Job 39:11
Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
Original Language Analysis
הֲֽתִבְטַח
Wilt thou trust
H982
הֲֽתִבְטַח
Wilt thou trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַ֣ב
is great
H7227
רַ֣ב
is great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
כֹּח֑וֹ
him because his strength
H3581
כֹּח֑וֹ
him because his strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
5 of 8
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
Historical Context
Ancient agriculture relied on domesticated oxen. The wild ox's strength without trainability illustrated that power requires proper channeling to serve productive purposes. This would remind readers that raw capability means nothing without submission to rightful authority and purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge cultural worship of strength and power detached from rightful authority?
- What personal strengths or gifts remain unproductive because they aren't surrendered to God's purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?" The wild ox's great strength makes it seem perfect for labor, yet it remains unreliable for human purposes. The verb batach (בָּטַח, "trust") highlights the issue—power without controllability isn't useful. This teaches that strength apart from submission to proper authority becomes dangerous or useless. Spiritually, this anticipates that human ability must be surrendered to divine purposes to become truly useful.