Job 41:2
Job 41:2 in Multiple Translations
Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?
Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
Canst thou put a rope into his nose? Or pierce his jaw through with a hook?
Will you put a cord into his nose, or take him away with a cord round his tongue?
Can you thread a rope through its nose? Can you pass a hook through its jaw?
Who hath preuented mee that I shoulde make an ende? Al vnder heauen is mine.
Dost thou put a reed in his nose? And with a thorn pierce his jaw?
Can you put a rope into his nose, or pierce his jaw through with a hook?
Canst thou put a hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
Who hath given me before that I should repay him? All things that are under heaven are mine.
Can you put ropes through their noses to control them or thrust hooks through their jaws?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:2
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 41:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
אַ֭כְזָר
כִּ֣י
יְעוּרֶ֑/נּוּ
וּ/מִ֥י
ה֝֗וּא
לְ/פָנַ֥/י
יִתְיַצָּֽב
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַ֭כְזָר
ʼakzâr
H393
cruel
Adj
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְעוּרֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
ה֝֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לְ/פָנַ֥/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
יִתְיַצָּֽב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 41:2
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אַ֭כְזָר
ʼakzâr
H393
"cruel"
Adj
Means 'cruel' or 'fierce', often describing violent or deadly behavior. However, it can also imply bravery or strength in a positive sense. It appears in various Bible books, including Psalms and Proverbs, to describe human nature and behavior.
Definition: cruel, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cruel, fierce. See also: Deuteronomy 32:33; Job 41:2; Lamentations 4:3.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְעוּרֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
ה֝֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לְ/פָנַ֥/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יִתְיַצָּֽב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
Study Notes — Job 41:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 41:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:2
- Sermons on Job 41:2
Context — The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan
1“Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope?
2Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?
3Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly? 4Will he make a covenant with you to take him as a slave for life?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 37:29 | Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ |
| 2 | Ezekiel 29:4–5 | But I will put hooks in your jaws and cause the fish of your streams to cling to your scales. I will haul you up out of your rivers, and all the fish of your streams will cling to your scales. I will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams. You will fall on the open field and will not be taken away or gathered for burial. I have given you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the air. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:28 | Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ |
| 4 | Isaiah 27:1 | In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. |
Job 41:2 Summary
This verse is asking if we can control or tame something as powerful as Leviathan, a massive sea creature. The answer is no, we cannot, and this reminds us of our limitations and the power of God, as seen in Psalm 89:9-10. Just like we cannot put a cord through Leviathan's nose or pierce his jaw with a hook, we cannot control the things that are beyond our power, and we should trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom instead, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of putting a cord through Leviathan's nose or piercing his jaw with a hook in Job 41:2?
This verse is a rhetorical question, emphasizing the impossibility of taming or controlling Leviathan, a powerful symbol of God's creation, as seen in Job 41:1 and Psalm 104:25-26. This highlights the limitations of human power and control.
Is Leviathan a real creature or a mythical symbol?
While the exact nature of Leviathan is debated, the Bible describes it as a fearsome sea creature in Job 41:1 and Psalm 74:13-14, and its description serves to illustrate God's power and majesty, as seen in Isaiah 27:1.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals God's power and majesty, as He is the one who created Leviathan and has control over it, as stated in Job 41:11 and Psalm 50:10-11. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and dominance over all creation.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of our limitations and the futility of trying to control or tame the things that are beyond our power, as seen in Proverbs 21:30 and Romans 11:33-34. Instead, we should acknowledge and reverence God's power and majesty, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I try to control or tame, but are actually beyond my power?
- How does the description of Leviathan in this verse make me feel about God's power and majesty?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of acknowledging my limitations and trusting in God's sovereignty to my daily life?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender my attempts to control and instead trust in God's wisdom and power?
Gill's Exposition on Job 41:2
Canst thou put an hook into his nose?.... Or a rush, that is, a rope made of rushes; for of such ropes were made, as Pliny (g) affirms; or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:2
Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Hook - rather, a rope of rushes [ 'agmown (H100)]. Thorn - rather, a ring or hook [ chowach (H2336)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:2
An hook, Heb. a bulrush, i.e. a hook like a bulrush, with its head hanging down, as is expressed, . Into his nose, to hang him up by it for sale, or to carry him home for use, after thou hast drawn him out of the sea or river, of which he spake in the former verse. With a thorn; or, with an iron hook or instrument as sharp as a thorn, wherewith thou usest to carry little fishes.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:2
Job 41:2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?Ver. 2. Canst thou put a hook into his nose?] Canst thou ring him like a swine, or rule him like a bear? God can, and did Sennacherib that crooked leviathan, Isaiah 27:1; Isaiah 37:29; and doth still the Great Turk, who desireth to devour Christendom. Or bore his jaw through with a thorn?] Or twig, as men do lesser fishes, taken with an angle, or herrings from the fish market. These are facetious and ironic questions that are put to Job in these five first verses; hinting to him, that although he could not do any of these things, yet God could with ease.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:2
(2) Hook.—Or, cord of rush.A thorn.—Or, spike or hook.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:2
Verse 2. Canst thou put a hook onto his nose?] Canst thou put a ring in his nose, and lead him about as thou dost thine ox? In the East they frequently lead thy oxen and buffaloes with a ring in their noses. So they do bulls and oxen in this country. Bore his jaw through with a thorn?] Some have thought that this means, Canst thou deal with him as with one of those little fish which thou stringest on a rush by means of the thorn at its end? Or perhaps it may refer to those ornaments with which they sometimes adorned their horses, mules, camels, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Job 41:2
2. a hook] lit. a cord of rush. a thorn] That is, a spike. The reference in the first clause may be to the habit of passing a cord through the gills of fish when caught, and letting them down into the water again, to preserve them in freshness.
Barnes' Notes on Job 41:2
Canst thou put a hook into his nose - Or rather, a “rope,” or “cord.” The word used here (אגמון 'agmôn) means “a caldron,” or “kettle” Job 41:20, also a reed, or bulrush, growing in marshy places,
Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:2
2. A hook — Hebrew, agmon, rush, cord, or reed. (Note, Job 40:21.) Wilkinson (iii, 6) says of the ancient Egyptians, they passed the stalk of a rush through the gills, and thus attached the fish
Sermons on Job 41:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Seminar 3 - Dinosaurs and the Bible by Kent Hovind | This seminar addresses the perceived conflict between dinosaur fossils and the biblical account of creation, exploring the field of cryptozoology to shed light on hidden animals li |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of family and the breakdown of the family unit in society. He uses the metaphor of a vineyard to describe God's people a |
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The Sword in the Shadow by Allan Halton | Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming dese |