Job 29 25

Job 29:25 kjv

I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.

Job 29:25 nkjv

I chose the way for them, and sat as chief; So I dwelt as a king in the army, As one who comforts mourners.

Job 29:25 niv

I chose the way for them and sat as their chief; I dwelt as a king among his troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.

Job 29:25 esv

I chose their way and sat as chief, and I lived like a king among his troops, like one who comforts mourners.

Job 29:25 nlt

Like a chief, I told them what to do.
I lived like a king among his troops
and comforted those who mourned.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 25 Meaning

Job 29:25 describes Job's prominent and respected status in his former life. He recounts himself as a decisive and wise leader who guided his community, sitting in a position of ultimate authority and influence. Furthermore, he portrays himself as a benevolent and compassionate figure, extending comfort and support to those who grieved, balancing his power with tender care for the afflicted. This verse encapsulates Job's pre-calamity role as a benevolent, wise, and authoritative figure in his society.

Job 29 25 Context

Job 29 is a pivotal chapter in Job's final discourse before God speaks. It forms part of his last speech (Job 27-31), where he powerfully reiterates his righteousness and integrity in the face of his friends' accusations that his suffering is a result of sin. In Chapter 29, Job specifically contrasts his glorious and benevolent past life with his current state of extreme suffering and contempt. This particular verse (29:25) is the culmination of his detailed description of his high societal standing, profound respect from all sections of the community, and his active role as a wise judge, protective leader, and compassionate caretaker. It highlights the vast chasm between his previous honorable status and his present destitution, thereby strengthening his argument of innocent suffering against the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends.

Job 29 25 Word analysis

• "I chose out their way":

  • Hebrew: bakhar derekh (בָּחַר דֶּרֶךְ).
  • Bakhar means "to choose, select, elect." Derekh means "way, path, course of life, manner."
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes Job's proactive and authoritative role. He was not merely a passive figure; he actively guided, decided, and charted the course for the community or for individuals seeking counsel. It speaks of his discerning judgment and leadership in mapping out plans or resolutions.
  • Connection: Evokes images of a shepherd guiding his flock or a wise elder directing community affairs, setting standards and leading by example.

• "and sat as chief":

  • Hebrew: yashav rosh (וָאֵשֵׁב רֹאשׁ).
  • Yashav means "to sit, dwell, reside." Rosh means "head, top, chief, leader, beginning."
  • Significance: Sitting, particularly in the ancient Near East, was often a posture of authority, judgment, and counsel, especially for elders or leaders gathered at the city gates. To sit "as chief" signifies his preeminent position, leading all discussions, issuing verdicts, and offering the ultimate counsel. He held the highest seat of influence and respect among the elders and populace.

• "and dwelt as a king in the army":

  • Hebrew: shakhan melekh baggedud (וָאֶשְׁכּוֹן כְּמֶלֶךְ בַּגְּדוּד).
  • Shakhan means "to dwell, settle, reside." Melekh means "king." Gedud can mean "a band, troop, marauding band, company, multitude."
  • Significance: This powerful metaphor highlights Job's commanding presence and absolute respect among the people. He was not a literal king in a royal sense over a formal kingdom, but rather, his influence, authority, and unchallenged leadership among his people were king-like. The "army" or "multitude" (gedud) suggests a large assembly or group where he stood out as the unchallenged leader, bringing order and imposing his will like a sovereign in his dominion. It denotes a revered figure, a decisive commander over his own company.

• "as one that comforts the mourners":

  • Hebrew: kamm'naḥem 'avelim (כַּמְנַחֵם אֲבֵלִים).
  • Kamm'naḥem means "as one who comforts" (from the root naḥam, to comfort, console). 'Avelim means "mourners, those in mourning."
  • Significance: This phrase balances Job's immense authority with deep compassion. It reveals the fullness of his virtuous character, not merely as a strong ruler, but as a caring shepherd to his community. In ancient society, comforting mourners was a significant act of communal support and a hallmark of true piety and empathy. It underscores his active involvement in the lives of the suffering, extending solace and support during times of profound grief, contrasting sharply with his friends' lack of comfort.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "I chose out their way, and sat as chief, and dwelt as a king in the army": This sequence of phrases builds upon Job's multifaceted leadership, from discerning guidance, to holding a chief position of authority, to exercising king-like influence over a multitude. It paints a picture of comprehensive leadership combining wisdom, public trust, and ultimate command. It implies that his leadership was proactive, influential, and unquestioned.
  • The balance of "king in the army" and "comforts the mourners": This highlights the rare combination of powerful authority and tender compassion. Job was not merely an imposing leader but also deeply involved in the welfare of the most vulnerable, displaying a holistic ideal of leadership that extends both justice and mercy. This pairing underscores the ideal leader—strong yet empathetic, just yet kind.

Job 29 25 Bonus section

The imagery in Job 29:25, particularly "king in the army," implicitly underscores the "chief" not just as a figure of judicial wisdom but also one who brings security and order to the community, protecting it from internal chaos and external threats. This ideal leadership contrasts sharply with Job's current abandonment and vulnerability. His remembrance of himself as a source of comfort also highlights the devastating loss for the community he once served; no one now comforts him, and his friends, instead of offering solace, accuse him. This verse paints a portrait of what an elder or patriarchal leader was meant to be – not merely dispensing advice, but actively shaping society for its well-being, providing both decisive governance and tender pastoral care. It serves as a subtle theological argument against the idea that God only blesses the self-serving, as Job was a model of outward-focused, righteous stewardship.

Job 29 25 Commentary

Job 29:25 offers a powerful glimpse into Job's perception of his former stature, portraying him as an ideal ancient Near Eastern leader. He saw himself as actively guiding his community with wisdom and foresight ("chose out their way"), exercising supreme authority ("sat as chief" at the gate, the seat of judgment and counsel), and commanding unchallengeable respect akin to a king among his people. Yet, his leadership was not characterized by tyranny; it was tempered by profound compassion. His personal ministry extended to "comforting the mourners," highlighting his engagement in the most intimate and empathetic acts of community care. This verse functions as a significant component of Job's defense, illustrating his blamelessness and righteousness through concrete examples of his ethical conduct and deep societal engagement, making his current unmerited suffering all the more perplexing and tragic within the framework of retributive justice.