Job 39:18

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Yet when she proudly spreads her wings, she laughs at the horse and its rider.

American Standard Version (1901)

What time she lifteth up herself on high, She scorneth the horse and his rider.

Bible in Basic English

When she is shaking her wings on high, she makes sport of the horse and of him who is seated on him.

Free Bible Version

But when she needs to, she can jump up and run, mocking a horse and its rider with her speed.

King James (Authorized) Version

What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.

Translation for Translators

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!

Unlocked Literal Bible

When she runs swiftly, she laughs in scorn at the horse and its rider.

Noah Webster Bible

When she lifteth herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.

World English Bible

When she lifts up herself on high, she scorns the horse and his rider.

Young's Literal Translation

At the time on high she lifteth herself up, She laugheth at the horse and at his rider.

Context

The LORD Speaks of His Creation

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.

Sermons

The Ostrich

Harriet N. Cook

Summary

In this verse, God questions Job about the ostrich's behavior, highlighting the unique characteristics He has given to this creature. The ostrich is portrayed as lacking wisdom and understanding, yet it is equipped with strength and speed. This passage serves to demonstrate God's sovereignty and wisdom in creating all living beings with distinct qualities and purposes. It also prompts reflection on the limitations of human knowledge compared to the vast wisdom of God, inviting humility and awe in His creation.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

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.

Job 39:18

The LORD Speaks of His Creation

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.