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Chapter 40
Verse 40

Job 40:17

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

American Standard Version (1901)

He moveth his tail like a cedar: The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

Bible in Basic English

His tail is curving like a cedar; the muscles of his legs are joined together.

Free Bible Version

It bends its tail like a cedar; its thigh sinews are strong.

King James (Authorized) Version

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

Translation for Translators

Their tails are stiff (OR, bend down) like the branches of a cedar tree. The sinews/muscles of their thighs are close together.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He makes his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are joined together.

Noah Webster Bible

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his male organs are wrapped together.

World English Bible

He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

Young's Literal Translation

He doth bend his tail as a cedar, The sinews of his thighs are wrapped together,

Context

The LORD Challenges Job Again

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.

Summary

In Job 40:17, the description of the behemoth showcases God's power and sovereignty over all creation. This creature, often interpreted as a hippopotamus or a dinosaur, is presented as a mighty and untamable beast, illustrating the incomprehensible nature of God's works. The passage serves to remind Job of God's supremacy and wisdom, emphasizing that even the most formidable creatures are under His control. Ultimately, Job 40:17 highlights the majesty and authority of God, inviting reverence and awe for His magnificent creations.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

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.

Job 40:17

The LORD Challenges Job Again

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.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

American Standard Version (1901)

He moveth his tail like a cedar: The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

Bible in Basic English

His tail is curving like a cedar; the muscles of his legs are joined together.

Free Bible Version

It bends its tail like a cedar; its thigh sinews are strong.

King James (Authorized) Version

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

Translation for Translators

Their tails are stiff (OR, bend down) like the branches of a cedar tree. The sinews/muscles of their thighs are close together.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He makes his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are joined together.

Noah Webster Bible

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his male organs are wrapped together.

World English Bible

He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

Young's Literal Translation

He doth bend his tail as a cedar, The sinews of his thighs are wrapped together,

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

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.