The term "sneezeth" appears in the context of the Bible in the book of Job, specifically in Job 41:18. This passage is part of a larger description of the Leviathan, a formidable creature that God describes to Job to illustrate His own power and the limitations of human understanding. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the dawn."

Context and Interpretation

In Job 41, God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging him to consider the might and majesty of the Leviathan, a creature that symbolizes chaos and power beyond human control. The description of the Leviathan's "sneezings" that "flash forth light" is a vivid image, suggesting a creature of immense strength and awe-inspiring presence. The imagery of light flashing from its sneezes may symbolize the creature's fiery and untamable nature, further emphasizing the grandeur and mystery of God's creation.

Theological Significance

The mention of sneezing in this context serves to highlight the overwhelming power and majesty of the Leviathan, and by extension, the Creator who fashioned such a being. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the limitations of human wisdom. The passage invites readers to reflect on the grandeur of God's creation and the humility required in acknowledging human limitations in understanding divine mysteries.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern literature, creatures like the Leviathan often represented chaos and were seen as adversaries to be subdued by deities. The biblical portrayal, however, does not depict the Leviathan as an enemy of God but rather as a part of His creation, subject to His will. This reflects a worldview where God is sovereign over all, including the most fearsome aspects of the natural world.

Linguistic Notes

The Hebrew word translated as "sneezings" in this passage is "עֲטִישָׁה" (atiyshah), which is unique in its usage here. The choice of this word contributes to the vivid and poetic nature of the description, enhancing the dramatic effect of the passage.

Application for Believers

For believers, the depiction of the Leviathan and its sneezings serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring power of God and the beauty and complexity of His creation. It encourages a posture of reverence and trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when faced with the unknown or the seemingly chaotic elements of life.Sneezeth (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 4:35
and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven times, and the youth openeth his eyes.
(YLT)

Sneezeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sneezeth (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 4:35 and he turneth
back and walketh in the house, once hither and once ...
/s/sneezeth.htm - 6k

Sneezing (1 Occurrence)

/s/sneezing.htm - 7k

Sneezes (1 Occurrence)

/s/sneezes.htm - 6k

Stretcheth (33 Occurrences)
... 35 and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and
goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven ...
/s/stretcheth.htm - 16k

Walketh (62 Occurrences)
... 35 and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and
goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven ...
/w/walketh.htm - 24k

Openeth (48 Occurrences)
... 35 and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and
goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven ...
/o/openeth.htm - 20k

Hither (84 Occurrences)
... 35 and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and
goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven ...
/h/hither.htm - 34k

Thither (119 Occurrences)
... 35 and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and
goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven ...
/t/thither.htm - 38k

Youth (169 Occurrences)
... 35 and he turneth back and walketh in the house, once hither and once thither, and
goeth up and stretcheth himself upon him, and the youth sneezeth till seven ...
/y/youth.htm - 37k

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