Job 39:26

Authorized King James Version

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Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?

Original Language Analysis

הֲֽ֭מִבִּינָ֣תְךָ by thy wisdom H998
הֲֽ֭מִבִּינָ֣תְךָ by thy wisdom
Strong's: H998
Word #: 1 of 6
understanding
יַֽאֲבֶר fly H82
יַֽאֲבֶר fly
Strong's: H82
Word #: 2 of 6
to soar
נֵ֑ץ Doth the hawk H5322
נֵ֑ץ Doth the hawk
Strong's: H5322
Word #: 3 of 6
a hawk (from it flashing speed)
יִפְרֹ֖שׂ and stretch H6566
יִפְרֹ֖שׂ and stretch
Strong's: H6566
Word #: 4 of 6
to break apart, disperse, etc
כְּנָפָ֣ו her wings H3671
כְּנָפָ֣ו her wings
Strong's: H3671
Word #: 5 of 6
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
לְתֵימָֽן׃ toward the south H8486
לְתֵימָֽן׃ toward the south
Strong's: H8486
Word #: 6 of 6
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

Analysis & Commentary

God asks Job: 'Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?' This attributes bird migration to divine instinct rather than human teaching. Natural behaviors that seem instinctive are actually divinely programmed.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern observers marveled at bird migration but couldn't explain it. God's question reveals that 'natural' instinct is supernatural design.

Questions for Reflection

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