Job 41:20
Job 41:20 in Multiple Translations
Smoke billows from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds.
Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.
Out of his nostrils a smoke goeth, As of a boiling pot and burning rushes.
Smoke comes out of his nose, like a pot boiling on the fire.
Smoke comes from its nostrils, like steam from a kettle on a fire made of reeds.
The dartes are counted as strawe: and hee laugheth at the shaking of the speare.
Out of his nostrils goeth forth smoke, As a blown pot and reeds.
Out of his nostrils a smoke goes, as of a boiling pot over a fire of reeds.
Out of his nostrils issueth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.
As stubble will he esteem the hammer, and he will laugh him to scorn who shaketh the spear.
Smoke pours out of their nostrils/noses like steam comes out of a pot that is put over a fire made from dry reeds.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:20
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 41:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
יַבְרִיחֶ֥/נּוּ
בֶן
קָ֑שֶׁת
לְ֝/קַ֗שׁ
נֶהְפְּכוּ
ל֥/וֹ
אַבְנֵי
קָֽלַע
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַבְרִיחֶ֥/נּוּ
bârach
H1272
to flee
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
קָ֑שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
bow
N-fs
לְ֝/קַ֗שׁ
qash
H7179
stubble
Prep | N-ms
נֶהְפְּכוּ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
קָֽלַע
qelaʻ
H7050
sling
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 41:20
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.
יַבְרִיחֶ֥/נּוּ
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קָ֑שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
לְ֝/קַ֗שׁ
qash
H7179
"stubble"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to dry straw or stubble, often used to describe something that is worthless or easily destroyed. It appears in prophetic passages, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, to symbolize God's judgment.
Definition: stubble, chaff
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: stubble. See also: Exodus 5:12; Isaiah 40:24; Psalms 83:14.
נֶהְפְּכוּ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אַבְנֵי
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
קָֽלַע
qelaʻ
H7050
"sling"
N-ms
A curtain or hanging screen is what this word describes, like the ones used in the tabernacle or Solomon's temple to separate sacred spaces.
Definition: sling, slingstones
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: hanging, leaf, sling. See also: Exodus 27:9; Exodus 38:18; Zechariah 9:15.
Study Notes — Job 41:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 41:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:20
- Sermons on Job 41:20
Context — The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan
18His snorting flashes with light, and his eyes are like the rays of dawn.
19Firebrands stream from his mouth; fiery sparks shoot forth!
20Smoke billows from his nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning reeds.
21His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames pour from his mouth. 22Strength resides in his neck, and dismay leaps before him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 1:13–14 | Again the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “What do you see?” “I see a boiling pot,” I replied, “and it is tilting toward us from the north.” Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land. |
Job 41:20 Summary
This verse, Job 41:20, describes a powerful creature called the Leviathan, which is so strong that smoke comes out of its nose like a boiling pot. This shows us how mighty and powerful God is, because He created this amazing creature (as seen in Psalm 104:25). Just like the Leviathan is strong, God is also strong and can help us in our lives (as seen in Romans 11:33). We can trust in God's power and might, just like we are amazed by the power of the Leviathan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being described in Job 41:20?
The verse is describing the mighty Leviathan, a symbol of God's power and strength, as seen in the smoke billowing from its nostrils, similar to a boiling pot over burning reeds, illustrating its immense energy and might, as also seen in Psalm 104:25 and Isaiah 27:1.
What does the image of smoke billowing from the nostrils signify?
The image signifies the intense heat and power of the Leviathan, emphasizing God's creation of a fearsome and awe-inspiring creature, as also described in Job 41:21 where its breath sets coals ablaze.
How does this verse relate to our understanding of God's power?
This verse reminds us of God's incredible power and might, as seen in His creation, and encourages us to trust and reverence Him, as expressed in Psalm 111:2 and Romans 11:33.
What can we learn from the description of the Leviathan in Job 41:20?
We can learn about the majesty and strength of God's creation, and how it reflects His own power and glory, as seen in Isaiah 40:28 and Job 42:3.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the image of smoke billowing from the Leviathan's nostrils, what does it teach me about God's power and might?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's strength and provision in my own life?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of God's power, as seen in the Leviathan, to my daily walk with Him?
- As I consider the awe-inspiring description of the Leviathan, what are some areas where I need to surrender to God's mighty power and control?
Gill's Exposition on Job 41:20
Out of his nostrils goeth forth smoke, as [out] of a seething pot or caldron. In which flesh or anything else is boiling.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:20
Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. Seething - boiling: literally, blow under, a pot under which a fire is blown [ duwd (H1732) naapuwach (H5301)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:20
Heb. pool. So a great caldron is called, because it sends forth a great smoke, as a pool doth vapours; as in like manner the great brazen laver in the temple is called a sea, for the great quantity of water which it held.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:20
Job 41:20 Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as [out] of a seething pot or caldron.Ver. 20. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, &c.] While his meat heateth in his stomach for concoction; as if fire were put under some great reeking pot or caldron boiling; Heb. blown ( sufflati); for from blowing comes boiling.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:20
(20) Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.—The last word is uncertain: it is the same as was rendered in the Authorised Version “hook” at Job 41:2; and taking the same sense here, we may render, as of a seething pot and rushes: i.e., a pot made hot with rushes.
Cambridge Bible on Job 41:20
20. as out of a seething pot or caldron] Rather perhaps, like a seething pot with rushes, i. e. with a fire of rushes.
Barnes' Notes on Job 41:20
Out of his nostrils goeth smoke - See the quotations on Job 41:19. This appearance of the crocodile, or alligator, has been often noticed. Bertram, in his “Travels in North and South Carolina,” p.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:20
20. A… caldron — Thus Hitzig, Delitzsch, etc. The same word, agmon, appears in the second verse, and is here correspondingly read by some, kindled reeds. See note on Job 40:21.
Sermons on Job 41:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Implosion of America by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three principles that lead to a nation's downfall and destruction. The first principle is the absence of spiritual leadership in the church, w |