Job 41:26
New International Version
The sword that reaches it has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin.

New Living Translation
No sword can stop it, no spear, dart, or javelin.

English Standard Version
Though the sword reaches him, it does not avail, nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin.

Berean Standard Bible
The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow.

King James Bible
The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.

New King James Version
Though the sword reaches him, it cannot avail; Nor does spear, dart, or javelin.

New American Standard Bible
“The sword that reaches him cannot prevail, Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin.

NASB 1995
“The sword that reaches him cannot avail, Nor the spear, the dart or the javelin.

NASB 1977
“The sword that reaches him cannot avail; Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sword that reaches it cannot avail, Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin.

Amplified Bible
“The sword that reaches him cannot avail, Nor [does] the spear, the dart, or the javelin.

Christian Standard Bible
The sword that reaches him will have no effect, nor will a spear, dart, or arrow.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sword that reaches him will have no effect, nor will a spear, dart, or arrow.

American Standard Version
If one lay at him with the sword, it cannot avail; Nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

Contemporary English Version
No sword or spear can harm it,

English Revised Version
If one lay at him with the sword, it cannot avail; nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A sword may strike it but not pierce it. Neither will a spear, lance, or dart.

Good News Translation
There is no sword that can wound him; no spear or arrow or lance that can harm him.

International Standard Version
"Thrusting at him with a sword won't be effective, nor will spears, darts, or javelins.

Majority Standard Bible
The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow.

NET Bible
Whoever strikes it with a sword will have no effect, nor with the spear, arrow, or dart.

New Heart English Bible
If one attacks him with the sword, it can't prevail; nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sword of him that attacketh him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.

World English Bible
If one attacks him with the sword, it can’t prevail; nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The sword of his overtaker does not stand, "" Spear, dart, and breastplate.

Young's Literal Translation
The sword of his overtaker standeth not, Spear -- dart -- and lance.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sword reaching him, shall not be raised up: the spear, the dart, and the coat of mail.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When a sword shall lay at him, it shall not be able to hold, nor a spear, nor a breastplate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When a sword catches up with him, it will not be able to settle in, nor a spear, nor a breastplate.

New American Bible
Should a sword reach him, it will not avail; nor will spear, dart, or javelin.

New Revised Standard Version
Though the sword reaches it, it does not avail, nor does the spear, the dart, or the javelin.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because of the fear of him, the mighty are afraid;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The cut of the sword cannot remain; he bears the lances of great ones
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If one lay at him with the sword, it will not hold; Nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If spears should come against him, men will effect nothing, either with the spear or the breast-plate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Power Shown in Leviathan
25When Leviathan rises up, the mighty are terrified; they withdraw before his thrashing. 26The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow. 27He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood.…

Cross References
Psalm 18:34
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

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 44:6
For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me.

Jeremiah 51:20-23
“You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. / With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. / With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. ...

Psalm 91:13
You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.

Isaiah 41:15-16
Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. / You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Ephesians 6:11-17
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. ...

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Revelation 19:15
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Samuel 22:35
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Psalm 7:12-13
If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. / He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.


Treasury of Scripture

The sword of him that lays at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.

The sword

Job 39:21-24
He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men…

habergeon.

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Able Arrow Attacks Avail Dart Effect Habergeon Hold Iron Javelin Layeth Pointed Prevail Reaches Shaft Sharp-Pointed Spear Standeth Sword
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Able Arrow Attacks Avail Dart Effect Habergeon Hold Iron Javelin Layeth Pointed Prevail Reaches Shaft Sharp-Pointed Spear Standeth Sword
Job 41
1. Of God's great power in the leviathan














The sword that reaches him
In the context of Job 41, God is describing the formidable creature, Leviathan, to Job. The Hebrew word for "sword" is "חֶרֶב" (chereb), which often symbolizes human strength and warfare. The phrase "that reaches him" suggests an attempt to confront or harm Leviathan. Historically, swords were the primary weapon of warfare, representing human might and skill. Yet, in this passage, even the most potent symbol of human power is rendered ineffective against Leviathan, emphasizing the creature's invincibility and, by extension, the supreme power of God who created it.

has no effect
The Hebrew root here implies futility and impotence. This phrase underscores the theme of human limitation in the face of divine creation. In a broader theological context, it serves as a humbling reminder of humanity's limitations when confronting the mysteries and powers of God's creation. The futility of the sword against Leviathan symbolizes the broader futility of human efforts to fully comprehend or control the divine.

nor does the spear
The "spear," or "חֲנִית" (chanit) in Hebrew, was another common weapon in ancient warfare, often used for its reach and piercing ability. The mention of the spear further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Leviathan's invulnerability. Historically, spears were used by armies to penetrate armor and defenses, yet here, even this weapon is ineffective. This illustrates the idea that no human strategy or force can prevail against what God has established.

or dart
The term "dart" can be understood as a smaller, more agile weapon, possibly akin to a javelin or a missile. The Hebrew word "שֶׁלַח" (shelach) suggests something that is sent forth with precision. The inclusion of the dart highlights the futility of even the most precise and calculated human efforts against Leviathan. This can be seen as a metaphor for the limits of human wisdom and precision when faced with the vastness of God's creation.

or arrow
The "arrow," or "קֶשֶׁת" (qeshet) in Hebrew, represents long-range weaponry, often associated with skill and accuracy. Arrows were used by ancient warriors to strike from a distance, symbolizing strategic planning and foresight. Yet, even this weapon is ineffective against Leviathan, reinforcing the message that human ingenuity and foresight are insufficient against the divine. This serves as a powerful reminder of the need for humility and reliance on God, rather than on human strength and strategy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A righteous man tested by God through severe trials, including the loss of his wealth, health, and family. The book of Job explores themes of suffering, divine sovereignty, and human righteousness.

2. Leviathan
A powerful and fearsome creature described in Job 41, often interpreted as a symbol of chaos or evil that only God can control. The description emphasizes God's unmatched power and wisdom.

3. God
The ultimate speaker in this passage, highlighting His sovereignty and the futility of human strength against His creation.

4. The Friends of Job
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the broader account, offering misguided counsel to Job about his suffering.

5. The Ancient Near East
The cultural and historical context of the Book of Job, where mythological creatures like Leviathan were part of the worldview, symbolizing chaos and disorder.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The description of Leviathan serves as a reminder of God's unmatched power and control over all creation, including forces that seem insurmountable to humans.

Human Limitations
The ineffectiveness of human weapons against Leviathan illustrates the limitations of human strength and wisdom in the face of divine power.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as physical weapons are ineffective against Leviathan, spiritual battles require spiritual weapons. Believers are called to rely on God's strength and the armor of God.

Trust in God's Wisdom
In times of suffering and confusion, like Job, we are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His ways.

Humility Before God
Recognizing our limitations should lead us to humility and reverence before God, acknowledging that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.(26) The sword of him that layeth at him.--Literally, As to one approaching him (to slay him), his sword cannot stand; it will snap in his hand.

Verse 26. - The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold. It either makes no impression or it snaps in his hand. Equally vain are the spear, the dart, and the javelin. Habergeon is a mistranslation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sword
חֶ֭רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

that reaches him
מַשִּׂיגֵ֣הוּ (maś·śî·ḡê·hū)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

has no
בְּלִ֣י (bə·lî)
Adverb
Strong's 1097: Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as

effect,
תָק֑וּם (ṯā·qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

nor does the spear
חֲנִ֖ית (ḥă·nîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

or dart
מַסָּ֣ע (mas·sā‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4551: A quarry or quarrying

or arrow.
וְשִׁרְיָֽה׃ (wə·šir·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8302: Body armor


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OT Poetry: Job 41:26 If one attacks him with the sword (Jb)
Job 41:25
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