What does Job 41:15 mean?
"His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal." - Job 41:15

The verse Job 41:15 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal."
This verse is part of a longer passage in the book of Job which describes a fearsome creature known as Leviathan. In this particular verse, the focus is on the creature's scales, which are described as his "pride, shut up together as with a close seal." This imagery of scales as a source of pride is significant, as it points to the creature's invincibility and power. The use of the phrase "close seal" underscores the impenetrable nature of the scales, further emphasizing the creature's strength and invulnerability.
In this context, the verse serves to highlight the awe-inspiring and majestic nature of Leviathan, and by extension, all of God's creations. The passage as a whole is meant to emphasize the greatness and power of God, who is the creator and controller of all things, including fearsome creatures like Leviathan.
The book of Job is a complex and profound exploration of the nature of suffering, the sovereignty of God, and the human experience. The passage about Leviathan comes in response to Job's questioning of God's justice and wisdom in allowing him to suffer. The description of Leviathan serves as a reminder of God's ultimate power and wisdom, and the incomprehensibility of his ways.
From a broader thematic perspective, the verse speaks to the idea of pride and invincibility. The reference to Leviathan's scales as his "pride" underscores the inherent pride and confidence in his own strength and invulnerability. This can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance, as well as a reminder of the limitations of human strength and understanding in the face of God's power.
In terms of symbolism, the verse can be seen as a representation of the overwhelming and insurmountable challenges and obstacles that we may face in life. The impenetrable scales of Leviathan serve as a metaphor for the seemingly impossible situations that we encounter, and the need for humility and reliance on God's strength and wisdom to overcome them. The image of the scales as "shut up together as with a close seal" evokes a sense of finality and impossibility, further emphasizing the need for divine intervention.
Overall, Job 41:15 from the King James Version of the Bible is a rich and evocative verse that offers deep insights into the nature of God's power and the human experience. The imagery of Leviathan's scales as a source of pride and invulnerability serves as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding. It also serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of pride and arrogance, and the need for humility and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming challenges.
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Job 41:15 Artwork
Job 41:15 - "His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal."
"His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal." - Job 41:15
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Job 41:22 - "In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him."