excelled in leaping.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:17
17. The “tail” of the hippopotamus is short, naked and muscular, resembling that of the hog. The great strength of the animal may be inferred from the muscular stiffness of the tail, which bends like the branch or young stem of a cedar.
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:17
He moveth his tail like a cedar - Margin, “setteth up.” The Hebrew word (חפץ châphêts) means “to bend, to curve;” and hence, it commonly denotes “to be inclined, favorably disposed to desire or
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:17
17. Like a cedar — Short and firm though the tail may be, it is swayed by the volition of the vast animal like a cedar bough by the wind.