King James Version
What Does Job 29:24 Mean?
“If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.”
Job 29:24 · KJV
Context
22
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
23
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
24
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
25
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIf I laughed on them, they believed it not (אֶשְׂחַק אֲלֵהֶם לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ, eschak alehem lo ya'aminu)—When Job smiled (sachak, laughed, smiled) on those in distress, they could scarcely trust (aman, believe, have confidence in) such grace. His favor seemed too good to be true for the downcast.
The light of my countenance they cast not down (וְאוֹר פָּנַי לֹא יַפִּילוּן, ve'or panai lo yappilun)—Or panim (light of face) is the biblical idiom for favor and blessing, used of God's face shining upon His people (Numbers 6:25, Psalm 4:6). The verb naphal (cast down, cause to fall) appears in the causative: they did not cause Job's bright countenance to fall. Even in their misery, people couldn't diminish Job's cheerfulness—a striking contrast to Job's current state where his face is darkened (16:16, 30:30).
The light of my countenance they cast not down (וְאוֹר פָּנַי לֹא יַפִּילוּן, ve'or panai lo yappilun)—Or panim (light of face) is the biblical idiom for favor and blessing, used of God's face shining upon His people (Numbers 6:25, Psalm 4:6). The verb naphal (cast down, cause to fall) appears in the causative: they did not cause Job's bright countenance to fall. Even in their misery, people couldn't diminish Job's cheerfulness—a striking contrast to Job's current state where his face is darkened (16:16, 30:30).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
In honor-shame culture, facial expression communicated status and favor. A superior's smile could elevate the inferior, while a frown could devastate. The 'shining face' motif appears throughout Scripture as a sign of blessing and acceptance. Job's ability to maintain a bright countenance despite others' sorrow demonstrated secure confidence in God's favor—the very confidence now shattered by his inexplicable suffering.
Reflection Questions
- Why would the afflicted find Job's smile 'unbelievable' rather than patronizing or insulting?
- How does Job's past ability to maintain a 'bright countenance' contrast with his current darkness?
- When has someone's genuine smile or favor seemed 'too good to be true' in your darkest moment?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsלֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ4 of 8
“on them they believed”
H539properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וְא֥וֹר5 of 8
“it not and the light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
פָּ֝נַ֗י6 of 8
“of my countenance”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לֹ֣א7 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַפִּילֽוּן׃8 of 8
“they cast not down”
H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
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 29:24 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 29:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge