What does Job 39:18 mean?
"What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider." - Job 39:18

Job 39:18 (KJV) says, "What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider."
This verse is part of a longer passage in the book of Job, which is often seen as a story of suffering and the search for meaning in the face of pain and loss. In this particular verse, the speaker is describing the behavior of a certain creature, presumably a metaphorical one, and their contempt for the horse and its rider.
To understand the meaning and commentary of Job 39:18, it's important to consider the larger context of the book of Job. The central figure, Job, is a man who has undergone immense suffering, including the loss of his children, his wealth, and his health. Throughout the book, he engages in a series of conversations and debates with his friends, as they try to make sense of his suffering and his relationship with God.
The verse in question is part of a larger section in which God speaks to Job, challenging him to consider the wonders of creation and the limitations of human understanding. This passage is part of God's response to Job's questioning and doubts, reminding him of the power and wisdom of the natural world.
The verse uses imagery of a creature "lifting herself up on high" to convey a sense of pride and superiority. This creature is depicted as looking down on the horse and its rider with scorn, suggesting a feeling of disdain or contempt. In the larger context of God's speech to Job, this imagery serves to highlight the vast gulf between human understanding and the mysteries of creation.
The themes present in this verse are multiple and deeply resonant. One theme is the majesty and power of the natural world, which is presented as something beyond human comprehension. This suggests a contrast between the limited perspective of humanity and the vastness of God's creation. The verse also touches on the theme of pride and humility, as the creature's haughty behavior serves as a reminder of the dangers of arrogance and self-importance.
In terms of symbolism, the horse and its rider may represent human strength and ability. The creature's scorn for them can be seen as a symbol of the limitations of human power in the face of the natural world. This can be interpreted as a reflection of Job's own struggles, as he grapples with the limits of his own understanding and the power of God's designs.
Overall, Job 39:18 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to the themes of humility, awe, and the limitations of human understanding. It serves as a reminder of the vastness and mystery of the natural world, and the need for humility in the face of its wonders. In the larger context of the book of Job, this verse is part of God's response to Job's questions and doubts, challenging him to consider the power and wisdom of creation. It is a poignant and thought-provoking passage that continues to resonate with readers today.
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Job 39:18 Artwork
Job 39:18 - "What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider."
"What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider." - Job 39:18
Job 39:13-25
Job 39:9 - "Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?"
Job 39:23 - "The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield."
Job 39:14 - "Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,"
Job 38:39 - "Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,"
Job 39:7 - "He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver."
Job 39:3 - "They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows."
Job 39:28 - "She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place."
Job 39:24 - "He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet."
Job 39:8 - "The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing."
Job 39:13 - "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?"
Job 39:15 - "And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them."
Job 39:20 - "Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible."
Job 39:27 - "Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?"
Job 39:26 - "Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?"
Job 39:22 - "He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword."
Job 39:6 - "Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings."
Job 39:29 - "From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off."
Job 39:19-25 – "Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?"
Job 39:2 - "Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?"
Job 39:19 - "Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?"
Job 39:21 - "He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men."
Job 39:17 - "Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding."
Job 39:10 - "Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?"
Job 39:12 - "Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?"
Job 39:4 - "Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them."
Job 31:39 - "If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:"
Job 39:5 - "Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?"