Job 38:39

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions

American Standard Version (1901)

Canst thou hunt the prey for the lioness, Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

Bible in Basic English

Do you go after food for the she-lion, or get meat so that the young lions may have enough,

Free Bible Version

Can you hunt prey for the lion? Can you feed the lion cubs

King James (Authorized) Version

Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,

Translation for Translators

“When a lioness and her cubs crouch in their dens or hide in a thicket, waiting for some animal to pass by that they can kill, can you find animals for a lioness to kill so that she and her cubs can eat the meat and not be hungry any more?

Unlocked Literal Bible

Can you hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs

Noah Webster Bible

Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,

World English Bible

“Can you hunt the prey for the lioness, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

Young's Literal Translation

Dost thou hunt for a lion prey? And the desire of young lions fulfil?

Context

The LORD Challenges Job

³⁸when the dust hardens into a mass and the clods of earth stick together? ³⁹Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions ⁴⁰when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket?

Summary

In Job 38:39, God questions Job about the provision He makes for the lioness and her cubs, highlighting His care and sovereignty over all creation. This verse showcases God's intimate involvement in sustaining the animal kingdom, emphasizing His wisdom and power in providing for every creature's needs. It serves as a reminder of God's intricate design and His role as the ultimate provider for all living beings, showcasing His attention to even the smallest details of His creation. Job 38:39 prompts reflection on God's faithfulness and the assurance that He is in control of all aspects of life, including the care of His creatures.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Keil-Delitzsch
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? - Rather the lioness, or strong lion. Hast thou his instinct? Dost thou know the habits and haunts of such animals as he seeks for his food? Thou hast neither his strength, his instinct nor his cunning. In the best Hebrew Bibles, the thirty-ninth chapter begins with this verse, and begins properly, as a new subject now commences, relating to the natural history of the earth, or the animal kingdom; as the preceding chapter does to astronomy and meteorology.