Fausset’s Bible Dictionary, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, the King James Dictionary, Nave’s Topical Bible, Smith’s Bible Dictionary, and Webster’s 1828 Dictionary list the leviathan as being some form of crocodile (or whale or serpent, but mostly the crocodile).
But what does the Book of Job say about the mighty leviathan? Is this creature really a crocodile?
A cursory reading of Job 41 would certainly leave us with an image of the crocodile or some other marine creature. However, several bits lead us to believe that the leviathan is no creature known to modern biology.
Verse 10 says that none are brave enough to stir up the leviathan, except for God. However, we know that there are men brave enough to stir up crocodiles. In fact, there have been television shows created specifically for that. However, none have dared mess with the leviathan.
Verses 18 and 19 state that the leviathan bears light and fire from within, which come out his nostrils and mouth. No crocodile has ever been found that could be used like a flash light. While it could be said that the language of Job is symbolic (Job being typically classified as poetry), there is nothing within the text itself indicating that we are to understand it in any other way save literally.
Verses 19-21 indicate that the leviathan was a fire breather. Sparks and smoke certainly would indicate such, and a fire-breathing leviathan would certainly provide an original basis for all the fire-breathing monster stories that are told, especially in the East.
Verse 25 says that when the leviathan raises itself up, even mighty men are afraid. Crocodiles do not raise up except for but a few inches off the ground for mobility. To raise up brings to mind the action of the cobra snake, which certainly could apply to leviathan if it too is a serpent.
Verses 26-29 indicate the incredible strength and protection of the leviathan, that sword, spear, and stone are powerless to stop him. One swift attack with the sword could decapitate or otherwise mortally wound a crocodile.
Verse 34 is the clincher: It states that the leviathan is “king over all the children of pride” and that he “beholdeth all high things.” A crocodile fits neither of those descriptions, though I am fairly certain I know who does.
So who is the leviathan? Most probably, he is Satan. The serpent of Genesis and the dragon of Revelation is the leviathan of Job.
Much more could be said about the connections between Satan and leviathan (more so than between Satan and Lucifer, actually), but this post should get you started.
Remember that Bible dictionaries and references are fallible. Just because many of them list the crocodile as being the leviathan doesn’t mean that it is true or that it even makes sense.