Job 39:11

39:11 Will you rely on it because its strength is great?

Will you commit ¹  your labor to it?

Job 39:16

39:16 She is harsh ²  with her young,

as if they were not hers;

she is unconcerned

about the uselessness of her labor.

Job 10:3

10:3 Is it good for you ³  to oppress, ⁴ 

to ⁵  despise the work of your hands,

while ⁶  you smile ⁷ 

on the schemes of the wicked?

[39:11]  ¹ tn Heb “leave.”

[39:16]  ² sn This verb, “to deal harshly; to harden; to treat cruelly,” is used for hardening the heart elsewhere (see Isa 63:17).

[10:3]  ³ tn Or “Does it give you pleasure?” The expression could also mean, “Is it profitable for you?” or “Is it fitting for you?”

[10:3]  ⁴ tn The construction uses כִּי (ki) with the imperfect verb – “that you oppress.” Technically, this clause serves as the subject, and “good” is the predicate adjective. In such cases one often uses an English infinitive to capture the point: “Is it good for you to oppress?” The LXX changes the meaning considerably: “Is it good for you if I am unrighteous, for you have disowned the work of your hands.”

[10:3]  ⁵ tn Heb “that you despise.”

[10:3]  ⁶ tn Now, in the second half of the verse, there is a change in the structure. The conjunction on the preposition followed by the perfect verb represents a circumstantial clause.

[10:3]  ⁷ tn The Hiphil of the verb יָפַע (yafa’) means “shine.” In this context the expression “you shine upon” would mean “have a glowing expression,” be radiant, or smile.