The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Job 41

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Job chapter 41 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Behold, the hope of him is in vain; shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?” — the complete text of all 26 verses is below, free to read online.

1Behold, the hope of him is in vain; shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

2None is so fierce that dare stir him up; who then is able to stand before Me?

3Who hath given Me anything beforehand, that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine.

4Would I keep silence concerning his boastings, or his proud talk, or his fair array of words?

5Who can uncover the face of his garment? Who shall come within his double bridle?

6Who can open the doors of his face? Round about his teeth is terror.

7His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.

8One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

9They are joined one to another; they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.

10His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

11Out of his mouth go burning torches, and sparks of fire leap forth.

12Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot and burning rushes.

13His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.

14In his neck abideth strength, and dismay danceth before him.

15The flakes of his flesh are joined together; they are firm upon him; they cannot be moved.

16His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, firm as the nether millstone.

17When he raiseth himself up, the mighty are afraid; by reason of despair they are beside themselves.

18If one lay at him with the sword, it will not hold; nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

19He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.

20The arrow cannot make him flee; slingstones are turned with him into stubble.

21Clubs are accounted as stubble; he laugheth at the rattling of the javelin.

22Sharpest potsherds are under him; he spreadeth a threshing-sledge upon the mire.

23He maketh the deep to boil like a pot; he maketh the sea like a seething mixture.

24He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.

25Upon earth there is not his like, who is made to be fearless.

26He looketh at all high things; he is king over all the proud beasts.

26 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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