Old Testament
Job 41:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He regards iron as straw, and bronze as rotten wood.
Compare translations
He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
What Job 41:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 41:27, the verse describes the immense power and strength of the creature being discussed, often interpreted as a leviathan or a great sea monster. The comparison of iron to straw and bronze to rotten wood illustrates how this creature is so formidable that it does not regard strong materials as anything of value. This emphasizes its dominance and the futility of trying to confront it with human strength or weapons. The imagery suggests that the creature is beyond human control and understanding, highlighting the theme of God's creation being awe-inspiring and fearsome. This verse serves to remind readers of the limitations of human power in the face of God's creations, urging humility and reverence for the natural world.
How to apply Job 41:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize our limitations and the vastness of God's creation. In our lives, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but we should remember that God is greater than any obstacle. Trusting in His power can help us navigate difficulties with faith and humility.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: Out of the Whirlwind (Job 38:1–41:34)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 41:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 41:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 41:27 mean?
Job 41:27 illustrates the overwhelming power of the creature being described, often interpreted as a leviathan. It shows that this creature does not regard strong materials like iron and bronze as valuable, emphasizing its dominance and the futility of human strength against it.
What is the meaning of iron as straw in Job 41:27?
In Job 41:27, the comparison of iron to straw signifies that the creature's strength is so great that it dismisses even the strongest materials as insignificant. This highlights the creature's formidable nature and the limitations of human power.
How does Job 41:27 relate to human limitations?
Job 41:27 serves as a reminder of human limitations in the face of God's creations. It encourages humility by showing that even the strongest human efforts are futile against the power of such creatures.
What themes are present in Job 41:27?
Job 41:27 encompasses themes of divine power, human limitations, and the majesty of creation. It highlights the fearsome nature of God's creations and the need for humility before their might.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.