Behemoth
TextsWhat is the meaning of Behemoth in the Bible?
Behemoth is a mythical creature described in Job 40:15-24 as a massive, powerful animal created by God, often identified by scholars as a hippopotamus or rhinoceros, symbolizing earthly strength and chaos.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding behemoth helps readers grasp the biblical worldview where God's sovereignty extends over both the ordered world and the chaotic, untamed forces of nature, emphasizing divine power and human humility.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Behemoth functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Behemoth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Behemoth clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Job 40:15-24
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Behemoth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/behemoth/