Job 39:10
Job 39:10 in Multiple Translations
Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he plow the valleys behind you?
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
Canst thou bind the wild-ox with his band in the furrow? Or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
Will he be pulling your plough with cords, turning up the valleys after you?
Can you tie a wild ox to a plow? Can you make it till your fields for you?
He derideth the multitude of the citie: he heareth not the crie of the driuer.
Dost thou bind a Reem in a furrow [with] his thick band? Doth he harrow valleys after thee?
Can you hold the wild ox in the furrow with his harness? Or will he till the valleys after you?
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
Canst thou bind the rhinoceros with thy thong to plough, or will he break the clods of the valleys after thee?
And can you fasten it with a rope so that it will plow furrows/trenches in your fields?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 39:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 39:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲֽ/תִקְשָׁר
רֵ֭ים
בְּ/תֶ֣לֶם
עֲבֹת֑/וֹ
אִם
יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד
עֲמָקִ֣ים
אַחֲרֶֽי/ךָ
הֲֽ/תִקְשָׁר
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
רֵ֭ים
rᵉʼêm
H7214
wild ox
N-ms
בְּ/תֶ֣לֶם
telem
H8525
furrow
Prep | N-ms
עֲבֹת֑/וֹ
ʻăbôth
H5688
cord
N-cs | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד
sâdad
H7702
to harrow
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
עֲמָקִ֣ים
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
N-mp
אַחֲרֶֽי/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 39:10
הֲֽ/תִקְשָׁר
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
רֵ֭ים
rᵉʼêm
H7214
"wild ox"
N-ms
The wild ox, or aurochs, was a large and powerful animal that is now extinct. The Bible describes it as a unicorn, although the exact meaning is not known, and it is mentioned in various passages as a symbol of strength.
Definition: probably the great aurochs or wild bulls which are now extinct. The exact meaning is not known.
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: unicorn. See also: Numbers 23:22; Job 39:10; Psalms 22:22.
בְּ/תֶ֣לֶם
telem
H8525
"furrow"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a furrow or ridge, often referring to a bank or terrace in the land. It appears in descriptions of the earth's landscape. The KJV translates it as furrow or ridge.
Definition: furrow
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: furrow, ridge. See also: Job 31:38; Psalms 65:11; Hosea 12:12.
עֲבֹת֑/וֹ
ʻăbôth
H5688
"cord"
N-cs | Suff
A cord or rope, often made from intertwined threads. In the Bible, it can also describe a wreath or chain, like the ones used in Ezekiel 7:23.
Definition: 1) cord, rope, cordage, foliage, interwoven foliage 1a) cord, rope, cordage, chain 1b) interwoven foliage
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain). See also: Exodus 28:14; Job 39:10; Psalms 2:3.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד
sâdad
H7702
"to harrow"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This word refers to the act of breaking up clods of soil in a field, essentially harrowing or preparing the land for planting, as described in the book of Isaiah. It is a farming term used in biblical times. This process was crucial for agriculture in ancient Israel.
Definition: (Piel) to harrow
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: break clods, harrow. See also: Job 39:10; Isaiah 28:24; Hosea 10:11.
עֲמָקִ֣ים
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
N-mp
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
אַחֲרֶֽי/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
Study Notes — Job 39:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 39:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 39:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:10
- Cambridge Bible on Job 39:10
- Barnes' Notes on Job 39:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:10
- Sermons on Job 39:10
Context — The LORD Speaks of His Creation
8He roams the mountains for pasture, searching for any green thing.
9Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night?
10Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he plow the valleys behind you?
11Can you rely on his great strength? Will you leave your hard work to him? 12Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 10:10–11 | I will chasten them when I please; nations will be gathered against them to put them in bondage for their double transgression. Ephraim is a well-trained heifer that loves to thresh; but I will place a yoke on her fair neck. I will harness Ephraim, Judah will plow, and Jacob will break the hard ground. |
| 2 | Psalms 129:3 | The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long. |
| 3 | Job 39:7 | He scorns the tumult of the city and never hears the shouts of a driver. |
| 4 | Job 1:14 | a messenger came and reported to Job: “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, |
| 5 | Job 41:5 | Can you pet him like a bird or put him on a leash for your maidens? |
| 6 | Micah 1:13 | Harness your chariot horses, O dweller of Lachish. You were the beginning of sin to the Daughter of Zion, for the transgressions of Israel were found in you. |
| 7 | Job 39:5 | Who set the wild donkey free? Who released the swift donkey from the harness? |
Job 39:10 Summary
This verse is asking if we can control or tame a powerful wild ox, and the answer is no, we cannot. This helps us understand that there are some things in life that are beyond our control, and that's okay, because God is in control. Just like the wild ox, some things in life are too big or too strong for us to handle on our own, but God is always with us, guiding and directing us (Psalm 32:8). By acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's power, we can find peace and rest in His presence, just like the promise in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the wild ox in Job 39:10?
The wild ox represents a powerful and unbridled creature that cannot be tamed or controlled by humans, much like the horses in Jeremiah 8:6 that cannot be restrained, illustrating God's power and majesty in creation.
Why is God asking Job these questions about the wild ox?
God is asking Job these questions to help him understand the limitations of human power and control, and to acknowledge God's sovereignty over all creation, as seen in Psalm 104:24, where God's wisdom is evident in all His works.
Can humans ever truly domesticate wild animals like the wild ox?
While humans can attempt to domesticate wild animals, the Bible suggests that true control and dominion over creation belongs to God, as stated in Genesis 1:28, where God gives humans stewardship over the earth, but not absolute control.
What does this verse teach us about our relationship with God?
This verse teaches us that God is the all-powerful Creator who is not limited by human abilities or understanding, and that we should approach Him with humility and reverence, as seen in Job 42:3, where Job acknowledges his limited understanding and repents in dust and ashes.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with situations that are beyond my control, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways do I try to 'harness' or control things in my life, and how can I learn to surrender them to God's will?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's power and majesty, and seek His guidance and wisdom?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's creation, and what role does this play in my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 39:10
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow?.... Put the yoke and harness upon him, and fasten it to the plough to draw it, that he may make furrows with it in the field, or plough up the ground as the tame ox does?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:10
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:10
In the furrow, i.e. in thy furrowed field, by a metonymy. Or, to or for the furrow, i.e. to make furrows, or to plough; for which work cattle use to be bound together, that they may be directed by the husbandman, and may make right furrows. The valleys, to wit, the low grounds, which are most proper for and most employed in the work of ploughing. After thee; under thy conduct, following thee step by step.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:10
Job 39:10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?Ver. 10. Canst thou bind the unicorn? &c.] To keep him in order, and to hold him hard to his work, that he may lay the furrows even? Canst thou tether or gear him, like a horse? Or wilt he be brought to drive or lead a plough or harrow? No such matter. Before the Fall all creatures would gladly have served man. Sed rebellis facta est, quia homo numini, creatura homini (August.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:10
Verse 10. Canst thou bind the unicorn - in the furrow?] He will not plough, nor draw in the yoke with another? nor canst thou use him singly, to harrow the ground.
Cambridge Bible on Job 39:10
9–12. The Wild ox.
Barnes' Notes on Job 39:10
Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? - That is, with the common traces or cords which are employed in binding oxen to the plow. Or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:10
10. With his band in the furrow — Literally, on the furrow of his cord: the sense of which is, according to Furst, “Canst thou bind the reem so that his draw-line is upon the ridge?” the left rope
Sermons on Job 39:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 129 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the enduring nature of God's Church and His people despite facing constant troubles and afflictions. Using powerful imagery, he illustrates how the Church, |
|
The Ass by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook reflects on the significance of the ass in the Bible, highlighting its role as a symbol of meekness, humility, gratitude, and even the ability to speak when necessa |
|
Epistle 278 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of apprentices serving faithfully according to covenant, emphasizing the need for order and discipline to prevent youth from falling into d |