Job 29:20 — Word Study
WLCכְּ֭בוֹדִי חָדָ֣שׁ עִמָּדִ֑י וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י בְּיָדִ֥י תַחֲלִֽיף׃
BSAMy glorykâbôwd [fresh, renewed, great honor, splendor] is [ever] newchâdâsh [recently created, restored] within meʻimmâd [accompanying me, with my presence] and my bowqesheth [hunting tool] is renewedchâlaph▸ [restored, readily bent] in my handyâd [powerful, directing, an open hand; strength, a side or share]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כְּ֭בוֹדִי | honor my | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| חָדָ֣שׁ | [is] new | Adj |
| עִמָּדִ֑י | with me | Preposition, suffix |
| וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י | and bow my | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| בְּיָדִ֥י | in hand my | Preposition, noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| תַחֲלִֽיף׃ | it will show newness | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person feminine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’ |
| KJV | My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. |
| ASV | My glory is fresh in me, And my bow is renewed in my hand. |
| YLT | My honour [is] fresh with me, And my bow in my hand is renewed. |
| WEB | My glory is fresh in me. My bow is renewed in my hand.’ |
| BBE | My glory will be ever new, and my bow will be readily bent in my hand. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of Job's glory and strength, but all translations convey a sense of renewal.
The sentence is structured with two main clauses connected by a conjunction, emphasizing the connection between Job's inner glory and his external strength.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחָלַף
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 29:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Reflection on His Former Glorygenerated
Job 29:20 captures Job's lament as he recalls his past glory and strength, contrasting it with his current suffering. He reflects on how his honor and power, represented by his bow, are renewed within him, suggesting a longing for restoration and vitality. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Job speaks of his former respect and the admiration he received from others, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 29:14 | I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. |
| 2 | Job 19:9 | He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. |
| 3 | Genesis 45:13 | Tell my father about all my splendor in Egypt and everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.” |
| 4 | Psalm 3:3 | But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. |
| 5 | Genesis 49:24 | Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — כְּ֭בוֹדִי, Ke.vo.digenerated
The term כְּבוֹד (kabowd) signifies glory, encompassing concepts of honor, splendor, and abundance. It is often associated with God's majesty and can denote both external splendor and inner nobility. The parsing indicates it is a noun in the singular construct form, suggesting a personal and intimate sense of glory as it relates to Job.
In this verse, Job's glory is described as חָדָשׁ (cha.Dash), meaning 'new' or 'fresh.' This adjective emphasizes that Job's glory is not just a remnant of the past but is continually renewed within him. The use of this word suggests a dynamic quality to his honor, indicating that it is vibrant and alive, reflecting Job's inner state.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The wording in the Berean Standard Bible is reflected in the other translations: new (KJV, ASV, YLT) and renewed (WEB, BBE) all agree on the freshness of Job's glory.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around two main clauses, each describing aspects of Job's glory and strength. The first clause, with the finite verb חָדָ֣שׁ, describes Job's glory, while the second clause, with the verb תַחֲלִֽיף, describes the renewal of his bow.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on Job's glory and strength, with the subject and predicate clearly defined, allowing the reader to see the relationship between Job's internal state and his external tools of power.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates כְּבוֹדִי as μου (mou), indicating a personal ownership of glory, which aligns with Job's expression of his renewed honor.
The Greek word καινὴ (kainē) for 'new' emphasizes the freshness and vitality of Job's glory, paralleling the Hebrew חָדָשׁ.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 29:20 reflects Job's feelings about his past glory and strength. He expresses that his honor is always new within him, and his bow is ready in his hand. This verse shows Job's longing for restoration and his confidence in his abilities.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is expressing that his sense of honor and splendor is continually renewed, suggesting a deep inner vitality despite his current suffering.
The bow symbolizes Job's strength and readiness for action, indicating that he still possesses the power to defend and assert himself.
Job's reflection on his glory contrasts sharply with his current suffering, highlighting his longing for the restoration of his former status and strength.
Job's expression teaches us about the resilience of the human spirit and the hope for renewal, even in times of great difficulty.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I feel a need for renewal, like Job's glory?
- How can I cultivate a sense of inner strength and honor in my own life?
- What does it mean to me that Job's bow is renewed in his hand?
- How can I find hope and vitality in difficult circumstances, as Job did?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
An early commentary on Job's reflections is provided by Gregory the Dialogist, who interprets Job's expressions of glory and strength as part of a continuous discourse on his experiences.
My glory shall always be fresh in me, and my bow shall be renewed in mine hand. Understand, I said; since all is joined on to the sentence above, that is introduced next in a continuous thread of discourse, when he says, Then I said,Early Church Fathers on Job 29 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 29:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMy glory [was],.... "Is" or "shall be"; fresh in me; or "new" (g); renewed day by day, having fresh additions made unto it; which was true of Job's temporal honour from among men; as a prince and
Read John Gill on Job 29 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMy glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. My renown, like my bodily health, was continually fresh. Bow - metaphor from war, for My strength, which gains me 'renown,' was ever renewed (Jeremiah 49:35).
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 29 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleMy glory was fresh; the reputation which I had gained by my just and virtuous life was not decaying, but growing, and every day augmented with the accession of new honours. In me, Heb. with me. My bow, i.e. my strength, which is signified by a bow, , because in ancient times the bow and arrows were principal instruments of war. Was renewed, Heb. changed itself, i.e. grew as it were a new bow, when other bows by much use grow weak and useless. Or, changed its strength, which word may be here understood, as it is expressed, , i.e. hath got new strength.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 29 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 29:20 My glory [was] fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.Ver. 20. My glory was fresh in me] i.e. I had daily new accessions to mine honours; and I was herein like a bay tree, that is always green. This was also Joseph’ s happiness in Egypt; David’ s in the court of Saul; Mordecai’ s and Daniel’ s in the court of Persia; and Queen Elizabeth’ s; concerning whom (besides that famous epitaph set upon her tomb by command of King James) Thuanus, a French historian, testifieth, that the Lady Anna Atestina, mother to the Guises and Nemours, pronounced her to be Gloriosissimam et omnium quae unquam sceptrum gestarunt felicissimam foeminam, The most glorious and happiest woman that…
Read John Trapp on Job 29 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 20. My glory was fresh in me] My vegetative power was great; my glory - my splendid blossom, large and mellow fruit, was always in season, and in every season. My bow was renewed] I was never without means to accomplish all my wishes. I had prosperity everywhere.
Read AdamClarke on Job 29 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. His “glory,” i. e. high respect and rank, would continue “fresh,” lit. new, never be tarnished or diminished. His bow, symbol of strength and power, would like a tree renew its freshness and suppleness in his hand.
Read Cambridge on Job 29 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMy glory was fresh in me - Margin, “new.” “As we say, the man shall not overlive himself.” Umbreit. The idea is, that he was not exhausted; he continued in vigor and strength.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 29 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible20. By glory he means honour with God and man. The bow, the principal weapon of the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, and Hebrews, was a recognised symbol of strength and dignity.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 29 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’
My glory is fresh in me. My bow is renewed in my hand.’
My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’
My glory will always be fresh in me, and my bow ever new in my hand.’
Tyndale line
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
My glory is fresh in me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.
My glory is fresh in me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
My glory shall renue towarde me, and my bowe shall be restored in mine hand.
Strictly literal
My glory shall be fresh in me, and my bow be renewed in my hand.
My honour [is] fresh with me, And my bow in my hand is renewed.
My glory [is] fresh with me, || And my bow is renewed in my hand.
My glory will ever be new with me, and my bow will acquire fresh strength in my hand.”
The honor in me is always fresh, and the bow of my strength is always new in my hand.'
From the Latin
My glory shall always be renewed, and my bow in my hand shall be repaired.
Simplified
Fresh honors were always being given to me; my strength was renewed like an unfailing bow.
My glory will be ever new, and my bow will be readily bent in my hand.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all six words matched in the translation, confirming the consistency of Job's expression of renewed glory and strength.
כְּ֭בוֹדִי חָדָ֣שׁ עִמָּדִ֑י וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י בְּיָדִ֥י תַחֲלִֽיף׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 29:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כָּבוֹד (kabowd) refers to concepts of abundance, honour, and glory. It encompasses external splendor, dignity of position, and reputation, as well as the inner nobility of a person. The term can denote both the weightiness of glory and the reverence due to someone. The entries consistently emphasize its positive connotations.
כָּבוֹד n.m. and f. abundance, honour, glory
abundance, riches
honour, splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances
honour, dignity of position
honour, reputation, of character
my honour, poet. of the seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man
honour, reverence, glory, as due to one or ascribed to one
glory as the object, of honour, reverence and glorifying
base
H3519 כָּבוֹד abundance, honour, glory . abundance, riches
. honour, splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances
. honour, dignity of position
. honour, reputation, of character
. my honour, poet. of the seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man
. honour, reverence, glory, as due to one or ascribed to one
. glory as the object, of honour, reverence and glorifying
3519 kabowd kaw-bode'
rarely kabod {kaw-bode'}; from 3513; properly, weight, but
only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or
copiousness:--glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able).
see HEBREW for 03513
כָּבוֹד (ka.vod) — glory.
1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance
1a) abundance, riches
1b) honour, splendour, glory
1c) honour, dignity
1d) honour, reputation
1e) honour, reverence, glory
1f) glory
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp1ms
חָדָשׁ (chadash) means 'new' or 'fresh.' It is derived from the root word represented by Strong's H2318. The entries indicate that it covers meanings related to novelty and freshness, with an Aramaic equivalent noted as חֲדַ֑ת (cha.dat).
H2319 חָדָשׁ new
2319 chadash khaw-dawsh'
from 2318; new:--fresh, new thing.
see HEBREW for 02318
חָדָשׁ (cha.dash) — New (Gate).
§ new, new thing, fresh
חָדָשׁ (cha.dash) — new.
new, new thing, fresh
Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)
Adj — AdjHAamsa
The Hebrew word עִם (*im*) means 'with' and is used to indicate companionship, aid, or joint actions. It can also imply opposition in contexts of contest or combat. The entries suggest a range of meanings, including proximity, possession, and metaphorical uses, such as 'in spite of.' There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
עִם prep. with
of fellowship and companionship
of aid
Of actions done jointly with another
If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against
Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another
Of a common lot together with the wicked
Of equality or resemblance generally aid
Of time, as long as
Of a locality, close to, beside
Of persons, עִם is spec.
in the house or family or service of
In possession of
In the custody or care of
Beside = except
With = friendly with
Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
base
H5978 עִם with
5978 `immad im-mawd'
prol. for 5973; along with:--against, by, from, + me, +
mine, of, + that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.)
see HEBREW for 05973
עִמָּדִי (im.mad) — with me.
with
A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A)
§ 1) with
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp1bs
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qesheth) primarily means 'bow,' referring to a weapon for hunting or battle, and can also denote 'rainbow.' It is derived from a root meaning to bend, suggesting strength. The term encompasses both literal and figurative uses, including references to archers and might.
קֶ֫שֶׁת n.f. bow
bow
rainbow
base
H7198 קֶ֫שֶׁת bow . bow
. rainbow
7198 qesheth keh'-sheth
from 7185 in the original sense (of 6983) of bending: a bow,
for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris:--X
arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man, -shot)).
see HEBREW for 07185
see HEBREW for 06983
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet) — bow.
1) bow
1a) bow (for hunting, battle)
1b) bowmen, archers
1c) bow (fig. of might)
1d) rainbow
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp1bs
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
Prep | N-cs | Suff — Preposition · noun common both singular construct · suffixHR/Ncbsc/Sp1bs
חָלַף (chalaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to pass on or away, with various nuances including to hasten, sprout anew, or change. It can refer to physical movement, such as passing through, as well as metaphorical changes like transgression or renewal. The word appears in poetic contexts and has different forms indicating causation or transformation.
חָלַף vb. pass on or away, pass through (mostly poet.)
Qal
pass on quickly
pass away, vanish
of grass, come on anew, i.e. sprout again
trans.
pass through, i.e. pierce
overstep, transgress
Pi. (cause to pass) change
Hiph.
change (trans.)
shew newness
base
H2498 חָלַף pass on or away, pass through (mostly poet.) .. . pass on quickly
. pass away, vanish
. of grass, come on anew, i.e. sprout again
. trans. . pass through, i.e. pierce
. overstep, transgress
. (cause to pass) change
. . change (trans.)
. shew newness
2498 chalaph khaw-laf'
a primitive root; properly, to slide by, i.e. (by
implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or
change:--abolish, alter, change, cut off, go on forward, grow
up, be over, pass (away, on, through), renew, sprout, strike
through.
חָלַף (cha.laph) — to pass.
1) to pass on or away, pass through, pass by, go through, grow up, change, to go on from
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to pass on quickly
1a2) to pass away (vanish)
1a3) to come on anew, sprout again (of grass)
1a4) to pass through
1a5) to overstep, transgress
1b) (Piel) to cause to pass, change
1c) (Hiph)
1c1) to change, substitute, alter, change for better, renew
1c2) to show newness (of tree)
Aramaic equivalent: cha.laph (חֲלַף "to pass" H2499)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person feminine singularHVhi3fs
