איוב, פרק מ׳, פסוק י״ח

The raw, physical power of the creature is so immense that its sheer strength holds the potential to destroy the world [אלשיך]. This terrifying force is rooted deeply within the physical structure of its body, specifically built upon its skeleton, sinews, and bones [מלבי״ם]. To emphasize this incredible physical build, the description relies on a repeated, parallel structure that reinforces the same idea through shifting imagery [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג].

The creature's framework is first compared to copper. The primary approach among commentators is that this conveys pure strength, suggesting its bones are as unyielding as the metal itself. Some elaborate that this describes solid, unbroken blocks of copper [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ], a concept derived from the idea of deeply gathered and restrained energy [רמב״ן].

The imagery then shifts to iron, focusing on a different aspect of the creature's anatomy. While the initial reference to its skeleton includes both the softer and harder parts of its frame, this subsequent description points specifically to the thickest, most impenetrable bones in its body [מלבי״ם]. These massive bones are likened to iron, though the exact nature of the comparison varies. The primary approach among commentators is that the imagery represents a heavy, thick load or a solid bar of iron [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. Others suggest a more active and destructive image, comparing the bones to a massive iron hammer designed to shatter rocks [רמב״ן]. A final perspective views the description not as a specific iron object at all, but simply as an absolute expression of raw, unadulterated strength [אבן עזרא].