Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?

JOB 39:19KJV
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Job 39:19 (KJV)

What does Job 39:19 mean?

Job 39:19 asks whether a person has given the horse its strength or adorned its neck with thunder, highlighting the power and majesty of the horse as something beyond human ability to create or control. The verse points to the idea that such strength and splendor come from God, not from people.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking directly to Job out of a whirlwind, challenging Job’s understanding and reminding him of human limitations. By mentioning the horse’s strength and its impressive neck, God uses a vivid example from nature to show Job that only the Creator can give such qualities, emphasizing the gap between divine power and human capability.

The Hebrew behind Job 39:19

  • "given" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give or bestow. Here, it stresses that the strength of the horse is not something humans can grant; it is a gift from God.
  • "strength" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word often refers to might, power, or valor. The verse highlights the horse’s impressive physical power, which is admired but not produced by people.
  • "clothed" (לָבַשׁ, lavash): This word means to clothe or cover. The image is of God adorning the horse’s neck, suggesting a deliberate act of giving it a striking, powerful appearance.
  • "neck" (צַוָּאר, tsavvar): Refers to the horse’s neck, which is a symbol of its strength and beauty, especially when arched in motion.
  • "thunder" (רַעַמָה, ra’amah): This word can mean thunder or a thunderous sound. It is often understood as describing the horse’s mane, which ripples and flows like thunder, or possibly the sound of its snorting, emphasizing its awe-inspiring presence.

Why Job 39:19 matters

  • Job 39:19 clears up any idea that humans are responsible for the natural strength and beauty found in animals, reminding readers that such qualities are beyond human invention.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s creative power by focusing on a familiar and admired animal, making the point personal and relatable for Job and for readers.
  • This question is part of a larger series where God asks Job about various wonders of creation, all meant to humble Job and help him see the limits of human wisdom compared to God’s.

Where else these words appear

“neck” Hebrew H6677 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:
  • Job 15:26 He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:
  • Jeremiah 27:11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

“strength” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 12:13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“clothed” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.

“horse” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?