【Job】Chapter 40 << Last Chapter Next Chapter >>

40:1 The LORD then said to Job:

40:2 Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic? Let him who would correct God give answer!

40:3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:

40:4 Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth.

40:5 Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.

40:6 Then the LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said:

40:7 Gird up your loins now, like a man. I will question you, and you tell me the answers!

40:8 Would you refuse to acknowledge my right? Would you condemn me that you may be justified?

40:9 Have you an arm like that of God, or can you thunder with a voice like his?

40:10 Adorn yourself with grandeur and majesty, and array yourself with glory and splendor.

40:11 Let loose the fury of your wrath;

40:12 tear down the wicked and shatter them. Bring down the haughty with a glance;

40:13 bury them in the dust together; in the hidden world imprison them.

40:14 Then will I too acknowledge that your own right hand can save you.

40:15 See, besides you I made Behemoth, that feeds on grass like an ox.

40:16 Behold the strength in his loins, and his vigor in the sinews of his belly.

40:17 He carries his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are like cables.

40:18 His bones are like tubes of bronze; his frame is like iron rods.

40:19 He came at the beginning of God’s ways, and was made the taskmaster of his fellows;

40:20 For the produce of the mountains is brought to him, and of all wild animals he makes sport.

40:21 Under the lotus trees he lies, in coverts of the reedy swamp.

40:22 The lotus trees cover him with their shade; all about him are the poplars on the bank.

40:23 If the river grows violent, he is not disturbed; he is tranquil though the torrent surges about his mouth.

40:24 Who can capture him by his eyes, or pierce his nose with a trap?

40:25 Can you lead about Leviathan with a hook, or curb his tongue with a bit?

40:26 Can you put a rope into his nose, or pierce through his cheek with a gaff?

40:27 Will he then plead with you, time after time, or address you with tender words?

40:28 Will he make an agreement with you that you may have him as a slave forever?

40:29 Can you play with him, as with a bird? Can you put him in leash for your maidens?

40:30 Will the traders bargain for him? Will the merchants divide him up?

40:31 Can you fill his hide with barbs, or his head with fish spears?

40:32 Once you but lay a hand upon him, no need to recall any other conflict!

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