Job 41:27 (KJV)

What does Job 41:27 mean?

Job 41:27 describes a creature so powerful that it treats iron as if it were straw and bronze as if it were decayed wood. The verse uses these comparisons to show that even the strongest materials known to people are nothing to this creature.

In the context of Job, God is speaking to Job about Leviathan, a mighty and untamable sea creature. God’s point is that humans cannot control or defeat such a being, highlighting how much greater God’s own power is. The verse uses everyday materials—iron and bronze—to make clear just how unmatched Leviathan’s strength is compared to anything people can make.

The Hebrew behind Job 41:27

• "esteemeth" (חָשַׁב, chashav): This word means to consider, value, or reckon. Here, it shows that Leviathan does not value iron or bronze at all—they are worthless to it.
• "iron" (בַּרְזֶל, barzel): Iron was one of the hardest and most prized metals in the ancient world, so calling it "straw" (תֶּבֶן, teven) emphasizes Leviathan’s overwhelming strength.
• "brass" (נְחוּשָׁה, nechosha): This word often refers to bronze or copper. Comparing it to "rotten wood" (עֵץ רָקוּב, etz raquv) shows that even tough metals are as weak as decayed wood to Leviathan.

Why Job 41:27 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Leviathan can be subdued by human strength or technology; even the best tools and weapons are useless against it.
• The verse emphasizes the gap between human power and the might of God’s creation, reinforcing the main theme of God’s speech to Job.
• Understanding these comparisons helps the reader grasp the ancient mindset about materials—iron and bronze were the toughest substances known, so this is a statement of absolute, unmatched power.