Job – Chapter 41

Old Testament25 Verses

1I will not stir him up, like one that is cruel, for who can resist my countenance?

2Who hath given me before that I should repay him? All things that are under heaven are mine.

3I will not spare him, nor his mighty words, and framed to make supplication.

4Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can go into the midst of his mouth?

5Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.

6His body is like molten shields, shut close up with scales pressing upon one another.

7One is joined to another, and not so much as any air can come between them:

8They stick one to another and they hold one another fast, and shall not be separated.

9His sneezing is like the shining of fire, and his eyes like the eyelids of the morning.

10Out of his mouth go forth lamps, like torches of lighted fire.

11Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, like that of a pot heated and boiling.

12His breath kindleth coals, and a flame cometh forth out of his mouth.

13In his neck strength shall dwell, and want goeth before his face.

14The members of his flesh cleave one to another: he shall send lightnings against him, and they shall not be carried to another place.

15His heart shall be as hard as a stone, and as firm as a smith's anvil.

16When he shall raise him up, the angels shall fear, and being affrighted shall purify themselves.

17When a sword shall lay at him, it shall not be able to hold, nor a spear, nor a breastplate.

18For he shall esteem iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.

19The archer shall not put him to flight, the stones of the sling are to him like stubble.

20As stubble will he esteem the hammer, and he will laugh him to scorn who shaketh the spear.

21The beams of the sun shall be under him, and he shall strew gold under him like mire.

22He shall make the deep sea to boil like a pot, and shall make it as when ointments boil.

23A path shall shine after him, he shall esteem the deep as growing old.

24There is no power upon earth that can be compared with him who was made to fear no one.

25He beholdeth every high thing, he is king over all the children of pride.

Reflection for Today

In Job Chapter 41, we encounter the continuing revelation of suffering, faith, and divine mystery. The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has always treasured these sacred texts. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The central message—God's ways transcend human understanding—speaks to believers in every age.

The Magisterium teaches that Scripture must be interpreted in light of the whole of revelation and the Church's living Tradition. The Catechism emphasizes that "the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone" (CIC 85). This does not limit our engagement with Scripture but ensures its proper understanding.

As you reflect on this chapter, consider how its message applies to your life today. The Word of God is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and renewing minds. Through prayer and meditation, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through these ancient yet ever-new words.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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