Old Testament
Job 41:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your maidens?
Compare translations
Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
What Job 41:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 41:5, God is speaking about the creature Leviathan, a powerful and fearsome being. The verse poses a rhetorical question, asking if Job would treat such a mighty creature as if it were a harmless bird, suggesting that Leviathan is not something to be played with or tamed. The imagery highlights the creature's strength and the futility of trying to control it. The mention of binding it for maidens implies that Leviathan is far too dangerous and wild to be used for entertainment or domestic purposes. This verse emphasizes the greatness of God's creation and the limitations of human power and understanding. It serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring aspects of nature that are beyond human control, urging humility in the face of God's majestic works.
How to apply Job 41:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the limits of our control over nature and life. It reminds us to approach the world with humility and respect, acknowledging that some things are beyond our understanding and power. We should appreciate the beauty and complexity of creation without attempting to dominate it.
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 41:5
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 41:5
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 41:5 mean?
Job 41:5 refers to Leviathan, a powerful creature, and questions whether Job would treat it like a harmless bird. This highlights the creature's strength and the futility of trying to control it, emphasizing God's creation's majesty.
What is the significance of Leviathan in Job 41:5?
Leviathan represents a formidable force of nature that humans cannot tame or control. The verse illustrates the limits of human power and the need for humility in the face of God's creations.
What does the phrase 'play with him as with a bird' mean in Job 41:5?
The phrase suggests treating Leviathan, a fearsome creature, as if it were a harmless pet. It emphasizes the absurdity of underestimating such a powerful being and highlights the respect due to God's creations.
How does Job 41:5 relate to themes of humility?
Job 41:5 underscores humility by reminding us that some aspects of creation, like Leviathan, are beyond human control. It encourages an attitude of respect and awe towards the natural world.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.