Job 29:20

KJV

My glory [was] fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

My glory {H3519} was fresh {H2319} in me {H5978}, and my bow {H7198} was renewed {H2498} in my hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

my glory will always be fresh, my bow always new in my hand.'

Berean Standard Bible

My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’

American Standard Version

My glory is fresh in me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:20 captures Job's poignant recollection of a bygone era, a time when his public standing and personal vitality were perpetually vibrant and divinely sustained. He vividly describes a period of profound honor and influence, where his reputation was consistently flourishing, and his capacity for effective action and success was continuously invigorated, symbolizing an unbroken stream of divine favor and personal efficacy, starkly contrasting with his present state of suffering and desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29 initiates Job’s final, extensive monologue (chapters 29-31), serving as a powerful lament that precedes God’s direct intervention in chapters 38-41. This chapter specifically functions as a nostalgic retrospect, where Job vividly contrasts his former life of unparalleled prosperity, respect, and perceived divine blessing with his current, agonizing state of suffering and isolation. Verse 20 is nestled within this lament, highlighting the continuous favor and strength he once enjoyed, emphasizing the depth of his loss and the incomprehensibility of his present plight. It sets the stage for his subsequent defense of his righteousness and his plea for God to reveal the reason for his suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely a region in Edom or northern Arabia, during a patriarchal period. In this ancient Near Eastern context, a man's "glory" (כָּבוֹד, _kābôd_) was intrinsically linked to his reputation, honor, wealth, and influence within the community. Public respect and the ability to dispense justice or provide counsel were highly valued. The "bow" (קֶשֶׁת, _qešet_) was a primary weapon for hunting and warfare, symbolizing strength, power, and effectiveness in action. To have one's "bow renewed" implied a continuous supply of vigor and success in endeavors, reflecting a societal understanding where a man's standing was often measured by his visible prosperity and his capacity to protect and provide.
* **Key Themes:** Job 29:20 powerfully articulates several core themes pervasive in the Book of Job. It underscores the theme of **Past Prosperity and Honor**, depicting Job's former life as one marked by exceptional societal standing and divine blessing, a stark contrast to his present destitution (cf. [Job 1:1-3](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1-3 - Job's Righteousness and Wealth")). The phrase "my glory was fresh in me" speaks to **Divine Favor and Sustained Vitality**, suggesting a dynamic and ongoing blessing from God that animated his life and endeavors, rather than a static state. The "bow renewed in my hand" highlights **Enduring Strength and Effectiveness**, symbolizing a continuous supply of vigor, skill, and success in his actions, echoing the idea of God empowering His servants (cf. [Psalm 92:10](/psalms/92-10 "Psalm 92:10 - The Psalmist's Horn Exalted")). Ultimately, this verse, within Job's monologue, contributes to the overarching theme of **Loss and Lament**, emphasizing the profound psychological and spiritual impact of his suffering as he grieves the absence of what he once possessed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kābôd'_):** This term (כָּבוֹד) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing weight, honor, splendor, reputation, and even the manifest presence of God. In Job 29:20, it refers primarily to Job's esteemed public standing, his high reputation, and the tangible signs of divine blessing that conferred dignity and respect upon him. The "freshness" of this glory implies it was not a static, inherited status but a dynamic, continually vibrant, and active recognition of his worth and integrity within the community.
* **Fresh (Hebrew, _ḥādāš'_):** The adjective (חָדָשׁ) means "new," "fresh," or "vigorous." When applied to Job's "glory," it conveys the idea of a constant, vital renewal, suggesting that his honor and influence were not diminishing but perpetually invigorated, as if newly bestowed each day. This speaks to a sustained, dynamic state of flourishing rather than a mere memory of past accomplishments.
* **Bow (Hebrew, _qešet'_):** This noun (קֶשֶׁת) literally refers to a weapon, a bow, but it functions here as a powerful **metaphor** for strength, power, skill, and the means of accomplishment or victory. In ancient warfare and hunting, a strong, reliable bow was essential for success. For Job, it symbolizes his capacity for effective action, his ability to overcome challenges, and his sustained vigor in all his endeavors.
* **Renewed (Hebrew, _ḥādēš'_):** This verb (חָדֵשׁ), related to _ḥādāš_, means "to renew," "restore," or "make new." Applied to the "bow," it reinforces the idea of continuous invigoration and effectiveness. It signifies that Job's strength and capabilities were not merely present but were perpetually refreshed, ensuring his ongoing success and preventing any decline in his power or influence. This suggests a divine source for this continuous renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My glory [was] fresh in me":** This clause speaks to Job's internal and external state of honor and vitality. "My glory" refers to his reputation, dignity, and the visible signs of divine favor upon him. The phrase "fresh in me" (literally "new upon me" or "new for me") indicates that this glory was not a fading memory but a continually vibrant, active, and renewed aspect of his being and public perception. It implies a dynamic, ongoing manifestation of divine blessing and personal integrity that kept his standing robust and respected.
* **"and my bow was renewed in my hand":** This clause uses the **metaphor** of a "bow" to represent Job's strength, power, and capacity for effective action or victory. The "bow in my hand" signifies his active engagement and control over his capabilities. The verb "renewed" emphasizes that this strength was not static or diminishing but was perpetually invigorated and restored, ensuring his continuous effectiveness and success in all his undertakings. This suggests a constant divine supply of vigor and skill, enabling him to overcome obstacles and achieve his purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:20 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, painting a vivid picture of Job's former prosperity and strength. The phrase "My glory was fresh in me" employs a subtle form of **Personification**, attributing a dynamic, living quality ("fresh") to an abstract concept ("glory"), suggesting that Job's honor was not merely present but vibrantly alive and continually renewed. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, particularly in "my bow was renewed in my hand." The "bow" stands for Job's strength, power, and effectiveness, not literally a weapon. This metaphor powerfully conveys the idea of continuous vigor and success in his endeavors. The entire verse functions as part of Job's **Lament**, using the vivid memory of a glorious past to highlight the profound contrast with his present suffering, thereby amplifying his sense of loss and the injustice he feels.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:20 speaks profoundly to the concept of divine favor and sustained blessing, portraying a life where honor and strength were not merely present but perpetually renewed by an unseen hand. It underscores the Old Testament understanding that prosperity and influence were often seen as tangible signs of God's blessing and covenant faithfulness, even if the book of Job ultimately challenges a simplistic retribution theology. Job's lament here highlights the human desire for enduring vitality and effectiveness, and the deep sorrow experienced when such blessings are withdrawn or seem to vanish without cause. The verse, therefore, implicitly points to God as the ultimate source of all true glory and strength, even as Job struggles to reconcile this truth with his current suffering.

* [Psalm 92:10](/psalms/92-10 "Psalm 92:10 - The Psalmist's Horn Exalted with Fresh Oil")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 4:16](/2_corinthians/4-16 "2 Corinthians 4:16 - Renewal of the Inner Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:20 invites us to reflect on the transient nature of earthly blessings and the enduring source of true vitality. While Job laments the loss of his former "fresh glory" and "renewed bow," his words can prompt us to consider how we perceive and value success, honor, and strength in our own lives. Do we recognize God as the ultimate provider of our capabilities and influence? The verse also offers a poignant reminder that seasons of flourishing can give way to seasons of profound loss, challenging our assumptions about divine favor and human merit. Yet, it also subtly points to the possibility of renewal, even if Job himself is currently experiencing its absence. For believers, it encourages a posture of gratitude for past blessings and a hopeful anticipation of God's ability to restore and invigorate, not necessarily to a former state of earthly prosperity, but to a deeper, spiritual strength that endures beyond circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "glory" and "strength" in my own life, and what is their ultimate source?**
* **In what ways have I experienced "fresh glory" or a "renewed bow" (i.e., sustained vitality and effectiveness) in my past, and how does remembering those times impact my present perspective?**
* **When facing seasons of loss or diminished capacity, how can the longing expressed in Job 29:20 lead me to trust in God's sovereign plan for renewal, even if it looks different than what I expect?**

### FAQ

**What does "My glory [was] fresh in me" mean in practical terms for Job?**

Answer: In practical terms, "My glory [was] fresh in me" meant that Job's reputation, honor, and public standing were not merely established but were continually vibrant, respected, and actively acknowledged by his community. He was consistently sought out for counsel, his wisdom was valued, and his presence commanded respect. This wasn't a static, past achievement but a dynamic, ongoing reality where his influence and dignity were perpetually renewed and recognized, reflecting a consistent flow of divine favor and personal integrity. It meant he was at the peak of his social and moral influence, with an unblemished and ever-growing reputation.

**How does the "bow was renewed in my hand" relate to Job's character or actions?**

Answer: The "bow was renewed in my hand" signifies Job's sustained strength, effectiveness, and capacity for action. The bow, a symbol of power and victory, being "renewed" implies that his abilities were not diminishing but were continuously invigorated. This relates to Job's character by showing he was not only a man of honor but also a man of action, capable of defending the weak, dispensing justice, and succeeding in his endeavors. It speaks to his sustained vigor, skill, and resourcefulness, suggesting that whatever task he undertook, he had the continuous power and means to accomplish it successfully, likely attributed to divine empowerment (cf. [Psalm 18:32-34](/psalms/18-32 "Psalm 18:32-34 - God Equips for Battle")).

**Is Job 29:20 a lament or a boast?**

Answer: Job 29:20 is primarily a **lament**, though it describes a glorious past that might sound like boasting out of context. Within the broader narrative of Job's monologue in chapter 29, he is not boasting to elevate himself, but rather recalling a profound contrast between his former blessed state and his current suffering. He is expressing the depth of his loss and the incomprehensibility of his present anguish by vividly detailing the honor, prosperity, and divine favor he once enjoyed. This recollection serves to intensify his plea for understanding and justice from God, highlighting the stark difference between his past flourishing and his present desolation (cf. [Job 29:1-2](/job/29-1 "Job 29:1-2 - Job's Opening Lament")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 29:20, with its imagery of "fresh glory" and a "renewed bow," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ. While Job's glory and strength were temporal and ultimately subject to loss, Jesus Christ embodies eternal glory that is perpetually fresh and undiminished. He is the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose sacrifice brings about a spiritual renewal far surpassing any physical or social restoration. In Christ, believers receive not a temporary "renewed bow" for earthly battles, but the enduring power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live a new life (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")) and wield spiritual weapons against sin and darkness (cf. [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). His resurrection guarantees a "living hope" (cf. [1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")) and a spiritual vitality that is truly "fresh" and eternally "renewed," ensuring that those who are in Him will never experience a final desolation like Job's, but rather a glorious and eternal future (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). He is the source of all true and lasting glory, and through Him, we are continually made new (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 49:24

But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty [God] of Jacob; (from thence [is] the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 18:34

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

Psalms 103:5

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Genesis 45:13

And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.

Psalms 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.