Summary of "Behemoth" Episode

Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Title: Behemoth
Release Date: August 9, 2025

Introduction

In the August 9, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the term "behemoth." This episode provides listeners with an in-depth exploration of the word's definition, historical origins, biblical significance, and its application in modern language.

Definition

Peter begins by defining "behemoth" as a noun that signifies something of monstrous size, power, or appearance. He emphasizes its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, highlighting its versatility in the English language.

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski: "Behemoth is a noun. It's something of monstrous size, power or appearance."

Etymology

The word "behemoth" has its roots in the Hebrew language. Peter traces its journey from Hebrew into late Latin, where it was utilized by writers between the 3rd and 6th centuries. He references the 15th-century English poet and monk John Lydgate to illustrate how the term was historically perceived.

[01:15] Peter Sokolowski: "The word first passed from the Hebrew word into late Latin, the Latin used by writers from the 3rd to 6th centuries."

Biblical Significance

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the biblical references of behemoth. Peter explains its appearance in the Book of Job, describing it as a powerful, grass-eating, river-dwelling beast with bones compared to bronze pipes and limbs akin to iron bars. Scholars speculate that this creature was inspired by the hippopotamus, though its exact nature remains ambiguous.

[01:45] Peter Sokolowski: "In the Biblical Book of Job, behemoth is the name of a powerful, grass eating, river dwelling beast with bones likened to bronze pipes and limbs likened to iron bars."

Modern Usage

Transitioning to contemporary language, Peter illustrates how "behemoth" is employed today as an evocative term to describe entities of immense size or power. He provides a contextual example from The New York Times, where an author narrates transforming a family spinach farm into an industrial behemoth, thereby uncovering underlying greed and malfeasance.

[02:00] Peter Sokolowski: "Behemoth functions as an evocative term for something of monstrous size, power or appearance."

Notable Quotes

• Definition of Behemoth:

  [00:42] "Behemoth is a noun. It's something of monstrous size, power or appearance."

• Biblical Description:

  [01:45] "In the Biblical Book of Job, behemoth is the name of a powerful, grass eating, river dwelling beast with bones likened to bronze pipes and limbs likened to iron bars."

• Modern Interpretation:

  [02:00] "Behemoth functions as an evocative term for something of monstrous size, power or appearance."

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski effectively unpacks the multifaceted nature of "behemoth," bridging its ancient origins with modern-day applications. By examining its biblical roots and contemporary usage, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how this term encapsulates the essence of grandeur and formidable presence in various contexts.

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending words, visit Merriam-Webster.com.