His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.

JOB 41:15KJV
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Job 41:15 (KJV)

What does Job 41:15 mean?

Job 41:15 describes the creature’s scales as a source of pride, tightly joined together so that they are sealed up like a strong, impenetrable barrier. The verse emphasizes how the creature’s body is protected by these closely packed scales, making it nearly impossible to penetrate.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking to Job, describing the might and invulnerability of a great creature—often thought to be the Leviathan. The description highlights how the creature’s natural armor is a point of strength and majesty, showing that it is beyond human power to subdue or harm.

The Hebrew behind Job 41:15

  • "scales" (צִנָּה, tsinnah): This word can refer to a shield or a scale, emphasizing the protective, armor-like quality of the creature’s skin.
  • "pride" (גַּאֲוָה, ga’avah): This word means pride or majesty, suggesting that the creature’s scales are not just a defense but also a display of its grandeur.
  • "together" (סָגַר, sagar): This verb means to shut or close, stressing how the scales are tightly joined with no gaps.
  • "close" (עָרִיץ, aritz): This word means strong or mighty, underlining the firmness with which the scales are sealed.
  • "seal" (חוֹתָם, chotam): This word means a seal, as in a stamp or signet, picturing the scales as so closely joined that they are sealed like a document, secure and tamper-proof.

Why Job 41:15 matters

  • Job 41:15 clears up any idea that the creature is vulnerable; the language stresses its total protection and strength.
  • The verse highlights the creature’s pride and majesty, not just its physical traits, but the impression it makes on anyone who sees it.
  • This detail fits into God’s larger speech, showing Job the limits of human power and understanding by pointing to a creature that only God can master.

Where else these words appear

“seal” Hebrew H2368 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • Job 38:14 It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.

“scales” Hebrew H650 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
  • Psalms 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
  • Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

“pride” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
  • Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.

“scales” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.