Old Testament
Job 39:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Will you trust it because its strength is great? Or will you leave your labor to it?
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Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
What Job 39:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is questioning Job about the trustworthiness of a powerful creature, likely referring to a horse or a similar animal. The rhetorical questions challenge Job to consider whether he would rely on this creature's strength or abandon his own efforts to depend on it. The underlying message emphasizes the limitations of trusting in created beings or their abilities rather than in God. It highlights the importance of recognizing the source of true strength and power, which ultimately belongs to God alone. This verse serves as a reminder that while we may admire the strength of nature or animals, we should not place our faith in them over our faith in God, who is the ultimate source of strength and support in our lives. It encourages believers to reflect on where they place their trust and to seek reliance on God rather than on the temporary and unreliable aspects of the world around them.
How to apply Job 39:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate where we place our trust. Instead of relying solely on our own strength or the strength of others, we should turn to God, who is the ultimate source of power and support. Reflect on your daily challenges and consider how you can trust God more fully in those areas.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Out of the Whirlwind (Job 38:1–41:34)
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Job
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Job 39:11
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 39:11 mean?
Job 39:11 presents God questioning Job about whether he would trust a powerful creature's strength or rely on it for his labor. It emphasizes the idea that one should not place trust in created beings but rather in God, who is the true source of strength.
What is the meaning of trust in Job 39:11?
In Job 39:11, trust refers to the reliance on the strength of a powerful creature, which serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of placing faith in God rather than in the temporary strengths of the world.
How does Job 39:11 relate to human limitations?
Job 39:11 illustrates human limitations by questioning whether one should depend on the strength of a creature, reminding us that our own abilities are insufficient compared to God's infinite power.
What themes are present in Job 39:11?
Key themes in Job 39:11 include trust in God, human limitations, divine strength, and the importance of not relying on the temporary power of nature or creatures.
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