Job 41:33

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 41:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Upon earth there is not his like, That is made without fear.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Upon earth there is not his like, That is made without fear.
Job 41:33 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 41

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33Upon earth there is not his like, That is made without fear.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Upon the earth there is not his like, etc.] As to form and figure; in most creatures there is some likeness between those in the sea and on the land, as sea horses, calves, etc. but there is no likeness between a whale and any creature on earth; there is between the crocodile and the lizard; nor is any like the whale for the largeness of its bulk; the Targum is, “his dominion is not on the earth,” but on the sea, as Aben Ezra notes; but rather the sense is, there is no power on earth that he obeys and submits to, as the Tigurine version; though the meaning seems to be, that there is none like him, for what follows: who is made without fear; yet this agrees not neither with the crocodile,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“who--being one who, &c.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Upon earth there is not his like - Hebrew, “Upon the dust.” The meaning is, that no other animal can be compared with him; or the land does not produce such a monster as this. For size, strength, ferocity, courage, and formidableness, no animal will hear a comparison with him. This can be true only of some such fierce creature as the crocodile. Who is made without fear - Margin, “Or, behave themselves with fear.” The meaning is, that he is created not to be afraid; he has no dread of others In this respect he is unlike other animals. The Septuagint renders this, “He is made to be sported with by my angels.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Upon: There is no creature among terrestrial animals so thoroughly dangerous, so exceedingly strong, and so difficult to be wounded or slain; and perhaps there is no creature so totally destitute of fear as the crocodile. See note on Job 41:1. Job 40:19 is made: Heb. behave themselves, Job 41:24 Job 41:34”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification