King James Version

What Does Job 39:14 Mean?

Job 39:14 in the King James Version says “Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,” — study this verse from Job chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,”

Job 39:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust." The ostrich's unusual nesting behavior—leaving eggs on ground in sandy soil—seems negligent by human standards. Yet God designed this system perfectly for ostriches. Desert sand's heat incubates eggs; the parent returns periodically. What appears as parental failure is actually divine design suited to specific environment. This teaches against judging God's methods by human standards. His ways often appear strange but are perfectly suited to His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient observers noted the ostrich's odd behavior, sometimes interpreting it as foolishness (Lamentations 4:3). God reveals this isn't deficiency but design. The ostrich thrives through methods that would fail for other species. This would teach humility about judging behaviors or circumstances that appear wrong but may be divinely designed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations in your life seem negligent or wrong but might be God's perfect design?
  2. How does this passage challenge judging others' methods that differ from conventional wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַעֲזֹ֣ב2 of 7

“Which leaveth”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

לָאָ֣רֶץ3 of 7

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בֵּצֶ֑יהָ4 of 7

“her eggs”

H1000

an egg (from its whiteness)

וְֽעַל5 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עָפָ֥ר6 of 7

“them in dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

תְּחַמֵּֽם׃7 of 7

“and warmeth”

H2552

to be hot (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

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 39:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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