Job 40:17 (KJV)

What does Job 40:17 mean?

Job 40:17 describes a powerful creature moving its tail like a cedar tree and having tightly bound sinews around its stones, highlighting its great strength and impressive build. The verse uses vivid imagery to emphasize the creature’s physical might and the awe it inspires.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking to Job, describing the behemoth as an example of His creation’s strength and majesty. The “tail like a cedar” and the mention of “stones” (likely referring to the creature’s thighs or testicles) are meant to paint a picture of something massive and unyielding, showing Job how little humans can compare to such power.

The Hebrew behind Job 40:17

• tail (זָנָב, zanav): This word simply means “tail,” but the comparison to a cedar tree (אֶרֶז, ’erez) suggests something large and sturdy, not something flimsy or small.
• stones (פַּחֲדָיו, pachadayv): This word is often understood as “testicles” or possibly “thighs.” The focus is on the creature’s reproductive or lower body strength, reinforcing the image of vitality and power.
• sinews (גִּיד, gid): This refers to tendons or sinews, highlighting the tightly bound, strong muscles that hold the creature together.
• together (סָפַךְ, safakh): This word means “wrapped together” or “interwoven,” emphasizing how the creature’s body is solidly constructed, with nothing loose or weak.

Why Job 40:17 matters

• Job 40:17 clears up the common misunderstanding that the behemoth is a normal animal; the language used points to something extraordinary and almost mythical in its strength.
• The verse emphasizes the unmatched power of God’s creations, reminding Job (and the reader) of human limitations in the face of such might.
• This description connects to the larger argument in Job, where God uses examples from nature to humble Job and show the vast difference between divine and human power.