Job 39 14

Job 39:14 kjv

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

Job 39:14 nkjv

For she leaves her eggs on the ground, And warms them in the dust;

Job 39:14 niv

She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand,

Job 39:14 esv

For she leaves her eggs to the earth and lets them be warmed on the ground,

Job 39:14 nlt

She lays her eggs on top of the earth,
letting them be warmed in the dust.

Job 39 verses

Job 39 14 Meaning

This verse, part of God's majestic discourse to Job from the whirlwind, describes the unique nesting habits of the ostrich. It highlights that the ostrich lays its eggs directly on the ground, seemingly without a meticulously constructed nest, relying instead on the natural warmth of the earth's dust or sand for incubation rather than consistent, direct brooding. This behavior, perceived by human observers as unusual or even neglectful, serves as a poignant illustration of God's sovereign and often perplexing wisdom demonstrated in the intricacies of His creation.

Job 39 14 Context

Job 39:14 is part of God’s sustained answer to Job from the whirlwind, which spans chapters 38-41. This divine speech challenges Job's understanding of creation, providence, and divine wisdom. Following the interrogation of Job's knowledge about the universe and natural phenomena, God presents a series of wild, untamable creatures, showcasing His ultimate dominion and intricate design in creation. The ostrich, specifically mentioned in Job 39:13-18, is introduced as an animal with strikingly peculiar behavior. While other birds build nests and carefully brood their young, the ostrich is described as abandoning its eggs to the elements, relying on the warmth of the sand. From a human perspective, this seems careless or "foolish" (as stated in v. 17). However, the divine commentary reveals that this is not an accidental flaw but a purposeful act of God, who "deprived her of wisdom" (v. 17) for His sovereign design, offsetting this with the ostrich's formidable speed (v. 18). This section fundamentally questions human perceptions of wisdom and order, pointing instead to God's supreme and often inscrutable intelligence underlying all creation.

Job 39 14 Word analysis

• For (כִּֽי - ki): This conjunction serves to introduce the reason or explanation for the preceding statement about the ostrich's wing type. It initiates a detailed description of her unique reproductive behavior.

• she leaves (תַּֽעֲזֹ֖ב - ta'ăzov): From the Hebrew verb עָזַב ('āzav), meaning "to abandon," "to forsake," or "to leave." In this context, it describes the perceived lack of direct, continuous parental presence and brooding, setting the stage for the animal's seemingly counter-instinctual actions.

• her eggs (בֵיצֶיהָ֙ - bêṣeihā): Refers to the physical eggs of the ostrich. The plural form indicates this is a general characteristic of the species, not an isolated incident. This is the direct object that is "left" or "forsaken."

• on the ground (לָאָ֣רֶץ - lāʾāreṣ): A prepositional phrase meaning "to/on the earth" or "on the land." This specifies the location where the eggs are laid—not in an elevated nest or protected hollow, but openly upon the flat earth. This exposure is key to the verse's implied "carelessness."

• and warms them (וְעַל־עָפָ֥ר תְּחַמֵּֽם - wəʿal-ʿāfār təḥammēm):

  • וְ (wə): "and," linking this action to the previous one.
  • עַל־עָפָר (ʿal-ʿāfār): "upon dust" or "on the dust." ʿāfār refers to loose, dry earth. This reinforces the exposed and un-nested placement of the eggs, implying a reliance on the ambient heat of the earth.
  • תְּחַמֵּֽם (təḥammēm): "she warms them," from the root חָמַם (ḥāmam), meaning "to be warm" or "to grow warm." While the eggs are "left," this verb indicates an active process of incubation occurring through natural warming agents rather than continuous bodily contact from the parent.

• Word-group analysis:

  • "For she leaves her eggs on the ground": This phrase introduces the central observed behavior that appears counter to common biological instincts of other birds. It paints a picture of apparent detachment from the immediate protection and care of her offspring, establishing the paradox that God will then address.
  • "and warms them in the dust": This part explains how the eggs are incubated despite the initial "leaving." It highlights the reliance on natural elements (sun, heat retained in the dust/sand) rather than constant direct brooding, underscoring the "unwise" (v. 17) nature of the method from a human viewpoint, as it leaves them vulnerable to external factors.

Job 39 14 Bonus section

The ancient observation of the ostrich's nesting behavior, described in Job 39:14-17, stands not as a scientific treatise but as a profound theological statement. It exemplifies God's freedom in creation—He is not bound by human expectations of what is "wise" or "natural." While modern biology notes that male ostriches often incubate eggs at night, and both parents share responsibilities, the fundamental image presented here—of a seemingly less protective method of incubation, vulnerable to trampling—remains potent for the text's purpose. It serves as a subtle polemic against any anthropocentric tendency to believe humanity fully grasps wisdom or the inherent order of the world. God deliberately creates creatures with distinct characteristics, sometimes in ways that challenge human perceptions, to highlight His boundless power, His unsearchable judgments, and the infinite depth of His wisdom. The ostrich's peculiar method of propagation and its formidable speed are intertwined parts of a singular, divinely authored design.

Job 39 14 Commentary

Job 39:14 paints a striking image of the ostrich, whose parenting methods appear unconventional when compared to most other birds. By laying her eggs directly on the ground and seemingly entrusting their incubation to the ambient heat of the dust, the ostrich's actions, from a human perspective, might suggest neglect or a profound lack of instinctual care. This perception of "folly" is directly addressed by God Himself in verse 17, stating that He "deprived her of wisdom." Yet, this is not a criticism of a flawed creature but rather a revelation of God's nuanced design. What seems imprudent from our vantage point is part of God’s comprehensive plan, compensated by the ostrich’s extraordinary speed (v. 18), her primary defense mechanism. The verse ultimately serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign wisdom, which transcends and often challenges human logic and understanding. It encourages Job, and indeed all who read, to humble themselves before a Creator whose ways are unfathomable and whose purposes are accomplished even through what appears to be counterintuitive behavior in His creation.Practical examples:

1. Trusting divine timing and methods: Sometimes, God's answers or solutions to our prayers may not align with our expected "wise" methods, much like the ostrich's unique incubation strategy; yet, His timing and methods are perfect.
2. Perceiving God's design in unconventional paths: When circumstances or outcomes seem illogical or even "foolish" by worldly standards, remember that God often works through means that defy human reason, just as He endowed the ostrich with its specific traits for its survival.