Bible Strands
Job 41:21
His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames pour from his mouth.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God addresses Job in the closing portion of His speech, describing the physical power of the creature Leviathan.
The words — The Hebrew נַפְשׁוֹ (nafsho) translates to "its breath" and גֶּחָלִים (gechalim) to "coals." The text states that this breath kindles coals while a flame goes forth from its mouth.
The thread — This imagery of breath producing fire and coals appears in Psalms 18:8; Psalms 18:12; and Isaiah 30:33.
Why it lands — The passage demands recognition of a creature whose natural physiology defies human control. It requires the reader to acknowledge divine authority over forces that overwhelm human strength.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
Cross-references
- Psalms 18:8 Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.
- Psalms 18:12 From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced—hailstones and coals of fire.
- Isaiah 30:33 For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.
- Habakkuk 3:5 Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps.