Bible Dictionaries
Whale

Holman Bible Dictionary

KJV translation (Genesis 1:21; Job 7:12; Ezekiel 32:2; and in Matthew 12:40 with reference to Jonah) for Hebrew tan. The Hebrew term can refer to a primeval sea monster or dragon ( Isaiah 27:1; 51:9 among others), to a serpent ( Exodus 7:9; Psalm 91:13 ), or possibly a crocodile (Ezekiel 29:3; Ezekiel 32:2 ). The Book of Jonah refers simply to a “great fish” (Jonah 1:17 ). Matthew used the Greek ketos , indicating a great sea monster rather than indicating a particular species. All references show that God is in sovereign control over all that humans fear might threaten life and the created order.