Job 39:9
Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
Original Language Analysis
הֲיֹ֣אבֶה
be willing
H14
הֲיֹ֣אבֶה
be willing
Strong's:
H14
Word #:
1 of 7
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
עָבְדֶ֑ךָ
to serve
H5647
עָבְדֶ֑ךָ
to serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 7
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יָ֝לִ֗ין
thee or abide
H3885
יָ֝לִ֗ין
thee or abide
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
5 of 7
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
Cross References
Numbers 23:22God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.Deuteronomy 33:17His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.Psalms 92:10But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.Isaiah 1:3The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.Psalms 22:21Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern agriculture attempted to domesticate various animals. The wild ox remained untamable, symbolizing powers beyond human mastery.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wild oxen' in your life refuse domestication despite your efforts?
- How does God's governance of untamable things speak to circumstances you can't control?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God questions: 'Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?' This wild ox (not mythical unicorn) cannot be domesticated for human service. God's point is that He governs creatures humans cannot control.