Job 29:20
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
Original Language Analysis
כְּ֭בוֹדִי
My glory
H3519
כְּ֭בוֹדִי
My glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י
and my bow
H7198
וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י
and my bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
4 of 6
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
Cross References
Genesis 49:24But 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 40:31But 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 18:34He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.Psalms 103:5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.Psalms 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.Genesis 45:13And 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.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the bow represented both military prowess and judicial authority. A warrior's bow losing its elasticity was a metaphor for declining power. Job served as both judge and defender of his city (Job 29:7-17), so the bow symbolized his dual role. His 'glory' (kavod) reflected the honor-shame culture where public reputation determined social standing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's past experience of continual renewal challenge the assumption that decline is inevitable with age?
- What 'bow' (area of strength) in your life needs God's renewing power rather than human effort?
- How does Job's loss of both glory and strength prepare him to meet God without relying on his own righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
My glory was fresh in me (כְּבוֹדִי חָדָשׁ עִמָּדִי, kevodi chadash immadi)—Job recalls when his kavod (honor, weightiness, glory) remained perpetually chadash (new, fresh, unwithered). Unlike fading human reputation, Job's dignity was constantly renewed like the morning dew.
My bow was renewed in my hand (וְקַשְׁתִּי בְּיָדִי תַחֲלִיף, vekashti beyadi tachalif)—The qeshet (bow) symbolizes strength and capability in battle (Genesis 49:24, Psalm 18:34). The verb chalaph means to pass on, renew, or grow fresh again. Job's strength didn't diminish but was continually restored, anticipating Isaiah's promise that those who wait on the Lord shall 'renew their strength' (Isaiah 40:31, same Hebrew root). This sustained vigor contrasts sharply with Job's current weakness, intensifying his lament.