Who can strip off his outer coat?This phrase refers to the impenetrable armor of the Leviathan, a creature described in
Job 41. The imagery of an "outer coat" suggests a protective layer that is impossible to remove, symbolizing invulnerability. In the ancient Near Eastern context, Leviathan is often associated with chaos and is depicted as a sea monster in various mythologies. The rhetorical question emphasizes human limitations in confronting such a formidable creature, highlighting God's supreme power over creation. This imagery can be connected to the armor of God described in
Ephesians 6:11-17, where believers are encouraged to put on spiritual armor to stand against evil forces.
Who can approach him with a bridle?
The bridle is a tool used to control and direct animals, particularly horses. The question implies that Leviathan is beyond human control, reinforcing the creature's untamable nature. This reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of human attempts to dominate or understand the divine order fully. In a cultural context, the bridle represents authority and mastery, which humans lack over Leviathan. This can be paralleled withJames 3:3, where the bridle is used metaphorically to describe the control of the tongue, suggesting that just as humans cannot control Leviathan, they struggle to control their own speech without divine help.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book explores themes of God's sovereignty and human suffering.
2.
LeviathanA creature described in
Job 41, often interpreted as a symbol of chaos and power beyond human control. It represents the might and mystery of God's creation.
3.
GodThe speaker in this passage, who is addressing Job. God is emphasizing His own power and the limitations of human understanding.
4.
The Book of JobA poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that addresses the nature of suffering and the justice of God.
5.
Ancient Near EastThe cultural and historical context of the Book of Job, where mythological creatures like Leviathan were part of the worldview.
Teaching Points
God's SovereigntyThis passage underscores God's ultimate authority over all creation, including the most powerful and untamable forces.
Human LimitationsThe rhetorical questions highlight human inability to control or fully understand God's creation, reminding us of our limitations.
Trust in God's PowerBelievers are encouraged to trust in God's power and wisdom, even when faced with situations beyond their control.
Humility Before GodRecognizing our limitations should lead us to humility and reverence before God, acknowledging His greatness.
Symbolism of LeviathanLeviathan serves as a reminder of the chaos and challenges in life that only God can manage, encouraging reliance on Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 41:13?
2.How does Job 41:13 highlight God's unmatched power over creation?
3.What does "strip off his outer coat" reveal about God's sovereignty?
4.How can Job 41:13 deepen our understanding of God's authority in our lives?
5.Connect Job 41:13 with another scripture emphasizing God's supreme power.
6.How should recognizing God's power in Job 41:13 influence our daily trust in Him?
7.What creature is described in Job 41:13, and does it have a historical basis?
8.How does Job 41:13 challenge our understanding of God's power over creation?
9.What is the significance of the rhetorical questions in Job 41:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 41?
11.What is the 'coat of many colors'?
12.How does Job remain faithful amidst immense suffering?
13.If Leviathan is a metaphorical creature, why does Job 41 depict it with such realistic physical traits and capabilities?
14.In Job 13:25, why does Job accuse God of targeting him as if he were light chaff, if God is portrayed as just and merciful?What Does Job 41:13 Mean
Who can strip off his outer coat?• The verse points to Leviathan’s “outer coat,” a vivid image of the creature’s armored scales.Job 41:15–17 adds, “His rows of scales are his pride… one is so near to another that no air can pass between them,” underscoring an impenetrable defense.
• The rhetorical question insists on a negative answer: no human can penetrate that armor. God is reminding Job—and us—of humanity’s limitations (Job 38:1–3;Job 40:9).
• Scripture elsewhere affirms that only the Lord can pierce or subdue such might.Psalm 104:26 pictures Leviathan as playfully roaming where God placed him, whileIsaiah 27:1 foretells the LORD’s future defeat of “Leviathan the fleeing serpent.”
• Application: just as no one can “strip off” Leviathan’s armored hide, no one can overturn God’s sovereign purposes. When trials feel as hard and unyielding as those scales, we rest in the One whose power reaches where ours cannot.
Who can approach him with a bridle?• A bridle suggests taming and directing, yetJob 41:4 already asked, “Will he make a covenant with you, to take him as a slave for life?” The implied answer is again no.
• Humans can subdue many animals (James 3:7), but Leviathan remains untamable.Job 39:10 poses a similar challenge about the wild ox, highlighting God’s unique mastery over creation.
•Psalm 29:10 declares, “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood,” linking divine kingship to mastery over the chaotic waters where Leviathan dwells.
• Application: suffering sometimes feels like chaos we wish to “bridle.” Job learns that true peace comes not from controlling circumstances but from trusting the God who already reigns over them.
summaryJob 41:13 uses two probing questions to confront human weakness. No one can peel away Leviathan’s scale-armor, and no one can slip a bridle over his jaw. Those truths magnify God’s unmatched strength and highlight our need to trust Him when life’s adversities prove equally unmanageable.
(13)
Who can discover . . . ?--Rather,
Who can strip off his outer garment? i.e.,his scales, which are the covering of his skin.
Who shall come within his double bridle, i.e.,the doubling of his jaw? Who would venture a limb within his jaws? This seems to be the meaning, rather than "Who shall come to him with his double bridle," forsooth to take him therewith?
Verse 13. -
Who can discover the face of his garment? Some critics understand this in a general sense, "Who can lay him open to assault?" Others suggest a more definite meaning," Who can strip off his outer covering?" the scaly coat, that is, which forms his special defence, and expose the comparatively tender skin below? If this were done, he would then be at the hunter's mercy; but who will undertake to do it
? Who, again, can come to him with his double bridle? Come,
i.e., with a double bridle in his hand, and place it in the monster's jaws. (So Schultens and Professor Lee.) Others translate, "Who will come within [the range of] his double bridle? and understand by "his double bridle" his two rows of teeth - Homer's
ἑρκος ὀδόντων (Rosenmuller, Canon Cook, Professor Stanley Leathes, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whoמִֽי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixcan strip offגִ֭לָּה(ḡil·lāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1540:To denude, to exile, to revealhis outerפְּנֵ֣י(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facecoat?לְבוּשׁ֑וֹ(lə·ḇū·šōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3830:A garment, clothing, raimentWhoמִ֣י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixcan approach [him]יָבֽוֹא׃(yā·ḇō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gowith a bridle?בְּכֶ֥פֶל(bə·ḵe·p̄el)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3718:A duplicate
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OT Poetry: Job 41:13 Who can strip off his outer garment? (Jb) 
