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.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Whale'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/w/whale.html. 1991.