@article{ART003219320},
author={LEE JEONGHAK},
title={Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41},
journal={Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies},
issn={1229-0521},
year={2025},
volume={31},
number={2},
pages={222-255}
TY - JOUR
AU - LEE JEONGHAK
TI - Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41
JO - Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 31
IS - 2
PB - Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
SP - 222
EP - 255
SN - 1229-0521
AB - This paper explores human identity through the lens of giant beasts traditionally understood in the Old Testament. Focusing particularly on the literary motifs of the two giant beasts in Job 40 and 41, which have conventionally been interpreted as adversaries and forces of evil, the study examines their literary roles and the theological relationship between Job and these creatures. The primary aim is to elucidate an understanding of humanity, highlighting the elevation of faith experienced by humans through divine enlightenment, with the imagery of these beasts serving as instructional tools. The study employs literary criticism grounded in historical criticism. First, structural criticism is used to discuss the similarities between the narratives of Behemoth and Leviathan. Next, rhetorical criticism is applied to trace changes in literary motifs through the repetition and variation of subjects. For additional objectivity, a comparative study with Ancient Near Eastern literature is conducted in advance. The scope of the research is concentrated on the passages describing Behemoth and Leviathan (Job 40:15–41:34 [41:26]), while also reviewing other relevant scholarly works.
The paper is structured as follows. First, it provides a traditional understanding of giant beasts, illustrating their perception in the context of the Ancient Near East and their relevance to the Old Testament. Based on this understanding, it considers how the literary motif of giant beasts is utilized. Second, to deepen the study of giant beasts in Job, it analyzes the account of Behemoth, describes the transformation of the literary motif of Behemoth in the Old Testament, and examines the relationship between Behemoth and Job. Third, the paper addresses the literary motif associated with Leviathan, explaining why Leviathan—once regarded as a symbol of evil—is called a great creation of God, and discusses its relevance to Job’s identity. Finally, building on the preceding research, it explains how God’s speech from the storm provides insight to Job, illustrating the wisdom Job attains and the subsequent discovery of his identity. The study also seeks to identify points of contact between such divine discipline and image-based education for faith today. The conclusion summarizes the research and notes its limitations.
Through this study, Behemoth and Leviathan—previously marginalized as mere symbols of evil—are re-examined within theological discourse. Furthermore, in the era of artificial intelligence, the study contemplates divine discipline as presented in the Old Testament, offering proposals for understanding humanity, as well as educational and theological applications for current and future generations.
KW - Behemoth;Leviathan;Job's Identity;Giant Beasts;Book of Job
DO -
UR -
ER -
LEE JEONGHAK. (2025). Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(2), 222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK. 2025, "Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41", Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, vol.31, no.2 pp.222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK "Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31.2 pp.222-255 (2025) : 222.
LEE JEONGHAK. Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41. 2025; 31(2), 222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK. "Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.2 (2025) : 222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK. Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(2), 222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK. Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies. 2025; 31(2) 222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK. Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41. 2025; 31(2), 222-255.
LEE JEONGHAK. "Understanding Humanity through the Traditional Motif of Giant Beasts in the Old Testament: Focusing on Job 40–41" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.2 (2025) : 222-255.
