Job 39 16

Job 39:16 kjv

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

Job 39:16 nkjv

She treats her young harshly, as though they were not hers; Her labor is in vain, without concern,

Job 39:16 niv

She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers; she cares not that her labor was in vain,

Job 39:16 esv

She deals cruelly with her young, as if they were not hers; though her labor be in vain, yet she has no fear,

Job 39:16 nlt

She is harsh toward her young,
as if they were not her own.
She doesn't care if they die.

Job 39 verses

Job 39 16 Meaning

Job 39:16 describes the ostrich's unique behavior, highlighting its perceived harshness or detachment toward its young, treating them "as if they were not hers." Furthermore, it expresses no concern or fear that its strenuous efforts in producing and caring for its offspring might ultimately prove "in vain" or come to naught. This verse emphasizes the seemingly contradictory nature of God's creation, particularly behaviors that challenge human expectations of parental instinct.

Job 39 16 Context

This verse is embedded in God's extensive discourse from the whirlwind to Job (Job 38-41). After Job questioned God's ways and judgments, God responds by demonstrating His unparalleled wisdom and sovereign control over creation. The examples of various creatures, including the ostrich (Job 39:13-18), serve to highlight God's profound knowledge and purpose in designing even seemingly paradoxical or flawed behaviors in the natural world. From an ancient human perspective, the ostrich's observed tendency to lay eggs in the open, or leave them vulnerable, and its swift escape when threatened, led to its reputation for lack of parental care and fearlessness regarding its offspring's fate. God presents this not as a moral failing of the ostrich, but as part of His unique design, contrasting it with Job's limited human comprehension of divine ordering.

Job 39 16 Word analysis

• "She deals cruelly" (תַּקְשִׁיחַ - taqshiaḥ): From the Hebrew root קָשָׁה (qashah), meaning "to be hard, stiff, harsh." The Hiphil form used here emphasizes "to make hard" or "to deal harshly/severely." This does not imply malevolent intent by the ostrich but rather a lack of tenderness or a seemingly callous indifference from a human vantage point. It describes its instinctual behavior.
• "with her young" (יְלָדֶיהָ - yelādeyhā): Lit. "her children." Refers to her offspring, eggs, and chicks. They are the direct object of this perceived harsh treatment.
• "as if they were not hers" (לְלֹא לָהּ - lᵉlō' lāh): A striking simile signifying a profound detachment or lack of maternal bond and ownership. It emphasizes the complete indifference the ostrich seems to display towards its progeny, as if they belong to no one.
• "she has no fear" (בְּלִי־פָחַד - bᵉlî-pāḥad): Meaning "without fear." This phrase directly indicates the ostrich's unconcern or lack of anxiety regarding potential loss. It highlights a characteristic trait programmed by God.
• "that her labor may be in vain" (לָרִיק יְגִיעָהּ - lārīq yəgî‘āh):
  • "in vain" (לָרִיק - lārīq): Means "for emptiness," "for nothing," or "to no purpose." It conveys the idea of efforts that yield no positive outcome or are rendered useless.
  • "her labor" (יְגִיעָהּ - yegî‘āh): Refers to her toil, effort, and exertion, specifically relating to the laying, incubation, and care (however perceived) of her eggs and young.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "She deals cruelly with her young as if they were not hers": This phrase portrays the ostrich as neglecting her offspring, not out of malice, but through a unique, divinely appointed instinct that prioritizes speed and survival over active parental nurturing in the face of perceived threat. It stands in stark contrast to the protective behavior typically observed in other animals.
• "she has no fear that her labor may be in vain": This highlights the ostrich's profound lack of anxiety or concern about the fruitfulness of her reproductive efforts. Unlike humans, who often worry about the outcome of their work and investment, the ostrich displays an instinctual indifference to whether her eggs or young will survive, pointing to a sovereign design where anxiety is not a factor for its species' survival.

Job 39 16 Bonus section

• The ostrich passage (Job 39:13-18) contrasts its seemingly deficient parental care with its impressive speed and powerful leg, emphasizing God's composite and diverse designs in His creatures.
• Modern scientific understanding of ostrich behavior indicates that while eggs may be left seemingly exposed or unattended for periods, this often reduces predation risk by not drawing attention to the nest with a constantly present parent. Ostriches also often lay eggs in communal nests. The biblical description reflects a keen ancient observation of behavior, used to make a theological point about divine wisdom, not to present a complete biological analysis.
• This verse counters human tendencies to apply anthropomorphic values to divine creation, showing that God's methods are not limited by human emotional or ethical frameworks concerning "proper" behavior. The ostrich is not condemned; its peculiar instincts serve God's greater design.
• The overall discourse on the natural world humbles Job, revealing that if he cannot comprehend the behavior of a single animal, how much less can he comprehend God's justice and governance of the cosmos.

Job 39 16 Commentary

Job 39:16 continues God's illustration of His sovereign wisdom through creation, using the ostrich as a paradoxical example. From a human viewpoint, the ostrich's maternal behavior appears harsh or neglectful due to its practice of laying eggs in exposed nests or its swift flight when danger approaches, seemingly abandoning its young. Yet, the verse immediately dismisses human judgment by clarifying that this animal experiences "no fear" regarding the potential futility of its efforts. This lack of anxiety, a divinely programmed trait (further elaborated in Job 39:17 as a deprivation of wisdom), enables the species to thrive in harsh environments where overt protection might attract predators. The deeper meaning for Job is that God's intricate designs in creation, though appearing contrary to human understanding or expectations of what is 'wise' or 'good' in nature, are purposeful and demonstrate God's unsearchable wisdom and control. It calls Job (and humanity) to humble awe before the Creator, whose plans and purposes transcend limited human perspectives.