Job 39:28

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag.

American Standard Version (1901)

On the cliff she dwelleth, and maketh her home, Upon the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.

Bible in Basic English

On the rock is his house, and on the mountain-top his strong place.

Free Bible Version

It lives among the cliffs, and roosts on a remote rocky crag.

King James (Authorized) Version

She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.

Translation for Translators

They live in holes in those cliffs. They are safe in those high pointed rocks because no animals can reach them there.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He lives on cliffs and makes his home on the peaks of cliffs, a stronghold.

Noah Webster Bible

She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.

World English Bible

On the cliff he dwells and makes his home, on the point of the cliff and the stronghold.

Young's Literal Translation

A rock he doth inhabit, Yea, he lodgeth on the tooth of a rock, and fortress.

Context

The LORD Speaks of His Creation

²⁷Does the eagle soar at your command and make his nest on high? ²⁸He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag. ²⁹From there he spies out food; his eyes see it from afar.

Summary

In this verse, God uses the example of a hawk soaring effortlessly in the sky as a demonstration of His wisdom and providence in the natural world. The hawk's ability to build its nest in high places reflects God's design and care for all His creation. Just as the hawk trusts in its Creator for sustenance and safety, believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and guidance in their lives. This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty over all things, including the intricate details of nature, and invites us to rely on His wisdom and care.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Upon the crag of the rock - שן סלע shen sela, the tooth of the rock, i.e., some projecting part, whither adventurous man himself dares not follow her. And the strong place - ומצודה umetsudah. Mr. Good translates this word ravine, and joins it to Job 39:29, thus: "And thence espieth the ravine: her eyes trace the prey afar off."