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Behemoth Definition

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Understanding the Behemoth: More Than Just a Big Animal



The word "behemoth" conjures images of something colossal, powerful, and perhaps even terrifying. While often used casually to describe something enormous, its origins and meanings are richer and more nuanced than a simple synonym for "giant." This article will delve into the multifaceted definition of "behemoth," exploring its biblical roots, its literary usage, and its implications in modern contexts.

I. Biblical Behemoth: A Creature of Awesome Power



The term "behemoth" first appears in the Book of Job (40:15-24), a passage famous for its vivid description of a creature of immense strength and size. This biblical behemoth is not definitively identified, leading to centuries of debate and speculation. However, the text paints a picture of an animal possessing unparalleled power, impervious to attack, and capable of dominating its environment.

The description emphasizes its physical attributes: its powerful tail, its colossal legs, its impenetrable hide, and its ability to drink up rivers. This portrayal isn't just about physical strength; it signifies the awesome power of creation and the unfathomable might of God. The passage's main purpose is not to scientifically describe an animal, but to underscore God's sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine creation. Therefore, the biblical behemoth transcends its literal meaning and becomes a symbol of untamed power and the majesty of the divine.

II. Literary Behemoth: A Symbol of Immense Scale and Power



Beyond its religious origins, "behemoth" has found a significant place in literature and popular culture. Here, the term retains its core meaning of something extraordinarily large and powerful, but its application expands considerably. It can refer to:

Massive organizations: A behemoth corporation like Walmart, for example, exerts significant economic influence, employing vast numbers of people, and affecting global markets. Its sheer size and power are reminiscent of the biblical behemoth.
Large-scale projects: The construction of a massive dam, a sprawling metropolis, or an expansive infrastructure project can be referred to as a "behemoth" task, emphasizing its scale and complexity.
Overwhelming problems: A behemoth challenge, like climate change or global poverty, suggests an issue of significant magnitude and difficulty, requiring considerable effort and resources to tackle.

In these literary contexts, "behemoth" often carries a slightly negative connotation, highlighting the potential for overwhelming power to be destructive or difficult to control. A "corporate behemoth," for instance, can imply monopolistic practices or unfair labor conditions.

III. Modern Usage: Beyond Size and Strength



In modern usage, the term "behemoth" has become somewhat generalized, often used figuratively to describe anything of immense size, scope, or power. While the original image of a powerful animal remains subtly present, the emphasis shifts to the sheer scale and impact of the subject.

Consider these examples: "The new stadium is a behemoth of concrete and steel," or "The legal battle has become a behemoth, consuming vast resources and time." In these instances, the word emphasizes not just the physical size but the overwhelming nature of the subject. The implied weight and impact of the described object or situation are crucial to the meaning conveyed by the term "behemoth."


IV. Key Takeaways: Understanding Nuance



The word "behemoth" is far more than just a synonym for "huge." Understanding its historical and literary contexts helps to appreciate the nuanced meanings it carries. It is a word laden with symbolism, suggesting not merely size, but also power, impact, and often, a sense of awe or even apprehension. Being aware of this range of meanings allows for a more precise and effective use of the word in your own communication.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)



1. What is the exact animal described in the Book of Job? The biblical behemoth's identity remains a matter of scholarly debate, with various interpretations ranging from a hippopotamus to a dinosaur. There is no definitive answer.

2. Is behemoth always used negatively? No, while it can carry negative connotations, especially when referring to powerful entities that might be seen as oppressive, it's also used to describe something impressive or awe-inspiring in its scale.

3. Can "behemoth" be used to describe a person? Yes, although less common, it can be used to describe an exceptionally powerful or influential individual, perhaps a ruthless dictator or a supremely successful entrepreneur.

4. What's the difference between "behemoth" and "giant"? While both imply large size, "behemoth" suggests a more profound sense of power, impact, and often, a slightly ominous or awe-inspiring quality. "Giant" simply refers to size.

5. What are some good synonyms for "behemoth"? Depending on the context, synonyms might include: colossus, monster, titan, leviathan, juggernaut, or giant. However, none perfectly capture the full range of meaning inherent in "behemoth."

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BEHEMOTH - Definition & Translations | Collins English Dictionary If you refer to something as a behemoth, you mean that it is extremely large, and often that it is unpleasant, inefficient, or difficult to manage.

Behemoth - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com The word means something big and powerful. Behemoth comes from the Hebrew word b'hemah meaning beast. You can use it to describe large animals or large entities that make you feel …

Behemoth – Definition & Meaning Behemoth is a noun that is used to describe something that is large, powerful, and imposing. It can refer to anything from an animal to a person to an object. Some of the most common definitions of behemoth include: A huge or monstrous creature, often used in reference to mythical beasts or creatures from folklore.

BEHEMOTH definition in American English - Collins Online … BEHEMOTH definition: a gigantic beast , probably a hippopotamus , described in Job 40:15 | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English

BEHEMOTH definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary If you refer to something as a behemoth, you mean that it is extremely large, and often that it is unpleasant, inefficient, or difficult to manage.

BEHEMOTH Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com A behemoth is a thing or creature of enormous size or power, as in An elephant is a behemoth that even lions and rhinos are afraid of. The word Behemoth also refers to a monstrous …

Behemoth Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary BEHEMOTH meaning: something very big and powerful

BEHEMOTH Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster The meaning of BEHEMOTH is a mighty animal described in Job 40:15—24 as an example of the power of God. How to use behemoth in a sentence. Did you know?

BEHEMOTH | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary BEHEMOTH definition: 1. something that is extremely large and often extremely powerful: 2. something that is extremely…. Learn more.

Behemoth - Wikipedia Behemoth (/ bɪˈhiːməθ, ˈbiːə -/; Hebrew: בְּהֵמוֹת, bəhēmōṯ) is a beast from the biblical Book of Job, and is a form of the primeval chaos-monster created by God at the beginning of creation. Metaphorically, the name has come to be used for any extremely large or powerful entity.

behemoth noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage … Definition of behemoth noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

behemoth - definition and meaning - Wordnik behemoth: Something enormous in size or power.

What does Behemoth mean? - Definitions.net Behemoth (; Hebrew: בְּהֵמוֹת, bəhēmōṯ) is a beast from the biblical Book of Job, and is a form of the primeval chaos-monster created by God at the beginning of creation; he is paired with the other chaos-monster, Leviathan, and according to later Jewish tradition both would become food for the righteous at the end-time.

Behemoth - definition of behemoth by The Free Dictionary Define behemoth. behemoth synonyms, behemoth pronunciation, behemoth translation, English dictionary definition of behemoth. n. 1. Something enormous in size or power. 2. often Behemoth A huge animal, possibly the hippopotamus, described in …

BEHEMOTH | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary BEHEMOTH meaning: 1. something that is extremely large and often extremely powerful: 2. something that is extremely…. Learn more.

behemoth: meaning, synonyms - WordSense Something which has the qualities of great power and might, and monstrous proportions. " The diehards who did turn out were at least rewarded with a first sight of Jon Parkin, the behemoth …

BEHEMOTH - Meaning & Translations | Collins English Dictionary If you refer to something as a behemoth, you mean that it is extremely large, and often that it is unpleasant, inefficient, or difficult to manage.

behemoth | meaning of behemoth in Longman Dictionary of … behemoth meaning, definition, what is behemoth: something that is very large: Learn more.

behemoth | definition for kids | Wordsmyth Word Explorer … any enormous or powerful creature or thing. The meaning of behemoth. Definition of behemoth. Best online English dictionaries for children, with kid-friendly definitions, integrated thesaurus for kids, images, and animations. Spanish and Chinese language support available.

Behemoth | Behemoth | Old Testament Monster | Biblical … Behemoth, in the Old Testament, a powerful, grass-eating animal whose “bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron” (Job 40:18). Among various Jewish legends, one relates that the righteous will witness a spectacular battle between Behemoth and Leviathan in the messianic era and later feast upon their flesh.