He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.

JOB 39:22KJV
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Job 39:22 (KJV)

What does Job 39:22 mean?

Job 39:22 describes an animal that does not react to fear, is not frightened, and does not retreat from danger, even when faced with weapons. The verse highlights the creature’s boldness and lack of fear in the face of threats.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking to Job, pointing out the strength and fearlessness of certain animals—here, likely the horse used in battle. The verse is part of a larger speech where God asks Job if he understands or can control the natural world, emphasizing how some creatures are made with courage that humans cannot instill or explain.

The Hebrew behind Job 39:22

  • "mocketh" (שָׂחַק, sachaq): This word means to laugh at or make light of something. Here, it shows the animal’s attitude toward fear—it treats fear as something unworthy of respect, almost as if it scoffs at danger.
  • "fear" (פַּחַד, pachad): This word refers to terror or dread. The verse uses it to describe the kind of fear that would normally make a creature hesitate, but this animal does not respond to it.
  • "affrighted" (חָתַת, chatat): This word means to be shattered or dismayed. The animal is not broken or shaken by threats, underlining its unshakable courage.
  • "back" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or retreat. The animal does not turn away or flee, even when faced with the sword.
  • "from" (פָּנֶה, paneh): Literally meaning "face" or "presence," here it refers to being in front of the sword—showing the animal stands its ground.
  • "sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): This is the common word for a sword or weapon, emphasizing the real danger the animal faces without flinching.

Why Job 39:22 matters

  • Job 39:22 clears up the idea that animals act only from instinct or fear; it shows that some creatures are made with remarkable courage that defies human explanation.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s creative power, reminding Job (and the reader) that there are aspects of creation beyond human control or understanding.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s wisdom and design in the natural world surpass human knowledge, challenging Job’s questioning of God’s ways.

Where else these words appear

“mocketh” 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;

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

“affrighted” Hebrew H2865 · used in 48 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
  • Job 31:34 Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
  • Jeremiah 17:18 Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.