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Job 39:23

Job 39:23 in Multiple Translations

A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance.

The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.

The quiver rattleth against him, The flashing spear and the javelin.

The bow is sounding against him; he sees the shining point of spear and arrow.

The quiver full of arrows rattles against it; the spear and the javelin flash in the sunlight.

Hast thou made him afraid as the grashopper? his strong neying is fearefull.

Against him rattle doth quiver, The flame of a spear, and a halbert.

The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear and the javelin.

The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.

Above him shall the quiver rattle, the spear and shield shall glitter.

The quivers containing the riders’ arrows rattle against the horses’ sides, and the spears and javelins flash in the light of the sun.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 39:23

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 39:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB עָ֭לָי/ו תִּרְנֶ֣ה אַשְׁפָּ֑ה לַ֖הַב חֲנִ֣ית וְ/כִידֽוֹן
עָ֭לָי/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
תִּרְנֶ֣ה rânâh H7439 to rattle V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אַשְׁפָּ֑ה ʼashpâh H827 quiver N-fs
לַ֖הַב lahab H3851 flame N-ms
חֲנִ֣ית chănîyth H2595 spear N-fs
וְ/כִידֽוֹן kîydôwn H3591 javelin Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 39:23

עָ֭לָי/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
תִּרְנֶ֣ה rânâh H7439 "to rattle" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To rattle or whiz, this word describes a loud noise, like something moving quickly. It is used to describe a rattling sound in the Bible.
Definition: (Qal) to rattle
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: rattle. See also: Job 39:23.
אַשְׁפָּ֑ה ʼashpâh H827 "quiver" N-fs
A container for holding arrows, like a quiver, as used by warriors in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) quiver (for arrows) 1a) of home, of God's instruments (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: quiver. See also: Job 39:23; Isaiah 49:2; Psalms 127:5.
לַ֖הַב lahab H3851 "flame" N-ms
This word means a flame or a sharp blade, like the point of a spear or sword. It can also describe something that flashes or glitters, like a bright flame.
Definition: 1) flame, blade 1a) flame 1b) of flashing point of spear or blade of sword
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: blade, bright, flame, glittering. See also: Judges 3:22; Isaiah 29:6; Isaiah 13:8.
חֲנִ֣ית chănîyth H2595 "spear" N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
וְ/כִידֽוֹן kîydôwn H3591 "javelin" Conj | N-ms
A javelin is a type of spear or dart used for throwing. In the Bible, it's also used to describe a piece of armor that protects the throat. Goliath wore one before fighting David.
Definition: 1) javelin, short sword, dart 2) gorget, a piece of armour for the throat (1Sa 17.6)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lance, shield, spear, target. See also: Joshua 8:18; Job 39:23; Jeremiah 6:23.

Study Notes — Job 39:23

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 41:26–29 The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow. He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood. No arrow can make him flee; slingstones become like chaff to him. A club is regarded as straw, and he laughs at the sound of the lance.

Job 39:23 Summary

This verse describes a warhorse's equipment, including a quiver, spear, and lance, which symbolize its readiness for battle. Just like the warhorse, we as believers need to be prepared and equipped for spiritual battles, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18. We can trust in God's provision and strength, just as the warhorse trusts in its equipment, and face challenges with courage and humility, as described in 2 Timothy 1:7. By trusting in God, we can be strong and courageous, even in the face of adversity, as seen in Joshua 1:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the quiver, spear, and lance in Job 39:23?

The quiver, spear, and lance are symbols of war and battle, highlighting the warhorse's preparation and readiness for combat, as seen in other biblical descriptions of war in books like Exodus 15:4 and 2 Samuel 1:5-10

How does this verse relate to the character of the warhorse?

This verse showcases the warhorse's ferocity and eagerness for battle, as described in the surrounding verses, such as Job 39:21-22, where it is said to 'laugh at fear' and 'charge into battle'

What can we learn from the warhorse's equipment?

The warhorse's equipment, including the quiver, spear, and lance, serves as a reminder of God's provision and preparation for His people, as seen in Psalm 144:1, where David thanks God for teaching his hands to war and his fingers to fight

How does this verse fit into the broader context of Job 39?

This verse is part of a larger description of the warhorse's strength, courage, and ferocity, highlighting God's power and majesty in creation, as seen in verses like Psalm 19:1-6, which describe the heavens declaring God's glory

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of the quiver, spear, and lance evoke in my mind, and how can I apply that to my own spiritual battles?
  2. How can I, like the warhorse, be prepared and eager to face the challenges of my faith, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision and preparation, just as the warhorse trusts in its equipment?
  4. How can I balance my own strength and courage with humility and reliance on God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?

Gill's Exposition on Job 39:23

The quiver rattleth against him,.... The quiver is what arrows are put into and carried in, and seems here to be put for arrows, which being shot by the enemy come whizzing about him, but do not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 39:23

The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 39:23

The quiver; or although the quiver &c. So this comes in as an aggravation of his courage, notwithstanding the just causes of fear which are mentioned in this verse. And the quiver is here put for the arrows contained in it, by a metonymy, very usual in this very case, and in all sorts of authors, which being shot against the horse and rider, make this rattling noise here mentioned. The glittering spear and the shield; or rather, the lance or javelin. For that this was not a defensive, but an offensive weapon, seems plain, both from this place, where it is mentioned among such, and as an object of fear, which the shield is not, and from , where it is so used.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 39:23

Job 39:23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.Ver. 23. The quiver rattleth against him] The arrow; those messengers of death come whisking and singing about his ears (so the bullets now in so much use), but he is unappalled by this. The glittering spear] Heb. The flaming spear, as Genesis 3:24, that is, bright and clear, shining like a flame of fire, which must needs be terrible; but not at all to the war horse. And the shield] Or rather javelin, lance, or the like; he feareth not a wood of pikeman set in array against him.

Cambridge Bible on Job 39:23

23. rattleth against him] Rather perhaps, upon him. The quiver is that of his rider, the clang of which excites him. the shield] Rather, the javelin, or, lance. The Poet does not seek to describe the actual conflict; it is a picture of the horse that he gives, and the moment before the conflict is that at which the animal’s extraordinary attributes are most strongly exhibited. “Although docile as a lamb, and requiring no other guide than the halter, when the Arab mare hears the war-cry of the tribe (cf. Job 39:25), and sees the quivering spear of her rider (cf. Job 39:23), her eyes glitter with fire, her blood-red nostrils open wide, her neck is nobly arched, and her tail and mane are raised and spread out to the wind (cf. Job 39:19). A Bedouin proverb says, that a high-bred mare when at full speed should hide her rider between her neck and her tail” (Layard, Discoveries, p. 330).

Barnes' Notes on Job 39:23

The quiver rattleth against him - The quiver was a case made for containing arrows. It was usually slung over the shoulder, so that it could be easily reached to draw out an arrow.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 39:23

23. The quiver — Used metaphorically for its contents — the arrows. The glittering spear — Literally, the flame of a spear. Shield — Hebrews, kidhon. More properly “javelin,” or “spear.” See note Job 41:29.

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