Job 39:2
Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?
Original Language Analysis
תִּסְפֹּ֣ר
Canst thou number
H5608
תִּסְפֹּ֣ר
Canst thou number
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
תְּמַלֶּ֑אנָה
that they fulfil
H4390
תְּמַלֶּ֑אנָה
that they fulfil
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
3 of 6
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
וְ֝יָדַ֗עְתָּ
or knowest
H3045
וְ֝יָדַ֗עְתָּ
or knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Historical Context
Ancient peoples observed animal behavior but lacked scientific understanding of reproductive cycles. Wild mountain goats lived in inaccessible terrain, making observation difficult. God's comprehensive knowledge of hidden natural processes would humble Job and readers, highlighting the vast difference between divine omniscience and human ignorance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's attention to wild animal gestation periods demonstrate His care for you?
- What areas of life do you think God isn't watching closely enough, forgetting His comprehensive knowledge?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?" God questions Job's knowledge of wild goats' gestation periods. The Hebrew male (מָלֵא, "fulfill/complete") refers to pregnancy completing its term. This demonstrates God's intimate knowledge of creation's details—timing of births in remote wilderness. If Job doesn't know such specifics about animal reproduction, how can he comprehend God's governance of human history? This teaches that divine providence extends to the minutest details of creation.