Job 39:16

She is hardened against her yong ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vaine without feare. Job 39:16 (KJV)

they were

not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; Job 39:16 (KJV)

The verse is part of the larger passage in which God answers Job, drawing Job’s attention to the ostrich as one of the marvelous creatures of the created order. In this section God uses the behavior of various animals to illustrate His wisdom and sovereignty, challenging Job to consider the wonders of creation that lie beyond human understanding.

The ostrich’s reproductive habits are distinctive. The female lays her eggs on the ground and the male assumes the primary role of incubating them. The female’s apparent indifference toward her offspring is described as being “hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers.” The eggs, left exposed on the ground, are vulnerable to being crushed by foot or attacked by wild beasts, a condition noted in the surrounding verses (Job 39:14‑15). This portrayal underscores a lack of vigilance that can render the bird’s labour seemingly futile.

The wording of the King James Version, as quoted, includes the phrase “her labour is in vain without fear,” suggesting that the ostrich’s efforts often result in futility because of that lack of care. Some commentators note that the KJV text does not always match the quotation and that the biblical passage does not explicitly state that the eggs frequently fail to hatch. Nevertheless, the verse as presented emphasizes the bird’s apparent neglect of its young.

Through this vivid illustration God reminds Job—and readers—of the diversity of creation and the limits of human understanding. By pointing to a creature whose behavior differs from that of many other birds, the passage invites humility before the Creator’s design. It underscores that not all creatures follow the same patterns and that divine wisdom is displayed in the variety of natural habits.

Overall, Job 39:16 calls attention to the mystery of divine design, urging believers to recognize the intricate and varied ways in which God has fashioned the world. It encourages reflection on the mystery of creation, humility before God’s sovereignty, and trust in His wisdom even when the reasons behind particular behaviors remain beyond our comprehension.