Job 39:17 (KJV)

What does Job 39:17 mean?

Job 39:17 says that God has not given the ostrich wisdom or understanding, explaining why it behaves in ways that seem foolish or careless. The verse points out that some creatures lack certain abilities or instincts because God chose not to give them those qualities.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking directly to Job, describing various animals to show His power and wisdom in creation. Here, God uses the ostrich as an example of a creature that seems to lack sense, highlighting that even this is by God's design and purpose. The verse fits into a larger speech where God asks Job to consider the mysteries of the natural world that only God fully understands.

The Hebrew behind Job 39:17

• God (אֱלוֹהַּ, 'eloah): This is a singular form for God, emphasizing God's personal involvement in creation and the details of each creature's nature.
• Deprived (נָשָׁה, nashah): This word means "to withhold" or "to deprive." The verse says God has actively chosen not to give the ostrich wisdom, not that the ostrich lost it by accident.
• Wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This word often means practical skill or insight. Here, it refers to the kind of sense or cleverness the ostrich seems to lack.
• Imparted (חָלַק, chalaq): This means "to give" or "to apportion." The verse stresses that understanding was not shared with the ostrich.
• Understanding (בִּינָה, binah): This word refers to discernment or the ability to make wise decisions. The ostrich's lack of "binah" explains its odd or careless behavior.

Why Job 39:17 matters

• Job 39:17 helps clear up the idea that all creatures should act with the same kind of intelligence or care; the verse shows that God gives different qualities to different creatures for His own reasons.
• The verse emphasizes God's sovereignty, reminding Job (and the reader) that God's choices in creation are intentional, even when they seem puzzling to humans.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that human understanding is limited; if Job cannot explain why an ostrich acts as it does, he cannot question God's wisdom in running the world.