Lexical Summary Behemoth: Behemoth Original Word: בְּהֵמוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Behemoth In form a plural or bhemah, but really a singular of Egyptian derivation; a water-ox, i.e. The hippopotamus or Nile- horse -- Behemoth. see HEBREW bhemah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably pl. of behemah Definition a kind of animal NASB Translation Behemoth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בְּהֵמוֺת noun masculine behemoth, i.e. hippopotamus (apparently plural intensive of foregoing; according to Di Job 40:15 compare De Isaiah 30:6 from an (assumed) Egyptain p-ehemau, ox of the water) Job 40:15 (on identity, compare further BoHieroz. iii. 705); probably also Psalm 73:22 בְּהֵמוֺת הָיִיתִי עִמָּ֑ךְ a behemoth was I with (toward) thee (so Hi De; Che beasts); according to De Or also in בַּהֲמוֺת Isaiah 30:6 the burden of the behemoth of the south (supposed to be a designation of Egypt; but this unlikely, compare Che Di, read therefore) rather beasts of the south, namely of Judah. בהן (compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Etymology and General Sense “Behemoth” (בְּהֵמוֹת) is rendered in most English versions as a proper name rather than a generic plural (“beasts”), highlighting a singular, extraordinary land creature of immense size and strength. Biblical Context in Job Job 40:15 introduces Behemoth in the divine speeches that conclude the book. After Job’s prolonged questioning, the LORD directs his gaze to two colossal creatures—Behemoth (Job 40:15-24) and Leviathan (Job 41:1-34)—as living testimonies of divine power. In Job 40:15 the LORD says, “Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox.” The ensuing description emphasizes unmatched strength (40:16-18), peace amid disorder (40:20-23), and the impossibility of human domination (40:24), thereby reinforcing God’s sovereignty and Job’s creatureliness. Identity Proposals 1. Hippopotamus: Many commentators cite the creature’s herbivorous diet, aquatic habits, and massive frame (cf. “under the lotus plants,” Job 40:21-22). While the precise species remains debated, the inspired text intends to showcase an actual work of God’s creation, not a myth, thereby grounding Job’s lesson in observable reality. Theological Significance God’s reference to Behemoth serves several purposes: Historical Reception Jewish tradition (e.g., 1 Enoch 60:7-9; 4 Ezra 6:49-52) links Behemoth with Leviathan in eschatological banquet imagery, though Scripture itself does not. Early Christian writers like Augustine affirmed Behemoth’s literal existence while using the creature allegorically to portray carnal appetites restrained only by divine grace. Reformation commentators such as John Calvin viewed Behemoth as a hippopotamus and stressed God’s fatherly governance over formidable beasts. Modern creation-oriented ministries often favor an extinct sauropod interpretation, seeing the text as compatible with young-earth chronology. Comparative Ancient Near Eastern Parallels Near Eastern myths feature Chaos-monsters subdued by deities, yet Job departs sharply from such mythology. The LORD does not battle Behemoth; He simply points to a creature peacefully existing under His rule. This contrast magnifies the biblical doctrine of creation ex nihilo and God’s effortless dominion. Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching on Creation: Behemoth offers a vivid illustration when expounding Genesis creation themes, affirming the diversity and grandeur of God’s works. Christological and Eschatological Echoes Whereas Behemoth manifests sheer physical might beyond human reach, Jesus Christ embodies sovereign authority combined with meekness, bringing ultimate hope to the suffering righteous—answering the tension posed in Job. In the consummation, the peace pictured in Isaiah 11:6-9 surpasses even Behemoth’s tranquil grazing, heralding a new creation where all creatures, great and small, dwell securely under the reign of the Lamb. Summary Behemoth, though mentioned only once, serves as a monumental exhibit of divine craftsmanship, silencing human presumption and assuring believers of God’s unmatched power and providence. The creature’s mysterious grandeur invites reverent wonder and deepened trust in the Creator who orchestrates all things for His glory. Forms and Transliterations בְ֭הֵמוֹת בהמות ḇə·hê·mō·wṯ ḇəhêmōwṯ VehemotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 40:15 HEB: הִנֵּה־ נָ֣א בְ֭הֵמוֹת אֲשֶׁר־ עָשִׂ֣יתִי NAS: Behold now, Behemoth, which I made KJV: Behold now behemoth, which I made INT: Behold now Behemoth which made 1 Occurrence |
    |
IV. shut, cover (see foregoing) whence also 
= בֹּהֶן; as closing and covering the hand, compare Lane).