Job 39:17
Job 39:17 in Multiple Translations
For God has deprived her of wisdom; He has not endowed her with understanding.
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, Neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
For God has taken wisdom from her mind, and given her no measure of knowledge.
For I, God, made her forget wisdom—she didn't get her share of intelligence.
Which leaueth his egges in the earth, and maketh them hote in the dust,
For God hath caused her to forget wisdom, And He hath not given a portion To her in understanding:
because God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted to her understanding.
Because God hath withheld wisdom from her, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
For God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he given her understanding.
That is because I did not allow ostriches to be wise. I did not enable them to be intelligent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 39:17
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 39:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הִשָּׁ֣/הּ
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
חָכְמָ֑ה
וְ/לֹא
חָ֥לַק
לָ֝֗/הּ
בַּ/בִּינָֽה
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִשָּׁ֣/הּ
nâshâh
H5382
to forget
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
חָ֥לַק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ֝֗/הּ
Prep | Suff
בַּ/בִּינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 39:17
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִשָּׁ֣/הּ
nâshâh
H5382
"to forget"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To forget means to neglect or disregard something, like a memory or a responsibility. This verb is used in the Bible to describe human forgetfulness and God's remembering. It can also mean to remit or remove a debt or punishment.
Definition: 1) to forget, deprive 1a) (Qal) to forget 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to forget, allow to be forgotten
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: forget, deprive, exact. See also: Genesis 41:51; Isaiah 44:21; Jeremiah 23:39.
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָ֥לַק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
לָ֝֗/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/בִּינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
Study Notes — Job 39:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 39:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 39:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 39:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 39:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:17
- Sermons on Job 39:17
Context — The LORD Speaks of His Creation
15She forgets that a foot may crush them, or a wild animal may trample them.
16She treats her young harshly, as if not her own, with no concern that her labor was in vain.
17For God has deprived her of wisdom; He has not endowed her with understanding.
18Yet when she proudly spreads her wings, she laughs at the horse and its rider. 19Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 35:11 | who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’ |
| 2 | Job 17:4 | You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore You will not exalt them. |
| 3 | Isaiah 57:17 | I was enraged by his sinful greed, so I struck him and hid My face in anger; yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 32:31 | And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart. |
| 5 | Isaiah 19:11–14 | The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit. |
| 6 | James 1:17 | Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 2:30 | But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day. |
Job 39:17 Summary
[This verse, Job 39:17, tells us that God has chosen not to give the ostrich wisdom, which might seem strange to us, but it actually shows us how God is in control of everything He created, as seen in Psalm 104:24. The ostrich may not be wise like humans, but it can still survive and thrive in its own way, which is a reminder that God's ways are not always our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:9. We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when we don't understand, and trust that He has a plan for our lives, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verse say God has deprived the ostrich of wisdom?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over creation, as seen in Job 39:17, where He has chosen not to endow the ostrich with wisdom, much like He has given different characteristics to various creatures, as mentioned in Psalm 104:24, which says 'how many are your works, Lord!'
Is the ostrich really devoid of wisdom?
While the ostrich may not possess the same kind of wisdom as humans, as stated in Job 39:17, it is still capable of surviving and thriving in its environment, as seen in its unique characteristics, such as its speed and strong legs, much like the horse in Job 39:19-25
What does this verse teach us about God's creation?
This verse teaches us that God's creation is diverse and intentional, as seen in Job 39:17, where He has chosen to endow certain creatures with specific characteristics, and that His sovereignty is evident in all of creation, as stated in Romans 11:36, which says 'from him and through him and to him are all things'
How can we apply this verse to our lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing God's sovereignty over our lives and trusting in His wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding', and acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55:9
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God's sovereignty is evident in the natural world, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of God's wisdom, and what can I learn from it about trusting in His plan?
- In what ways can I, like the ostrich, be unaware of the potential dangers or consequences of my actions, and how can I seek God's guidance to avoid them?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, rather than my own understanding?
Gill's Exposition on Job 39:17
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom,.... Or "made her to forget" (d) what she had; an instance of her forgetfulness is mentioned Job 39:15; and so Leo Africanus (e) says of it, that it is of a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:17
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding. Wisdom - such as God gives to other animals, and to man (Job 35:11).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:17
Because God hath not implanted in her that natural instinct, and providence, and affection, which he hath put into other birds and beasts towards their young. And yet no man presumes to reproach me for making this difference in my creatures. And as little reason hast thou to blame me for afflicting thee, when others not so bad as thou for the present go unpunished; because I have no less authority over thee than over them, and can dispose of all my creatures according to my good pleasure. The great folly of this bird is noted by Arabic writers, who best know her, and that not only for this property of forsaking her own eggs, but also for other things, as that she eats any thing which is offered to her, as iron, stones, glass, hot coals, &c., whereas other birds and beasts have so much sagacity, as to reject improper and unwholesome things; that being pursued by the hunter, she thinks herself safe and unseen by hiding her head in the sand; for which, and other such qualities, it is a proverb among the Arabians, More foolish than an ostrich.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:17
Job 39:17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.Ver. 17. Because God hath deprived her of wisdom] That is, of such forecast to provide for her young ones by a natural instinct, as other fowls and beasts have, Struthionis astorgia declaratur e causis duabus, vacuitate metus et vacuitate intellectus. God’ s mercy to men appeareth, 1. In giving us wisdom beyond them, Job 35:11 2. In giving us power over them, Psalms 8:6-8; Psalms 3:1-8. In learning us so much by them in those many Scripture comparisons, Proverbs 7:23; Proverbs 26:2; Proverbs 27:8; Matthew 8:26. That is a sweet place, Isaiah 31:5, "As birds flying" (sc. to save their young), "so will the Lord defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it." The fowls of the air are and may be unto us examples and monitors of many virtues to be embraced and vices to be eschewed. In the ostrich, for instance, we may see that strength and size of body is not always accompanied with wisdom and understanding; that it is God who either giveth or denieth wisdom to his creatures; that natural affection is of him; that he gives not all things to one man, but diversely distributeth his gifts. The ostrich hath wings, but not to fly with. Oυτωςουπαντεσσιθεοιχαριενταδιδουσιν‘Aνδρασι. - Non omnia possumus omnes.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:17
Verse 17. God hath deprived her of wisdom] Of this foolishness we have an account from the ancients; and here follow two instances: "1. It covers its head in the reeds, and thinks itself all out of sight because itself cannot see. So Claudian: - ____________ 'Stat lumine clauso Ridendum revoluta caput: creditque latere Quad non ipsa videt.' "2. They who hunt them draw the skin of an ostrich's neck on one hand, which proves a sufficient lure to take them with the other. They have so little brain that Heliogabalus had six hundred heads for his supper. Here we may observe, that our judicious as well as sublime author just touches the great points of distinction in each creature, and then hastens to another. A description is exact when you cannot add but what is common to another thing; nor withdraw, but something peculiarly belonging to the thing described. A likeness is lost in too much description, as a meaning is often in too much illustration." - Dr. YOUNG.
Cambridge Bible on Job 39:17
17. God hath deprived her of wisdom] The Arabs have a proverb, “more stupid than an ostrich.” A poet suggests the reason of this charge of stupidity, Like a bird that abandons her eggs in the desert, And covers the eggs of another with her wings. (Meidani, Prov. i. 405).
Barnes' Notes on Job 39:17
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom ... - That is, he has not imparted to her the wisdom which has been conferred on other animals.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:17
17. Because God hath deprived, etc. — Rather, For God made her forgetful of wisdom, (hhokmah,) and gave her no share in understanding, (binah.) The Arabs have a proverb, “Foolish as the ostrich,”
Sermons on Job 39:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
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The Dangerous Symptoms of Any Lust (Chapter 9 of the Book, the Mortification of Sin) by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's heart and soul in order to understand the root causes of sinful behavior. He suggests that one should cons |
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God Loves You! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love of the Father for His children, highlighting that many believers struggle to accept this love while remaining focused on conviction and |
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The Healer by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the healing power of the Lord, emphasizing how sin is a universal malady that affects every aspect of humanity, leading to a deep spiritual disease that on |
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Testing and Trials by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving all honor, praise, and glory to God. He encourages the listeners to have a heart filled with gratitude and thanks t |
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The Hour of Isolation by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson speaks about the experience of divine silence and the feelings of confusion and isolation that can accompany it. He reflects on the times when God seems distant, ur |
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Proving Man by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God often proves man through trials and tests, suggesting that our current struggles may be part of God's plan to reveal what is truly in our hearts |