Lexical Summary chin: Favor, grace, charm Original Word: חִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance comely Another form for chen; beauty -- comely. see HEBREW chen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chanan Definition perhaps beauty NASB Translation orderly (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חִין noun [masculine] חִין עֶרְכּוֺ Job 41:4 the grace of his proportions ( = חֵן Aramaic חִנָּא) so AV RV Thes De Volck Da and others; meaning not very appropriate in context (description of crocodile); but nothing better has been proposed; see suggestions in Di. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery חִין portrays the aesthetic “grace” or “comeliness” that can be perceived even in something otherwise terrifying. Its single occurrence (Job 41:12) highlights the elegant symmetry and majestic design of Leviathan, a creature whose very existence magnifies the wisdom, artistry, and sovereignty of the Creator. Scriptural Usage Job 41:12: “I cannot keep silent about his limbs, his power, or his graceful form.” In the poetic structure of Job 41, the term balances two other descriptors—“limbs” and “power”—showing that beauty and proportion belong alongside strength when God speaks of His works. The verse forces the reader to acknowledge that fearsome might and winsome beauty coexist by divine intention. Theological Emphasis 1. Divine craftsmanship. God’s rhetorical survey of Leviathan demonstrates that every detail of creation, from the smallest symmetry to overwhelming power, bears His signature (Job 38–41; Psalm 104:24). Historical Background Ancient Near Eastern literature often depicted sea monsters as embodiments of chaos. Scripture redeploys that imagery but reframes it: Leviathan is not a rival deity but a creature under God’s rule (Job 41:11). The inclusion of חִין in the divine speech subtly confronts pagan myths by claiming superior craftsmanship and control for the LORD alone. Relation to Other Biblical Words for Beauty • חֵן (favor, grace) and תִּפְאֶרֶת (splendor) describe beauty as bestowed privilege or shining glory. Ministry and Devotional Application • Worship. Recognizing חִין in creation fuels reverence; the believer marvels that God embeds grace even in fierce aspects of nature (Psalm 19:1). Christological Reflection Just as Leviathan’s strength and beauty coexist in one creature, power and grace meet perfectly in Jesus Christ—“full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The isolated use of חִין anticipates that unique union manifested supremely in the incarnate Son, whose crucified “form” (Philippians 2:8) conceals and reveals divine majesty. Eschatological Note Isaiah envisions the LORD “punishing Leviathan the fleeing serpent” (Isaiah 27:1). The beauty once noted in Job 41:12 will not spare Leviathan from final defeat, yet the passage reminds believers that God’s victory over chaos will be both righteous and resplendent (Revelation 21:1-5). Questions for Reflection • Where do I see God’s חִין in the created order today? Forms and Transliterations וְחִ֣ין וחין veChin wə·ḥîn wəḥînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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