Leviathan vs. Behemoth — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
Leviathan is often depicted as a formidable sea monster from biblical and mythological texts, symbolizing chaos, whereas Behemoth is described as a massive land creature, representing strength and power.
Difference Between Leviathan and Behemoth
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Leviathan, as described in various ancient texts, including the Bible, is typically associated with the sea, embodying chaos, strength, and sometimes evil. This creature is often depicted as a giant sea serpent or dragon, highlighting its fearsome nature and the ancient peoples' fear of the unknown depths of the ocean. On the other hand, Behemoth is traditionally viewed as an immense land animal, possibly inspired by real animals like elephants, hippos, or rhinoceroses. Its depiction in texts like the Book of Job suggests it as a creature of enormous strength and size, symbolizing land's untamable and powerful aspects.
While Leviathan's domain is the watery depths, representing the chaos and mystery of the sea, Behemoth's domain is the stable, solid earth. This contrast not only places them in different environments but also assigns them roles as masters of their respective realms, with Leviathan ruling over the waters and Behemoth dominating the land.
Whereas Leviathan is often associated with evil or as an adversary in biblical texts, reflecting fears and the struggle between chaos and order, Behemoth is sometimes seen in a more neutral or even positive light, symbolizing strength, stability, and the awe-inspiring power of creation.
In literature and art, Leviathan has come to symbolize any large or powerful entity, often with negative connotations, such as oppressive institutions or overwhelming obstacles. In contrast, Behemoth can represent substantial, albeit earthly, challenges or forces, emphasizing physical over metaphysical threats.
Comparison Chart
Domain
Sea
Land
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Symbolism
Chaos, evil, strength
Strength, power, stability
Biblical Appearance
Job 41, Isaiah 27:1, Psalms 74:14
Job 40:15–24
Depiction
Serpent-like sea monster or dragon
Massive land creature
Associations
Water, chaos, adversity
Earth, strength, creation
Cultural Significance
Often represents oppressive forces or challenges
Symbolizes earthly strength and power
Literary Usage
Metaphor for great challenges or evil entities
Emblem of immense physical or earthly challenges
Compare with Definitions
Leviathan
A metaphor for overwhelming adversity.
The corporation was a leviathan that small businesses struggled against.
Behemoth
A metaphor for large, powerful entities.
The startup grew into a behemoth in the tech industry.
Leviathan
A biblical sea monster symbolizing chaos.
The sailors feared the leviathan lurking in the deep.
Behemoth
A biblical creature symbolizing earth's power.
Job described the behemoth as the mightiest of all God's creatures.
Leviathan
A creature of ancient myth and lore.
Legends of the leviathan have intrigued people for centuries.
Behemoth
A massive beast representing strength.
The elephant was like a behemoth among the trees.
Leviathan
A symbol of evil or corruption.
In his speech, he referred to the government as a leviathan.
Behemoth
A term for something of enormous size.
The new mall was a behemoth that could be seen from miles away.
Leviathan
An inspiration in literature and art.
The painting depicted the epic battle with the leviathan.
Behemoth
A subject in various cultural interpretations.
Folk tales often spoke of a behemoth roaming the ancient forests.
Leviathan
Leviathan (; לִוְיָתָן, Līvəyāṯān) is a creature with the form of a sea serpent in Judaism. It is referenced in several books of the Hebrew Bible, including Psalms, the Book of Job, the Book of Isaiah, and the Book of Amos; it is also mentioned in the apocryphal Book of Enoch.
Behemoth
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. Metaphorically, the name has come to be used for any extremely large or powerful entity.
Leviathan
Something unusually large of its kind, especially a ship.
Behemoth
Something enormous in size or power.
Leviathan
A very large animal, especially a whale.
Behemoth
Often Behemoth A huge animal, possibly the hippopotamus, described in the Bible.
Leviathan
A monstrous sea creature mentioned in the Bible.
Behemoth
(Bible) A great and mighty beast God shows Job in Job 40:15–24.
Leviathan
A vast sea monster of tremendous strength, described as the most powerful and dangerous creature in the ocean.
Behemoth
(by extension) Any great and mighty monster.
Leviathan
(figuratively) Something monstrously large or mighty in size, strength, wealth, etc.
Behemoth
(figurative) Something which has the qualities of great power and might, and monstrous proportions.
Leviathan
The political state, especially a domineering and totalitarian one as theorized by Thomas Hobbes.
Behemoth
An animal, probably the hippopotamus, described in Job xl. 15-24.
Leviathan
Very large; gargantuan.
Behemoth
Something of large size or great power.
Leviathan
An aquatic animal, described in the book of Job, ch. xli., and mentioned in other passages of Scripture.
Behemoth
Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
Leviathan
The whale, or a great whale.
Behemoth
A person of exceptional importance and reputation
Leviathan
The largest or most massive thing of its kind;
It was a leviathan among redwoods
They were assigned the leviathan of textbooks
Leviathan
Monstrous sea creature symbolizing evil in the Old Testament
Common Curiosities
How are Leviathan and Behemoth depicted in art?
Artistic depictions vary widely, with Leviathan often shown as a sea serpent or dragon and Behemoth as a massive land animal.
Do Leviathan and Behemoth appear together in texts?
While both are mentioned in the Book of Job, they are described in separate passages and serve to illustrate God's power over all creation.
Are there modern interpretations of Leviathan and Behemoth?
Yes, both creatures have been used metaphorically in modern literature, politics, and culture to represent various concepts of power, chaos, and magnitude.
Is Leviathan mentioned outside the Bible?
Yes, Leviathan appears in other ancient and medieval texts, often embodying chaos or evil.
Can Leviathan and Behemoth be considered real animals?
Some scholars suggest they may have been inspired by real animals, but their descriptions are likely exaggerated or mythical.
Can Leviathan and Behemoth be seen as opposing forces?
While not directly opposed, they represent mastery over different domains—sea vs. land—and different aspects of power and chaos.
Are there any positive portrayals of Leviathan?
While less common, some interpretations view Leviathan as a symbol of God's power and the awe-inspiring aspects of creation.
Has the concept of Behemoth evolved over time?
Yes, the concept of Behemoth has expanded beyond biblical references to embody any large, powerful, or dominating entity.
Are Leviathan and Behemoth considered evil?
Leviathan is often associated with evil or chaos, whereas Behemoth is usually seen in a more neutral or positive light, symbolizing strength and power.
Are Leviathan and Behemoth part of any religious rituals or teachings?
They are mentioned in religious texts primarily to illustrate moral or divine concepts but are not central to any rituals.
How do Leviathan and Behemoth influence popular culture?
They appear in books, movies, and games, often representing large, formidable forces or creatures.
Can Leviathan and Behemoth be used in educational contexts?
Yes, they can be used to teach about literary symbolism, ancient cultures, and religious texts.
What does Behemoth symbolize in literature?
In literature, Behemoth can symbolize overwhelming physical or earthly power and challenges.
Do Leviathan and Behemoth have any significance in environmental discourse?
Metaphorically, they can represent natural forces or challenges in discussions about conservation and environmental impact.
How do interpretations of Leviathan and Behemoth differ across cultures?
Different cultures may emphasize various aspects of these creatures, reflecting local values, fears, and environmental conditions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
