Job 39:27
Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֭יךָ
at thy command
H6310
פִּ֭יךָ
at thy command
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יַגְבִּ֣יהַּ
mount up
H1361
יַגְבִּ֣יהַּ
mount up
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
4 of 8
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
וְ֝כִ֗י
H3588
וְ֝כִ֗י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 49:16Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.Obadiah 1:4Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures admired eagles' strength and height. God's question reveals that even admirable traits come from divine endowment, not creature autonomy.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'eagles' in your life soar by divine command rather than your control?
- How does God's governance of natural excellence humble human achievement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God continues: 'Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?' This questions whether Job controls eagle behavior - their soaring, nesting habits, predatory skill. Divine governance extends to every creature's characteristic behavior.