King James Version
What Does Job 39:13 Mean?
“Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? wings and: or, the feathers of the stork and ostrich”
Context
11
Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
12
Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
13
Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? wings and: or, the feathers of the stork and ostrich
14
Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
15
And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks?**—Rather, *The wing of the ostrich is superb, but are her pinions and her feathers like the stork’s? *Ostrich feathers are said to be worth from £8 to £15 a pound; but, beautiful and valuable as they are, they are hardly like the plumage of a bird, and are not so used for flight; on the contrary, the ostrich runs like a quadruped, it is stated at the rate sometimes of fifty or sixty miles an hour.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Job 39:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Job 39:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge