Job 41 22

Job 41:22 kjv

In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.

Job 41:22 nkjv

Strength dwells in his neck, And sorrow dances before him.

Job 41:22 niv

Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it.

Job 41:22 esv

In his neck abides strength, and terror dances before him.

Job 41:22 nlt

"The tremendous strength in Leviathan's neck
strikes terror wherever it goes.

Job 41 verses

Job 41 22 Meaning

Job 41:22 paints a vivid picture of Leviathan's immense power and terrifying presence. It states that an unyielding strength resides in its neck, a vital and powerful part of any creature, signifying a deep-seated and enduring might. Furthermore, the verse conveys the overwhelming psychological impact Leviathan has: absolute dismay, even despair, involuntarily "dances" or "leaps" before it, indicating an uncontrollable, panic-stricken terror felt by anything or anyone encountering it. The verse serves to illustrate Leviathan as a creature utterly beyond human control or even apprehension, embodying insurmountable natural power.

Job 41 22 Context

Job 41:22 is part of God's climactic discourse to Job, beginning in Job 38. After Job's persistent questions and laments about his suffering and God's perceived injustice, God responds by demonstrating His infinite power, wisdom, and sovereignty over creation. He presents a series of unanswerable questions to Job, highlighting Job's limited understanding and capacity compared to the Creator. In Job 40-41, God focuses on two prime examples of His creation—Behemoth and Leviathan—creatures so powerful that no human could control or even truly comprehend them.

Specifically, chapter 41 is entirely devoted to the Leviathan, portrayed as the most formidable of all creatures, a beast that instills terror and cannot be subdued by man. God details its impenetrable scales, terrifying mouth, and fearsome strength, including the imagery in verse 22. This verse serves as a key descriptor of Leviathan's intrinsic power and the overwhelming psychological effect it has on anyone daring to confront it. The overall purpose of this divine revelation is to humble Job, underscore the vast chasm between human finitude and divine infinitude, and demonstrate that God's ways are beyond human questioning or comprehension. It implicitly challenges any human hubris or claims of power in light of such a magnificent, uncontrollable creature, thereby reaffirming God's ultimate dominion.

Job 41 22 Word analysis

• In his neck (בְּצַוָּארוֹ - bə·ṣaw·wā·rōw):

  • צוָּאר (ṣawwāʾr): Refers to the neck. In ancient thought, the neck often symbolized strength, stubborness, or pride (e.g., "stiff-necked" people). Here, it emphasizes the literal physical power residing in a critical part of the creature's anatomy, indicating both support and attacking capability. Its robust and impenetrable nature is a theme throughout Job 41.

• resides (יָלִין - yā·lîn):

  • From the root לון (lûn), meaning "to spend the night," "to dwell," or "to lodge." This choice of verb suggests that strength is not merely an attribute Leviathan possesses or exhibits, but rather something that is intrinsic to its being, permanently established or ingrained within it. It is a deep, foundational, and unwavering power.

• strength (עֹז - ʿōz):

  • A significant Hebrew term denoting great power, might, or fortitude. This is a very strong word, frequently used in the Bible to describe the might of God Himself (e.g., Ps 68:34, 1 Ch 29:11). Its application here highlights Leviathan's extraordinary and formidable power, indicating that it embodies might on a cosmic scale, making it incomparable to any earthly force.

• and before him (וְלְפָנָיו - wə·lə·fā·nāw):

  • Literally "and in his presence" or "in front of him." This phrase sets the scene for a direct encounter or confrontation. It denotes proximity and the immediate sphere of Leviathan's terrifying influence, emphasizing the impact it has on those facing it.

• dismay (דְּאָבָה - də·ʾā·ḇâ):

  • This term refers to a profound state of inner anguish, despondency, or soul-sickness, deeper than mere fear. It signifies crushing despair or utter hopelessness. The choice of dismay rather than just "fear" elevates the intensity of the reaction Leviathan evokes, suggesting a state of spiritual or emotional paralysis.

• leaps (תָּדוּץ - tā·ḏūṣ):

  • From the verb דוץ (dûṣ), meaning "to leap," "to dance," or "to skip about." This is a highly evocative and personifying verb. It creates a striking, almost paradoxical image: rather than the creature itself leaping, it is dismay that leaps or dances. This suggests that dismay is so utterly overwhelmed and chaotic in Leviathan's presence that it performs an uncontrolled, frantic movement. It depicts the complete loss of composure and self-possession by terror itself, vividly conveying the terrifying power of Leviathan to induce such a response. The idea that "dismay dances" also hints at a force that brings about such internal chaos that it leaves no room for anything but overwhelming despair.

• "In his neck resides strength, and before him dismay leaps.":

  • This phrase grouping emphasizes the dual aspect of Leviathan's power: its internal, unyielding physical strength and its external, paralyzing psychological impact. The parallel structure highlights that these two dimensions of its power are equally formidable. The permanent dwelling of strength in its neck implies that its power is intrinsic, not external or conditional, further solidifying its fearsome reputation. The "leaping dismay" is a literary device highlighting the creature's awe-inspiring dread, demonstrating that Leviathan's mere presence creates such profound terror that it's as if dismay itself is agitated into a chaotic, desperate display.

Job 41 22 Bonus section

The description of Leviathan in Job 41, and specifically verse 22, likely held a polemical edge against common ancient Near Eastern myths. In many regional cosmogonies, chaotic sea monsters (like the Babylonian Tiamat or the Canaanite Yam) were formidable, but could eventually be defeated or brought to heel by other gods or heroes. God's portrayal of Leviathan, however, presents a creature of such magnitude that no human, or even an assemblage of human forces (as suggested by "harpoons," "fishing spears," "chains" earlier in the chapter), could possibly contend with it. This emphasizes Yahweh's singular power, asserting that He alone created, sustains, and ultimately controls even the most fearsome aspects of His creation, thereby establishing His unmatched supremacy over all, including mythical entities and their human subduers. The terrifying nature of Leviathan also resonates with the theological concept of tremendum – the awe-inspiring, overwhelming aspect of God's presence and power that elicits fear and trembling. If even one of His creatures is so formidable, how much more terrifying is the Creator Himself in His holiness and might?

Job 41 22 Commentary

Job 41:22 is a profound statement regarding the inherent, unassailable power of Leviathan, which serves as God's illustrative masterwork to humble Job. The strength in Leviathan's neck signifies more than mere physical brawn; it implies a deep, core vitality that cannot be easily compromised. This strength is "resident" within it, indicating a permanent, integral part of its being rather than a temporary display of force. This intrinsic power sets it apart as a creature of unparalleled might.

The imagery of "dismay leaping" before Leviathan is particularly potent. It personifies terror and despair as an entity so overwhelmed by the creature's presence that it loses all control and behaves erratically. This isn't merely ordinary fear; it's a deep-seated dread that fundamentally disrupts one's emotional and mental state. The picture God paints is of a creature so terrifying that even abstract despair cannot remain composed in its presence.

The verse, within the broader context of Job 38-41, highlights God's unchallengeable sovereignty and wisdom. By presenting a creature like Leviathan—ferocious, untameable by human hands, and awe-inspiring in its terror-inducing presence—God subtly yet firmly redirects Job's focus from his own suffering and perceived injustices to the immeasurable gulf between humanity's finite power and God's infinite, incomprehensible dominion. If mankind cannot subdue, or even look upon without total despair, a creature God has made, how can man ever hope to contend with or question the Maker of that creature? This reorients Job to recognize God's supremacy over all creation, including chaotic forces symbolized by Leviathan in ancient thought.