Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "seamonster" is often used to describe large and fearsome creatures of the sea, which are sometimes associated with chaos and opposition to God. These creatures are mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing the power and mystery of the ocean, as well as the sovereignty of God over creation.Leviathan One of the most notable seamonsters mentioned in the Bible is Leviathan. In the Book of Job, Leviathan is depicted as a formidable creature that only God can control. Job 41:1-34 provides a detailed description of Leviathan, emphasizing its strength and invincibility. The passage highlights God's power over even the most fearsome of His creations: "Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope?" (Job 41:1). This rhetorical question underscores the futility of human efforts to tame such a creature, pointing to God's unmatched authority. Leviathan is also mentioned in Psalm 74:14, where it is described as being defeated by God: "You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert." This imagery portrays God's victory over chaos and evil, symbolized by the seamonster. Rahab Another seamonster referenced in the Bible is Rahab, which is often used metaphorically to represent Egypt or forces of chaos. In Isaiah 51:9-10, Rahab is associated with God's deliverance of Israel: "Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced the monster through?" (Isaiah 51:9). This passage recalls God's mighty acts in history, particularly the Exodus, where He demonstrated His power over oppressive forces. Tannin The Hebrew word "tannin" is sometimes translated as "seamonster" or "dragon" and appears in several Old Testament passages. In Genesis 1:21, God creates the great sea creatures, or "tanninim," as part of His orderly creation: "So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed, according to their kinds" (Genesis 1:21). This verse affirms that even the most mysterious and powerful creatures are part of God's good creation. In Ezekiel 29:3, the term is used metaphorically to describe Pharaoh, king of Egypt, as a great monster lying in the midst of his rivers, symbolizing his pride and eventual downfall: "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of his rivers, who has said, "The Nile is mine; I made it for myself."'" Symbolism and Interpretation In biblical symbolism, seamonsters often represent chaos, evil, and opposition to God's order. However, they also serve to highlight God's supreme power and authority over all creation. The imagery of God defeating these creatures reassures believers of His control over the forces of chaos and His ability to protect and deliver His people. Throughout Scripture, seamonsters are used to convey theological truths about God's sovereignty, the nature of evil, and the ultimate triumph of divine order over chaos. These creatures, while fearsome and mysterious, ultimately serve to glorify God by demonstrating His unmatched power and authority. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEA-MONSTERse'-mon-ster: Genesis 1:21 (tanninim), "sea monsters," the King James Version "whales," Septuagint (ta kete), "sea-monsters," "huge fish," or "whales." Job 7:12 (tannin), "sea-monster" the King James Version "whale," the Septuagint drakon, "dragon." Psalm 74:13 (tanninim), the American Standard Revised Version and the English Revised Version margin. "sea-monsters," the King James Version and the English Revised Version "dragons," the King James Version margin "whales" Septuagint drakontes, "dragons" Psalm 148:7 (tanninim), "sea-monsters" the King James Version and the English Revised Version "dragons," the English Revised Version margin "sea-monsters" or "water-spouts," Septuagint drakontes, "dragons." Lamentations 4:3 (tannin) "jackals," the King James Version "sea monsters" the King James Version margin "sea calves," Septuagint drakontes. Matthew 12:40 (referring to Jonah) (ketos), English Versions of the Bible "whale," the Revised Version margin "sea-monster." In the Apocrypha, the Revised Version (British and American) changes the King James Version "whale (ketos) into "sea-monster" in Sirach 43:25 but not in So of Three Children verse 57. Thesaurus Seamonster/s/seamonster.htm - 8k Sea-monster (1 Occurrence) Seamless (1 Occurrence) Serpent (40 Occurrences) Dragon (20 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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