Job 29 8

Job 29:8 kjv

The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.

Job 29:8 nkjv

The young men saw me and hid, And the aged arose and stood;

Job 29:8 niv

the young men saw me and stepped aside and the old men rose to their feet;

Job 29:8 esv

the young men saw me and withdrew, and the aged rose and stood;

Job 29:8 nlt

The young stepped aside when they saw me,
and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 8 Meaning

Job 29:8 paints a vivid picture of Job's profound societal standing and the universal respect he commanded in his community. It illustrates that when Job appeared, young men instinctively stepped aside or withdrew in deference, while the elders, already esteemed in society, reverently rose and stood in his presence. This verse highlights his prior immense prestige, influence, and the awe he inspired, underscoring the stark contrast with his current state of suffering and dishonor.

Job 29 8 Context

Job 29 is part of Job’s concluding monologue, where he passionately defends his character and past life before his three friends, before God speaks. After their rounds of debate, Job, broken but resolute, contrasts his present desolation with his former glory and prosperity. This chapter serves as a profound lament, remembering a time when he was deeply revered, just, and benevolent. He reminisces about his high social standing, the respect he commanded from all strata of society, and his commitment to justice, particularly for the vulnerable. Verse 8 specifically highlights the outward manifestations of this widespread esteem, preparing the ground for the jarring contrast with his current plight of utter rejection and suffering (as elaborated in Job 30), thus deepening the theological dilemma regarding the nature of righteousness and suffering. Historically and culturally, respect for elders and prominent figures was a cornerstone of ancient Near Eastern society, signifying order, wisdom, and divine favor. Standing in someone's presence (especially rising for them) or moving aside for them was a highly significant gesture of honor and deference.

Job 29 8 Word analysis

• The young men (נְעָרִים - ne'arim): Refers to youthful males, typically those in their prime or approaching adulthood. In ancient society, young men, while active, were expected to defer to their elders and respected figures. Their actions here emphasize the extraordinary nature of Job's influence; even those most likely to be brash or independent showed profound respect.
• saw me (רָאוּנִי - ra'uni): From the verb רָאָה (ra'ah), "to see, perceive." This indicates a direct visual encounter, suggesting Job's prominent and unmistakable presence. His appearance alone evoked a response, highlighting his aura of authority and moral stature.
• and hid themselves (וַיִּסָּתֵרוּ - vayis'sateru): From the verb סָתַר (satar), "to hide, conceal, withdraw." In this context, it doesn't imply hiding in fear of harm but rather an act of reverential deference. They "stepped aside," "withdrew," or "made themselves inconspicuous," signifying respect, awe, and perhaps an awareness of their own comparative insignificance in his presence. It's a spontaneous, unspoken acknowledgement of his superiority.
• the aged (זְקֵנִים - zeqenim): Refers to elders, older men, who themselves held positions of wisdom, experience, and authority in society. Their action is particularly noteworthy because they were already figures of respect.
• rose (קָמוּ - qamu): From the verb קוּם (qum), "to rise, stand up." This is a quintessential gesture of honor and reverence in many cultures, particularly in the ancient Near East (cf. Lev 19:32). It's a public display of esteem, recognizing superior status, wisdom, or authority.
• and stood (עָמָדוּ - amadu): From the verb עָמַד (amad), "to stand, remain." This word reinforces and extends the previous "rose," indicating that the elders did not merely rise momentarily but remained standing in Job's presence. This sustained posture communicates deep, enduring respect, attentiveness, and acknowledgment of Job's wisdom and dignity.

Words-group analysis:

• "The young men saw me and hid themselves;": This phrase showcases the instinctive, immediate, and perhaps slightly awe-struck reverence of those generally less restrained. It implies that Job's presence commanded an almost automatic yielding of the public space, not out of fear, but profound respect for his character and authority.
• "the aged rose and stood.": This second half elevates the respect shown to Job to the highest echelon. For elders—who themselves were due respect and traditionally did not rise for many—to rise and remain standing in Job’s presence underscored his preeminent wisdom, justice, and community standing, signifying a voluntary and sustained honor. It speaks of a structured, intentional recognition of his superior dignity.

Job 29 8 Bonus section

• The Patriarchal Ideal: This verse, like much of Job 29, presents an ideal picture of patriarchal society where wisdom, integrity, and just leadership were honored and admired, setting a benchmark for virtuous living. Job embodies the best of this ideal before his trial.
• Ancient Social Conduct: The actions described (hiding/stepping aside for youth, rising and standing for elders) were deeply ingrained social codes of respect in the ancient world. Job’s commanding such gestures universally from all societal segments underscored his exceptional standing beyond mere age or rank; it reflected an acknowledgment of his intrinsic worth and spiritual wisdom.
• Silent Affirmation: The acts of the young and old were not verbal accolades but physical demonstrations, a silent and universal affirmation of Job's profound authority and the widespread trust placed in his counsel and judgment.

Job 29 8 Commentary

Job 29:8 succinctly encapsulates the profound public esteem Job once enjoyed, prior to his catastrophic suffering. It serves as a testament to his societal status and the personal character that earned such widespread respect from both the impetuous youth, who instinctively yielded to his presence, and the revered elders, who deliberately honored him with a posture of standing. This level of veneration highlights his unparalleled wisdom, justice, and perceived divine blessing. The verse’s inclusion in Job’s final soliloquy forcefully illustrates the dramatic and unjust reversal of his fortune and reputation, intensifying the central theological question of the book: why would such a righteous and universally respected man endure such abject suffering? This stark contrast between Job’s past honor and his current humiliation (Job 30) deepens the reader's appreciation of his trials and the profound injustice he perceives.