Job 41:16
New International Version
each is so close to the next that no air can pass between.

New Living Translation
They are so close together that no air can get between them.

English Standard Version
One is so near to another that no air can come between them.

Berean Standard Bible
One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them.

King James Bible
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

New King James Version
One is so near another That no air can come between them;

New American Standard Bible
“One is so close to another That no air can come between them.

NASB 1995
“One is so near to another That no air can come between them.

NASB 1977
“One is so near to another, That no air can come between them.

Legacy Standard Bible
One is so near to another That no air can come between them.

Amplified Bible
“One is so near to another That no air can come between them.

Christian Standard Bible
One scale is so close to another that no air can pass between them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One scale is so close to another that no air can pass between them.

American Standard Version
One is so near to another, That no air can come between them.

Contemporary English Version
firmly bound and closer together

English Revised Version
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One is so close to the other that there is no space between them.

Good News Translation
Each one is joined so tight to the next, not even a breath can come between.

International Standard Version
Each one is so close to the other that not even air comes in between them.

Majority Standard Bible
One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them.

NET Bible
each one is so close to the next that no air can come between them.

New Heart English Bible
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

Webster's Bible Translation
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

World English Bible
One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
They draw near to one another, "" And air does not enter between them.

Young's Literal Translation
One unto another they draw nigh, And air doth not enter between them.

Smith's Literal Translation
One shall touch upon another, and the wind shall not come between them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
One is joined to another, and not so much as any air can come between them :

Catholic Public Domain Version
One is joined to another, and not even air can pass between them.

New American Bible
They are fitted so close to each other that no air can come between them;

New Revised Standard Version
One is so near to another that no air can come between them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
His mouth is tied up, and closely shut, as with a seal.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They are touching one another, and air does not enter between them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
One is so near to another, That no air can come between them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
One part cleaves fast to another, and the air cannot come between them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Power Shown in Leviathan
15His rows of scales are his pride, tightly sealed together. 16One scale is so near to another that no air can pass between them. 17They are joined to one another; they clasp and cannot be separated.…

Cross References
Isaiah 27:1
In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.

Psalm 104:26
There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there.

Ezekiel 29:3
Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’

Isaiah 51:9
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon?

Psalm 74:14
You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert.

Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Revelation 20:2
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

Isaiah 43:16-17
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters, / who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

Psalm 18:10
He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.

Psalm 89:10
You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

Ezekiel 32:2
“Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet and muddying the streams.’

Amos 9:3
Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.

Matthew 12:29
Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

Luke 11:21-22
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. / But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.

Mark 3:27
Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.


Treasury of Scripture

One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

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Job 41
1. Of God's great power in the leviathan














One scale is so near to another
This phrase describes the impenetrable armor of the creature known as Leviathan, often interpreted as a symbol of chaos or evil. The imagery of tightly knit scales suggests invulnerability and strength, emphasizing the creature's formidable nature. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such descriptions would resonate with the audience's understanding of powerful sea creatures or mythological beasts. The close proximity of the scales can also be seen as a metaphor for the unity and strength of God's creation, reflecting His power and wisdom. This imagery is echoed in other biblical passages that describe creatures with impenetrable defenses, such as the behemoth in Job 40:15-24.

that no air can pass between them.
This part of the verse highlights the perfection and completeness of Leviathan's armor, symbolizing an impenetrable defense. In a broader theological context, it can be seen as a representation of the futility of human efforts against the forces of chaos without divine intervention. The impenetrability of the scales can also be interpreted as a reflection of God's unassailable nature and the futility of opposing His will. This imagery is consistent with other biblical themes where God's protection is described as a shield or fortress, as seen in Psalms 18:2 and 91:4. The idea of no air passing between the scales can also symbolize the completeness and sufficiency of God's creation, where everything is perfectly ordered and nothing is left to chance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions God's justice.

2. Leviathan
A powerful sea creature described in Job 41, symbolizing chaos and strength beyond human control.

3. God
The Almighty, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, highlighting His sovereignty and the limits of human understanding.

4. The Sea
Often a symbol of chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern literature, representing forces beyond human control.

5. The Whirlwind
The medium through which God speaks to Job, emphasizing His power and majesty.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
The description of Leviathan's scales illustrates God's unmatched power and control over creation. Just as no air can pass between the scales, nothing can disrupt God's plans.

Human Limitations
The impenetrable nature of Leviathan's scales serves as a reminder of human limitations in understanding and controlling the world. We are called to trust in God's wisdom and power.

Symbol of Chaos
Leviathan represents chaos and disorder, yet God is depicted as having complete authority over it. This reassures believers of God's control over the chaos in their lives.

Faith in Trials
Job's encounter with God's description of Leviathan encourages believers to maintain faith during trials, trusting that God is in control even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Spiritual Armor
Just as Leviathan's scales are impenetrable, believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual challenges.Verse 16. - One is so near to another, that no air can come between them (see the comment on the preceding verse).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One scale
אֶחָ֣ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

is so near
יִגַּ֑שׁוּ (yig·ga·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

to another
בְּאֶחָ֣ד (bə·’e·ḥāḏ)
Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

that no
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

air
וְ֝ר֗וּחַ (wə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

can pass
יָב֥וֹא (yā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

between them.
בֵֽינֵיהֶֽם׃ (ḇê·nê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 996: An interval, space between


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OT Poetry: Job 41:16 One is so near to another that (Jb)
Job 41:15
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