Job 29:11

When the ear heard [me], then it blessed me; and when the eye saw [me], it gave witness to me:

When the ear {H241} heard {H8085} me, then it blessed {H833} me; and when the eye {H5869} saw {H7200} me, it gave witness {H5749} to me:

Any ear that heard me blessed me, any eye that saw me gave witness to me,

For those who heard me called me blessed, and those who saw me commended me,

For when the ear heardme, then it blessed me; And when the eye sawme, it gave witness unto me:

Commentary

Commentary on Job 29:11 (KJV)

Job 29:11 is part of Job's poignant lament, where he recalls his past glory and respected position in society before his catastrophic suffering. In this verse, Job describes the universal admiration and respect he received from everyone he encountered, painting a vivid picture of his former esteemed status.

Context

In Job chapters 29-31, Job delivers his final defense, contrasting his former life of honor and influence with his present state of humiliation and suffering. He is not boasting, but rather establishing his blameless character and righteous deeds, which his friends have questioned. This verse highlights the public perception of Job's integrity and wisdom, underscoring the stark difference between his past prosperity and his current desolation. His words serve as a powerful counter-argument to the accusations that his suffering must be a result of hidden sin, by showing how widely respected and trusted he was.

Key Themes

  • Public Esteem and Reputation: The verse emphasizes Job's widespread respect. People not only listened to him but also blessed him, and their observations confirmed his upright character. This speaks to the power of a good reputation built on consistent, righteous living.
  • The Power of Example: Job's life itself was a living testimony. His actions and character were so evident that merely seeing him or hearing him speak was enough to elicit positive affirmation and witness to his integrity. This reflects the idea that one's light should shine before others.
  • Integrity and Righteousness: The "blessing" and "witness" were direct results of Job's blameless conduct. This resonates with the initial description of Job in Job 1:1 as "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blessed" (ืึดืฉึผืึฐืจึทื ึดื™, 'ish-sh'ra-ni) comes from a root meaning "to be straight, happy, or blessed." Here, it implies that people pronounced Job happy, approved of him, or considered him fortunate and righteous. The phrase "gave witness" (ื•ึทืชึผึธืขึทื“ ืœึดื™, va-ta-'ad li) is from the root 'ed, meaning "witness" or "testimony." It signifies that their observation served as an undeniable affirmation of his just and compassionate character, reinforcing his credibility and moral standing.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for Job's subsequent detailed accounts of his righteous deeds in the following verses, such as Job 29:12-17, where he describes how he delivered the poor, helped the fatherless, and acted as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. The value of such a reputation is also highlighted in Proverbs 22:1, which states, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."

Practical Application

Job 29:11 reminds us of the profound impact of a life lived with integrity and compassion. Our actions and character are constantly observed, and they serve as a powerful testimony to those around us. This verse encourages believers to live in such a way that their lives speak volumes, earning respect and trust, and reflecting the virtues of God. It underscores that true influence comes not from position alone, but from consistent, righteous living that others can witness and affirm.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:22

    And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

  • Proverbs 29:2

    ยถ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

  • Job 31:20

    If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep;

  • Luke 11:27

    ยถ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
โ† Back