Job 41:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

When he shall raise him up, the angels shall fear, and being affrighted shall purify themselves.
Douay-Rheims

לִ֭בּוֹ יָצ֣וּק כְּמוֹ־אָ֑בֶן וְ֝יָצ֗וּק כְּפֶ֣לַח תַּחְתִּֽית׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Gregory the Great
Ireneus (Orda)

Gregory the Great

6th centuryChurch Father

His heart is as hard as stone, as noted in Job 41:16. The spirit of the ancient adversary is unwavering, for it will never soften through repentance. His eternal inheritance will be solely punishment, hence it is fittingly stated that he will be bound like an anvil. The term "anvil" refers to one that endures relentless strikes. An anvil is designed specifically to withstand constant blows. Consequently, Leviathan will be fastened as an anvil, bound by the chains of hell to bear the perpetual punishment of condemnation. Even now, he serves as an anvil, lying in wait as any of the chosen ones are delivered, while he himself suffers from the agony of loss.

Read more (102 words)

Just as various tools are shaped upon the anvil, yet the anvil itself remains unchanged despite the numerous strikes, so it is with Leviathan. We are shaped through the trials he inflicts, but he remains constant and will never transform into a vessel of usefulness. We are placed against his blows and, having endured his temptations via the hand of the heavenly craftsman, we emerge from his anvil refined and purposeful. He is bound; although he currently roams the earth with his temptations, when cast into the abyss and faced with divine judgment, he will cease to walk. From this, we conclude:

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Despite Job acknowledging his lack of understanding, the Lord once more encourages him to contemplate a depiction of His divine power and authority (40:1-2). To illustrate the insignificance and frailty of humanity, God challenges Job to don his highest virtues and measure himself against a creature of the earth, crafted by God's own hand (3-9). He directs Job's attention to the hippopotamus (or more accurately, the elephant), a colossal beast among terrestrial animals, distinguished by its immense size, robust limbs, and courageous nature, all while displaying an unexpected gentleness that may lead it to become prey to hunters (10-19).