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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 9:26 They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/9-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/18_Job_09_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 9:26 - Job: How Can I Argue with God?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey." /><script type="application/javascript" 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src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/9-25.htm" title="Job 9:25">◄</a> Job 9:26 <a href="/job/9-27.htm" title="Job 9:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It disappears like a swift papyrus boat, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They go by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping on the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle <i>that</i> hasteth to the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They pass by like swift ships, Like an eagle swooping on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“They slip by like reed boats, Like an eagle that swoops on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220They slip by like reed boats, Like an eagle that swoops on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“They slip by like reed boats, Like an eagle that swoops on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They sweep by like reed boats, Like an eagle that swoops on its food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“They pass by like the [swift] boats made of reeds, Like an eagle that swoops down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sweep by like boats made of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sweep by like boats made of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They are passed away as the swift ships; As the eagle that swoopeth on the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Each day passes swifter than a sailing ship or an eagle swooping down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that swoopeth on the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They pass by quickly like boats made from reeds, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My life passes like the swiftest boat, as fast as an eagle swooping down on a rabbit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They pass by like a ship made of reeds, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They glide by like reed boats, like an eagle that swoops down on its prey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They have passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle that swoops on the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They have passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle that swoops on the prey. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They have passed on with ships of reed, "" As an eagle darts on food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They have passed on with ships of reed, As an eagle darteth on food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They glided along with the ships of desire: as the eagle will pounce upon food.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They have passed by as ships carrying fruits, as an eagle flying to the prey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They have passed by like ships carrying fruits, just like an eagle flying to food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They shoot by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping upon its prey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They go by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping on the prey.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They are passed away like ships of the enemy; like the eagle that swoops on the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They have passed by with the many ships of an enemy like an eagle that flies upon its food<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They are passed away as the swift ships; As the vulture that swoopeth on the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Or again, is there a trace of <i>their</i> path <i>left</i> by ships? or is there one of the flying eagle as it seeks <i>its</i> prey?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/9-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1436" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/9.htm">Job: How Can I Argue with God?</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>My days are swifter than a runner; they flee without seeing good. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2498.htm" title="2498: ḥā·lə·p̄ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To pass on or away, pass through. A primitive root; properly, to slide by, i.e. to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change.">They sweep by</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">like</a> <a href="/hebrew/591.htm" title="591: ’o·nî·yō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A ship. Feminine of 'oniy; a ship.">boats</a> <a href="/hebrew/16.htm" title="16: ’ê·ḇeh (N-ms) -- Reed, papyrus. From 'abah; the papyrus.">of papyrus,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5404.htm" title="5404: kə·ne·šer (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- An eagle. From an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle.">like an eagle</a> <a href="/hebrew/2907.htm" title="2907: yā·ṭūś (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rush, dart. A primitive root; to pounce as a bird of prey.">swooping down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/400.htm" title="400: ’ō·ḵel (N-ms) -- Food. From 'akal; food.">its prey.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5</a></span><br />You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-11.htm">Psalm 102:11</a></span><br />My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></span><br />For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a></span><br />Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-7</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a></span><br />For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">Hebrews 13:14</a></span><br />For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">2 Corinthians 4:18</a></span><br />So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a></span><br />As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a></span><br />The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-6.htm">Job 7:6-7</a></span><br />My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. / Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hastens to the prey.</p><p class="hdg">swift ships.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/39-27.htm">Job 39:27-30</a></b></br> Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a></b></br> Saul and Jonathan <i>were</i> lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5</a></b></br> Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for <i>riches</i> certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/2-16.htm">Boats</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-10.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">Eagles</a> <a href="/job/6-7.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/job/8-11.htm">Papyrus</a> <a href="/job/4-15.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/job/9-11.htm">Past</a> <a href="/job/9-12.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/job/8-12.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/job/1-19.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-37.htm">Ships</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-37.htm">Slip</a> <a href="/job/9-23.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swoopeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swooping</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swoops</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Vulture</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/2-16.htm">Boats</a> <a href="/job/15-33.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/job/39-27.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-17.htm">Eagles</a> <a href="/job/12-11.htm">Food</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-2.htm">Papyrus</a> <a href="/job/11-16.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/job/14-5.htm">Past</a> <a href="/job/17-5.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/job/40-21.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/job/16-14.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Ships</a> <a href="/job/12-5.htm">Slip</a> <a href="/job/21-13.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/job/24-18.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swoopeth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-40.htm">Swooping</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swoops</a> <a href="/job/39-27.htm">Vulture</a><div class="vheading2">Job 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/9-1.htm">Job acknowledges God's justice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/9-22.htm">Man's innocence is not to be condemned by afflictions</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They sweep by like boats of papyrus</b><br>In this phrase, Job is expressing the fleeting nature of life and his suffering. Papyrus boats were lightweight and swift, used in ancient Egypt for travel along the Nile. This imagery suggests speed and transience, emphasizing how quickly Job feels his days are passing without relief. The use of papyrus boats connects to the broader biblical context of Egypt, a place often associated with both refuge and bondage for the Israelites. The swift passage of time is a common theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a>, which speaks of the brevity of life.<p><b>like an eagle swooping down on its prey</b><br>The eagle is a powerful bird of prey, known for its keen sight and swift, decisive action. This imagery conveys a sense of inevitability and the suddenness with which Job's troubles have come upon him. In the Bible, eagles often symbolize strength and swiftness, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a>, where those who hope in the Lord will "soar on wings like eagles." Here, however, the eagle represents the relentless and overwhelming nature of Job's afflictions. The cultural context of the ancient Near East, where eagles were respected for their prowess, adds to the intensity of this metaphor.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to Bildad, one of his friends, expressing the fleeting nature of life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bildad.htm">Bildad</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him but ends up arguing that Job's suffering must be due to some sin. Job's response in chapter 9 is part of a larger dialogue with his friends.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/boats_of_papyrus.htm">Boats of Papyrus</a></b><br>These were lightweight boats used in ancient Egypt, known for their speed and fragility. Job uses this imagery to describe the swift passage of his days.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/eagle.htm">Eagle</a></b><br>A bird of prey known for its speed and keen sight. Job uses the eagle to illustrate how quickly time seems to pass, much like an eagle swooping down on its prey.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_job.htm">The Book of Job</a></b><br>A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the sovereignty of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_brevity_of_life.htm">The Brevity of Life</a></b><br>Life is fleeting and passes quickly, much like the imagery of boats of papyrus and an eagle. This should prompt us to live with purpose and intentionality, making the most of our time.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perspective_in_suffering.htm">Perspective in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's reflection on the swift passage of time can offer comfort in suffering, reminding us that our trials are temporary and that God’s eternal perspective is different from ours.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Even when life seems to rush by uncontrollably, we can trust in God's sovereign plan. Our days are in His hands, and He is aware of every moment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/urgency_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Urgency in Spiritual Matters</a></b><br>Given the swift passage of time, there is an urgency to address spiritual matters, seek God, and align our lives with His will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_abaddon_apollyon.htm">Who is Abaddon or Apollyon in religious texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_christmas_originally_pagan.htm">Why does God pose questions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_job_39_26-30_and_science_align.htm">In Job 39:26-30, the hawk and eagle are said to fly by God's wisdom; how does this align with scientific explanations of bird migration and hunting patterns?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_12_tribes_of_israel.htm">Why did Peter walk on water?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">Swift ships.</span>--What is meant by the swift ships, or ships of Desire, no one knows. Literally, <span class= "ital">ships of Eveh, </span>probably a proper name, and perhaps referring to a particular kind of boat in use on the Nile; if so, this is one instance out of many of Job's acquaintance with Egypt. The Vulgate has, <span class= "ital">naves poma portantes. </span>Job is a problem to himself; he is confident of his innocence, and yet he is confident that that very innocence will avail him nothing before God, he is sure that he must be condemned. Now, it is impossible to deny that this is the very attitude of the Gospel; it is, therefore, if we bear in mind the vast antiquity of the confession, both a witness to the truth of the Gospel and an anticipation of it that God alone could give. Indeed, it is hopelessly impossible to enter into the position of Job unless we are ourselves enlightened with the teaching of the Gospel, and able to look at it from the Gospel standpoint. While, therefore, admitting this fact, we are the better able to appreciate the wonderful confession Job is about to make in <a href="/context/job/9-32.htm" title="For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.">Job 9:32-33</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They are passed away as the swift ships</span>; literally, <span class="accented">like the ships of reed.</span> The allusion is probably to the frail reed vessels of the Egyptians, of which many ancient writers speak (see Theophrastus, 'Hist. Plant.,' 4:9; Pithy, 'Hist. Nat.,' 6:56; 13:11; Luean, ' Pharsalis,' 4:36, etc.). They were long, light canoes, formed generally of the papyrus plant, and propelled either by a single paddle or by a punting-pole. They were fiat-bottomed and broad, like punts, with a stem and stern rising considerably above the level of the water (see the authofs 'History of Ancient Egypt,' vol. 1. pp. 507, 508). Isaiah speaks of them as "vessels of bulrushes," in which "swift messengers" were sent by the nations peopling the banks of the Nile (<a href="/isaiah/18-1.htm">Isaiah 18:1, 2</a>). The Euphrates boats described by Herodotus (1:194) were of an entirely different construction, and cannot be here intended. They consisted of a framework of wood, which was covered with skins, and then coated with bitumen, and resembled the Welsh "coracles<span class="cmt_word">." As the eagle that hasteth to the prey</span>; or, <span class="accented">as the eagle that swoopeth on the prey</span> (Revised Version). Job's observation presents to him three types of swiftness - the trained runner upon the earth, the swift ships upon the waters, and the hungry eagle in the air. It seems to him that his life passes away as swiftly as any of these. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/9-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They sweep by</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֭לְפוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lə·p̄ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2498.htm">Strong's 2498: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slide by, to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce, change</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like</span><br /><span class="heb">עִם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">boats</span><br /><span class="heb">אֳנִיּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’o·nî·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> </span><span class="str2">A ship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of papyrus,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵבֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ḇeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_16.htm">Strong's 16: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reed, papyrus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like an eagle</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֝נֶ֗שֶׁר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ne·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5404.htm">Strong's 5404: </a> </span><span class="str2">The eagle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swooping down</span><br /><span class="heb">יָט֥וּשׂ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṭūś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2907.htm">Strong's 2907: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pounce as a, bird of prey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its prey.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹֽכֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ḵel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_400.htm">Strong's 400: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/9-26.htm">OT Poetry: Job 9:26 They have passed away as the swift (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/9-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 9:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 9:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/9-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 9:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 9:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>