Job 29:24
Job 29:24 in Multiple Translations
If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious.
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
I smiled on them, when they had no confidence; And the light of my countenance they cast not down.
I was laughing at them when they had no hope, and the light of my face was never clouded by their fear.
When I smiled at them they could hardly believe it; my approval meant all the world to them.
If I laughed on them, they beleeued it not: neither did they cause the light of my countenance to fall.
I laugh unto them — they give no credence, And the light of my face cause not to fall.
I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They didn’t reject the light of my face.
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
If at any time I laughed on them, they believed not, and the light of my countenance fell not on earth.
When they were discouraged, I smiled at them to encourage them; they became encouraged when they saw that I approved of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 29:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 29:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶשְׂחַ֣ק
אֲ֭לֵ/הֶם
לֹ֣א
יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ
וְ/א֥וֹר
פָּ֝נַ֗/י
לֹ֣א
יַפִּילֽוּ/ן
אֶשְׂחַ֣ק
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֲ֭לֵ/הֶם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
וְ/א֥וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
Conj | N-cs
פָּ֝נַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַפִּילֽוּ/ן
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 29:24
אֶשְׂחַ֣ק
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
אֲ֭לֵ/הֶם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
וְ/א֥וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
Conj | N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
פָּ֝נַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַפִּילֽוּ/ן
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
Study Notes — Job 29:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 29:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 29:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 29:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 29:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 29:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 29:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 29:24
- Cambridge Bible on Job 29:24
- Barnes' Notes on Job 29:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 29:24
- Sermons on Job 29:24
Context — Job’s Former Blessings
22After my words, they spoke no more; my speech settled on them like dew.
23They waited for me as for rain and drank in my words like spring showers.
24If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious.
25I chose their course and presided as chief. So I dwelt as a king among his troops, as a comforter of the mourners.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 89:15 | Blessed are those who know the joyful sound, who walk, O LORD, in the light of Your presence. |
| 2 | Psalms 4:6 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 126:1 | When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. |
| 4 | Luke 24:41 | While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” |
| 5 | Genesis 45:26 | “Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. |
Job 29:24 Summary
[This verse shows how much Job's presence and smile meant to the people around him, and how rare and precious it was for him to show happiness. It's like when a king smiles, it's a big deal, as seen in Proverbs 16:15. Job's leadership and influence were so great that even a small gesture from him could bring joy to others. We can learn from Job's example to be more mindful of the impact we have on those around us and to use our influence to bring happiness and comfort to others, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'the light of my countenance was precious' in Job 29:24?
This phrase means that Job's facial expression and presence were so valuable and uplifting to those around him that even a simple smile from him was a rare and precious gift, as seen in the value of a king's presence in Proverbs 16:15.
Why did the people not believe Job when he smiled at them?
The people did not believe Job's smile because they were so used to seeing him as a serious and wise leader, as described in Job 29:22-23, that they may have thought he was being insincere or joking, much like how the prophet Jeremiah was not believed in Jeremiah 20:7-8.
How does this verse relate to Job's character and leadership?
This verse highlights Job's exceptional leadership and influence, as seen in Job 29:25, where he is described as a king among his troops, and shows how his presence and smile could bring joy and comfort to those around him, much like the comfort of God's presence in Psalm 16:11.
What can we learn from Job's experience in this verse?
We can learn the importance of being genuine and sincere in our interactions with others, as Job was, and of being mindful of the impact our presence and words can have on those around us, as seen in the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be more mindful of the impact my presence and words have on those around me, and how can I use my influence to bring joy and comfort to others?
- How can I cultivate a sense of sincerity and genuineness in my interactions with others, and what are some potential pitfalls or challenges that I might face in doing so?
- What are some ways that I can show appreciation and gratitude for the presence and influence of other leaders or mentors in my life, and how can I learn from their examples?
- How can I balance being a source of comfort and joy to others with being honest and authentic about my own struggles and difficulties, and what are some biblical examples of leaders who have navigated this balance well?
Gill's Exposition on Job 29:24
[If] I laughed on them, they believed [it] not,.... Not that he at any time laughed at them, by way of derision; but when in a cheerful frame of mind, or in a merry mood, he used freedom and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 29:24
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 29:24
If I laughed on them, or sported or jested with them, i.e. carried myself familiarly and pleasantly with them. They believed it not; it was so acceptable to them to see me well-pleased with them, that they could scarce believe their eyes and ears that it was so: compare . The light of my countenance they cast not down; my familiarity did not breed contempt or presumption in them to say or do any thing that might grieve me, or make my countenance to fall, as it doth in case of shame or sorrow, . They were very cautious not to abuse my smiles, nor to give me any occasion to change my countenance or carriage towards them.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 29:24
Job 29:24 [If] I laughed on them, they believed [it] not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.Ver. 24. If I laughed on them, they believed it not] They took it for a great favour, and could hardly think that I would grace them so far as to smile upon them, or jest with them; which if I did at any time, they were over joyed, Ecclesiastes 10:19. Ingenii fructus tenuissimus eat risus, saith Cicero (de Orat. lib. 2). To break a jest is no such witty thing as men conceit it. Howbeit, a harmless jest (that hath nothing in it which may justly grieve or offend another) may very well consistent with piety and Christian gravity; whatever some sour Anabaptists have held to the contrary. Jocularity indeed and scurrility are strictly forbidden, and reckoned among those ταανηκοντα, things that conduce not to the main end of our lives, Ephesians 5:4. But Socrates would be very merry when he liked his company; yet so as that his mirth should be some way profitable, saith Xenophon, lib. 4, de Dict. et Fact. (Socr.) And Erasmus did the Papists more prejudice by his jesting, saith a grave author, than Luther did by his stomaching and storming. Good men’ s jests should have something in them of seriousness and usefulness. All their speeches should be seasoned with salt of grace; and in the midst of their recreations they should show that their best affections are upon better things.
Great care must be taken, that too much familiarity with those below us breed not contempt; which some think is means by the next clause, "And the light of my countenance they cast not down"; or, Yet the light, &c., that is, they did not slight me because of this familiar carriage; they did not therefore count me ridiculous and vain as men did that Rodulphus, the 35th archbishop of Canterbury, that succeeded Anselm; whom, for his jesting and merry toys, unbeseeming the gravity of his age and place, they surnamed or rather nicknamed, Nugax, the trifler. Sed authoritatem meam non spernebant, nihilomin, us me reverebantur, They despised not mine authority, they reverenced me no whit the less (Vatablus); but rather they took care that nothing might be done whereby of merry I might be made sad; they cherished this sign of complacency in me as a rare thing, and so much the more accepted as less expected and unusual; neither would they be so bold and so bob with me as to return me jest for jest, as if I had been their compeer and hail fellow well met. One paraphrast, Mr Abbot, senseth the whole verse thus: If I by my smiles gave any intimation of my suspicion of any report or business, it was presently distrusted and dissented from of all the rest. And on the other hand; my least countenance or show of approbation to any cause was observed of others, as a rule to go by.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 29:24
(24) If I laughed on them.—That is, “They would not believe that I could be so affable to them, could so condescend to them—they looked up to me with the greatest deference.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 29:24
Verse 24. I laughed on them, they believed it not] Similar to that expression in the Gospel, Lu 24:41: And while they believed not for joy, and wondered, he said __. Our version is sufficiently perspicuous, and gives the true sense of the original, only it should be read in the indicative and not in the subjunctive mood: I laughed on them - they believed it not. We have a similar phrase: The news was too good to be true. The light of my countenance] This evidence of my benevolence and regard. A smile is, metaphorically, the light of the countenance. They cast not down.] They gave me no occasion to change my sentiments or feelings towards them. I could still smile upon them, and they were then worthy of my approbation. Their change he refers to in the beginning of the next chapter.
Cambridge Bible on Job 29:24
24. The verse means rather, I laughed on them, when they had no confidence, And the light of my countenance they cast not down. Job, with his broader insight and more capable counsel, smiled on those who were perplexed and despondent; what seemed insurmountable difficulty or threatened disaster to them, seemed to him a thing easy to overcome and nothing to create alarm; while on the other hand the despondency of others was never able to cloud the cheerfulness of his countenance, so full was his mind of resource.
Barnes' Notes on Job 29:24
If I laughed on them they believed it not - There is considerable variety in the interpretation of this member of the verse. Dr.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 29:24
24. Believed it not — They could not believe that he would condescend so much as to smile upon them. According to others, “I smiled upon them,” to infuse confidence, when “they believed not” — were despairing.
Sermons on Job 29:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i |
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Light and Joyfulness by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the connection between light and joy in the life of a believer, illustrating that true joy comes from walking in the light of God's presence. He explains t |
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Knowing the Joyful Sound by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of understanding the joyful sound of Jubilee, which represents the freedom and deliverance provided through Jesus Christ. He explains th |
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We Know Joy Because of Jesus by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that true joy comes from understanding the 'joyful sound' described in Psalms 89:15, which signifies a revelation that leads to a fulfilled and victoriou |
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The Light of His Countenance by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of God's light in our lives, comparing it to the daily rising of the sun that illuminates our path. He encourages believers to turn to God |
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In Relation to the Race as It Is by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the face of God throughout human history, illustrating how the expulsion from Eden marked a separation from God's presence. He conne |