Job 39:22
New International Version
It laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; it does not shy away from the sword.

New Living Translation
It laughs at fear and is unafraid. It does not run from the sword.

English Standard Version
He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword.

Berean Standard Bible
He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword.

King James Bible
He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.

New King James Version
He mocks at fear, and is not frightened; Nor does he turn back from the sword.

New American Standard Bible
“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; And he does not turn back from the sword.

NASB 1995
“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; And he does not turn back from the sword.

NASB 1977
“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; And he does not turn back from the sword.

Legacy Standard Bible
He laughs at dread and is not dismayed; And he does not turn back from the sword.

Amplified Bible
“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; And [in battle] he does not turn back from the sword.

Christian Standard Bible
He laughs at fear, since he is afraid of nothing; he does not run from the sword.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He laughs at fear, since he is afraid of nothing; he does not run from the sword.

American Standard Version
He mocketh at fear, and is not dismayed; Neither turneth he back from the sword.

Contemporary English Version
Laughing at fear, they rush toward the fighting,

English Revised Version
He mocketh at fear, and is not dismayed; neither turneth he back from the sword.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It laughs at fear, is afraid of nothing, and doesn't back away from swords.

Good News Translation
They do not know the meaning of fear, and no sword can turn them back.

International Standard Version
He scoffs at fear and is never scared; he never retreats from a sword.

Majority Standard Bible
He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword.

NET Bible
It laughs at fear and is not dismayed; it does not shy away from the sword.

New Heart English Bible
He mocks at fear, and is not dismayed, neither does he turn back from the sword.

Webster's Bible Translation
He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.

World English Bible
He mocks at fear, and is not dismayed, neither does he turn back from the sword.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He laughs at fear, and is not frightened, "" And he does not turn back from the face of the sword.

Young's Literal Translation
He laugheth at fear, and is not affrighted, And he turneth not back from the face of the sword.

Smith's Literal Translation
He will laugh at fear, and he will not be dismayed; and he will not turn back from the face of the sword.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He despiseth fear, he turneth not his back to the sword,

Catholic Public Domain Version
He despises fear; he does not turn away from the sword.

New American Bible
He laughs at fear and cannot be terrified; he does not retreat from the sword.

New Revised Standard Version
It laughs at fear, and is not dismayed; it does not turn back from the sword.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He laughs at a pit, and is not frightened; neither does he turn back from the sword.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He laughs at a pit and is not afraid, and he does not turn from the face of the sword
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; Neither turneth he back from the sword.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He laughs to scorn a king as he meets him, and will by no means turn back from the sword.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Speaks of His Creation
21He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. 22He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword. 23A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance.…

Cross References
Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Proverbs 21:31
A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.

Isaiah 31:1-3
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.

Jeremiah 8:6
I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle.

Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.

Zechariah 10:5
They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame.

2 Samuel 22:35
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Psalm 18:34
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Isaiah 5:28
Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind.

Jeremiah 47:3
at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Revelation 6:2
So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer.


Treasury of Scripture

He mocks at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turns he back from the sword.

Job 39:16,18
She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear; …

Job 41:33
Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.

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Affrighted Afraid Arms Dismayed Face Fear Goes Laughs Mocketh Mocks Shy Strength Sword Turn Turneth Turning War
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Affrighted Afraid Arms Dismayed Face Fear Goes Laughs Mocketh Mocks Shy Strength Sword Turn Turneth Turning War
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














He laughs at fear
This phrase captures the essence of courage and fearlessness. The Hebrew root word for "laughs" is "שָׂחַק" (sachaq), which conveys a sense of mocking or deriding. In the context of Job 39, God is speaking of the horse, a creature known for its strength and bravery in battle. The horse's ability to "laugh at fear" symbolizes an innate confidence and trust in its own strength and the guidance of its rider. This can be seen as an allegory for the believer's trust in God, who empowers them to face life's challenges without fear.

frightened of nothing
The phrase "frightened of nothing" emphasizes the complete absence of fear. The Hebrew word "פָּחַד" (pachad) means to dread or be terrified. The horse's lack of fear is not due to ignorance but rather an understanding of its role and capabilities. Historically, horses were vital in warfare, and their training ensured they were unflinching in the face of danger. For Christians, this can be a reminder of the peace and assurance found in faith, where trust in God's sovereignty dispels fear.

he does not turn back
This phrase highlights determination and steadfastness. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or retreat. The horse's refusal to turn back signifies unwavering commitment and resolve. In the biblical context, this steadfastness is a virtue, reflecting the call for believers to remain faithful and persistent in their spiritual journey, even when faced with trials.

from the sword
The "sword" is a symbol of conflict and danger. In ancient times, the sword was a primary weapon in battle, representing both physical and spiritual warfare. The horse's willingness to face the sword without retreating is a powerful image of courage. For Christians, this can be interpreted as a call to spiritual warfare, standing firm in faith against the challenges and temptations of the world, armed with the Word of God as their sword (Ephesians 6:17).

Verse 22. - He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. "The cavalry of modern times will rush undismayed upon the line of opposing bayonets" (Professor Lee). "We do not believe that a body of infantry ever existed that, with the bayonet alone, unsupported by fire, could have checked the determined charge of good horsemen" (Denison, p. 510).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He laughs
יִשְׂחַ֣ק (yiś·ḥaq)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7832: To laugh, to play

at fear,
לְ֭פַחַד (lə·p̄a·ḥaḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

frightened
יֵחָ֑ת (yê·ḥāṯ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

of nothing;
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

he does not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turn back
יָ֝שׁ֗וּב (yā·šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from
מִפְּנֵי־ (mip·pə·nê-)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the sword.
חָֽרֶב׃ (ḥā·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword


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OT Poetry: Job 39:22 He mocks at fear and is not (Jb)
Job 39:21
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