![]() ![]() Although, the word tannîn is not only used of sea creatures. 7 This is because the Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:21 for the “sea-creatures” is tannînim, the plural form of the word used for Leviathan the sea “dragon” ( tannîn) in Isaiah 27:1. The Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX) even calls Leviathan a dragon ( δρακωον).Īccording to Jewish tradition, Leviathan was created on the fifth day of creation (see 2 Esdras 6:49 2 Apocalypse Baruch 29:4 Genesis Rabbah vii 4 Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Genesis 1:21). 6 Job 26:13 mentions God’s mastery over the “fleeing serpent” ( nāḥāš bārîaḥ), a phrase that is only found in Isaiah 27:1 to describe “Leviathan the twisting serpent” ( liwyātān nāḥāš bāriaḥ). It is derived from the root lwy ‘“twist, coil,” and means “the sinuous one,” designating a kind of serpent. The Hebrew word ( לִוְיָתָן liwyātān) 5 appears six times in five verses in the Old Testament (Job 3:8 41:1 Psalm 74:14, 104:26 Isaiah 27:1–twice). In order to correctly identify Leviathan, it is necessary not only to pay close attention to all the details in the text about him but also to keep in mind our presuppositions about the history of the world as this will impact our interpretation. An earthly creature who also represents a spiritual force 4Īnother option that is generally not considered by scholars is that Leviathan was a real creature that is now extinct.Īnother option that is generally not considered by scholars is that Leviathan was a real creature that is now extinct.But what is this creature Leviathan? 1 The identification of Leviathan, like Behemoth, is widely disputed amongst biblical scholars as can be seen by its varied interpretations: Job 40:8) his judgements are unsearchable (Romans 11:33). If Job is not brave enough to do battle with Leviathan, then how can he even begin to argue with God? No one can judge God (cf. Who then is he who can stand before me? (Job 41:10) No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up. ![]() This brings God to state the most important issue: In other words, Leviathan is a creature who brings fear into the heart of man whereas, he is afraid of no one (Job 41:33). Leviathan cannot be subdued by any man: this is a false hope, as he “is laid low even at the sight of him” (Job 41:9). If Job does engage in battle with Leviathan, it will be the first and only time he does battle with this mighty creature. God reminds Job that if he is even thinking of capturing Leviathan with harpoons or fishing spears, then he needs to consider the battle that will take place (Job 41:7–8). Leviathan is not a creature that little children can play with (Job 41:5) and is too large for traders to sell (Job 41:6). God challenges Job by questioning his ability to capture Leviathan and make it his servant (Job 41:1–4). Leviathan is not a creature that little children can play with and is too large for traders to sell. Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? (Job 40:1) ![]()
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