Job 39:23

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 39:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The quiver rattleth against him, The flashing spear and the javelin.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The quiver rattleth against him, The flashing spear and the javelin.
Job 39:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 39

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23The quiver rattleth against him, The flashing spear and the javelin.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The quiver rattleth against him, etc.] The quiver is what arrows are put into and carried in, and seems here to be put for arrows, which being shot by the enemy come whizzing about him, but do not intimidate him; unless this is to be understood of arrows rattling in the quiver when carried by the rider “upon him”, so some render the last word; and thus Homer f1411 and Virgil f1412 speak of the rattling quiver and sounding arrows in it, as carried on the back or shoulder; but the first sense seems best, in which another poet uses it f1413; the glittering spear and the shield; the lance or javelin, as Mr. Broughton renders it, and others; that is, he does not turn back from these, nor is he…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“quiver--for the arrows, which they contain, and which are directed "against him." glittering spear--literally, "glittering of the spear," like "lightning of the spear" (Hab 3:11). shield--rather, "lance."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The quiver rattleth against him - The quiver was a case made for containing arrows. It was usually slung over the shoulder, so that it could be easily reached to draw out an arrow. Warriors on horseback, as well as on foot, fought with bows and arrows, as well as with swords and spears; and the idea here is, that the war-horse bore upon himself these instruments of war. The rattling of the quiver was caused by the fact that the arrows were thrown somewhat loosely into the case or the quiver, and that in the rapid motion of the warrior they were shaken against each other. Thus, Virgil, Aeneid ix. 660: - pharetramque fuga sensere sonantem. Silius, L. 12: Plena tenet et resonante pharetra. And…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Quiver - The quiver is here put for the arrows contained in it, which being shot against the horse and rider, make a rattling noise. Job 39:24”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Job 41:26-29 Job 39:24”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification