Job 39:3

Authorized King James Version

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They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.

Original Language Analysis

תִּ֭כְרַעְנָה They bow H3766
תִּ֭כְרַעְנָה They bow
Strong's: H3766
Word #: 1 of 5
to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate
יַלְדֵיהֶ֣ן their young ones H3206
יַלְדֵיהֶ֣ן their young ones
Strong's: H3206
Word #: 2 of 5
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
תְּפַלַּ֑חְנָה themselves they bring forth H6398
תְּפַלַּ֑חְנָה themselves they bring forth
Strong's: H6398
Word #: 3 of 5
to slice, i.e., break open or pierce
חֶבְלֵיהֶ֥ם their sorrows H2256
חֶבְלֵיהֶ֥ם their sorrows
Strong's: H2256
Word #: 4 of 5
ruin
תְּשַׁלַּֽחְנָה׃ they cast out H7971
תְּשַׁלַּֽחְנָה׃ they cast out
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 5 of 5
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

Analysis & Commentary

"They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows." God describes the birthing process—the bowing (kara, כָּרַע, "crouch/bow") and delivery. Even wild animals experience pain ("sorrows," chebel, חֶבֶל, "birth pains") but successfully bring forth offspring without human assistance. This reveals God's provision for all creatures, sustaining them through vulnerable moments. It implicitly asks Job: if God cares for wild goats in labor, won't He care for you in your suffering?

Historical Context

Animal husbandry was common, but wild animal births occurred hidden from view. The process's success without human intervention demonstrated God's direct care for creation. This would assure agricultural societies that God actively sustains all life, not just domesticated animals serving human purposes.

Questions for Reflection

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