King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
Complete Jewish Bible:
It lives and spends its nights on the cliffs; a rocky crag is its fortress.
Berean Standard Bible:
He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag.
American Standard Version:
On the cliff she dwelleth, and maketh her home, Upon the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
She dwelleth{H7931} and abideth{H3885} on the rock{H5553}, upon the crag{H8127} of the rock{H5553}, and the strong place{H4686}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Samuel 14:4
- And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, [there was] a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one [was] Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 39:28
Job 39:28 is part of a larger poetic discourse in the Book of Job, which is found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. This verse specifically appears within a section often referred to as the "Lord's Answer," which spans from Job 38 to 41. In this section, God responds to Job's questioning by describing the wonders of creation and the limits of human understanding.
The verse itself uses the metaphor of an unnamed creature, traditionally understood to be the ostrich or the pegasus, that "dwelleth and abideth on the rock," suggesting a place of security and stability. The imagery of the rock and the crag evokes a sense of impregnability and endurance, emphasizing the creature's ability to thrive in a harsh environment that is both strong and safe. This metaphor serves to illustrate the majesty and mystery of creation, highlighting how all creatures, including those that might seem odd or less capable to humans, are perfectly adapted to their environments by divine design.
Historically, the Book of Job wrestles with the question of why the righteous suffer and is set in a patriarchal context, likely during the Second Millennium BCE. The dialogue between Job and his friends, followed by God's response, reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, where theodicy—the justice of God—is a central theme. Job 39:28, therefore, is part of a broader theological exploration of God's power and wisdom as reflected in the natural world, a world that operates beyond human control and sometimes beyond human comprehension. The verse invites reflection on the strength and resilience found in nature, which ultimately points back to the sovereignty and creative power of God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7931
There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁכַן
Transliteration: shâkan
Pronunciation: shaw-kan'
Description: a primitive root (apparently akin (by transmission) to שָׁכַב through the idea of lodging; compare סִכְלוּת, שָׁכַם); to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively); abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). - Strong's Number: H3885
There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לוּן
Transliteration: lûwn
Pronunciation: loon
Description: or לִין; a primitive root; to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain); abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). - Strong's Number: H5553
There are 54 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סֶלַע
Transliteration: çelaʻ
Pronunciation: seh'-lah
Description: from an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress); (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. - Strong's Number: H8127
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁן
Transliteration: shên
Pronunciation: shane
Description: from שָׁנַן; compare שֶׁנְהַבִּים; a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff; crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. - Strong's Number: H4686
There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָצוּד
Transliteration: mâtsûwd
Pronunciation: maw-tsood'
Description: or (feminine) מְצוּדָה; or מְצֻדָה; for מָצוֹד; a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness; castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place.