Job 41:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These phrases refer to the adversary, whose grotesqueness is portrayed through these two creatures; he is fated to be defeated by the might of Christ when the appointed time arrives.

Though Job acknowledges his lack of understanding, the Lord once more calls him to consider an illustration of divine might and sovereignty (40:1-2). To demonstrate the insignificance and frailty of humanity, God challenges Job to don his highest glory and juxtapose himself with some creature of the earth, a testament to God's handiwork (3-9). As an illustration, He points to the hippopotamus, or more accurately, the elephant, the colossal among terrestrial beasts, characterized by its massive form, formidable strength, and boldness, which paradoxically coexist with a gentle nature that can render it vulnerable to hunters (10-19). In stark contrast, another aquatic behemoth, Leviathan, or crocodile, defies capture by fishermen (20-27) and is fearsome in battle (41:1-2). Its formidable jaw, the robust and tightly packed scales enshrouding its body, its muscular power, and its quickness collectively mark it as the most daring creature and sovereign of the waters (3-25).