THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
These phrases refer to the adversary, whose grotesque nature is illustrated by these two beasts; he is destined to be defeated by the might of Christ when the appointed time arrives.
Job 41:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Who hath given me before that I should repay him? All things that are under heaven are mine.
לֹֽא־אַ֭כְזָר כִּ֣י יְעוּרֶ֑נּוּ וּמִ֥י ה֝֗וּא לְפָנַ֥י יִתְיַצָּֽב׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Ireneus (Orda)
Despite Job acknowledging his lack of understanding, the Lord once more urges him to reflect on the majesty and sovereignty of God (40: 1-2). To illustrate the insignificance and frailty of humanity, God challenges Job to don all his might and make a comparison to an earthly creature, a testament to God's creation (3-9). As an illustration, He directs Job’s attention to the hippopotamus, or more accurately the elephant, the colossal beast among land animals, characterized by its immense stature, robust strength, and bravery, yet still capable of gentleness and vulnerable to hunters (10-19).
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However, in stark contrast, there exists another formidable creature of the waters - Leviathan, or the crocodile: it cannot easily become the target of fishermen (20-27) and is fearsome in combat (41: 1-2). The design of its jaws, the resilience and thickness of its scales, the power of its muscles, and the agility of its movements all contribute to its reputation as a terrifying beast and sovereign of the seas (3-25).
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Isa 37:29When thou wast mad against me, thy pride came up to my ears: therefore I will put a ring in thy nose, and a bit between thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
- Ezek 29:4But I will put a bridle in thy jaws: and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick to thy scales: and I will draw thee out of the midst of thy rivers, and all thy fish shall stick to thy scales.
- Ezek 29:5And I will cast thee forth into the desert, and all the fish of thy river: thou shalt fall upon the face of the earth, thou shalt not be taken up, nor gathered together: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the earth, and to the fowls of the air.
- Isa 27:1In that day the Lord with his hard, and great, and strong sword shall visit leviathan the bar serpent, and leviathan the crooked serpent, and shall slay the whale that is in the sea.