Why does the Bible include mythical creatures such as Leviathan and Behemoth?

1. Scriptural Context of Leviathan and Behemoth

In the ancient world, references to large and sometimes formidable creatures appear throughout various cultures. Within Scripture, two of the most intriguing are Leviathan and Behemoth, primarily featured in the Book of Job. Job 40:15–24 introduces Behemoth, while Job 41:1–34 focuses on Leviathan.

The Book of Job, believed by many to be one of the oldest written portions of Scripture, underscores the majesty of God’s creation. These creatures serve as vivid illustrations to demonstrate God’s power and sovereignty, rather than presenting mere mythical tales with no truth.

2. Descriptions and Possible Identifications

Scripture paints Leviathan as a fierce aquatic creature with terrifying strength (Job 41:8–10). Many have speculated that Leviathan could be a giant crocodile, an extinct marine reptile, or another massive sea-dwelling creature. Meanwhile, Behemoth is shown as a colossal land creature, dwelling among reeds and marshes (Job 40:21–22). Interpretations have ranged from a hippopotamus or elephant to possible large dinosaurs known from the fossil record.

Young earth creation perspectives often highlight the description of a “tail like a cedar” (Job 40:17) as implying something more substantial than the typical stubby tail of a hippopotamus or elephant. Although the exact identity is not definitively established, the emphasis remains on showcasing a creature powerful enough to reveal the immeasurable greatness of God.

3. Literary Devices and Symbolic Imagery

Biblical authors sometimes employed poetic language and vivid imagery to highlight key theological truths. The Book of Psalms recognizes Leviathan as a creature formed by God to frolic in the sea (Psalm 104:26). In Isaiah, Leviathan also appears symbolically to represent forces of evil or chaos (Isaiah 27:1).

Such creativity in Scripture does not necessitate that these creatures were purely mythical. Inspired authors frequently used real or well-known animals (or even cosmic phenomena) as vehicles to communicate profound spiritual lessons. Their inclusion helps readers grasp the awe and might of God’s dominion over every corner of creation.

4. Purpose in the Narrative of Job

The dialogue in Job revolves around human suffering and God’s sovereign authority. When God speaks about Behemoth and Leviathan, the discourse challenges Job’s (and by extension, humankind’s) limited perspective compared to God’s omnipotence. By describing beasts beyond human control, Scripture conveys that creation operates under divine command.

In Job 41:10, God asks, “No one is so fierce as to rouse him. Then who is able to stand against Me?” This rhetorical question reminds readers that although the world’s most intimidating creatures may humble us, they are still subject to God’s might. Hence, these descriptions serve as a lesson in humility and reverence toward our Creator.

5. Consistency with the Rest of Scripture

Throughout the Bible, references to large or strange creatures are consistent with the broader truth that God is the sovereign Creator of everything (Genesis 1–2). The same divine power that brought life into existence can also bring about and govern creatures that may appear “mythical” by human standards.

Biblical manuscripts—attested by numerous archaeological finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls—reveal remarkable consistency in these passages, preserving the notion that all of creation, including Leviathan and Behemoth, testifies to the majesty of God (Psalm 148:5).

6. Reliability of the Biblical Record

Extensive textual studies highlight the high accuracy of the biblical manuscripts, as noted by scholars who have rigorously examined textual variants (e.g., the work of Dr. James White and Dr. Dan Wallace). In light of such reliable transmission, references to Leviathan and Behemoth should be seen as intentionally included for theological depth rather than as superstitious folklore.

Outside documents and historical writings also reveal that many ancient cultures describe large creatures, potentially correlating with real fauna that modern science has yet to fully understand or that have since become extinct. Whether still present or lost to time, these animals underscore the authenticity of biblical allusions to extraordinary living things.

7. Insights from Archaeology and Science

Geological discoveries of fossils, including immense land (e.g., sauropod dinosaurs) and marine reptiles (e.g., plesiosaurs), bear witness to the existence of creatures of enormous size. While Scripture does not explicitly name dinosaurs or extinct marine reptiles, the imagery aligns well with creatures larger and more powerful than many animals observed today.

Under the lens of intelligent design, documented by researchers such as Dr. Stephen Meyer, the complexity and functionality of living organisms points to an intelligent Creator rather than random processes. Reports of massive creatures in Job fit within that framework, reflecting a world filled with remarkable designs that magnify God’s creative ingenuity.

8. The Theological Significance

Leviathan and Behemoth show that there is no part of creation—from the microbe to the monstrous—that exists outside God’s authority. These creatures draw our attention to the Creator and invite awe in His lordship. Job’s experience confirms that encountering these realities should lead to humility and a greater trust in the One who governs all.

Moreover, this theme of God’s sovereignty resonates throughout Scripture. The biblical narrative ultimately reveals God restoring fallen humanity through the resurrection of Christ (Romans 5:18–19), displaying a power exceeding even nature’s fiercest creatures. Just as no beast can stand against God, neither can sin or death outmatch His redemptive plan.

9. Conclusion

The inclusion of Leviathan and Behemoth in the Bible enriches the text by illustrating the vast scope of God’s dominion. These descriptions exhibit the beauty, power, and sometimes fearfulness of creatures under God’s rule. Their mention is neither a contradiction nor purely mythical invention; instead, it is a deliberate literary and theological choice to magnify the Creator’s supremacy.

By allowing readers—both ancient and modern—to contemplate beasts that exceed human control, Scripture fulfills its purpose: to reveal our own limitations and to exalt the limitless majesty of the One who made and ultimately governs all things.