Job 29:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The young men {H5288} saw {H7200} me, and hid {H2244} themselves: and the aged {H3453} arose {H6965}, and stood up {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when young men saw me they would hide themselves, while the aged arose and stood;

Berean Standard Bible

the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet.

American Standard Version

The young men saw me and hid themselves, And the aged rose up and stood;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:8 profoundly illustrates the universal and deep respect Job commanded during his former days of prosperity and influence. This verse, part of his poignant lament, vividly depicts how both the energetic youth and the venerable elders of his community instinctively deferred to him, the young withdrawing in respectful awe and the aged rising in formal recognition of his unparalleled wisdom, righteousness, and influential status. It serves as a powerful testament to the widespread honor Job once enjoyed, establishing a stark contrast with his later, degraded circumstances and underscoring the depth of his suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29:8 is situated within Job’s final and most extensive monologue, spanning chapters 29-31. This particular chapter serves as a nostalgic recollection of his past glory, prosperity, and the blessings he once enjoyed. It directly precedes his impassioned defense of his innocence in [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Lament Over His Present Suffering") and his solemn oath of integrity in [Job 31](/job/31 "Job 31 - Job's Oath of Innocence"). Chapter 29 functions as a crucial rhetorical device, meticulously detailing the stark contrast between Job's former state of honor, influence, and perceived divine favor, and his current condition of suffering, humiliation, and abandonment. By recounting the profound respect he received from all segments of society, Job underscores the immense injustice of his present plight and implicitly appeals to God for vindication, setting the emotional and theological stage for God's eventual response in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Response to Job").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, societal structures placed immense value on age, wisdom, justice, and prosperity, often seen as tangible indicators of divine favor and blessing. Public life, including legal and social interactions, frequently occurred at the city gate, a central hub where elders and respected figures would convene to dispense justice and wisdom, as Job himself describes in [Job 29:7](/job/29-7 "Job 29:7 - Job at the City Gate"). For young men to "hide themselves" (withdraw respectfully or become less conspicuous) and for elders to "arise and stand up" in someone's presence were profound public demonstrations of deference and honor. This was not merely social etiquette but a deep recognition of a person's moral authority, sagacity, and perceived connection to the divine. Job's description paints him as a quintessential patriarch and judge, embodying the highest ideals of his society, akin to the revered figures mentioned in [Proverbs 3:16](/proverbs/3-16 "Proverbs 3:16 - Wisdom's Blessings of Length of Days and Riches and Honor") or [Proverbs 20:29](/proverbs/20-29 "Proverbs 20:29 - The Glory of Young Men and the Splendor of Old Men").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive in the Book of Job. It highlights the theme of **honor and respect**, demonstrating that Job's life of integrity, wisdom, and justice earned him universal public esteem. It underscores the **influence of wisdom and righteousness**, showing how these qualities commanded deference even from those typically less inclined to show it (the young) and from those who were themselves figures of authority (the aged). Critically, it sets up the central theme of **reversal of fortune**, contrasting Job's former elevated status with his later abject humiliation, thereby intensifying the core problem of **undeserved suffering**. This dramatic shift from public adoration to public scorn is central to understanding Job's lament and the profound theological questions the book explores regarding divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of true blessedness, as seen in the broader narrative arc from [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan Tests Job") to [Job 42](/job/42 "Job 42 - Job's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hid (Hebrew, _châbâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to secrete" or "to hide oneself." In this context, it implies a respectful withdrawal or a modest act of making oneself less conspicuous, rather than hiding out of fear or terror. The young men, typically boisterous and less inhibited, recognized Job's towering presence and felt it inappropriate or presumptuous to remain overtly visible or active in his immediate vicinity. Their action signifies an acknowledgment of Job's superior status, profound wisdom, and perhaps a reverence for the divine favor they perceived upon him.
* **aged (Hebrew, _yâshîysh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be old," this term specifically refers to an "old man" or someone "very aged." In ancient Near Eastern societies, elders were figures of inherent authority, wisdom, and respect. The fact that even these venerable individuals, who were themselves highly esteemed, rose and stood up in Job's presence underscores the extraordinary and unparalleled level of honor and deference Job commanded. It highlights that his wisdom and character surpassed even those who were already considered the most respected members of the community.
* **arose, and stood up (Hebrew, _qûwm_, _ʻâmad'_):** This is a powerful double verb construction, emphasizing the deliberateness, formality, and profound significance of the action. _Qûwm_ means "to rise" or "to get up," often implying an initiation of action or a change in posture. _ʻÂmad_ means "to stand" or "to remain standing," indicating a sustained posture of respect. For elders, who were themselves figures of authority and wisdom, to perform this combined action in Job's presence was the highest form of public honor and formal recognition. It was a customary gesture of profound respect for those in positions of great authority, wisdom, or moral standing, signifying a public acknowledgment of Job's unparalleled character and the weighty gravitas of his presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The young men saw me, and hid themselves":** This clause reveals the immediate and instinctive deference shown to Job by the younger generation. Unlike their usual assertiveness or uninhibited nature, their reaction upon seeing Job was to respectfully withdraw or become less conspicuous. This signifies Job's profound moral authority and the awe he inspired, even among those typically less prone to formal displays of respect. It speaks to the pervasive, unforced, and deeply ingrained nature of the honor he received across all segments of society.
* **"and the aged arose, [and] stood up":** This clause describes an even more significant and formal act of homage. For the elders, who were the established leaders, judges, and wise men of the community, to rise and remain standing in Job's presence was an extraordinary demonstration of honor. It was a public, deliberate, and sustained act, acknowledging Job's superior wisdom, righteousness, and perhaps his preeminent role as a judge or patriarch. This act underscored his supreme standing within the community, indicating that his wisdom, character, and perceived divine favor surpassed even those who were themselves highly respected and authoritative figures.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:8 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey the depth of Job's former esteem and to amplify the pathos of his current suffering. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting up the dramatic opposition between Job's past honor and his present humiliation, which is central to the book's narrative and Job's lament. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear and immediate picture of public deference and the profound impact of Job's presence on different social groups. The actions of "hid themselves" and "arose, and stood up" function as a form of **Metonymy**, where the specific actions stand for the profound respect and reverence felt for Job. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet powerful **Parallelism** between the reactions of the young men and the aged, both demonstrating respect, though in distinct culturally significant ways, thereby emphasizing the universality and pervasiveness of Job's honor across all societal strata.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:8 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that a life lived in integrity, wisdom, and righteousness often commands respect and honor within human society. While Job's understanding of divine favor was rooted in the wisdom tradition of his time, which often linked prosperity to piety, his experience nonetheless highlights that genuine human respect is earned through character, not merely bestowed by position or wealth alone. This honor, however, is earthly and transient, a point underscored by the dramatic reversal of Job's fortunes that the book chronicles. The verse implicitly raises questions about the nature of true authority and the source of lasting honor, pointing beyond human accolades to the ultimate source of all blessing and wisdom—God Himself. It reminds us that while human respect is valuable, it is God's approval that ultimately matters and endures eternally.

* [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for Elders")
* [Proverbs 3:13](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13 - Blessedness of Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Proverbs 16:31 - Gray Hair as a Crown of Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:8 offers a profound reflection on the nature of true influence and the qualities that earn genuine respect. It challenges us to consider whether our lives, like Job's, are characterized by wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to justice, such that our presence commands a natural and unforced deference from those around us. While we may not experience the same level of public adulation or hold such a prominent societal role, the underlying principles remain: a life lived in accordance with God's character, marked by humility, wisdom, and selfless service, will naturally bear the fruit of respect and positive influence, whether from the young or the old. This verse encourages us to cultivate a character that honors God above all else, understanding that true authority and lasting influence flow from a life submitted to His will, rather than from actively seeking human applause or recognition. Ultimately, it prompts us to reflect on the transient nature of earthly honor and to fix our gaze on the eternal honor that comes from God alone, which is neither given nor taken away by human circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate wisdom and integrity in a way that cultivates genuine, unforced respect from those around me?**
* **In what specific ways do I show honor and deference to those who are deserving of it, regardless of their age, social standing, or personal preferences?**
* **How does Job's experience of losing public honor challenge my own understanding of what truly constitutes a valuable, respected, and blessed life in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**What does "hid themselves" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Job 29:8, when it says "the young men saw me, and hid themselves," it does not imply fear or terror in the modern sense. Instead, it signifies a respectful withdrawal or a modest act of making oneself less conspicuous. In ancient Near Eastern culture, this was a profound gesture of deference and awe shown to a highly respected figure like Job. The young men, often more boisterous and less inhibited, would quiet themselves or step aside, acknowledging Job's superior wisdom, authority, and the gravitas of his presence. It was a spontaneous recognition of his immense status and the reverence he commanded, a stark contrast to the scorn he later faced as described in [Job 30:1-10](/job/30-1-10 "Job 30:1-10 - Job's Present Suffering and Scorn").

**Why is the respect from both young and old significant?**

Answer: The dual mention of respect from both "the young men" and "the aged" is highly significant because it demonstrates the universality and depth of Job's honor. Young men typically represent the less disciplined or more rebellious segment of society, while the aged represent the established wisdom and authority. For Job to command such instinctive deference from the youth and formal, profound respect (standing up) from the elders signifies that his influence transcended all social strata and age groups. It highlights that his wisdom, righteousness, and justice were so exceptional that they were recognized and honored by everyone in the community, from the least experienced to the most venerable, underscoring his unparalleled standing as described in [Job 29:7](/job/29-7 "Job 29:7 - Job at the City Gate"). This universal respect makes his later humiliation even more poignant and tragic.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's honor was a reflection of his temporal righteousness and wisdom, ultimately stripped away to reveal the deeper questions of God's justice and sovereignty, Christ embodies the ultimate and eternal fulfillment of true honor and authority. Job's earthly respect was earned through a life lived in accordance with the Law and wisdom of his time, yet it was fleeting and subject to the vagaries of circumstance. In contrast, Jesus, though he "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), perfectly lived out divine righteousness and wisdom. He did not seek earthly honor, often shunning public acclaim ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Crowd")) and even experiencing profound rejection ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men")). Yet, it is precisely through His humility, perfect obedience, and ultimate sacrificial death on the cross that He earned the highest, divinely bestowed honor: "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Unlike Job, whose honor was given by men and then taken away, Christ's honor is inherent, eternal, and divinely mandated, and He is the true source of all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for those who believe ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). He is the one before whom all, young and old, will ultimately bow in worship and adoration ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Worships the Lamb")).

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

Leviticus 19:32

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Proverbs 20:8

¶ A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.