Job 39:21
Job 39:21 in Multiple Translations
He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle.
He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: He goeth out to meet the armed men.
He is stamping with joy in the valley; he makes sport of fear.
It paws at the ground, rearing up with power as it charges into battle.
When time is, he mounteth on hie: he mocketh the horse and his rider.
They dig in a valley, and he rejoiceth in power, He goeth forth to meet the armour.
He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength. He goes out to meet the armed men.
He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
He breaketh up the earth with his hoof, he pranceth boldly, he goeth forward to meet armed men.
They paw the ground, rejoicing about being very strong, as they prepare to rush into a battle.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 39:21
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 39:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַחְפְּר֣וּ
בָ֭/עֵמֶק
וְ/יָשִׂ֣ישׂ
בְּ/כֹ֑חַ
יֵ֝צֵ֗א
לִ/קְרַאת
נָֽשֶׁק
יַחְפְּר֣וּ
châphar
H2658
to search
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָ֭/עֵמֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Prep | N-ms
וְ/יָשִׂ֣ישׂ
sûws
H7797
to rejoice
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/כֹ֑חַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
Prep | N-ms
יֵ֝צֵ֗א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/קְרַאת
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נָֽשֶׁק
nesheq
H5402
weapon
N-ms
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 39:21
יַחְפְּר֣וּ
châphar
H2658
"to search"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
בָ֭/עֵמֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Prep | N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
וְ/יָשִׂ֣ישׂ
sûws
H7797
"to rejoice"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to feel joyful or cheerful, like a bright and happy feeling. It appears in the Bible when people are celebrating or giving thanks. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'rejoice' or 'be glad'.
Definition: 1) to exult, rejoice 1a) (Qal) to exult, display joy
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice. See also: Deuteronomy 28:63; Isaiah 61:10; Psalms 19:6.
בְּ/כֹ֑חַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
Prep | N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
יֵ֝צֵ֗א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לִ/קְרַאת
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
נָֽשֶׁק
nesheq
H5402
"weapon"
N-ms
Military equipment, including arms and armor, used for battle or defense. It refers to the weapons and tools used by armed men. In the Bible, it is often associated with war and conflict.
Definition: 1) equipment, weapons, armoury 1a) equipment, weapons 1b) armoury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: armed men, armour(-y), battle, harness, weapon. See also: 1 Kings 10:25; Job 39:21; Psalms 140:8.
Study Notes — Job 39:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 39:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 39:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 39:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 39:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 39:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:21
- Sermons on Job 39:21
Context — The LORD Speaks of His Creation
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?
21He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle.
22He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword. 23A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 8:6 | I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. |
| 2 | Psalms 19:5 | Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course, |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 17:4–10 | Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him. And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and labor for us.” Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 5 | Proverbs 21:31 | A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. |
| 6 | Judges 5:22 | Then the hooves of horses thundered— the mad galloping of his stallions. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 17:42 | When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. |
Job 39:21 Summary
This verse describes a powerful horse that is ready for battle, confidently using its strength to charge into the fight. The horse's actions show that it is not afraid, but rather excited to use its abilities. This can remind us to trust in God's strength, rather than our own, and to have confidence in His power and presence in our lives, as seen in Psalms 28:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can face challenges with courage and perseverance, knowing that He is with us and will guide us through difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the horse's actions in this verse?
The horse's actions in Job 39:21, such as pawing in the valley and charging into battle, demonstrate its strength and readiness for war, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 8:16 and Jeremiah 47:3, where horses are used as a symbol of military power.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse is part of God's speech to Job, highlighting the majesty and power of creation, and reminding Job of his limited understanding, as seen in Job 38:1-7 and Job 40:1-5, where God questions Job about his knowledge of the natural world.
What does the horse's rejoicing in its strength teach us about our own relationship with God?
The horse's rejoicing in its strength can be seen as a picture of how we should trust in God's strength, rather than our own, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 28:7, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord and acknowledge His power and provision.
How does this verse portray the horse's emotional state?
The horse's actions, such as pawing and charging, convey a sense of excitement and eagerness for battle, showing that the horse is not afraid, but rather confident in its strength, much like the confidence we can have in God's presence, as expressed in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can trust in God's strength, rather than my own, and how can I apply the principle of Proverbs 3:5-6 to those areas?
- How does the horse's confidence in its strength encourage me to face challenges in my own life, and what can I learn from its example about perseverance and faith?
- In what ways can I 'rejoice in the Lord' and trust in His power, even when faced with difficult circumstances, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19 and Romans 5:3-5?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my limitations, as seen in Job 42:2-3 and Psalms 131:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 39:21
He paweth in the valley,.... Where armies are usually pitched and set in battle army, and especially the cavalry, for which the valley is most convenient; and here the horse is impatient of engaging,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:21
He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. Valley - where the battle is joined. Goeth on - goeth forth (Numbers 1:3; Numbers 21:23.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:21
He paweth; or, he diggeth. Through courage and wantonness he cannot stand still, but is beating, as it were digging, up the earth with his feet. In the valley: this he adds, partly because the ground being there more plain and smooth, he hath the better conveniency for his prancing and pawing with his feet, which in hilly and uneven ground he cannot so well do; and partly because battles use to be pitched in valleys, or low grounds, especially horse battles. Rejoiceth in his strength; making semblance of great pride and complacency in it. He goeth on to meet the armed men, with great readiness and undaunted courage.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:21
Job 39:21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in [his] strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.Ver. 21. He paweth in the valley] -- Cavatque Tellurem, et solido graviter sonat ungula cornu. Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum (Virg.). Such is the impatience of his spirit, that he champs his bit and stamps with his feet; he pricks up his ears, and grows white with foam, and can hardly be held in till the enemy come, and would fain be in the battle; whither, when he comes, he runs upon the pikes, and undauntedly casts himself and his rider among the enemies’ squadrons. Quod summa mirum est, saith Mercer, which is a wonderful thing indeed; and it is no less wonderfully set forth by a most lively and lightsome hypotyposis, giving us to see, as it were, the horse rushing into the battle, and to hear him shearing and snorting with disdain and despite, bringing everywhere horror and disorder.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 39:21
(21) He paweth . . . he rejoiceth.—The first verb is plural, and the second singular. “They paw” (literally, dig), and “he rejoiceth.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 39:21
Verse 21. He paweth in the valley] רעם yachperu, "they dig in the valley," i.e., in his violent galloping, in every pitch of his body, he scoops up sods out of the earth. Virgil has seized this idea also, in his cavat tellurem; "he scoops out the ground." See before.
Cambridge Bible on Job 39:21
21. the armed men] lit. the weapons.
Barnes' Notes on Job 39:21
He paweth in the valley - Margin, “or, His feet dig.” The marginal reading is more in accordance with the Hebrew.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:21
21. He paweth — The subject of this verb, which is in the plural, is uncertain, and is supposed by Cocceius, Ewald, and Zockler to be “the riders,” who “explore” in the valley; for this is the meaning they attach to the verb.
Sermons on Job 39:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Names of Jehovah) 5. Jehovah Shalom by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon, a seemingly insignificant man, is called by God to save Israel from the Midianites. Despi |
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In Time of War by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon on the Valley of Vision, using the prophecy in Isaiah to warn about the impending danger faced by Jerusalem due to their sins and lack of r |
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Divine Love and Human Rejection of It. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the contrast between God's unwavering love and humanity's persistent rejection of it, as illustrated in Jeremiah 8:6-7. He describes God's longing for rep |
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(Hebrews - Part 7): Inspiration and Revelation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the question posed by King David in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He acknowledges that when we look at the vastness o |
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When I Consider Thy Heavens by Allan Halton | Allan Halton reflects on the ancient stargazers who understood the heavenly signs announcing the birth of the Great King, emphasizing that the heavens speak a divine language that |
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Abortion: Attitudes for Action by Melody Green | Melody Green preaches about the story of David and Goliath, drawing parallels to the modern-day giant of abortion that has paralyzed the Army of God through fear and intimidation. |
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |