Sneezings, while not a common topic in biblical texts, are mentioned in the context of the natural world and the power of God's creation. The most notable reference to sneezing in the Bible is found in the book of Job, specifically in the description of the Leviathan, a formidable creature that symbolizes chaos and power.

Biblical Reference:

· Job 41:18 : "His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the rays of dawn."

In this passage, the Leviathan is depicted as a creature of immense strength and majesty, with sneezings that are described as flashing forth light. This vivid imagery serves to emphasize the awe-inspiring nature of God's creation. The Leviathan's sneezings are not ordinary but are portrayed as a powerful and almost supernatural phenomenon, highlighting the creature's fearsome and untamable nature.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the context of Job, the Leviathan represents the chaotic forces of the world that are beyond human control, yet fully under God's dominion. The mention of sneezings in this passage is symbolic of the creature's vitality and the overwhelming power that God has instilled in His creation. The light that flashes from the Leviathan's sneezings can be seen as a metaphor for the divine illumination and the awe that God's works inspire in humanity.

From a theological perspective, the description of the Leviathan, including its sneezings, serves to remind believers of God's sovereignty over all creation. It underscores the idea that even the most formidable and chaotic elements of the natural world are subject to God's will and purpose. This aligns with the broader themes in the book of Job, where God's wisdom and power are contrasted with human limitations and understanding.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern literature, creatures like the Leviathan often symbolized chaos and were associated with the sea, a common motif representing disorder and danger. The biblical portrayal of the Leviathan, including its sneezings, draws on these cultural images to convey theological truths about God's control over chaos and His ability to bring order and purpose to the world.

While sneezing itself is a natural human reflex, its mention in the context of the Leviathan elevates it to a symbol of divine power and majesty. This reflects the biblical theme that even the most mundane aspects of life can point to the grandeur and mystery of God's creation.Sneezings (1 Occurrence)

Job 41:18
His sneezings flash forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
(See JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Sneezings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sneezings (1 Occurrence). Job 41:18 His sneezings flash
forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. ...
/s/sneezings.htm - 6k

Neesing
... 41:18, the King James Version, the English Revised Version "by his neesings a light
doth shine," the American Standard Revised Version "sneezings"): "Neese" in ...
/n/neesing.htm - 7k

Sniff (1 Occurrence)

/s/sniff.htm - 7k

Sneezing (1 Occurrence)

/s/sneezing.htm - 7k

Sneeze
... "Sneezing," better "snorting," is found in the description of Leviathan (the crocodile):
"His sneezings (`atsishah) flash forth light, and his eyes are like ...
/s/sneeze.htm - 7k

Sneezes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sneezes (1 Occurrence). Job 41:18 His sneezings flash
forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. (See NAS). ...
/s/sneezes.htm - 6k

Flames (54 Occurrences)
... up from the fire. (BBE). Job 41:18 His sneezings give out flames, and his
eyes are like the eyes of the dawn. (BBE). Job 41:19 Out ...
/f/flames.htm - 22k

Dawn (70 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Job 41:18 His sneezings give out flames, and his eyes are
like the eyes of the dawn. (BBE YLT RSV NIV). Psalms 22:1 ...
/d/dawn.htm - 28k

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