Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?

JOB 39:9KJV
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Job 39:9 (KJV)

What does Job 39:9 mean?

Job 39:9 asks whether the "unicorn" would be willing to serve a person or stay by their feeding trough, suggesting that this wild animal cannot be domesticated or controlled by humans. The verse uses the image of a powerful, untamable creature to highlight human limitations.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking to Job, pointing out the wonders and mysteries of creation that are beyond human understanding or control. The mention of the "unicorn" (often understood as a wild ox or similar animal) is meant to show that some creatures are simply not subject to human authority, emphasizing God's greater power and wisdom.

The Hebrew behind Job 39:9

  • unicorn (רְאֵם, re'em): This word does not refer to the mythical horned horse, but is often understood as a strong, wild animal—likely a wild ox or aurochs. The choice of this animal underscores the idea of untamable strength.
  • willing (אָבָה, avah): This word means to be willing or consent. The verse asks if the wild animal would ever choose to serve a human, highlighting its independence.
  • serve (עָבַד, avad): This is the common word for serving or working for someone. The question is whether this powerful animal could be made to work like a domesticated beast.
  • abide (לִין, lin): This means to stay or lodge. The verse asks if the animal would stay by the human's "crib" or feeding trough, pointing to the impossibility of domesticating it.
  • crib (אֵבוּס, evus): This refers to a feeding trough or manger. The image is of a place where domesticated animals are kept and fed, which is not suitable for such a wild creature.

Why Job 39:9 matters

  • Job 39:9 clears up the common misunderstanding that "unicorn" refers to the mythical creature; the original word points to a real, powerful wild animal.
  • The verse emphasizes the limits of human power and control, especially in the face of God's creation, which fits the larger theme of God's speeches to Job.
  • This question from God is part of a series meant to humble Job and remind him of the vastness and mystery of the world, which only God fully understands and governs.

Where else these words appear

“crib” Hebrew H18 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
  • Isaiah 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

“unicorn” Hebrew H7214 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
  • Deuteronomy 33:17 His 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 29:6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

“willing” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 10:4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

“abide” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.