Job 41:17

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated.

American Standard Version (1901)

They are joined one to another; They stick together, so that they cannot be sundered.

Bible in Basic English

They take a grip of one another; they are joined together, so that they may not be parted.

Free Bible Version

Each scale attaches to the next; they lock together and nothing can penetrate them.

King James (Authorized) Version

They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.

Translation for Translators

The scales are joined very closely to each other, and they cannot be separated.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They are joined to each other; they stick together, so that they cannot be pulled apart.

Noah Webster Bible

They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.

World English Bible

They are joined to one another. They stick together, so that they can’t be pulled apart.

Young's Literal Translation

One unto another they adhere, They stick together and are not separated.

Context

The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan

¹⁶One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them. ¹⁷They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated.

Summary

In this verse, the majestic description of Leviathan continues, highlighting its fearsome teeth and strength. The imagery of Leviathan is used to emphasize God's power and sovereignty over all creation, including the most formidable creatures. Job 41 as a whole serves to remind Job of God's incomprehensible greatness and wisdom, leading Job to acknowledge his limited understanding and submit to God's divine plan. The portrayal of Leviathan underscores the contrast between human frailty and God's omnipotence, reinforcing the theme of trusting in God's wisdom and providence even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

They are joined one to another,.... One scale to another, or "a man in his brother" (h): which may seem to favour the notion of the whale's teeth in the sockets, which exactly answer to one another; but the next clause will by no means agree with them; they stick together, that they cannot be sundered: whereas they easily be, at least by the creature itself; but the scales of a crocodile are so closely joined and sealed together, that there is no parting them. (h) "vir in fratre suo"; Montanus.

Job 41:17

The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan

¹⁶One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them. ¹⁷They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated.

American Standard Version (1901)

They are joined one to another; They stick together, so that they cannot be sundered.

Bible in Basic English

They take a grip of one another; they are joined together, so that they may not be parted.

Free Bible Version

Each scale attaches to the next; they lock together and nothing can penetrate them.

King James (Authorized) Version

They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.

Translation for Translators

The scales are joined very closely to each other, and they cannot be separated.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They are joined to each other; they stick together, so that they cannot be pulled apart.

Noah Webster Bible

They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.

World English Bible

They are joined to one another. They stick together, so that they can’t be pulled apart.

Young's Literal Translation

One unto another they adhere, They stick together and are not separated.