In the bible, Which animal is Leviathan referred to?

Answer 1

This Hebrew word occurs six times in the Bible. It is believed to come from a root word meaning “wreath”; hence the name indicates something that is “wreathed,” or “gathered into folds.” The word is transliterated in most Bible translations.

Since, with the exception of Job 3:8, the references mention water in connection with it, Leviathan appears to signify some form of aquatic creature of great proportions and strength, although not necessarily of one specific kind. Psalm 104:25, 26 describes it as cavorting in the sea where ships travel, and for this reason many suggest that the term here applies to some type of whale. Though whales are rare in the Mediterranean, they are not unknown there, and parts of two whale skeletons can be found in a museum at Beirut in Lebanon. An American Translation here says “crocodile” instead of Leviathan. Additionally, the word “sea” (yam) by itself is not determinative inasmuch as in Hebrew it can refer to a large inland body of water such as the Sea of Galilee (Sea of Chinnereth) (Nu 34:11; Jos 12:3), or even to the river Nile (Isa 19:5) or the Euphrates.—Jer 51:36.

The description of “Leviathan” at Job 41:1-34 aptly fits the crocodile, and the “sea” of verse 31 may refer to a river such as the Nile or another body of fresh water. It should be noted, however, that some crocodiles, as the Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), are found along the seacoast and at times go out into the sea some distance from land.

Answer 2

Jc,
The Leviathan is refered to as a large sea Creature and the Boheminth as a large land animal. Its common thought that these are prehistoric creatures like the dinasours. Dragons are also mentioned in the bible. There was a flying creature that would spit up, and its vomittus was so accidic that it would burn and detoriate flesh.
Ken Ham and others do lectures on these. I would recomend Are dinasours in the Bible? It was very interesting.
Here is a link to a question about Dinasours
http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/2.asp
If you have real media you can check this out
http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/hurl?f=aig/video/footstepsleviathan.rm
Below are some interesting links
http://www.answersingenesis.org/search/Default.aspx?qt=Leviathan

Answer 3

Leviathan is mentioned in Isahia 27:1 as a "Gliding Serpent", "Coiling Serpent" and a "Monster of the Sea". And In Job 41 it talks about putting a hook through its jaw or try to tie down its tounge. I'm thinking a Crocidile maybe, because even now Crocidiles have no natural preditors so they do seem to dominate their habbitat. But the Bible never clearly states that Leviathan is one creature over another.

Answer 4

The word Leviathan means 'twisted serpent'.

The analysis of most is that Leviathan is a crocodile. Read the account and see for yourself. Here are some interesting verses from the book of Job, where Leviathan is spoken of. "Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down. Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?"

"Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?" None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?" "Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about. His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal." "In his neck remaineth strength and sorrow is turned into joy before him." "His heart is as firm as a stone; yea as hard as a piece of the nether millstone." "The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear." "Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear."

Wow, awesome! All of these characteristics describe a crocodile. They have killed many humans that dare to venture into thier domain. They are very dangerous and strong. Other than humans and hippos. No other creatures bother them.

To be in the water with them, is a no win situation for you.

It now has become a word that describes an monstrous animal.

Answer 5

Unknown,

perhaps an extinct dinosaur.

Some think this to be a crocodile but from the description in #Job 41:1-34 this is patently absurd. It appears to ba a large fire breathing animal of some sort. Just as the bomardier beetle has an explosion producing mechanism, so the great sea dragon may have an explosive producing mechanism to enable it to be a real fire breathing dragon.

grace2u

Answer 6

As theopilus says it has been suggested that it resembles a nile crocodile. However the description seems much more likely to be a mythological fantasy description of a mystery beast which is for effect and meant to cow the doubters with the might and glory of the most high, EL Shaddai.

Answer 7

The Dangerous Secret

Answer 8

A large beast or monster.

Thomas Hobbes in the 1600's published a book with that title to express the necessity of an absolute monarchy.

Answer 9

It is only described as a monster of the deep ocean. It was probably a reference to a large whale.

Answer 10

It clearly describes a Dragon in Job. But is it the
symbol of Evil, Dragon. Or talking about real dragons?
It mentions dragons in Isaiah. But is it talking about some
Dinos that had survived? Personally, I think every
"mythological" creature has existed on our world, or
some dimension in relation to our world.