רֶנֶן

רֶנֶן

an ostrich (from its wail)

Definition

The Hebrew noun רֶנֶן (renen) refers specifically to the ostrich, a large flightless bird known for its distinctive vocalizations. The term derives from the root meaning 'to shout' or 'to cry out,' highlighting the ostrich's characteristic wailing or shrieking sound. In its sole biblical occurrence in Job 39:13, the word is used in a poetic description of the ostrich's wings, contrasting them with the more noble stork. The KJV's translation as 'goodly' is an interpretive rendering based on context, but the primary zoological reference is clear.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the book of Job. It appears in God's rhetorical speech to Job, which surveys the wonders of the animal kingdom to illustrate divine wisdom and sovereignty. In Job 39:13, the ostrich (רֶנֶן) is mentioned alongside the stork: 'The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but are they the pinions and plumage of love?' The context is a comparison of creatures, noting the ostrich's seemingly careless nature, which serves to underscore the mysterious and diverse design of God's creation.

Etymology

רֶנֶן (renen) is a noun derived from the Hebrew root רָנַן (ranan, H7442), which means 'to shout for joy,' 'to sing,' or 'to cry out.' The connection emphasizes the vocal characteristic of the ostrich, which was known in the ancient Near East for its loud, wailing call. This etymological link shows how the bird was identified by its sound, a common practice in naming animals.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, רֶנֶן contributes to the rich theological tapestry of Job 38–41, where God displays His mastery over creation. The ostrich, often perceived as foolish or neglectful (see Job 39:14-17), becomes a testament to God's inscrutable wisdom—He designs creatures with traits that may seem inexplicable to humans, yet they fulfill His purposes. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Job by highlighting the precise, vivid imagery God uses to humble Job and illustrate that divine knowledge far surpasses human understanding. In the ancient Near East, the ostrich was a familiar, though exotic, bird known for its speed, size, and distinctive cry. It was often associated with desolate places (cf. Lamentations 4:3, which uses a different Hebrew word for ostrich). The cultural perception likely included a mix of awe at its physical attributes and puzzlement at its seemingly irrational behavior, such as leaving eggs exposed. This background informs the description in Job, where the ostrich serves as an example of a creature whose ways are mysterious, reflecting a common ancient observation. יענה (ya'anah, H3284) — The more common Hebrew word for 'ostrich,' used in multiple passages (e.g., Leviticus 11:16, Job 30:29, Lamentations 4:3) and often emphasizing its habitat in desolate places.

Word Details