What does Job 40:21 mean?

"He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens." - Job 40:21

"He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens." - Job 40:21

The verse Job 40:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Job, which is found in the Old Testament. The book of Job is a complex and multi-layered text that addresses the problem of human suffering and the nature of God's justice. The verse in question comes from a section in which God is speaking to Job, reminding him of the power and majesty of creation.

In the broader context of the book of Job, this verse is part of a larger speech given by God to Job. Throughout the book, Job has been grappling with immense suffering and loss, and has been questioning the justice and fairness of God's actions. In response, God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind, reminding him of the vastness and complexity of the natural world, and asserting his power and wisdom as the creator of all things.

The specific verse in question describes a creature known as Behemoth. In the verses leading up to 40:21, God describes Behemoth as a mighty animal, with great strength and power. The imagery of Behemoth lying "under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens" evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, as though even this mighty and fearsome creature finds rest and refuge in the natural world that God has created.

The broader themes of the book of Job include the problem of suffering, the nature of God's justice, and the limitations of human understanding. In the case of the verse in question, it serves as a reminder of the power and majesty of God's creation, and the way in which even the most fearsome creatures find their place within it. The imagery of Behemoth finding rest under the shady trees and reeds serves to emphasize the harmony and order of the natural world, which stands in stark contrast to the chaos and suffering experienced by Job.

In addition to its thematic significance, the verse also contains symbolism that carries through the broader biblical narrative. The image of Behemoth finding rest in the natural world can be seen as a reflection of the biblical motif of rest and refuge in God's presence. Throughout the Bible, the image of finding shelter under the shade of trees or in the covert of reeds is used to symbolize finding solace and protection in God.

Overall, the verse Job 40:21 in the King James Version of the Bible is part of a larger passage that serves to remind Job of the power and wisdom of God, as well as the harmony and majesty of the natural world. It symbolizes the rest and refuge that can be found in God's presence, and contributes to the broader themes of the book of Job, including the problem of suffering and the nature of God's justice.

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Job 40:21 Artwork

Job 40:21 - "He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens."

Job 40:21 - "He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens."

"He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens." - Job 40:21

"He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens." - Job 40:21

Job 40

Job 40

Job 40:3 - "¶ Then Job answered the LORD, and said,"

Job 40:3 - "¶ Then Job answered the LORD, and said,"

Job 40:1 - "Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,"

Job 40:1 - "Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,"

Job 40:6 - "¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,"

Job 40:6 - "¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,"

"¶ Then Job answered the LORD, and said," - Job 40:3

"¶ Then Job answered the LORD, and said," - Job 40:3

Job 31:40 - "Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended."

Job 31:40 - "Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended."

"Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said," - Job 40:1

"Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said," - Job 40:1

Job 40:13 - "Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret."

Job 40:13 - "Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret."

Job 38:40 - "When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?"

Job 38:40 - "When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?"

"¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said," - Job 40:6

"¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said," - Job 40:6

Job 40:10 - "Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty."

Job 40:10 - "Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty."

Job 40:24 - "He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares."

Job 40:24 - "He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares."

Job 40:22 - "The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about."

Job 40:22 - "The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about."

Job 40:18 - "His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron."

Job 40:18 - "His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron."

Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"

Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"

Job 40:15 - "¶ Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox."

Job 40:15 - "¶ Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox."

Job 40:17 - "He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together."

Job 40:17 - "He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together."

Job 40:12 - "Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place."

Job 40:12 - "Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place."

Job 40:9 - "Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?"

Job 40:9 - "Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?"

Job 40:5 - "Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further."

Job 40:5 - "Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further."

Job 40:11 - "Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him."

Job 40:11 - "Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him."

Job 40:16 - "Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly."

Job 40:16 - "Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly."

Job 40:20 - "Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play."

Job 40:20 - "Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play."

Job 40:2 - "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it."

Job 40:2 - "Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it."

Job 40:14 - "Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee."

Job 40:14 - "Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee."

Job 40:8 - "Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?"

Job 40:8 - "Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?"

Job 40:7 - "Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me."

Job 40:7 - "Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me."

Job 40:19 - "He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him."

Job 40:19 - "He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him."