Job 41:21
Job 41:21 in Multiple Translations
His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames pour from his mouth.
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
His breath kindleth coals, And a flame goeth forth from his mouth.
His breath puts fire to coals, and a flame goes out of his mouth.
Its breath sets fire to charcoal as flames shoot from its mouth.
Sharpe stones are vnder him, and he spreadeth sharpe things vpon the myre.
His breath setteth coals on fire, And a flame from his mouth goeth forth.
His breath kindles coals. A flame goes out of his mouth.
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame issueth from his mouth.
The beams of the sun shall be under him, and he shall strew gold under him like mire.
Their breath can cause coals to blaze, and flames shoot out from their mouths.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:21
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 41:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ֭/קַשׁ
נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ
תוֹתָ֑ח
וְ֝/יִשְׂחַ֗ק
לְ/רַ֣עַשׁ
כִּידֽוֹן
כְּ֭/קַשׁ
qash
H7179
stubble
Prep | N-ms
נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
תוֹתָ֑ח
tôwthâch
H8455
club
N-ms
וְ֝/יִשְׂחַ֗ק
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/רַ֣עַשׁ
raʻash
H7494
quaking
Prep | N-ms
כִּידֽוֹן
kîydôwn
H3591
javelin
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 41:21
כְּ֭/קַשׁ
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.
נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
תוֹתָ֑ח
tôwthâch
H8455
"club"
N-ms
Towtach, or a club, is a weapon, possibly a mace, used for fighting or defense. In the KJV, it is translated as darts, indicating a projectile or thrown object.
Definition: 1) a weapon 1a) perhaps a club or mace
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: darts. See also: Job 41:21.
וְ֝/יִשְׂחַ֗ק
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
לְ/רַ֣עַשׁ
raʻash
H7494
"quaking"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes a quaking or shaking motion, often used to describe an earthquake or a person trembling with fear. It appears in the books of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing God's judgment and power.
Definition: 1) quaking, rattling, shaking 1a) earthquake 1b) quaking, trembling (of person) 1c) shaking, quivering (of dart)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: commotion, confused noise, earthquake, fierceness, quaking, rattling, rushing, shaking. See also: 1 Kings 19:11; Ezekiel 3:12; Isaiah 9:4.
כִּידֽוֹן
kîydôwn
H3591
"javelin"
N-ms
A javelin is a type of spear or dart used for throwing. In the Bible, it's also used to describe a piece of armor that protects the throat. Goliath wore one before fighting David.
Definition: 1) javelin, short sword, dart 2) gorget, a piece of armour for the throat (1Sa 17.6)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lance, shield, spear, target. See also: Joshua 8:18; Job 39:23; Jeremiah 6:23.
Study Notes — Job 41:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 41:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:21
- Sermons on Job 41:21
Context — The LORD’s Power Shown in Leviathan
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. 23The folds of his flesh are tightly joined; they are firm and immovable.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:8 | Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. |
| 2 | Isaiah 30:33 | For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 3:5 | Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. |
| 4 | Psalms 18:12 | From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire. |
Job 41:21 Summary
This verse, Job 41:21, describes a creature so powerful that its breath can set coals on fire and flames come out of its mouth. This is a picture of God's incredible power and control over creation, similar to what is seen in Genesis 1:1 where God creates the world with His word. The image of fire and flames also reminds us of God's refining and purifying power, as seen in Malachi 3:2, and encourages us to respect and reverence Him. By understanding God's power and might, we can trust in His sovereignty over all things, including the most fearsome creatures, and live our lives with reverence and respect for Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that his breath sets coals ablaze?
This phrase suggests the immense power and ferocity of the creature being described, emphasizing its ability to ignite and fuel intense fires, much like the refining fire mentioned in Malachi 3:2.
Is this verse describing a real creature or a symbolic one?
While the description is vivid and detailed, the creature in question, likely a Leviathan, may be used symbolically to represent God's power and authority, as seen in Psalm 104:25-26 where Leviathan is mentioned in the context of God's creation.
How does this verse relate to God's power and creation?
This verse highlights the awe-inspiring power of God's creation, emphasizing that even the most fearsome creatures are under God's control, as stated in Job 41:1-34 and reinforced by Psalm 95:3-5, which talks about God's sovereignty over all creation.
What can we learn from the imagery of flames pouring from the creature's mouth?
The image of flames pouring from the creature's mouth, as seen in Job 41:21, symbolizes the destructive power that God can unleash, similar to the fire that consumes the enemies of God in Hebrews 12:29, reminding us of the reverence and respect due to Him.
Reflection Questions
- How does the description of the creature's breath setting coals ablaze impact your understanding of God's power and might?
- In what ways can the imagery of flames and fire in this verse be applied to spiritual warfare and the battle against sin in our lives?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over all creation, including the most powerful and fearsome creatures?
- What does the vivid description of the creature tell you about the importance of reverence and respect in your relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Job 41:21
His breath kindles coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. Hyperbolical expressions, which the above observations may seem to justify.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:21
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. Kindleth coals - poetical imagery (Psalms 18:8, "There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it").
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:21
An hyperbolical expression, noting only extraordinary heat.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:21
Job 41:21 His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.Ver. 21. His breath kindleth coals] Or, would kindle coals (as a smith’ s bellows), if there were any to kindle. Such a kindling of coal was Arius and Hildebrand of old, the Jesuits of this day, and not a few others, Proverbs 26:21 Isaiah 33:11, "your breath, as fire, shall devour you." Some men’ s tongues are like gunpowder, which, touched with the least spark, will instantly be in the face. A flame goeth out of their mouths enough to set the whole course of nature on fire, James 3:6.
Cambridge Bible on Job 41:21
12–34. Description of the parts of Leviathan.
Barnes' Notes on Job 41:21
His breath kindleth coals - It seems to be a flame, and to set on fire all around it. So Hesiod, “Theog.” i. 319, describing the creation of the Chimera, speaks of it as πνέουσανἀμαισάκετονπῦρ pneousan amaimaketon pur.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:21
21. His breath kindleth coals — A highly poetical description of the beast when engaged in the pursuit of his prey, or when inflamed with rage.
Sermons on Job 41:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Wants It All by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of fully trusting God with every aspect of our lives, including our health, family, and future. He reflects on Isaiah's message that if we |
|
But as Flea-Bitings by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns of the dreadful reality of hell, describing it as a torment far greater than any earthly suffering. He emphasizes that the fire of Tophet, prepared by God, is e |
|
The Fearful Destiny! by James Smith | James Smith preaches a solemn sermon on the threatenings of God, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's wrath. He warns about the dangers of hypocrisy, highl |