I am a brother of jackals: jackals and ostriches inhabit the deserts and are known for their mournful cries. The jackal resembles the fox in appearance, but, unlike the fox, jackals go about in bands.

And a companion of ostriches: 39.13-18 contains a detailed description of the ostrich. Job associates himself with these animals as brother and companion. It is unlikely that he means he lives with them in the desert. Instead he compares his pleas, his crying out to God and to the public, with their mournful wails in the desert, where no one replies. Good News Translation translates “My voice is as sad and lonely as the cries of a jackal or an ostrich.” Bible en français courant has “By my sad cries, I have become a companion of jackals and a brother to the ostrich,” which seems to fit French style better. In languages which must indicate older or younger brother, it will be best to use the term for “younger brother” to emphasize Job’s dependence and inferior feelings. In many languages jackal may be translated by the word for “fox.” If, however, the fox is unknown, it may be possible to substitute another animal known to make mournful cries. If these solutions are unsatisfactory, it may be possible to use a borrowed word and a classifier; for example, “a wild animal called….” A term for ostrich is more difficult because it is found in fewer areas. Because of the peculiarities of the ostrich, it is harder to find an equivalent bird. Furthermore, the ostrich is described in some detail in chapter 39. Consequently, if the ostrich is unknown, it will often be best to use a borrowed word; for example, “big bird called….” If this solution is unsatisfactory, it may be possible to say “big bird.” In any case, it will be helpful to have an illustration of the ostrich in chapter 39.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .