Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils [is] terrible.
Canst thou make him afraid {H7493} as a grasshopper {H697}? the glory {H1935} of his nostrils {H5170} is terrible {H367}.
Did you make him able to leap like a locust? Its majestic snorting is frightening!
Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?
Hast thou made him to leap as a locust? The glory of his snorting is terrible.
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Jeremiah 8:16
The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein. -
Job 41:20
Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as [out] of a seething pot or caldron. -
Job 41:21
His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. -
Joel 2:5
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Context of Job 39:20
This verse is part of a profound discourse delivered by God to Job from a whirlwind, spanning chapters 38 through 41. After Job's persistent questioning of divine justice, God responds not by explaining His ways, but by challenging Job's understanding of the natural world and his capacity to govern it. Through a series of rhetorical questions, God highlights His own omnipotence and wisdom as evidenced in His creation and control over various elements and creatures.
Specifically, Job 39 describes several majestic animals—the wild ass, the wild ox, and then, in verses 19-25, the magnificent warhorse. Verse 20 continues this vivid description, emphasizing the horse's inherent power and fearlessness, contrasting it sharply with human frailty. This passage serves to humble Job, demonstrating that if he cannot even control or comprehend the might of a created animal, how much less can he grasp the ways of the Almighty Creator. This entire section underscores God's powerful questioning of Job.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Job 39:20 encourages us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and humility before God. If a mere creature, the warhorse, possesses such inherent power and majesty that humans cannot control or diminish, how much more should we stand in reverence before its Creator?