Job 41:3
Job 41:3 in Multiple Translations
Will he beg you for mercy or speak to you softly?
Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?
Will he make many supplications unto thee? Or will he speak soft words unto thee?
Will he make prayers to you, or say soft words to you?
Will it beg you to let it go? Or will it talk softly to you?
I will not keepe silence concerning his partes, nor his power nor his comely proportion.
Doth he multiply unto thee supplications? Doth he speak unto thee tender things?
Will he make many petitions to you, or will he speak soft words to you?
Will he make many supplications to thee? will he speak soft words to thee?
I will not spare him, nor his mighty words, and framed to make supplication.
Will they plead with you to act mercifully toward them or ◄use sweet talk/speak to you nicely► in order that you will not harm them?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:3
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 41:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֣י
הִ֭קְדִּימַ/נִי
וַ/אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם
תַּ֖חַת
כָּל
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
לִ/י
הֽוּא
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
הִ֭קְדִּימַ/נִי
qâdam
H6923
to meet
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
וַ/אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
לִ/י
Prep | Suff
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 41:3
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
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.
הִ֭קְדִּימַ/נִי
qâdam
H6923
"to meet"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To meet or go before someone, often for help, as seen in the Bible when God meets his people in Exodus. This word can also mean to anticipate or hasten something. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God coming to the aid of his people.
Definition: 1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive 1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front 1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to come in front 1b2) to confront, anticipate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. See also: Deuteronomy 23:5; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 17:13.
וַ/אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
לִ/י
""
Prep | Suff
הֽוּא
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.
Study Notes — Job 41:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 41:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 41:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 41:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 41:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:3
- Sermons on Job 41:3
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? 5Can you pet him like a bird or put him on a leash for your maidens?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 30:10 | They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:15 | Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. |
| 3 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:23 | The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. |
Job 41:3 Summary
This verse, Job 41:3, is asking if the powerful creature Leviathan would ever beg for mercy or speak softly to humans. The answer is no, because Leviathan is a symbol of the powerful forces of nature that only God can control. This reminds us that we are not in charge, and that God is the one who has power over all things, as seen in (Psalm 103:19) and (Isaiah 46:10). By recognizing God's power and authority, we can learn to trust in Him and submit to His will, rather than trying to control everything ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Job 41:3 in the context of the book of Job?
Job 41:3 is part of God's response to Job, highlighting the power and majesty of God through the description of Leviathan, and emphasizing the idea that humans are not in control, as seen in Job 40:8 and Psalm 104:25-26.
Is Leviathan a real creature or a metaphor?
While the existence of Leviathan as a real creature is debated, the Bible uses it to illustrate God's power, as seen in Psalm 74:13-14 and Isaiah 27:1, where it symbolizes the forces of chaos that God has tamed.
What does it mean for Leviathan to 'beg for mercy' or 'speak softly'?
This phrase in Job 41:3 emphasizes the idea that even the most powerful creatures are subject to God's authority, and it would be futile for humans to expect such a creature to show submission or speak in a gentle manner, as seen in Job 40:9-10 and Romans 11:33-36.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
Job 41:3 reminds us of the vast difference between God's power and our own, encouraging humility and reverence, as seen in Isaiah 40:28 and Psalm 95:6-7, where we are called to acknowledge God's majesty and submit to His will.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I try to 'tame' or control the circumstances of my life, and how can I learn to trust in God's sovereignty instead?
- In what ways do I struggle with humility and recognizing my limitations, and how can I cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God's power and majesty?
- How can I apply the lesson of Job 41:3 to my own life, recognizing that true power and control belong to God alone, and that I am called to submit to His will?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's authority and surrender my own attempts to control or manipulate, and how can I take steps to do so?
Gill's Exposition on Job 41:3
Will he make many supplications unto thee?.... To cease pursuing him, or to let him go when taken, or to use him well and not take away his life; no, he is too spirited and stouthearted to ask any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:3
Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee? Soft words - that thou mayest spare his life. No; he is untameable.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:3
Doth he dread thine anger or power? or will he humbly and earnestly beg thy favour, that thou wouldst spare him, and not pursue him, or release him out of prison? It is a metaphor from men in distress and misery, who use these means to them to whose power they are subject.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:3
Job 41:3 Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft [words] unto thee?Ver. 3. Will he make many supplications unto thee?] As conquered captives use to do; witness Benhadad, 1 Kings 20:32, and Teridates, king of Parthians, who being brought prisoner to Nero, thus bespake him: I come unto thee as unto my god, and will henceforth worship thee as I do the sun in heaven; I will be whatsoever thou shalt appoint me; for thou art my fate and fortune, Sυγαρμοι, καιμοιραεικαιτυχη (Dio in Neron.). Will he speak soft words unto thee?] Verba byssina; as unto his lord and master. An elegant and pleasant prosopopoeia (personification). No, his stomach is too great to stoop so low.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:3
Verse 3. Will he make many supplications] There are several allusions in these verses to matters of which we know nothing.
Cambridge Bible on Job 41:3
3. Ironical question whether Leviathan will beg to be spared or treated kindly.
Barnes' Notes on Job 41:3
Will he make many supplications unto thee? - In the manner of a captive begging for his life. That is, will he quietly submit to you? Prof.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:3
3. Many supplications unto thee? — That thou mayest set him, a captive, at liberty. The preceding verses evidently refer to the taking of the crocodile alive.
Sermons on Job 41:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |
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Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of testing teachings and doctrines based on four criteria: Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? Did the apostles do it? Did th |
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(Where Is the Church Going) 6. One Day We Will Give an Account to God by Miki Hardy | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and not getting involved in messages that have no sense or are meant to enterta |
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Itching Ears by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the troubling trend within the church where many prioritize pleasure over a genuine love for God. He highlights that many Christians today have 'itching ears,' |
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Jeremiah 23:29 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the dire spiritual condition of the nation, emphasizing how false prophets mislead the people with lies, leading them away from the true worship of God. He hi |
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In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |