Job 29 24

Job 29:24 kjv

If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.

Job 29:24 nkjv

If I mocked at them, they did not believe it, And the light of my countenance they did not cast down.

Job 29:24 niv

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.

Job 29:24 esv

I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down.

Job 29:24 nlt

When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.
My look of approval was precious to them.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 24 Meaning

Job 29:24 vividly describes Job's past benevolence and significant influence as a leader. He recounts how his very presence, radiating warmth and encouragement, lifted the spirits of those who were without hope or confidence. His cheerful demeanor and benevolent wisdom were readily accepted; people did not turn away or disregard him, but instead embraced the comfort and guidance he offered. This verse portrays Job as a source of light and reassurance in his community, illustrating the profound respect and positive impact he commanded before his trials.

Job 29 24 Context

Job 29 is a poignant lament in which Job recalls the glorious past before his suffering. This chapter is part of Job's final extended monologue (chapters 29-31) where he reasserts his innocence, contrasting his former prosperity, respect, and righteous life with his present desolate state. In Job 29, he describes himself as dwelling in close fellowship with God ("when God's friendship was over my tent," v. 4), respected by all segments of society—from youths to elders and princes (vv. 7-10). He provided justice for the poor, the orphan, and the widow (vv. 12-17), anticipating a long, peaceful life. Verse 24, specifically, emphasizes his compassionate and inspiring leadership. He portrays himself not as a distant potentate, but as an accessible source of comfort and guidance, highlighting the mutual affection and deep reverence that defined his relationships with his community. This entire recounting serves as a direct rebuttal to his friends' accusations, showcasing a life characterized by piety and benevolence, challenging their rigid retribution theology.

Job 29 24 Word analysis

• אֶֽתְמֹ֨ךְ (etmokh):

  • Root: תמך (tamakh).
  • Meaning: The primary meaning is "to grasp," "hold," "support." However, in this poetic context, especially coupled with "the light of my face," it is best understood idiomatically as "to smile," "to show favor," "to gladden," or "to encourage."
  • Significance: It implies an active, intentional engagement from Job to uplift and provide a cheerful presence, rather than a passive observation. His very demeanor had a comforting and stabilizing effect on others.

• בַּהֶ֨ם (bahem):

  • Meaning: "on them," "among them," or "toward them."
  • Significance: Specifies that Job's benevolent demeanor was directed outwards, affecting the people in his community. It underscores his role as a public figure.

• וְלֹא֙ יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ (welo ya'aminu):

  • "And not they trusted/believed."
  • Root: אמן (aman). Hiphil imperfect form, typically means "to trust," "believe," or "be firm."
  • Significance: "When they had no confidence" (ESV) or "when they did not believe [in their own capacity/future/hope]." This refers to the state of despair or lack of self-assurance in the people Job encountered. Job's smile and presence acted as a balm, bringing confidence to those who lacked it. It highlights their vulnerable state which Job addressed with his leadership.

• וְא֣וֹר פָּנַ֔י (w'or panai):

  • Meaning: "And the light of my face."
  • Idiom: This is a powerful Hebrew idiom for favor, approval, joy, or beneficence, frequently used in connection with God's presence or a king's favor.
  • Significance: It evokes an image of Job radiating goodness, optimism, and warmth, like a beacon. His facial expression conveyed a sense of well-being and acceptance that positively impacted those around him.

• לֹ֥א יַפִּיל֖וּן אַֽרְצָה (lo yappilun artzah):

  • "They did not cast down (to) the ground."
  • Root: נפל (nafal) in Hiphil, meaning "to cause to fall" or "cast down." "Artzah" means "to the earth/ground."
  • Significance: This phrase indicates the reverence and unwavering respect people held for Job. They did not avert their gaze in shame or disregard him; neither did they challenge or undermine his authority or influence. They readily accepted his counsel and the comfort of his presence, receiving his "light" rather than "casting it down" in disdain or disbelief. It underscores his undiminished moral authority and the positive reception he received.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I smiled on them when they had no confidence": This group reveals Job's active role as a comforter and encourager to the despondent. It speaks to his compassionate leadership, reaching out to the vulnerable and instilling hope where it was lacking. It shows him as a source of morale, demonstrating his practical righteousness beyond merely giving alms or justice.
  • "and the light of my face they did not cast down": This phrase highlights the profound reverence and acceptance Job received. It suggests that his wisdom and beneficence were not just tolerated but genuinely cherished and honored. This unwavering respect points to his character and the divine favor perceived to be upon him, confirming his profound moral and spiritual authority in the community. It sets up a strong contrast with his current rejected state.

Job 29 24 Bonus section

• Leadership Archetype: Job 29:24, alongside the rest of chapter 29, presents an ideal leadership archetype in the ancient Near East and biblical context. This leader is not merely powerful or wealthy, but deeply empathetic, approachable, and a source of active encouragement for the community. His authority comes from beneficence and character, inspiring confidence and loyalty, rather than through fear or coercion.
• Theocratic Reflection: The language of "light of my face" directly mirrors expressions used for God's favor (e.g., Ps 4:6; Num 6:25). This suggests that Job's rule, even though human, was seen as a reflection of divine favor and wisdom, serving as a channel for God's blessing to the disheartened. His leadership was implicitly theocratic, embodying justice and compassion guided by higher principles.
• Contrasting States: The verse offers a poignant contrast between Job's former glory and his present suffering. Then, his "face" brought light; now, he is afflicted, his body disfigured, and his spirit troubled, reflecting the utter reversal of his state. This sharp contrast intensifies the problem of innocent suffering, as a man so demonstrably righteous could experience such profound devastation.

Job 29 24 Commentary

Job 29:24 paints a vivid picture of Job's former eminence, underscoring not just his material prosperity but, more significantly, his moral and spiritual authority, and his deeply benevolent character. This verse captures the essence of Job's righteous influence: he was a source of light, hope, and joy for those in despair. His very presence served as an antidote to their hopelessness, lifting their spirits. The community's response—their refusal to "cast down" the "light of his face"—testifies to the profound respect and positive regard they held for him. They did not turn away in shame, disbelief, or disdain but welcomed his guidance and comfort.

This portrayal serves as a powerful testament to Job's righteousness, challenging the retribution theology promoted by his friends. He was not a hidden sinner; rather, his life was marked by visible, radiant goodness that brought tangible blessing and hope to others. The "light of his face" can be paralleled with God's own shining face (as seen in priestly blessings and psalms), suggesting that Job, in his former life, reflected divine attributes in his leadership, providing comfort and confidence where God’s people might typically turn to the Divine. It underscores that true leadership, rooted in God's favor, serves to elevate and encourage, even those with "no confidence," creating an environment where truth and joy are received with reverence, rather than rejected.