Job 39:18
Job 39:18 in Multiple Translations
Yet when she proudly spreads her wings, she laughs at the horse and its rider.
What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
What time she lifteth up herself on high, She scorneth the horse and his rider.
When she is shaking her wings on high, she makes sport of the horse and of him who is seated on him.
But when she needs to, she can jump up and run, mocking a horse and its rider with her speed.
And forgetteth that the foote might scatter the, or that the wild beast might breake the.
At the time on high she lifteth herself up, She laugheth at the horse and at his rider.
When she lifts up herself on high, she scorns the horse and his rider.
When she lifteth herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
When time shall be, she setteth up her wings on high: she scorneth the horse and his rider.
But, when they get up and begin to run, they scornfully laugh at horses with their riders because the horses cannot run as fast as the ostriches!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 39:18
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 39:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּ֭/עֵת
בַּ/מָּר֣וֹם
תַּמְרִ֑יא
תִּֽשְׂחַ֥ק
לַ֝/סּ֗וּס
וּ/לְ/רֹֽכְבֽ/וֹ
כָּ֭/עֵת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
בַּ/מָּר֣וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
height
Prep | N-ms
תַּמְרִ֑יא
mârâʼ
H4754
to flap
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
תִּֽשְׂחַ֥ק
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לַ֝/סּ֗וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/רֹֽכְבֽ/וֹ
râkab
H7392
to ride
Conj | Prep | V-Qal | 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 39:18
כָּ֭/עֵת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
בַּ/מָּר֣וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
תַּמְרִ֑יא
mârâʼ
H4754
"to flap"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to flap or rebel, and is also used to describe something filthy. It is used in the Bible to describe the ostrich flapping its wings. The word has a sense of turmoil or unrest.
Definition: 1) (Hiphil) to beat (the air), flap (the wings) 1a) meaning uncertain 2) (Qal) filthy
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be filthy, lift up self. See also: Job 39:18; Zephaniah 3:1.
תִּֽשְׂחַ֥ק
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
לַ֝/סּ֗וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וּ/לְ/רֹֽכְבֽ/וֹ
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
Study Notes — Job 39:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 39:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 39:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 39:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 39:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 39:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:18
- Sermons on Job 39:18
Context — The LORD Speaks of His Creation
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? 20Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 41:29 | A club is regarded as straw, and he laughs at the sound of the lance. |
| 2 | Job 39:22 | He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword. |
| 3 | Job 5:22 | You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth. |
| 4 | Job 39:7 | He scorns the tumult of the city and never hears the shouts of a driver. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 19:21 | This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you. |
Job 39:18 Summary
[This verse is talking about an ostrich, a big bird that can run very fast, and how it laughs at horses and the people riding them. The ostrich is very proud of its abilities, and this pride is a reminder to us to be humble and trust in God's power, as seen in Psalm 20:7. We can learn from the ostrich's example and remember that our strength and abilities come from God, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the ostrich laughing at the horse and its rider in Job 39:18?
This verse highlights the ostrich's unique characteristics and behaviors, showcasing God's creative power and wisdom, as seen in Job 39:13-18, and reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does the ostrich's behavior relate to human pride and arrogance?
The ostrich's pride and laughter at the horse and its rider serve as a metaphor for human pride, warning us against arrogance and self-reliance, as cautioned in 1 Corinthians 10:12 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
What does this verse reveal about God's character and creation?
This verse showcases God's creative power, attention to detail, and sense of humor, as seen in the ostrich's unique characteristics, reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's goodness and wisdom, as expressed in Psalm 104:24-25 and Romans 11:33-36.
How can we apply the lesson of the ostrich's pride to our own lives?
We can apply this lesson by recognizing the dangers of pride and arrogance, and instead choosing to humble ourselves before God, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6-7 and James 4:6-10, and trusting in His sovereign plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be exhibiting pride or arrogance, and how can I humble myself before God?
- How can I balance confidence and humility in my daily life, and what role does trust in God's sovereignty play in this balance?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's creation and creative power, and how can this appreciation impact my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of the ostrich's pride to my relationships with others, and how can I promote humility and mutual respect in these relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Job 39:18
What time she lifted up herself on high,.... It is sometimes eight foot high (l); when alarmed with approaching danger she raises up herself, being sitting on the ground, and erects her wings for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:18
What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider. Not withstanding her deficiences, she has distinguishing, excellences. Lifteth ... herself - for running: she cannot mount in the air.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:18
She lifteth up herself on high, to flee from her pursuer; to which end she lifteth up her head and body, and spreads her wings. She scorneth the horse and his rider she despiseth them in regard of her greater swiftness; for though she cannot fly because of her great bulk, being said to be as big as a new-born camel, yet by the aid of her wings she runs so fast that horsemen cannot reach her, as both Greek and other authors have noted.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:18
Job 39:18 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.Ver. 18. What time she lifteth up herself on high, &c.] That is, when she runneth away from the hunter (which she doth with singular swiftness), she lifteth up herself on high, not from the earth, as other birds (for that she cannot do), but on the earth, with wings stretched out like sails, and her whole body bolt upright, scarce touching the earth at all with her feet, but quickening her own pace with sharp spurs, which they say she hath in the pinion of each wing, so pricking herself on, that she may run the faster; to teach us what we should do in the race of religion, and when pursued by Satan, how to hasten to Christ. She scorneth the horse and his rider] That is, she easily outrnns them, being as swift as a bird that flieth. They say the Arabians are wont to try their horses’ swiftness by trying to overtake them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 39:18
(18) She lifteth up herself.—That is, either from the nest when she comes to maturity, or when she sets out to run. The ostrich has a habit of running in a curve, which alone enables horsemen to overtake and kill or capture her. As in Job 39:13 a comparison seems to be drawn between the ostrich and the stork, so here, probably, the subject spoken of is the stork. Swift and powerful as the ostrich is, yet no sooner does the stork, on the contrary, rise on high into the air than she—as, indeed, any bird—can baffle the pursuit of horsemen.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:18
Verse 18. She lifteth up herself] When she raiseth up herself to run away. Proofs of the fleetness of this bird have already been given. It neither flies nor runs distinctly, but has a motion composed of both; and, using its wings as sails, makes great speed. So Claudian: - Vasta velut Libyae venantum vocibus ales Cum premitur, calidas cursu transmittit arenas, Inque modum veli sinuatis flamine pennis Pulverulenta volat. "Xenophon says, Cyrus had horses that could overtake the goat and the wild ass; but none that could reach this creature. A thousand golden ducats, or a hundred camels, was the stated price of a horse that could equal their speed." - Dr. YOUNG.
Cambridge Bible on Job 39:18
18. lifteth up herself on high] That is, in flight. The flying of the ostrich is properly a very swift running, in which she is helped by her outspread wings and tail. “Its speed has been calculated at twenty-six miles an hour by Dr Livingstone, and yet the South African ostrich is smaller than the northern species; and I have myself, in the Sahara, measured its stride, when bounding at full speed, from twenty-two to twenty-eight feet” (Tristram, p. 237). The cruel disposition of the ostrich and her foolishness have been implanted in her by God, yet in strange contradiction to these qualities are others which He has bestowed on her, such as her swiftness when pursued, which enables her to laugh at the horse and his rider. This singular union of dissimilar qualities, as if it were the work of creative power at play, shews both the inconceivable freedom and resource of the Mind that operates in creation.
Barnes' Notes on Job 39:18
What time she lifteth up herself on high - In the previous verses reference had been made to the fact that in some important respects the ostrich was inferior to other animals, or had special laws in
Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:18
18. Lifteth up herself — Others read, lasheth herself, justifying the rendering by the feeble reason that her wings seem a lash to impel herself forward.
Sermons on Job 39:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ostrich by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon on the unique characteristics of the ostrich, highlighting its large size, inability to fly despite having large wings, and its swift running abil |
|
Crusading On--Our Responsibility by Beryl Amos | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'mukterizo,' which signifies mocking, deriding, and treating with contempt. The concept of sowing and reaping is emphasized, highlighting th |