Job 41:5 - Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your girls?

Generated Verse: Job 41:5

What does "Job 41:5" mean?


This verse is part of a larger description of Leviathan in the Book of Job, a fearsome and powerful sea creature, often interpreted as a crocodile or dragon-like monster. The verse highlights Leviathan's untamable and unconquerable nature. Let's break it down:

"Will you play with him as with a bird?" This part emphasizes the absurdity of treating Leviathan as a harmless pet. Playing with a bird suggests gentle interaction, amusement, and control. The rhetorical question implies that it is utterly impossible to treat Leviathan in such a way. No one would dare to interact with it playfully because of its dangerous nature.

"Or will you bind him for your girls?" This part paints a picture of capturing and using Leviathan for domestic purposes, perhaps as a pet or entertainment for young women. "Binding" suggests restraint and control. The rhetorical question here underscores the impossibility of such a scenario. Leviathan is far too powerful to be captured and used for the amusement of girls.

Meaning and Interpretation:

The verse serves to illustrate the immense power and untamability of Leviathan. It is designed to instill a sense of awe and respect for this creature, emphasizing that it is beyond human control or manipulation. By using these hyperbolic comparisons, the author of Job underscores the majesty of God, who created and controls such a formidable being.

In the context of the Book of Job, the description of Leviathan is meant to humble Job, who has been questioning God's justice and wisdom. God is essentially saying to Job: "You cannot even control a creature like Leviathan. How can you possibly comprehend or question my divine purposes?"

The verse conveys that the creature is:

Uncontrollable: Humans cannot tame, capture, or use it for their purposes.
Dangerous: Treating it like a pet is unthinkable.
Powerful: It is beyond human capability to subdue.

In essence, the verse is a powerful rhetorical statement that underscores the vast difference between human limitations and the boundless power of God, as demonstrated through the creation of Leviathan. It encourages humility and recognition of divine sovereignty.

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