Behemoth in Hebrew Lexicon: A Deep Dive Behemoth (בְּהֵמוֹת, behemot) emerges from ancient Hebrew texts as a term steeped in mystery and power, primarily known from Job 40:15-24, where it describes a colossal creature unmatched in strength. Lexicons like Strong's Hebrew #930 classify it as a singular noun derived from behemah (beast or cattle), but intensified in plural form to evoke something extraordinary—often linked to a water-ox or hippopotamus, though debates rage over dinosaurs, elephants, or myth.

Lexicon Breakdown

Traditional sources such as Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon portray behemot as "behemoth, i.e. hippopotamus," suggesting an Egyptian origin (p- ehemau , "ox of the water"). This plural-intensive form amplifies the singular idea of a massive land-water beast with a tail like a cedar and bones like bronze tubes. Modern interpretations in lexicons like NAS Exhaustive Concordance simply note it as "a kind of animal," leaving room for speculation.

  • Etymology : Rooted in bahamah (dumb beasts), Semitic cognates in Arabic and Ethiopic imply "to be dumb" or massive.
  • Plural-to-Singular Shift : Hebrew plural (behemot , beasts) became English singular "Behemoth" as a proper name for this unique entity.
  • Key Attributes from Job : Eats grass like oxen, lives among rivers, fearless—fueling endless scholarly tales of ancient megafauna.

Debates and Identifications

Scholars split on Behemoth's real-world counterpart, turning lexicon entries into epic sagas of discovery. Some, like the Genevan Institute, favor hippopotamus or rhinoceros due to habitat clues; others propose extinct dinosaurs (Diplodocus/Brachiosaurus) for the sheer scale. Mythic views cast it as an unconquerable monster paired with Leviathan, symbolizing chaos in Hebrew cosmology.

Theory| Supporting Lexicon Note| Counterpoint
---|---|---
Hippopotamus 1| Egyptian p-ehemau link; river habits| Tail too rigid for hippo
Dinosaur 7| Massive frame, extinct fit| No fossils in Job's era?
Mythical Beast 5| Plural intensity for legend| Concrete biblical details
Elephant/Rhino 3| Strength matches| Aquatic traits mismatch

Cultural and Modern Echoes

Beyond lexicons, "Behemoth" now means any hulking force—from tech giants to viral trends—as seen in word histories. Recent forum chatter (e.g., Reddit's linguistics subs) revives the plural debate, questioning English borrowing in 2025 discussions. No major news spikes in January 2026, but it trends in biblical studies amid renewed interest in ancient megafauna.

"In form a plural... but really a singular of Egyptian derivation; a water- ox." – Brown-Driver-Briggs

TL;DR : Behemoth's Hebrew lexicon roots paint a picture of primal power—hippo-like giant or dino precursor—fueling timeless wonder. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.