Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that the creature's immense strength isn't primarily about offensive weapons like claws or horns, but rather about its raw, powerful physique. The focus on the loins and belly muscles points to a defensive and agile strength, crucial for its survival and even its ability to carry great burdens.
Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is continuing to describe the immense power and majesty of Behemoth, showcasing its incredible physical strength through its loins and belly muscles. This description serves to further humble Job, highlighting that such a mighty creature, beyond human control, is ultimately God's creation. Following this, God will go on to detail Behemoth's immense tail, bones, and limbs, painting a picture of its sheer, overwhelming might.
We often think of powerful animals as purely dangerous, but what if their might serves a different purpose? Job 40:16 describes incredible physical power, but with a surprising twist.
God describes Behemoth's strength as being concentrated in its loins and belly. This isn't the aggressive might of sharp claws or horns meant for predatory attack. Instead, commentators suggest this immense power is primarily for endurance and defense.
When we picture immense strength, we often think of bone and muscle. But what about the outer layer? Job 40:16 touches on a different aspect of Behemoth's formidable nature.
Beyond the muscles described in Job 40:16, the commentaries highlight the incredible toughness of Behemoth's skin. This isn't just for show; it's a key part of its divine design.
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Understand the original words
koach · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical vigor, vitality, or capability of an entity. In the Bible, it is often used to describe both human physical capacity and the divine power of God.
motnayim · Hebrew Noun
A general term for the loins, which in biblical usage represent the center of physical strength, reproductive capacity, and often the seat of a person's vigor or endurance.
oz · Hebrew Noun
Referring to the physical force or might inherent in a being. In Scripture, it is frequently attributed to God as His sovereignty and ability to act, but can also refer to the physical or military might of creatures or nations.
This passage describes God's creation of the 'great creatures of the sea' and every living creature that moves, echoing the awe-inspiring and powerful design evident in the behemoth described in Job.
Psalm 92:5-6The psalmist marvels at God's works, stating 'How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. The stupid person cannot know this...' This resonates with Job's encounter, where God reveals His unfathomable creation to a humbled man.
Isaiah 40:12Here, Isaiah uses imagery of measuring the waters in the hollow of his hand and marking off the heavens, emphasizing God's supreme power and knowledge over creation, much like God demonstrates His dominion over the mighty behemoth.
Daniel 4:17This verse speaks of 'the Most High' ruling 'the kingdom of mortals and bestowing it on whom he pleases,' highlighting divine sovereignty over all creatures, including the immense and powerful ones like the behemoth.
Romans 1:20Paul writes that God's 'invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.' The sheer physical power of creatures like the behemoth serves as a testament to this divine power.
wesleyJob 40:16: "Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly."
40:16 Strength - He hath strength answerable to his bulk, but this strength by God's wise and merciful providence is not an offensive strength, consisting in, or put forth by horns or claws, as it is in ravenous creatures, but only defensive and seated in his loins, as it is in other creatures.
clarkeJob 40:16: "Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly."
His strength is in his loins - This refers to his great agility, notwithstanding his bulk; by the strength of his loins he was able to take vast springs, and make astonishing bounds.
This verse highlights that the creature's immense strength isn't primarily about offensive weapons like claws or horns, but rather about its raw, powerful physique. The focus on the loins and belly muscles points to a defensive and agile strength, crucial for its survival and even its ability to carry great burdens.
God is continuing to describe the immense power and majesty of Behemoth, showcasing its incredible physical strength through its loins and belly muscles. This description serves to further humble Job, highlighting that such a mighty creature, beyond human control, is ultimately God's creation. Following this, God will go on to detail Behemoth's immense tail, bones, and limbs, painting a picture of its sheer, overwhelming might.
God is continuing to describe the immense power and majesty of Behemoth, showcasing its incredible physical strength through its loins and belly muscles. This description serves to further humble Job, highlighting that such a mighty creature, beyond human control, is ultimately God's creation. Following this, God will go on to detail Behemoth's immense tail, bones, and limbs, painting a picture of its sheer, overwhelming might.
"Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly." — This verse highlights that the creature's immense strength isn't primarily about offensive weapons like claws or horns, but rather about its raw, powerful physique. The focus on the loins and belly m…
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Last reviewed October 2026