Job 38:39
Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
Original Language Analysis
לְלָבִ֣יא
for the lion
H3833
לְלָבִ֣יא
for the lion
Strong's:
H3833
Word #:
2 of 6
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
טָ֑רֶף
the prey
H2964
טָ֑רֶף
the prey
Strong's:
H2964
Word #:
3 of 6
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
וְחַיַּ֖ת
the appetite
H2416
וְחַיַּ֖ת
the appetite
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 6
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Historical Context
Lions were common in ancient Israel and surrounding regions, posing real danger to shepherds and travelers. They represented untamed, powerful nature that humans could not control. God's provision for these feared predators demonstrated His authority over what humanity feared most, while also revealing His universal care for all creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision for dangerous predators challenge your understanding of His care for you?
- What 'lions' in your life—circumstances that seem threatening or opposed to God's purposes—are actually under His sovereign provision?
- In what ways does recognizing your dependence on God's provision humble your demands for explanation?
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Analysis & Commentary
God transitions from meteorology to zoology, asking if Job provides food for lions. 'Hunt the prey' (tsud tsayid, צוּד צַיִד) means to chase and capture game. 'Fill the appetite' (male nephesh, מָלֵא נֶפֶשׁ) literally means to satisfy the soul or life-force, emphasizing not just physical hunger but vitality. 'Young lions' (kephir, כְּפִיר) refers to strong, mature lions in their prime. This question establishes God's comprehensive provision for His creatures—even fierce predators depend entirely on divine sustenance. The lions that inspire human terror are themselves dependent on God for their next meal. This connects to Psalm 104:21, 'The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.' The verse challenges Job to recognize that if he cannot feed wild animals, he has no basis for questioning God's governance of human affairs. It also reveals God's care extends even to creatures that seem contrary to human interest.