Job 40 23

Job 40:23 kjv

Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.

Job 40:23 nkjv

Indeed the river may rage, Yet he is not disturbed; He is confident, though the Jordan gushes into his mouth,

Job 40:23 niv

A raging river does not alarm it; it is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth.

Job 40:23 esv

Behold, if the river is turbulent he is not frightened; he is confident though Jordan rushes against his mouth.

Job 40:23 nlt

It is not disturbed by the raging river,
not concerned when the swelling Jordan rushes around it.

Job 40 verses

Job 40 23 Meaning

Job 40:23 describes the immense power and fearlessness of Behemoth, a creature created by God. Even when a mighty river, symbolized by the turbulent Jordan, swells and threatens to engulf it, Behemoth remains undisturbed and confident. This passage highlights God's unrivaled power and sovereignty as the Creator, demonstrated through the sheer might and indifference to natural chaos displayed by His handiwork.

Job 40 23 Context

Job 40:23 is part of the climactic section of the Book of Job, specifically God's second speech to Job from the whirlwind (Job 40:6-41:34). God is challenging Job's complaints and assertions of innocence, demonstrating His infinite power and wisdom to humble Job and remind him of humanity's limited understanding. Before describing Behemoth, God had challenged Job to rule the universe and demonstrate his own justice (Job 40:9-14). God then presents Behemoth and Leviathan as prime examples of His magnificent creation, creatures that embody immense strength and untamed power, yet are fully subject to God's control. The purpose is not to merely describe zoology, but to metaphorically overwhelm Job with the sheer, unapproachable power of God, whose works (like Behemoth) are beyond human comprehension and control. If Job cannot contend with Behemoth, how can he contend with its Creator? The historical and cultural context reflects an ancient Near Eastern worldview where rivers like the Jordan were powerful, often destructive forces, and large, formidable creatures were revered as symbols of might. By depicting Behemoth as unfazed by such an overwhelming natural force, God underscores His absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation, contrasting this with Job's, and indeed all humanity's, finite capacity and inherent weakness.

Job 40 23 Word analysis

• Behold (הֵן - _hēn_): An emphatic particle, drawing immediate attention to what follows. It functions as an interjection, signaling a crucial point or a surprising revelation that God intends for Job to deeply consider.
• if a river is turbulent (הֵן יַעֲשֹׂק נָהָר - _hēn ya‘ăśōq nāhār_):
  • `יַעֲשֹׂק` (_ya‘ăśōq_): From the verb _‘ashaq_, meaning to "oppress" or "deal violently." Here, it vividly describes the river's tumultuous, surging, or overflowing nature, indicative of a violent, overwhelming force rather than mere flowing water.
  • `נָהָר` (_nāhār_): "River." In the ancient Near East, powerful rivers were metaphors for chaotic and destructive forces.
• he is not frightened (לֹא יֶחְפָּז - _lō’ yeḥpāz_):
  • `לֹא` (_lō’_): "Not," a negation.
  • `יֶחְפָּז` (_yeḥpāz_): From _chaphaz_, "to flee in terror," "to be startled," or "to be confused." Behemoth's absolute lack of fear or perturbation in the face of such a formidable threat emphasizes its internal composure and raw power.
• he is confident (יִבְטָח - _yivṭaḥ_): From _bāṭaḥ_, "to trust," "to be secure," "to have confidence." This word conveys a sense of unshakable assurance and stability, not arrogance, but inherent fortitude that prevents it from being shaken by external dangers.
• though the Jordan swells up to his mouth (יַגִּיחַ עַל פִּיהוּ יַרְדֵּן - _yaggîḥa ‘al pîhū yardēn_):
  • `יַגִּיחַ` (_yaggîḥa_): From _guakh_, "to burst forth," "to gush," "to rush out violently." This signifies the aggressive, overwhelming nature of the river's surge.
  • `עַל פִּיהוּ` (_‘al pîhū_): "Up to his mouth." This paints a striking image of a life-threatening water level, where the creature is practically submerged, yet remains undeterred.
  • `יַרְדֵּן` (_yardēn_): "Jordan." The river Jordan was notorious for its annual flooding during harvest season, becoming a roaring torrent that was dangerous to cross (Joshua 3:15). Its mention provides a concrete, familiar example of immense natural power within the ancient Israelite context.
• Words-group analysis:
• "turbulent river / Jordan swells": These phrases represent the pinnacle of natural, chaotic, and dangerous power. God selects these specific descriptors to demonstrate that even nature's fiercest manifestations are irrelevant to the Behemoth's composure, let alone to God Himself. It’s a deliberate exaggeration to underscore divine might.
• "not frightened / confident": This pairing highlights the Behemoth's exceptional, divinely endowed stability. It directly contrasts with typical human reactions to such dangers, further illustrating Behemoth as a creature utterly in command of its environment, under God's ultimate dominion. This creature exemplifies God's ability to imbue His creations with astounding strength and resilience.
• "swells up to his mouth": This imagery pushes the limit of danger, depicting a near-drowning scenario. The Behemoth's indifference in such an extreme situation amplifies its incredible size and imperviousness, setting it apart as a marvel of God's engineering. It forces the audience, and Job, to ponder the creator of such a creature.

Job 40 23 Bonus section

The description of Behemoth's unshakeable nature in the face of the overwhelming Jordan reinforces a critical theological point found throughout the Old Testament: God alone brings order to chaos. Just as God set limits for the sea at creation, He equips His creatures with appropriate power and domain. The scene is not merely illustrative of animal strength; it is polemical, confronting any human tendency to rely on their own strength or reason in the face of life's "turbulent rivers." Behemoth, in its majestic indifference to overwhelming waters, becomes a symbol of the divine mastery over all elements. Its behavior serves to magnify God's creative power, portraying Him as the source of all might, even in beings not fully understood or controllable by humans.

Job 40 23 Commentary

Job 40:23 functions as a profound testament to God's omnipotence, exhibited through the creature Behemoth. This verse presents a vivid tableau of the mightiest land creature God created, demonstrating its utter disregard for the most overwhelming natural forces. The turbulence of a river and the seasonal swelling of the Jordan to critical levels are universally recognized as formidable threats. Yet, Behemoth stands "unfrightened" and "confident," not due to ignorance, but because of its inherent, God-given strength and nature. God uses this description to challenge Job: if even His creation, Behemoth, is beyond human power to subdue or intimidate, how much more is God Himself? The lesson transcends zoology; it reveals God's unassailable sovereignty over chaos and strength, underscoring humanity's proper posture of humility and reverence before such an incomparable Creator. This is a crucial pivot point, leading Job to understand that true wisdom lies in submitting to God's incomprehensible plan, rather than questioning His justice or power.