Job 39:22
He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂחַ֣ק
He mocketh
H7832
יִשְׂחַ֣ק
He mocketh
Strong's:
H7832
Word #:
1 of 8
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
לְ֭פַחַד
at fear
H6343
לְ֭פַחַד
at fear
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
2 of 8
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵחָ֑ת
and is not affrighted
H2865
יֵחָ֑ת
and is not affrighted
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָ֝שׁ֗וּב
neither turneth he back
H7725
יָ֝שׁ֗וּב
neither turneth he back
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Historical Context
Ancient battles were terrifying—noise, blood, death. Horses that panicked became liabilities. War-horses' divinely designed courage made them invaluable. This taught that God equips creatures (and people) with temperaments suited to their purposes, including courage for facing legitimate dangers.
Questions for Reflection
- What fears is God calling you to "mock" because He's equipped you for a specific battle?
- How does recognizing courage as divine gift rather than personal achievement affect your approach to challenges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword." The war-horse "mocks" (sachaq, שָׂחַק) fear itself and doesn't turn back (shuv, שׁוּב) from weapons. God designed courage into this creature's nature. This demonstrates that fearlessness serving righteous purposes is divine gift, not mere recklessness. The horse doesn't need to manufacture courage—it's part of its created nature. Similarly, God gives His people courage needed for their callings.