Job 38:40
Job 38:40 in Multiple Translations
when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket?
When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
When they couch in their dens, And abide in the covert to lie in wait?
When they are stretched out in their holes, and are waiting in the brushwood?
as they crouch down in their dens and lie in wait in the bushes?
When they bow down in dens — Abide in a thicket for a covert?
when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket?
When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
When they couch in the dens and lie in wait in holes?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:40
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 38:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
יָשֹׁ֥חוּ
בַ/מְּעוֹנ֑וֹת
יֵשְׁב֖וּ
בַ/סֻּכָּ֣ה
לְמוֹ
אָֽרֶב
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָשֹׁ֥חוּ
shâchach
H7817
to bow
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בַ/מְּעוֹנ֑וֹת
mᵉʻôwnâh
H4585
habitation
Prep | N-cp
יֵשְׁב֖וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בַ/סֻּכָּ֣ה
çukkâh
H5521
booth
Prep | N-fs
לְמוֹ
lᵉmôw
H3926
upon
Prep
אָֽרֶב
ʼereb
H695
ambush
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:40
כִּי
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.
יָשֹׁ֥חוּ
shâchach
H7817
"to bow"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To bow down means to sink or depress oneself, often in humility or worship, as seen in the story of King David in 1 Samuel. It can also mean to crouch or be prostrated, like an animal in a lair, and is used to describe a range of emotions and postures.
Definition: 1) to bow, crouch, bow down, be bowed down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be bowed down, be prostrated, be humbled 1a2) to bow (in homage) 1a3) to bow (of mourner) 1a4) to crouch (of wild beast in lair) 1b) (Niphal) to be prostrated, be humbled, be reduced, be weakened, proceed humbly, be bowed down 1c) (Hiphil) to prostrate, lay low, bow down 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cast down, be despairing
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bend, bow (down), bring (cast) down, couch, humble self, be (bring) low, stoop. See also: Job 9:13; Proverbs 14:19; Psalms 10:10.
בַ/מְּעוֹנ֑וֹת
mᵉʻôwnâh
H4585
"habitation"
Prep | N-cp
This word refers to a place where someone or something lives, like a den for animals or a dwelling place for God, and can also mean a refuge or asylum.
Definition: 1) dwelling, habitation, refuge 1a) den, lair (of animals) 1b) dwelling-place (of God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: den, habitation, (dwelling) place, refuge. See also: Deuteronomy 33:27; Song of Solomon 4:8; Psalms 76:3.
יֵשְׁב֖וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בַ/סֻּכָּ֣ה
çukkâh
H5521
"booth"
Prep | N-fs
This word describes a small, temporary shelter or booth. It is used to describe a thicket or covert, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tabernacles or tents of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) thicket, covert, booth 1a) thicket 1b) booth (rude or temporary shelter)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15; Psalms 18:12.
לְמוֹ
lᵉmôw
H3926
"upon"
Prep
Means 'to or for', often used to show direction or purpose, as in 'to' or 'for' someone. Appears in various Bible books, including Genesis and Psalms. It's a preposition that indicates movement or intention.
Definition: 1) at, to, for, in, of, by, in reference to 1a) poetic form of inseparable preposition
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: at, for, to, upon. See also: Job 27:14; Job 38:40; Job 40:4.
אָֽרֶב
ʼereb
H695
"ambush"
N-ms
An ambush, or ereb, refers to a hidden attack or a secret plot, as seen in the story of Joshua and the battle of Ai. It involves lying in wait to surprise or harm someone.
Definition: 1) a lying-in-wait 2) covert, lair, den
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: den, lie in wait. See also: Job 37:8; Job 38:40.
Study Notes — Job 38:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:40
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:40
- Sermons on Job 38:40
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?
41Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 37:8 | The wild animals enter their lairs; they settle down in their dens. |
| 2 | Genesis 49:9 | Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? |
| 3 | Numbers 24:9 | He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.” |
| 4 | Numbers 23:24 | Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.” |
Job 38:40 Summary
This verse is part of a series of questions God is asking Job to help him understand God's power and wisdom. God is highlighting His role as the Creator and Sustainer of life, who cares for all creatures, big and small, as seen in Psalms 104:21. In simple terms, God is saying that He is in control of every aspect of creation, and we can trust in His goodness and provision, as encouraged in Matthew 6:26 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By understanding God's sovereignty, we can learn to trust and reverence Him, even when things seem uncertain or unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job 38:40 and why is God asking these questions?
God is asking Job a series of rhetorical questions to help him understand His power and wisdom, as seen in Job 38:39 and Job 41:1, to highlight the contrast between God's capabilities and human limitations.
Why does God mention lions and their young in Job 38:39-40?
God is using the example of lions and their young to illustrate His provision and care for all creatures, big and small, as stated in Psalms 104:21 and Matthew 6:26, to emphasize His role as the Creator and Sustainer of life.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
This verse shows that God is in control of all aspects of creation, including the behavior of animals, as seen in Job 38:40, and this understanding should lead us to trust and reverence Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36.
What can we learn about God's character from Job 38:40?
From this verse, we can see that God is a God of detail, who cares about every aspect of creation, from the largest to the smallest, as stated in Matthew 10:29-31 and Psalms 139:17-18, and this should inspire us to worship and praise Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with circumstances that are beyond my control, and what can I learn from God's questions to Job about His power and wisdom?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when things seem uncertain or unpredictable, and how can I apply the lessons from Job 38:40 to my own situation?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender my own understanding and trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in His care for the lions and their young in Job 38:39-40?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and wisdom, as displayed in Job 38:40, and what are some ways I can express my gratitude and praise to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:40
When they couch in [their] dens, [and] abide in the covert to lie in wait?] Which some understand of old lions, who, for want of strength, lie couchant in their dens, or in some covert place, waiting
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:40
When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? Lie in wait - for their prey (Psalms 10:9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:40
When through age and infirmity they cannot range abroad for prey, as the young lions do; but lie still in their dens, as if they were expecting their food from God, from whom also they receive it. To lie in wait; watching till some beast come that way upon which they may prey.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:40
Job 38:40 When they couch in [their] dens, [and] abide in the covert to lie in wait?Ver. 40. When they couch in their dens, &c.] When both by might and sleight they provide for themselves. Hunters with all their pains and means cannot catch a beast as soon as the lion can. An ape he hateth in a special manner, as being too crafty for him; and yet he feareth man (although as the poet Ennius saith), Simia quam similis furpissima bestia nobis, whereof no other probable reason can be given, but the small remnant of God’ s image left as yet in man, who once had dominion over all the creatures, and is still feared by the fiercest of them. And abide in the covert to lie in wait?] Where they crouch, counterfeit themselves asleep, lie quiet and close, as cats that would catch mice, or foxes birds. But if this way they speed not, Basil saith they set up a loud roar, whereby the beasts are so amazed, that they have no power to stir out of the place they stand in, till the lions have taken them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:40
Verse 40. When they couch in their dens] Before they are capable of trusting themselves abroad. Abide in the covert] Before they are able to hunt down the prey by running. It is a fact that the young lions, before they have acquired sufficient strength and swiftness, lie under cover, in order to surprise those animals which they have not fleetness enough to overtake in the forest; and from this circumstance the כפירים kephirim, "young lions, or lions' whelps," have their name: the root is כפר caphar, to cover or hide. See Clarke on Job 4:11, where six different names are given to the lion, all expressing some distinct quality or state.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:40
When they couch in their dens - For the purpose of springing upon their prey. And abide in the covert to lie in wait? - The usual posture of the lion when he seeks his prey.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:40
Second division — JOB IS WITH THE ANIMAL WORLD, OF WHICH MAN IS THE HEAD AND MONARCH; WITH THE MYSTERY OF LIFE, ITS AND ; AND WITH THE AND VARIED LAWS OF THE WORLD OF , Job 38:39 to Job 39:30.First
Sermons on Job 38:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Om Orientation) Real Christian Morals - Part 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of sexual immorality and its consequences. He starts by referencing the story of Reuben in Genesis 35, who committed immorality and |
|
Mental Pollution by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to resist the devil and overcome his attacks. He compares the inability to physically fight or outrun the devil to the need to empl |