Job 39:26
New International Version
“Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread its wings toward the south?

New Living Translation
“Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south?

English Standard Version
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south?

Berean Standard Bible
Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread his wings toward the south?

King James Bible
Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?

New King James Version
“Does the hawk fly by your wisdom, And spread its wings toward the south?

New American Standard Bible
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south?

NASB 1995
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south?

NASB 1977
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south?

Legacy Standard Bible
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south?

Amplified Bible
“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south [as winter approaches]?

Christian Standard Bible
Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread its wings to the south?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread its wings to the south?

American Standard Version
Is it by thy wisdom that the hawk soareth, And stretcheth her wings toward the south?

Contemporary English Version
Did you teach hawks to fly south for the winter? *

English Revised Version
Doth the hawk soar by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Does your understanding make a bird of prey fly and spread its wings toward the south?

Good News Translation
Does a hawk learn from you how to fly when it spreads its wings toward the south?

International Standard Version
"Is it by your understanding that the hawk flies, spreading its wings toward the south?

NET Bible
"Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, and spreads its wings toward the south?

New Heart English Bible
"Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?

Webster's Bible Translation
Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings towards the south?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread his wings toward the south?

World English Bible
“Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
By your understanding does a hawk fly? Does he spread his wings to the south?

Young's Literal Translation
By thine understanding flieth a hawk? Spreadeth he his wings to the south?

Smith's Literal Translation
From thy understanding will the hawk mount upwards? will it stretch its wings to the south?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Doth the hawk wax feathered by thy wisdom, spreading her wings to the south?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Does the hawk grow feathers by means of your wisdom, spreading her wings towards the south?

New American Bible
Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, that he spreads his wings toward the south?

New Revised Standard Version
“Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and spreads its wings toward the south?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Is it by your wisdom that the hawk was created and wings his way toward the south?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Does the hawk exist from your wisdom and spread his wings to the south?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Doth the hawk soar by thy wisdom, And stretch her wings toward the south?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And does the hawk remain steady by thy wisdom, having spread out her wings unmoved, looking toward the region of the south?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Speaks of His Creation
25At the blast of the horn, he snorts with fervor. He catches the scent of battle from afar—the shouts of captains and the cry of war. 26Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread his wings toward the south? 27Does the eagle soar at your command and make his nest on high?…

Cross References
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Proverbs 30:18-19
There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand: / the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.

Jeremiah 4:13
Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!

Psalm 103:5
who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Deuteronomy 32:11
As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.

Isaiah 31:5
Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!

Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Isaiah 46:11
I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.

Ezekiel 17:3
and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.

Hosea 8:1
Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law.

Psalm 104:12
The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches.

Psalm 50:11
I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine.

Genesis 1:20-21
And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” / So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every winged bird after its kind. And God saw that it was good.


Treasury of Scripture

Does the hawk fly by your wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?

Leviticus 16:11
And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

Deuteronomy 14:15
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

Song of Solomon 2:12
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

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.

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Flieth Flight Fly Hawk Intelligence Soar South Spread Spreadeth Spreads Stretch Stretches Stretcheth Stretching Towards Understanding Wings Wisdom
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Flieth Flight Fly Hawk Intelligence Soar South Spread Spreadeth Spreads Stretch Stretches Stretcheth Stretching Towards Understanding Wings Wisdom
Job 39
1. Of the wild goats and hinds
5. Of the wild donkey
9. The unicorn
13. The peacock, stork, and ostrich
19. The horse
26. The hawk
27. The eagle














Does the hawk take flight by your understanding
This phrase challenges human comprehension of the natural world, emphasizing God's sovereignty and wisdom. The hawk, a bird of prey, is known for its keen vision and ability to soar high, symbolizing freedom and power. In biblical times, the hawk was a common sight in the Middle East, and its flight patterns were well observed. This question highlights the limitations of human knowledge compared to divine understanding, echoing themes found in Isaiah 40:28, which speaks of God's unfathomable wisdom.

and spread his wings toward the south?
The reference to the hawk spreading its wings toward the south likely alludes to migratory patterns, as many birds migrate southward in search of warmer climates during certain seasons. This natural instinct is part of God's creation, demonstrating His intricate design and control over nature. The southward flight can also symbolize a journey or transition, reflecting the broader biblical theme of movement toward a promised or better land, as seen in the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. This imagery reinforces the idea that God's providence guides all creatures, a concept echoed in Matthew 6:26, where Jesus speaks of God's care for the birds of the air.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions God's justice.

2. God
The Creator, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of the natural world.

3. Hawk
A bird of prey mentioned in this verse, symbolizing God's creation and the mysteries of His wisdom.

4. South
The direction mentioned in the verse, possibly indicating the migratory patterns of birds, which are beyond human control.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
The verse highlights God's supreme control and understanding of the natural world, reminding us of His omnipotence and wisdom.

Human Limitations
Job 39:26 challenges us to recognize our limited understanding compared to God's infinite knowledge, encouraging humility.

Trust in God's Design
Just as the hawk's flight is part of God's design, we are called to trust in His plan for our lives, even when we do not fully understand it.

Observing God's Creation
Observing nature can lead us to a greater appreciation of God's creativity and power, inspiring worship and awe.

Dependence on God
The verse encourages us to depend on God for guidance and understanding, rather than relying solely on our own wisdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Job 39:26?

2. How does Job 39:26 demonstrate God's sovereignty over creation and nature?

3. What can we learn about God's wisdom from Job 39:26?

4. How does Job 39:26 connect with Genesis 1:21 on God's creation of birds?

5. How can understanding Job 39:26 deepen our trust in God's control over life?

6. In what ways can Job 39:26 inspire us to appreciate God's creation daily?

7. How does Job 39:26 illustrate God's sovereignty over nature?

8. What is the significance of the hawk in Job 39:26?

9. Does Job 39:26 challenge human understanding of divine wisdom?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 39?

11. In Job 39:26–30, the hawk and eagle are said to fly by God’s wisdom; how does this align with scientific explanations of bird migration and hunting patterns?

12. Does the representation of these animals in Job 39 conflict with other biblical accounts of creation or does it harmonize with the broader biblical narrative?

13. In Job 39:13-17, the ostrich is depicted as neglecting her eggs; does modern scientific observation contradict this portrayal?

14. What did God create on day five?
What Does Job 39:26 Mean
Does the hawk take flight

The verse opens by pointing to the simple yet breathtaking moment when a hawk lifts off. God asks Job if he is the one who empowers that flight.

• Job has already conceded his smallness before God (Job 40:4–5), and this question deepens that realization.

• Scripture often uses birds to highlight God’s daily care—“He gives food to the young ravens when they call” (Job 38:41; cf. Matthew 6:26).

• The hawk’s effortless launch proclaims what Psalm 104:24 says: “O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.”


by your understanding

Now the spotlight shifts to human limits.

• God’s wisdom is unsearchable (Isaiah 40:28); ours is tiny in comparison (Isaiah 55:8-9).

• The marvel of flight baffles Job—and us—much as “the way of an eagle in the sky” amazes the writer of Proverbs 30:18-19.

• Job is reminded that “stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14) is the right posture, not presuming mastery.


and spread his wings

The hawk’s wings showcase intentional design.

• God compares His own care to a bird’s wings: “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest… so the LORD alone led him” (Deuteronomy 32:11-12).

• For those who trust Him, “they will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31), a promise grounded in the same creative power that holds the hawk aloft.

Psalm 104:12 pictures birds singing among the branches God Himself sustains—an everyday sermon on His providence.


toward the south?

Here the question turns to migration, a built-in compass God alone programs.

Jeremiah 8:7 notes that even the stork, turtledove, swift, and thrush “know the appointed times” set by their Creator—how much more does He direct the hawk.

• Seasonal movement ties back to Genesis 1:14, where sun, moon, and stars mark “signs and seasons,” guiding creatures in ways beyond human planning.

• The southward journey reminds believers that God governs both the macro (the earth’s tilt) and the micro (a bird’s instinct), weaving them into one flawless plan.


summary

Job 39:26 uses the hawk to humble human pride and magnify divine sovereignty. Every lift-off, wing-stretch, and southward migration declares that God alone authors life’s mysteries. When we watch a hawk wheel through the sky, we see a living proof that creation moves not by our understanding but by His perfect wisdom and care.

(26) Doth the hawk fly?--The more symmetrical order of these descriptions would be for the ostrich to have come after the war-horse and before the hawk; in that case there would have been a gradual transition from the fleetest of quadrupeds to the fleetest of birds by means of the ostrich, which, though winged like a bird, cannot use its wings as birds do, but only run on the ground like a quadruped.

Verse 26. - Doth the hawk fly (or, soar) by thy wisdom? The hawk's strength of wing is extraordinary, and one of the greatest of natural marvels. Can Job claim to have contrived it? Many as have been the attempts made, human ingenuity has not yet devised anything that can fly. And stretch her wings toward the south? Migrate, i.e., when winter approaches, to the warmer southern regions. Few things in nature are more remarkable than the instinct of migratory birds.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Does the hawk
נֵ֑ץ (nêṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5322: A flower, a hawk

take flight
יַֽאֲבֶר־ (ya·’ă·ḇer-)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 82: To soar

by your understanding
הֲ‍ֽ֭מִבִּינָ֣תְךָ (hămib·bî·nā·ṯə·ḵā)
Article, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 998: An understanding

and spread
יִפְרֹ֖שׂ (yip̄·rōś)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6566: To break apart, disperse

his wings
כְּנָפָ֣יו (kə·nā·p̄āw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3671: An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle

toward the south?
לְתֵימָֽן׃ (lə·ṯê·mān)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8486: South, south wind


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OT Poetry: Job 39:26 Is it by your wisdom that (Jb)
Job 39:25
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