Job 39:17
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Because God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted to her understanding.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Because God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted to her understanding.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, Neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For God has taken wisdom from her mind, and given her no measure of knowledge.
Webster's Revision
Because God hath withheld wisdom from her, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
World English Bible
because God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted to her understanding.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
Clarke's Job 39:17 Bible Commentary
God hath deprived her of wisdom - Of this foolishness we have an account from the ancients; and here follow two instances:
1. It covers its head in the reeds, and thinks itself all out of sight because itself cannot see. So Claudian: -
- 'Stat lumine clauso
Ridendum revoluta caput: creditque latere
Quad non ipsa videt.'
2. They who hunt them draw the skin of an ostrich's neck on one hand, which proves a sufficient lure to take them with the other. They have so little brain that Heliogabalus had six hundred heads for his supper. Here we may observe, that our judicious as well as sublime author just touches the great points of distinction in each creature, and then hastens to another. A description is exact when you cannot add but what is common to another thing; nor withdraw, but something peculiarly belonging to the thing described. A likeness is lost in too much description, as a meaning is often in too much illustration." - Dr. Young.
Barnes's Job 39:17 Bible Commentary
Because God hath deprived her of wisdom ... - That is, he has not imparted to her the wisdom which has been conferred on other animals. The meaning is, that all this remarkable arrangement, which distinguished the ostrich so much from other animals was to be traced to God. It was not the result of chance; it could not be pretended that it was by a human arrangement, but it was the result of divine appointment. Even in this apparent destitution of wisdom, there were reasons which had led to this appointment, and the care and good providence of God could be seen in the preservation of the animal. Particularly, though apparently so weak, and timid, and unwise, the ostrich had a noble hearing Job 39:18, and when aroused, would scorn the fleetest horse in the pursuit, and show that she was distinguished for properties that were expressive of the goodness of God toward her, and of his care over her.
Wesley's Job 39:17 Bible Commentary
39:17 Deprived - Because God hath not implanted in her that instinct, and affection, which he hath put into other birds and beasts toward their young.