The short answer of the title question is: Uncertain.
(But these creatures are important!)
Behemoth
The name Behemoth appears in the Bible only once (Job 40:15). Its description is that of a great and powerful creature. Some have suggested that Behemoth is the hippopotamus, while others think it is a reference to a mythological creature with symbolic significance, or perhaps, an extinct dinosaur. Each idea has merit, but also difficulties.
Leviathan
Following a description of Behemoth is a reference to Leviathan (Job 41). It is also a great and powerful creature. While Behemoth appears to have been a land creature, Leviathan was a sea creature. A series of rhetorical questions are asked about Leviathan, each suggesting a fierce creature that man cannot catch or overpower: “Lay your hand on him; remember the battle; you will not do it again!”
Suggestions for the identification of Leviathan range from crocodile to mythological creature to dragon to extinct dinosaur.
Making Sense of Behemoth and Leviathan
More important than the specific identification of these creatures is an understanding of why they appear in Scripture, namely in the book of Job.
God mentions Behemoth and Leviathan in a response to the man Job. It is possible that each creature symbolized something in the minds of the people of that day, similar to the way that a lion symbolizes courage to us.
Up to this point in the book, Job had endured terrible misfortune with regard to his family, his wealth, and his personal health. His friends were under the impression that since Job was suffering such misfortune, he must have sinned greatly. After all, according to their thinking, good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. However, Job insisted that his misfortune was not the result of sin. He was quite sure that if he could bring his case before God, the great Judge would vindicate him.
God did answer Job, but not as Job expected. Prior to mentioning Behemoth and Leviathan, God posed dozens of rhetorical questions to Job about creation. (See chapters 38 & 39.) God appears to have been pressing the point: I am Creator; you are not. Job understood and recognized his insignificance in comparison to his Creator. However, God was not finished.
Continuing to exalt Himself (It’s ok for God to do that; it’s not pride but truth.), God said: “Behold now, Behemoth, which I made as well as you…” (40:15). Then after a lengthy description, rich with symbolism of greatness and power, God concluded, “Can anyone capture him…?”
Then God spoke of Leviathan, presumably a creature that He had also made. It was a fierce creature that could not be caught or subdued by man. God concluded about Leviathan, “He looks on everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride.” (41:34) In other words, no one, not even man in his greatness, can match the power and fierceness of Leviathan.
Using two great and powerful creatures that God had created, Behemoth and Leviathan, His simple message to Job was, “You, little man, wish to bring your petty case of suffering before Me as Judge? I am Creator!”
God boldly asserted truth: “I am Creator; justice is mine.” In that, Job could rely on God’s justice even when he had experienced grave injustices.
We may never know how to accurately identify these mysterious creatures. However, we can trust that our exalted Creator renders justice in all matters.
Mark Stinnett
August 24, 2025
