What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.

JOB 39:18KJV
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Job 39:18 (KJV)

What does Job 39:18 mean?

Job 39:18 describes how, when the ostrich lifts herself to run, she is so swift and bold that she mocks even the horse and its rider, who are usually symbols of speed and strength. The verse highlights the surprising abilities given to the ostrich, despite her seeming disadvantages.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking to Job, pointing out wonders in creation that humans cannot fully understand or control. The verse uses the ostrich as an example: although she may seem foolish or lacking in some ways, she has an impressive ability to run, outpacing even the fastest horses. This shows that God's wisdom in creating the world includes surprising strengths in unexpected places.

The Hebrew behind Job 39:18

  • The word "scorneth" (שָׂחַק, sachaḳ) means to laugh at or mock. Here, it paints a vivid picture of the ostrich seeming to make fun of the horse and rider by outstripping them, emphasizing her unexpected superiority in speed.
  • The word "time" (עֵת, ‘et) refers to a specific moment or season. In this context, it points to the exact moment when the ostrich decides to run, highlighting the suddenness and decisiveness of her action.
  • The word "up" (פָּרַשׂ, parash) means to spread or lift up. It suggests the ostrich lifting herself or spreading her wings as she begins her run, adding to the image of her dramatic burst of speed.

Why Job 39:18 matters

  • Job 39:18 clears up the idea that God's creatures are only valuable if they fit human expectations; even the ostrich, often seen as foolish, has unique strengths.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's wisdom in creation includes variety and surprise, challenging Job (and the reader) to recognize limits in human understanding.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage where God questions Job, using examples from nature to show that there are many things in the world that humans cannot explain or control.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H4754 · used in 2 verses

  • Zephaniah 3:1 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

“scorneth” Hebrew H7832 · used in 36 verses

  • Judges 16:25 And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

“high” Hebrew H4791 · used in 52 verses

  • Judges 5:18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
  • Psalms 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
  • Isaiah 37:24 By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel.

“rider” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.