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Job 41:9

Job 41:9 in Multiple Translations

Surely hope of overcoming him is false. Is not the sight of him overwhelming?

Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

Behold, the hope of him is in vain: Will not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

Truly, the hope of his attacker is false; he is overcome even on seeing him!

Any hope to capture it is foolish. Anyone who tries is thrown to the ground.

His niesings make the light to shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

Lo, the hope of him is found a liar, Also at his appearance is not one cast down?

Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Won’t one be cast down even at the sight of him?

Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

His sneezing is like the shining of fire, and his eyes like the eyelids of the morning.

It is useless to try to subdue them. Anyone who tries to subdue one of them will lose his courage.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 41:9

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 41:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אִישׁ בְּ/אָחִ֥י/הוּ יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ יִ֝תְלַכְּד֗וּ וְ/לֹ֣א יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ
אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
בְּ/אָחִ֥י/הוּ ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-ms | Suff
יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ dâbaq H1692 to cleave V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
יִ֝תְלַכְּד֗וּ lâkad H3920 to capture V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ pârad H6504 to separate V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 41:9

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/אָחִ֥י/הוּ ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ dâbaq H1692 "to cleave" V-Pual-Imperf-3mp
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
יִ֝תְלַכְּד֗וּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.
יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ pârad H6504 "to separate" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.

Study Notes — Job 41:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 28:19 As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror.
2 1 Samuel 3:11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.
3 Luke 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
4 Deuteronomy 28:34 You will be driven mad by the sights you see.

Job 41:9 Summary

Job 41:9 reminds us that it's foolish to think we can overcome or control something as powerful as Leviathan on our own, just like it's foolish to think we can control our lives without God (as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 10:23). The sight of Leviathan is meant to be overwhelming, to help us understand the majesty and power of God, who created such an amazing creature (as noted in Psalm 95:3-5 and Isaiah 40:22-26). This verse encourages us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own abilities, and to recognize the limits of our strength, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Psalm 121:1-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the phrase 'hope of overcoming him' refer to in Job 41:9?

The phrase 'hope of overcoming him' refers to the idea that humans might think they can defeat or control Leviathan, but this hope is false, as seen in the description of Leviathan's power in Job 41:1-8 and emphasized in Job 41:10.

Why is the sight of Leviathan overwhelming?

The sight of Leviathan is overwhelming because of its massive size and fierce nature, which is described in detail in Job 41:1-8, and this sight is meant to evoke a sense of awe and fear, as noted in Job 41:9.

What is the main point of Job 41:9?

The main point of Job 41:9 is to emphasize the power and majesty of God, as seen in the creation of Leviathan, and to highlight the futility of human attempts to control or defeat such a powerful creature, as stated in Job 41:10 and echoed in Psalm 104:25-26.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us of the limitations of human power and the majesty of God's creation, as seen in Job 41:9 and Romans 1:20, and encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as promised in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to exert control or overcome challenges in my own strength, and how can I surrender these to God?
  2. How does the description of Leviathan in Job 41:1-11 inspire awe and reverence for God's creation, and what are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of wonder and appreciation for God's majesty?
  3. In what ways can I apply the lesson of Job 41:9 to my own life, recognizing the limits of my abilities and trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Philippians 4:19?
  4. What are some ways I can reflect on the majesty and power of God, as seen in the creation of Leviathan, and how can I use these reflections to deepen my faith and trust in Him, as encouraged in Psalm 77:10-12 and Isaiah 40:28-31?

Gill's Exposition on Job 41:9

Behold, the hope of him is in vain,.... Of getting the mastery over him, or of taking him; and yet both crocodiles and whales have been taken; nor is the taking of them to be despaired of; but it

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 41:9

Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 41:9

The hope of him; either, 1. Of the fish, i.e. the hope of taking or conquering him. Or rather, 2. Of the man who laid hands upon him, as hoping to take him by force, but in vain. Shall not; the prefix he being put for halo, as it is ofttimes in the Hebrew text, as . Even at the sight of him; not only the fight, but the very sight of him is most frightful. Such is the sight of the whale to mariners, who fear the overturning of their vessel. And such is the sight of the crocodile, by which alone some have been affrighted out of their wits.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 41:9

Job 41:9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not [one] be cast down even at the sight of him?Ver. 9. Behold, the hope of him is in vain] Heb. is lying. A man may promise himseff or others to take the whale, but how or when will he effect it? It is a misery to lie languishing at Hope’ s Hospital, and after all to be disappointed; to labour all night, and take nothing, &c. Shall not one be cast down at the sight of him?] Surely there is cause enough to be cast down, if he be so big and dreadful to behold as is reported.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 41:9

(9) Behold the hope of him is in vain—i.e., the hope of the rash man who would venture to attack him: at the sight of him, i.e., the infuriated crocodile.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 41:9

Verse 9. Behold, the hope] If thou miss thy first advantage, there is no hope afterwards: the very sight of this terrible monster would dissipate thy spirit, if thou hadst not a positive advantage against his life, or a place of sure retreat to save thine own.

Cambridge Bible on Job 41:9

9. the hope of him is in vain] Rather, behold, one’s hope is belied; lit. his hope. The hope of the assailant to overcome Leviathan is disappointed.

Barnes' Notes on Job 41:9

Behold, the hope of him is in vain - That is, the hope of taking him is vain. Shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

Whedon's Commentary on Job 41:9

9. Of him — The rash assailant.

Sermons on Job 41:9

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo
David Wilkerson A Holy Remnant (Clip) by David Wilkerson God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers wh
David Wilkerson Knowing the Voice of the Lord! by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voice of the Lord amidst spiritual barrenness, as illustrated by the young Samuel who initially did not know God’s voic
James Bourne Letter 108 by James Bourne James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. Clark, reflects on the afflictions of Joseph and the fear of being forsaken in times of trouble. He shares his deep ponderings on sinfulness and t
David Wilkerson God’s Powerful Army by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is assembling a powerful army of dedicated Christians in these last days, a remnant that will stand against immorality and compromise. This new
David Wilkerson An Urgent Message by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God sends before times of trouble, drawing parallels between past events like the Great Depression and current natural disasters as in
Chuck Smith Psalms 102:13 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has set specific times for the restoration of Israel, the return of Jesus Christ, personal salvation, and even death. He highlights the prophetic si

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