Job 39:4

KJV

Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their young ones {H1121} are in good liking {H2492}, they grow up {H7235} with corn {H1250}; they go forth {H3318}, and return {H7725} not unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their young become strong, growing up in the open; they leave and never return.

Berean Standard Bible

Their young ones thrive and grow up in the open field; they leave and do not return.

American Standard Version

Their young ones become strong, they grow up in the open field; They go forth, and return not again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 39:4 is a profound declaration from God's whirlwind discourse to Job, illustrating His boundless wisdom and meticulous providence through the natural world. This verse specifically describes the robust health, rapid growth, and inherent independence of the young of the wild ass (onager), highlighting their self-sufficiency and quick departure from parental care. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign design and continuous provision for all creation, even those creatures beyond human domestication or comprehension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within God's extended rhetorical challenge to Job, spanning chapters 38-41, where the Almighty systematically unveils the intricate complexities and untamed majesty of His creation. Following Job's lament and questioning of divine justice, God responds by demonstrating His unparalleled wisdom and power, far exceeding human understanding. After establishing His cosmic dominion (Job 38), God transitions to the animal kingdom in chapter 39, focusing on creatures that defy human control or domestication. The passage immediately preceding Job 39:4 (Job 39:1-3) speaks of the wild goats and hinds, setting a precedent for God's intimate knowledge of even the most elusive animals. Job 39:4 then specifically introduces the offspring of the wild ass, a creature whose fierce independence and freedom are central to the subsequent verses (Job 39:5-8). This verse emphasizes the vigor and self-reliance of these young animals, implicitly posing the question: Who but God could orchestrate such a self-sustaining design?
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the wild ass (onager) was renowned for its untamed nature, speed, and ability to thrive in harsh, desolate environments. Unlike domesticated animals, it symbolized freedom and an untamable spirit, making it a fitting example for God to use in demonstrating His unique sovereignty. The term "corn" in the King James Version, in this context, refers generally to grain or natural vegetation, not specifically to maize (a New World crop). This highlights the natural, uncultivated sustenance available to these wild creatures in their habitat. The ancient listener would have readily recognized the stark contrast between the human struggle for survival and the seemingly effortless thriving of these wild animals, all under God's unseen hand. This cultural understanding amplifies the divine message of God's universal and meticulous care, extending even to the most independent elements of His creation.
* **Key Themes:** Job 39:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Care**, implicitly affirming God's continuous and detailed provision for all life, even the wild animals that roam free from human intervention. Their inherent "good liking" and ability to "grow up with corn" are direct testaments to His sustaining hand, a theme beautifully echoed in passages like [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God's Provision for All Creatures"), which speaks of all creatures looking to God for their food. Secondly, the phrase "they go forth, and return not unto them" highlights the **Natural Independence and Self-Sufficiency** inherent in God's creation, particularly in the wild. This design demonstrates that God's world is not dependent on human management but is perfectly crafted to thrive according to His wisdom. Lastly, by showcasing the unique life cycles and characteristics of wild creatures, God impresses upon Job—and all readers—the depth of His **Unfathomable Wisdom**. He knows and cares for every detail, from the mightiest beast to its smallest offspring, underscoring His ultimate authority and knowledge, which far transcend human comprehension, as seen in the broader context of [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Challenge to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good liking (Hebrew, בְּרִיאִים, _bĕrîʾîm_):** This archaic English phrase translates a Hebrew word that means "healthy," "fat," "well-fed," or "vigorous." It conveys a sense of robust vitality and flourishing condition. In the context of the wild ass's young, it emphasizes their inherent strength and rapid development, suggesting that they are not frail or dependent but are divinely endowed with the capacity to thrive quickly in their natural, untamed environment. This word highlights God's active role in ensuring the well-being of His creatures.
* **Corn (Hebrew, בַּר, _bar_):** In this specific biblical context, "corn" refers to grain or wild vegetation, not the modern maize. It signifies the natural, uncultivated sustenance found in the wild habitat of the onager. The phrase "grow up with corn" implies that these young animals quickly become capable of finding their own nourishment from the abundant, natural provisions of the land, further emphasizing their rapid self-sufficiency and the sufficiency of God's provision in creation.
* **Return not (Hebrew, לֹא יָשׁוּבוּ, _lōʾ yāšûḇû_):** This phrase signifies the complete and swift independence of the young wild asses from their parents. Unlike domesticated animals or even human children who remain dependent for extended periods, these wild creatures are designed to quickly become self-reliant and integrate into the wild, never needing to return to their parents for sustenance or protection. This underscores the wild, untamed nature of the creature and, more importantly, God's intricate design for self-perpetuation within creation, independent of human intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their young ones are in good liking":** This clause immediately establishes the healthy and robust condition of the wild ass's offspring. It points to an innate vigor and strength, suggesting that their development is not hindered but divinely facilitated. This "good liking" is a direct result of God's providential care, ensuring that these creatures are well-equipped for survival from an early stage.
* **"they grow up with corn":** This phrase describes the manner of their growth and sustenance. It indicates that the young wild asses rapidly mature to the point where they can independently forage for their own food, drawing sustenance directly from the natural vegetation of their environment. This highlights the abundance of God's provision in the wild and the quick transition of these animals from dependence to self-sufficiency.
* **"they go forth, and return not unto them":** This final clause emphasizes the ultimate independence of the young wild asses. Once they are strong enough to venture out, they do so permanently, never needing to return to their parents for care or support. This speaks to the complete self-reliance built into their design, showcasing God's wisdom in creating creatures that can thrive autonomously in their natural habitat, without human intervention or prolonged parental care.

#### Literary Devices
Job 39:4, as part of God's grand discourse, employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of strong, healthy young wild asses, thriving independently in their natural environment. The description of them being "in good liking" and "growing up with corn" evokes a clear mental image of robust vitality and natural abundance. **Symbolism** is also at play, with the wild ass serving as a powerful symbol of untamed nature and inherent freedom, which God alone controls and sustains. By focusing on such a creature, God emphasizes His sovereignty over all creation, including that which is beyond human domestication or understanding. While not a direct rhetorical question, the verse contributes to the broader **Rhetorical Question** structure of God's speech, implicitly challenging Job's limited understanding of divine wisdom and control by presenting an undeniable example of God's meticulous design and provision in the natural world. The self-sufficient nature of the young onagers serves as a silent, yet potent, argument for God's omniscient and omnipotent care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 39:4, in its description of the independent and thriving young wild ass, serves as a powerful testament to God's universal and meticulous providence. It underscores the theological truth that God's care extends to every corner of creation, not just humanity or domesticated animals. This verse challenges human anthropocentrism, reminding us that God's wisdom is displayed not only in grand cosmic designs but also in the intricate details of the animal kingdom, ensuring the self-perpetuation and flourishing of even the most untamed creatures. It invites humility before the Creator, acknowledging that His ways and knowledge far surpass our own, fostering a deep trust in His sovereign hand over all aspects of life.

* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God's Provision for All Creatures")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Consider the Birds of the Air")
* [Luke 12:24](/luke/12-24 "Luke 12:24 - Consider the Ravens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 39:4 invites us to pause and marvel at the divine design and unfailing care evident throughout all creation. If God so meticulously provides for the young of the wild ass, ensuring their robust health, rapid growth, and complete independence in the untamed wilderness, how much more will He attend to the needs of His beloved children, created in His image? This verse offers a profound source of encouragement and comfort, fostering a deeper trust in God's sovereign hand over every detail of our lives. It challenges us to release anxieties about provision and control, recognizing that the same God who sustains the wild onager also holds our future. Furthermore, it cultivates a greater appreciation for the intricate beauty and self-sufficiency of the natural world, seeing it not merely as a resource, but as a living testament to God's glory, wisdom, and continuous, active presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the independence of the wild ass's young challenge my own tendency to control or worry about outcomes?**
* **What specific areas of my life do I need to entrust more fully to God's providential care, as demonstrated in this verse?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's wisdom as displayed in the natural world around me?**

### FAQ
**Why does God focus on wild animals like the wild ass in His discourse to Job?**

Answer: God focuses on wild animals like the wild ass (onager) in His discourse to Job (Job 38-41) for several profound reasons. Primarily, these creatures exemplify aspects of creation that are beyond human control, domestication, or even full comprehension. Unlike livestock that humans manage, the wild ass thrives independently in desolate places, relying solely on God's provision and design. By highlighting such creatures, God demonstrates the vastness of His wisdom and power, which extends far beyond what Job—or any human—can grasp or influence. It serves to humble Job, showing him that if he cannot understand or control the simple life cycle of a wild animal, how much less can he comprehend the complexities of divine justice or the governance of the cosmos. This display of God's intimate knowledge of the untamed world underscores His ultimate sovereignty and challenges Job's limited perspective, ultimately leading Job to a place of deeper reverence and trust, as seen in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 39:4 speaks of God's general providence over creation, its themes find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very **Wisdom of God incarnate** (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), through whom all things were created and by whom all things hold together (cf. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - All Things Created Through Christ")). The meticulous care God shows for the young wild ass, ensuring its robust health and independent thriving, foreshadows the even greater, personal, and redemptive care that God, in Christ, extends to humanity. Jesus himself taught extensively on God's providential care, urging his disciples not to worry about food or clothing, pointing to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, which God clothes and feeds (cf. [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")). If God provides so abundantly for creatures of the wild that "go forth, and return not," how much more will He provide for His children, for whom Christ gave His life? The untamed nature of the wild ass, subject only to God's design, also subtly points to Christ's ultimate dominion over all creation, including that which seems wild or uncontrollable to human eyes. In Christ, God's wisdom, power, and providential care are not just observed in nature but are personally experienced and eternally secured for those who believe, culminating in the promise of His constant presence and provision (cf. [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

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.