Behemoth’s Penis, Yahweh’s Might: Competing Bodies in the Book of Job

The poetic description of Behemoth in Job 40 makes use a literary technique for describing the body known as was.f, elsewhere found most famously biblical literature descriptions lovers Song Songs (4.1-7; 5.11-16; 6.4-7; 7.2-10). In parts are systematically listed and described according to an organizing principle that develops its contents capite ad calcem, beginning with head proceeding down body. However, instead providing standard systematic itemization this monstrous body, book subverts was.f form. Behemoth’s is truncated, making highly euphemistic language which focuses reader upon one part particular: penis. Through transformation poet highlights emphasizes monster’s massive genitalia. And because God ultimately able defeat beast, text therefore claims Yahweh, so speak, has bigger balls. This paper explores ideas values embedded within features devices employed doing, I uncover new implications understanding cosmic battle between Yahweh beast: divine willy-waving contest.