Job 39:13
Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
Original Language Analysis
כְּנַף
wings
H3671
כְּנַף
wings
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
1 of 7
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
נֶעֱלָ֑סָה
unto the peacocks
H5965
נֶעֱלָ֑סָה
unto the peacocks
Strong's:
H5965
Word #:
3 of 7
to leap for joy, i.e., exult, wave joyously
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Cross References
Jeremiah 8:7Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.Zechariah 5:9Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
Historical Context
Ancient observers noted ostriches' odd behavior - large wings but flightless, seeming stupidity. God's question suggests divine purpose in apparent design flaws.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'design flaws' in your life might serve divine purposes you don't understand?
- How does the ostrich teach about trusting God's design despite apparent absurdity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God describes the ostrich: 'Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?' This introduces the ostrich's strange characteristics - wings that don't enable flight, apparent foolishness, yet divinely designed.