Job 41:21 - His breath kindles coals. A flame goes out of his mouth.

Generated Verse: Job 41:21

What does "Job 41:21" mean?


Job 41:21, describing the Leviathan (a powerful, mythical sea creature), is a poetic expression of its incredible power and fearsome nature. The verse, "His breath kindles coals, and a flame goes out of his mouth," is hyperbole used to emphasize the Leviathan's:

Intense Heat and Power: It conveys that the creature's breath is so hot that it can ignite coals and that flames literally spew from its mouth. This isn't necessarily literal fire, but a metaphorical representation of its destructive capabilities.
Terrifying Presence: The imagery is designed to evoke fear and awe. The Leviathan is portrayed as a force of nature, dangerous and untamable.
Unstoppable Force: The image reinforces the idea that no one can withstand the Leviathan's power. It suggests that just its breath, the very act of breathing, is enough to cause devastation.

The verse is part of a larger description in Job 41 that emphasizes the Leviathan's strength, invulnerability, and the inability of humans to control or defeat it. The whole passage serves to illustrate the limits of human power in comparison to the overwhelming power of God's creation.

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