Job 39:13

KJV

¶ [Gavest thou] the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?

KJV (with Strong's)

Gavest thou the goodly {H7443} wings {H3671} unto the peacocks {H5965}? or wings {H84} and feathers {H2624} unto the ostrich {H5133}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"An ostrich's wings beat wildly, although its pinions lack plumage.

Berean Standard Bible

The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but cannot match the pinions and feathers of the stork.

American Standard Version

The wings of the ostrich wave proudly; But are they the pinions and plumage of love?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 39:13 presents a profound rhetorical question posed by God to Job from a whirlwind, designed to highlight the Creator's unparalleled wisdom, sovereignty, and meticulous design evident in the natural world. By contrasting the "goodly wings" of what the KJV identifies as the peacock with the wings and feathers of the ostrich, God underscores the diverse, often paradoxical, and ultimately incomprehensible nature of His creative work, challenging Job's limited human understanding and calling him to humble reverence and awe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a magnificent and climactic section of the Book of Job, spanning chapters 38-41, where God directly addresses Job. Following Job's protracted lament and his friends' theological debates, God intervenes not to explain the *reason* for Job's suffering, but to powerfully demonstrate His infinite knowledge and absolute sovereignty over all creation. Beginning with a dramatic appearance from a whirlwind, as described in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Speaks from the Whirlwind"), God embarks on a series of rhetorical questions, inviting Job to consider the wonders of the cosmos, the untamed forces of nature, and the intricate design of various creatures. Chapter 39 specifically focuses on wild animals—from the wild goat and deer to the wild donkey, wild ox, horse, hawk, and eagle—culminating in the detailed descriptions of the peacock and ostrich in this verse. This entire discourse is meticulously crafted to humble Job and highlight the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human wisdom and boundless divine wisdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a world where the power and mystery of creation were often attributed to various deities or impersonal forces. Against this backdrop, the text powerfully asserts the singular, unparalleled sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel, as the sole Creator and Sustainer of all things. Animals like the ostrich (Hebrew: *ya'anah*) were well-known inhabitants of the desert regions of the ancient Near East, recognized for their unique characteristics, particularly their great speed despite having wings that did not enable flight. While the precise identification of the "peacock" (KJV) in the first part of the verse is a point of scholarly debate, the general concept of a bird with striking beauty or unusual characteristics would have been familiar to the original audience. The rhetorical questions employed by God reflect a common pedagogical method in ancient wisdom literature, designed not to elicit an answer but to provoke deep thought and lead to a profound understanding of the subject—in this case, the Creator's unsearchable wisdom and power.

* **Key Themes:** Job 39:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Wisdom in Creation**, emphasizing that God alone bestows unique attributes upon each creature, from the magnificent to the seemingly mundane, demonstrating His meticulous and purposeful design. This echoes the broader biblical affirmation of [God's wisdom evident in all creation](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation") and His intricate knowledge of every living thing, as seen in [Psalm 50:10-11](/psalms/50-10-11 "Psalm 50:10-11 - God Owns the Beasts of the Field"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Paradoxical Design**, drawing attention to the peacock’s "goodly wings," celebrated for their splendor, in contrast with the ostrich’s wings, which, despite their size, do not enable flight. This showcases God's diverse and often surprising purposes in creation, where beauty and utility are uniquely balanced, sometimes in ways that defy human expectation or logic. Finally, by asking "Gavest thou...", God reinforces **Human Limitation and Humility**, reminding Job that he, like all humanity, lacks the power and wisdom to create or even fully comprehend the complexities of the natural world. This encourages humility and a deeper reverence for the Creator, as seen in [God's challenge to Job's wisdom](/job/40-2 "Job 40:2 - God's Challenge to Job's Wisdom") later in the discourse, leading Job to a place of profound repentance and submission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **goodly (Hebrew, _renen'_):** (H7443) This word, translated "goodly" in the KJV, is derived from a root meaning "to wail" or "to shriek," and is idiomatically associated with the ostrich due to its cry. In the context of "goodly wings," it presents a complex interpretive challenge. If referring to the peacock, it might imply beautiful, melodious, or striking. If, as some scholars suggest, it refers to a type of ostrich, it could ironically highlight the bird's distinctive cry or perhaps its impressive, though flightless, wings. The ambiguity serves to underscore God's diverse and sometimes unexpected designs in creation.
* **wings (Hebrew, _kânâph'_):** (H3671) This term broadly refers to an "edge or extremity," specifically a "wing" of a bird, but also a "flap" of a garment or a "corner" of the earth. Its use here emphasizes the physical appendages that allow for flight or movement. In this verse, the same Hebrew word (or a closely related one, H84, *ʼebrâh*, also meaning "wing" or "feather") is applied to both the "peacock" and the "ostrich," setting up a direct comparison of their function and appearance, highlighting God's varied purposes for similar anatomical features.
* **ostrich (Hebrew, _nôwtsâh'_):** (H5133) This word unambiguously refers to the ostrich. The ostrich is characterized by its large wings and feathers, which, unlike most birds, are not primarily used for flight but for balance during its incredible speed, for display, or for covering its eggs. The rhetorical question highlights this unique and seemingly contradictory design feature—a bird with wings that cannot fly—as a testament to God's diverse and often surprising creative purposes, which defy simplistic human categorization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ [Gavest thou] the goodly wings unto the peacocks?":** This opening clause is a rhetorical question, implying a resounding "No, Job, you did not!" The KJV's bracketed "Gavest thou" accurately captures the implied challenge in the Hebrew, where the question is posed without explicitly stating "you." God is asking Job if he is the one who endowed the peacock (or the first type of ostrich, depending on interpretation) with its distinctive and beautiful wings. This directly challenges Job's capacity to create such beauty or design, immediately asserting God's sole prerogative and wisdom in bestowing specific, often awe-inspiring, attributes upon His creatures.
* **"or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?":** This second part of the rhetorical question continues the challenge, focusing on the ostrich. The contrast is stark: a bird known for its beautiful, perhaps functional, wings (peacock, in the KJV rendering) versus a bird with wings and feathers that are large but fundamentally non-functional for flight (ostrich). God is asking Job if he is responsible for this seemingly paradoxical design. This highlights God's freedom and wisdom in creating creatures with diverse, sometimes counter-intuitive, designs that serve His own unique purposes, which are beyond human comprehension or control, compelling Job to acknowledge divine mystery.

#### Literary Devices
Job 39:13 employs several potent **literary devices** to achieve its profound theological impact. The primary device is the **Rhetorical Question**, which dominates God's entire discourse with Job in chapters 38-41. By asking "Gavest thou...", God does not seek an answer from Job but rather compels him to acknowledge his own ignorance, powerlessness, and finite understanding in stark contrast to divine omnipotence and omniscience. This serves to humble Job and underscore the vast difference between Creator and creature. Secondly, the verse masterfully utilizes **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** by placing the "goodly wings" of the peacock (implying beauty and perhaps flight, or a striking display) directly against the wings and feathers of the ostrich (which are large but do not enable flight). This deliberate contrast highlights the incredible diversity of God's design and the fact that His purposes for creation are not always what humans might expect or deem "logical" or conventionally "functional." This leads to a sense of **Divine Irony** or **Paradox**, where God's creative wisdom is revealed not only in what is conventionally beautiful or perfectly functional but also in what appears to be a contradiction or an unexpected design. Through these devices, God powerfully demonstrates His absolute freedom, sovereignty, and unsearchable wisdom over all creation, compelling Job and the reader to humble adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 39:13 profoundly speaks to the transcendent wisdom and sovereign power of God, particularly as revealed in the intricate and diverse tapestry of creation. It asserts that God's design is not merely functional or aesthetically pleasing but also often paradoxical, challenging human assumptions about what is "goodly" or "useful" according to our limited perspectives. The verse invites us to recognize that God's ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than our own, and His purposes, even when seemingly contradictory or beyond our grasp, are perfect and intentional. This divine wisdom is not limited to grand cosmic events but extends to the unique characteristics of every creature, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail and His absolute control over all things. The beauty and the paradoxes of creation serve as a constant reminder of our human limitations and the call to humble adoration before the Creator, fostering a deeper trust in His perfect plan even when it defies our comprehension.

* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation") - "O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher") - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation") - "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 39:13 serves as a powerful invitation to cultivate a profound sense of awe and humility before the Creator. In a world that often seeks to reduce everything to human understanding, control, or utilitarian purpose, this verse reminds us that God's wisdom transcends our logic and His designs often defy our expectations. Just as we cannot fully comprehend the full purpose behind the peacock's splendor or the ostrich's flightless wings, so too are many of God's ways in our lives and in the broader world beyond our immediate grasp. This should lead us not to frustration or doubt, but to a deeper, more profound trust in His perfect plan and a greater appreciation for the diversity, mystery, and intentionality of His handiwork. It encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and to seek God's wisdom even in what seems paradoxical or difficult, knowing that every detail of creation, and indeed every circumstance of life, is purposed by His sovereign, all-wise hand. Embracing this truth fosters a spirit of worship and contentment, even amidst life's unanswered questions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on the unique and sometimes paradoxical designs of creatures like the peacock and ostrich deepen your appreciation for God's wisdom and creativity?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's "design" or purpose because it doesn't align with your expectations, logic, or what you deem "functional"?**
* **How can cultivating a greater sense of humility before God's incomprehensible wisdom impact your daily walk, your decision-making, and your response to challenging circumstances?**
* **What "paradoxes" in God's creation or in His working in your life can you embrace as evidence of His higher ways, rather than stumbling blocks to faith?**

### FAQ

**Why does God ask Job about animals like the peacock and ostrich?**

Answer: God asks Job about these animals, among many others, to demonstrate His unparalleled wisdom and sovereignty over all creation, thereby highlighting Job's limited understanding and power. The animals serve as tangible, undeniable examples of God's intricate, diverse, and often surprising design, which Job could neither create nor fully comprehend. This line of questioning is not meant to provide a direct answer to Job's suffering but to underscore the vast, unbridgeable gap between the finite creature and the infinite Creator, ultimately leading Job to humble repentance and renewed trust in God's perfect governance, as seen in [Job 40:2](/job/40-2 "Job 40:2 - God Challenges Job's Wisdom") and [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1-6 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance and Confession").

**What is the significance of the contrast between the peacock and the ostrich in this verse?**

Answer: The contrast between the "goodly wings" of the peacock and the wings and feathers of the ostrich highlights God's diverse and sometimes paradoxical design in creation. The peacock's wings are associated with striking beauty and display, while the ostrich's wings, despite their size, are not for flight but primarily for balance during running or for display. This juxtaposition underscores that God's purposes for His creation are varied and not always immediately apparent or "logical" from a human perspective. It demonstrates God's freedom to design creatures in ways that defy human expectation, yet are perfectly suited for His divine plan, revealing His infinite wisdom and creative power that transcends human comprehension.

**Is the KJV translation of "peacock" for *renanim* accurate, and how does it affect the verse's meaning?**

Answer: Scholarly opinion varies regarding the KJV's translation of `רְנָנִים` (*renen*) as "peacock." Many modern translations (e.g., ESV, NIV, NASB) render it as "ostrich" in this context, suggesting that both birds in the verse are ostriches, or that the first refers to an ostrich known for its "shrieking" or "joyful" cry (from the root of *renen*), and the second to the common ostrich. The KJV's choice of "peacock" emphasizes a striking contrast between a bird known for beautiful display (and perceived flight) and one known for flightlessness, which still effectively serves the rhetorical purpose of highlighting God's diverse, sometimes seemingly contradictory, and ultimately incomprehensible design. Regardless of the precise avian identification, the core message remains God's sovereign and unsearchable wisdom in orchestrating every detail of life with unparalleled power and purpose, challenging human understanding and fostering awe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 39:13, with its focus on God's incomprehensible wisdom and sovereign power in creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. The very wisdom and power that designed the peacock's "goodly wings" and the ostrich's flightless feathers are not merely attributes of God, but are perfectly embodied in Him. The New Testament reveals Christ as the divine agent through whom all things were created and are sustained: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ")). Paul reiterates this profound truth, stating, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer of All Things")). The paradoxes observed in creation—like wings that do not fly or beauty that defies human logic—find their profound echo in the divine paradoxes of Christ's life and redemptive work: the Creator becoming a creature ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), the King born in a humble manger ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem")), the sinless one bearing the sins of the world ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), and life emerging from death on a cross ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). The "foolishness of God" in the gospel, which seems illogical to human wisdom, is ultimately "wiser than men" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men")). Thus, the wisdom displayed in Job 39:13 points forward to the even greater, saving wisdom revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the Creator's design, power, and redemptive purpose for all creation, bringing all things to their ultimate fulfillment in Himself ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up All Things in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 5:9

Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind [was] in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

Jeremiah 8:7

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

1 Kings 10:22

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Leviticus 11:19

And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.

Job 30:29

I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.

2 Chronicles 9:21

For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Psalms 104:17

Where the birds make their nests: [as for] the stork, the fir trees [are] her house.