Job 38:40

40 For they fear in their lairs, and lying in wait couch in the woods.

Job 38:40 Meaning and Commentary

Job 38:40

When they couch in [their] dens, [and] abide in the covert to
lie in wait?
] Which some understand of old lions, who, for want of strength, lie couchant in their dens, or in some covert place, waiting for any prey that passes by, to seize upon it. But the same pasture and places are used by younger lions, as well as old ones; who are emblems of wicked men, cruel persecutors, and bloodthirsty tyrants, who fill their palaces and kingdoms with murder and rapine; see ( Psalms 10:8-10 ) ( Nahum 2:11 Nahum 2:12 ) .

Job 38:40 In-Context

38 For it is spread out as dusty earth, and I have cemented it as one hewn stone to another.
39 And wilt thou hunt a prey for the lions? and satisfy the desires of the serpents?
40 For they fear in their lairs, and lying in wait couch in the woods.
41 And who has prepared food for the raven? for its young ones wander and cry to the Lord, in search of food.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.