Job 41 16

Job 41:16 kjv

One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

Job 41:16 nkjv

One is so near another That no air can come between them;

Job 41:16 niv

each is so close to the next that no air can pass between.

Job 41:16 esv

One is so near to another that no air can come between them.

Job 41:16 nlt

They are so close together
that no air can get between them.

Job 41 verses

Job 41 16 Meaning

Job 41:16 describes the Leviathan’s armor, specifically its scales, as being so perfectly and tightly interlocked that no gap exists between them. This impervious nature renders the creature completely invulnerable to external assault, emphasizing its terrifying strength and impregnability. It signifies ultimate perfection in design and an unbeatable defense, serving as a powerful illustration of the boundless power and majesty of the Creator who made such a being.

Job 41 16 Context

Job chapter 41 is part of God's majestic discourse to Job from the whirlwind, challenging Job's limited understanding and re-establishing divine sovereignty. Having presented Behemoth as a creature of immense terrestrial power, God then describes Leviathan, a creature embodying untamable, chaotic forces often associated with the sea. This elaborate depiction is not merely zoological; it serves as a powerful rhetorical device. God asks Job if he can control Leviathan, knowing the answer is no, thus demonstrating the vast chasm between human weakness and divine omnipotence. Verse 16 specifically highlights Leviathan's physical imperviousness through its tightly joined scales, emphasizing its ultimate invulnerability as a symbol of forces only God can master, ultimately asserting God’s absolute power and control over all creation and chaos.

Job 41 16 Word analysis

• One (אֶחָד, ’eḥāḏ): Denotes a single unit or singular entity. In this context, it refers to an individual scale of Leviathan. Biblically, ’eḥāḏ can signify absolute unity (e.g., Deut 6:4, God is one) or singular perfection, conveying an indivisible and complete nature, as applied here to each scale contributing to an overall perfection.

• is so near to another (בְּאֶחָד יִגַּשׁוּ, bə’eḥāḏ yiḡāšū): bə’eḥāḏ implies "each to each" or "one to one." yiḡāšū (from נגשׁ, nagash) means "they draw near" or "they approach." This phrase describes an extreme proximity and meticulous interlocking. It speaks of a perfect, seamless bond, indicating precision and flawless design in their arrangement. This closeness creates an impenetrable whole.

• that no (לֹא, lō’): A definitive negative particle, unequivocally stating "not." It emphasizes the absolute impossibility of the stated action.

• air (רוּחַ, rûaḥ): While primarily meaning "wind" or "breath" here, the Hebrew ruach is profoundly significant in broader biblical theology, also meaning "spirit" (e.g., the Spirit of God, human spirit, spirit of life). In this context, it signifies even the slightest intangible substance, like a wisp of air, cannot pass through. The choice of ruach might subtly hint that not even life or spiritual penetration is possible without God's decree for such an impenetrable creation.

• can come (יָבֹא, yāḇō’): From the root בוא (bo’), meaning "to come" or "to enter." In the imperfect tense, it expresses potential or continuous action, hence "can come" or "will come." It emphasizes the unyielding nature of the barrier.

• between them (בֵּינֵיהֶם, bênêhem): Refers specifically to the spaces (or lack thereof) between the scales mentioned as "one" and "another." This prepositions solidifies the literal spatial meaning of impenetrable closeness.

• "One is so near to another that no air can come between them": This full phrase portrays an astonishing level of cohesion and invulnerability. The visual imagery is one of seamless, airtight sealing. This highlights not just physical durability but also perfect unity in construction. It suggests a complete absence of weakness, a state of perfect integrity where no external force or influence can penetrate, whether literally, or metaphorically, indicating ultimate security and strength endowed by its Maker.

Job 41 16 Bonus section

The description of Leviathan's impenetrable scales, so tightly bound that not even air can pass through, can be seen as an ancient Near Eastern hyperbole for a creature utterly impossible to harm or capture. This type of hyperbolic language elevates Leviathan beyond a mere animal to a symbolic entity representing chaotic and unconquerable forces. The phrase ruach (air/spirit) unable to penetrate these scales is a profound theological point. If ruach represents life breath or divine spirit, then this beast's defense is so absolute that nothing life-giving or spiritually invasive can breach it, underscoring the formidable challenge it presents, a challenge only God Himself can overcome. This highlights the theological boundaries—God’s creation has inherent, impenetrable qualities which showcase His transcendent power that humans cannot grasp or contend with.

Job 41 16 Commentary

Job 41:16 describes the remarkable craftsmanship and imperviousness of Leviathan's armor, an attribute directly serving to magnify the Lord's omnipotence. The tight interlocking of the creature's scales is depicted with hyperbole, so perfect that not even air can penetrate the join. This detail paints a vivid picture of absolute invulnerability. It's not merely a biological description but a theological statement: if humanity cannot contend with such a creation, how can Job (or any person) possibly contend with its Creator? The verse thus underlines God's incomparable power, His meticulous design even in terrifying creatures, and the ultimate futility of human questioning against divine wisdom. The integrity of Leviathan's scales symbolizes God's own unchallengeable power and His unbreachable sovereignty, serving as an object lesson in humility and awe before the Divine.