Job 39 28

Job 39:28 kjv

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

Job 39:28 nkjv

On the rock it dwells and resides, On the crag of the rock and the stronghold.

Job 39:28 niv

It dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is its stronghold.

Job 39:28 esv

On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold.

Job 39:28 nlt

It lives on the cliffs,
making its home on a distant, rocky crag.

Job 39 verses

Job 39 28 Meaning

Job 39:28 describes the natural dwelling of the eagle (or hawk, as a bird of prey discussed in the preceding verses), emphasizing its chosen habitat as a towering rock or natural stronghold. It highlights the eagle's instinctive selection of the most inaccessible and secure locations for its home, reflecting God's intricate design and provision within His creation. This detailed observation is part of God's grand discourse to Job, showcasing His unparalleled wisdom and sovereign control over all living things, even those beyond human comprehension or command.

Job 39 28 Context

Job 39:28 is an integral part of God's majestic discourse to Job, found in chapters 38-41. This extended divine address challenges Job's understanding and wisdom by systematically detailing various wonders of creation that are entirely beyond human control or comprehension. Specifically, chapter 39 focuses on untamed animals: the wild goat, wild donkey, wild ox, ostrich, horse, hawk, and eagle. The verse falls within the section describing the eagle (Job 39:27-30), which is questioned as to whether it builds its nest "at your command." God, by recounting the eagle's innate ability to select such an impenetrable dwelling, highlights His own role as the sole source of such wisdom and instinct in nature. This serves to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty and knowledge, reinforcing that His governance of the world, even in its seemingly wild aspects, is perfect and beyond Job's ability to grasp or criticize. The historical and cultural context recognizes these soaring birds of prey as symbols of majesty and power, and their inaccessible nests were widely known marvels of nature. This divine exposition stands as a subtle polemic against any notion that human intelligence or power could compare to God's, or that the natural order existed outside of His meticulous and providential design.

Job 39 28 Word analysis

• He dwells (יִשְׁכֹּ֤ן, yishkon): From the Hebrew root shakan, meaning to settle down, abide, or inhabit. This implies a settled, established, and permanent residence, not merely a temporary stop. It signifies a profound and secure dwelling place, reflective of a divinely instilled instinct for stability and safety.
• on the rock (בַּסֶּ֗לַע, basselaʿ): The Hebrew word selaʿ refers to a massive rock, a crag, or a formidable cliff. It emphasizes the solid, imposing, and naturally fortified nature of the chosen dwelling. This is a place of natural defense, far removed from vulnerabilities.
• and makes his home (יָלִ֥ין, yālin): From the root lin, which means to lodge, pass the night, or abide. This word intensifies the concept of dwelling, underscoring that the eagle's high dwelling is not just a place to perch, but a secure overnight abode, a place of rest and sustained life. It conveys a sense of security and belonging in that location.
• on the rocky crag (רֹ֖אשׁ סֶ֣לַע, ro'sh selaʿ): Literally translated as "head of rock/crag." This refers to the summit, pinnacle, or highest point of the rock formation. It specifies the extreme height and strategic vantage point, enhancing the idea of inaccessibility and dominance over its surroundings.
• and the stronghold (וּמְצוּדָֽה׃, ūmᵉtsūdâ): The Hebrew word metsūdâ means a fortress, stronghold, or an inaccessible refuge. In this context, it describes a natural, impregnable bastion. This reinforces the perfection of the eagle's habitat, showcasing it as a secure fort against predators and disturbance, testament to God's design.

Words-group analysis

• "He dwells on the rock and makes his home": This phrase cumulatively stresses the eagle's innate tendency towards absolute security and permanence in its chosen dwelling. The doubling of "dwelling" through different verbs ("dwells" and "makes his home") highlights the completeness and rootedness of its habitation. It's an intentional and settled choice, not random.
• "on the rocky crag and the stronghold": This combination reinforces the extreme security and strategic advantage of the eagle's nest. "Rocky crag" denotes the highest, most prominent point, while "stronghold" definitively marks it as an impenetrable, natural fortress. This description magnifies the divine wisdom evident in the creature's instinct for survival and nesting location, presenting it as an example of God's perfect arrangement in creation.

Job 39 28 Bonus section

The rhetorical strategy employed by God in Job 38-41, including this verse, serves multiple theological purposes beyond simple nature observation. By detailing the inherent wisdom in an animal's natural behavior, God challenges Job's anthropocentric view and underscores the vast gap between human knowledge and divine understanding. The untamed and unmanaged aspects of creation, such as the eagle’s remote and secure nest, are highlighted not as chaotic but as perfectly orchestrated by God’s hand. This reorients Job’s perspective towards divine majesty rather than focusing on his suffering, suggesting that the same wisdom and control evident in creation are also present in God's governance of human life and justice, even if beyond immediate comprehension. The description also implicitly attributes wisdom and foresight not to the eagle itself, but to its Creator.

Job 39 28 Commentary

Job 39:28 is a vivid portrait of God's intricate wisdom revealed through His creation, specifically the majestic eagle. In response to Job's earlier questioning, God provides details about the natural world, asserting His exclusive dominion and unparalleled foresight. The verse emphasizes the eagle's instinctive selection of an extremely high, naturally fortified dwelling on towering rock formations. This choice of abode is not a mere animalistic behavior, but rather an exquisite example of God's deliberate design, equipping creatures with the precise instincts and habitats for their survival and flourishing. The description underscores that the eagle’s nest is inherently inaccessible to human interference, a testament to God's untamable order. The rhetorical question implicit throughout this section of Job 38-41 is whether Job, or any human, could command or impart such instincts, choose such a location, or provide such a perfect defense. The answer, of course, is a resounding no. Thus, Job 39:28 contributes powerfully to God's argument for His absolute sovereignty, His deep knowledge of even the wild corners of creation, and His perfect care for all living things. It showcases divine power, not merely in grand acts, but in the specific and flawless details of instinct and provision.