King James Version

What Does Job 29:20 Mean?

Job 29:20 in the King James Version says “My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. fresh: Heb. new renewed: Heb. changed” — study this verse from Job chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. fresh: Heb. new renewed: Heb. changed”

Job 29:20 · KJV

Context

18

Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.

19

My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. spread: Heb. opened

20

My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. fresh: Heb. new renewed: Heb. changed

21

Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.

22

After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My glory was fresh in me (כְּבוֹדִי חָדָשׁ עִמָּדִי, kevodi chadash immadi)—Job recalls when his kavod (honor, weightiness, glory) remained perpetually chadash (new, fresh, unwithered). Unlike fading human reputation, Job's dignity was constantly renewed like the morning dew.

My bow was renewed in my hand (וְקַשְׁתִּי בְּיָדִי תַחֲלִיף, vekashti beyadi tachalif)—The qeshet (bow) symbolizes strength and capability in battle (Genesis 49:24, Psalm 18:34). The verb chalaph means to pass on, renew, or grow fresh again. Job's strength didn't diminish but was continually restored, anticipating Isaiah's promise that those who wait on the Lord shall 'renew their strength' (Isaiah 40:31, same Hebrew root). This sustained vigor contrasts sharply with Job's current weakness, intensifying his lament.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the bow represented both military prowess and judicial authority. A warrior's bow losing its elasticity was a metaphor for declining power. Job served as both judge and defender of his city (Job 29:7-17), so the bow symbolized his dual role. His 'glory' (kavod) reflected the honor-shame culture where public reputation determined social standing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's past experience of continual renewal challenge the assumption that decline is inevitable with age?
  2. What 'bow' (area of strength) in your life needs God's renewing power rather than human effort?
  3. How does Job's loss of both glory and strength prepare him to meet God without relying on his own righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כְּ֭בוֹדִי1 of 6

“My glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

חָדָ֣שׁ2 of 6

“was fresh”

H2319

new

עִמָּדִ֑י3 of 6

“in me”

H5978

along with

וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י4 of 6

“and my bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

בְּיָדִ֥י5 of 6

“in my hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

תַחֲלִֽיף׃6 of 6

“was renewed”

H2498

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 29:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 29:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:24Isaiah 40:31Psalms 3:3Genesis 45:13Psalms 18:342 Corinthians 4:16

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