Job 29:24

Authorized King James Version

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If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.

Original Language Analysis

אֶשְׂחַ֣ק If I laughed H7832
אֶשְׂחַ֣ק If I laughed
Strong's: H7832
Word #: 1 of 8
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
אֲ֭לֵהֶם H413
אֲ֭לֵהֶם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 2 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ on them they believed H539
יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ on them they believed
Strong's: H539
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וְא֥וֹר it not and the light H216
וְא֥וֹר it not and the light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 5 of 8
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
פָּ֝נַ֗י of my countenance H6440
פָּ֝נַ֗י of my countenance
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 6 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַפִּילֽוּן׃ they cast not down H5307
יַפִּילֽוּן׃ they cast not down
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 8 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

Analysis & Commentary

If I laughed on them, they believed it not (אֶשְׂחַק אֲלֵהֶם לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ, eschak alehem lo ya'aminu)—When Job smiled (sachak, laughed, smiled) on those in distress, they could scarcely trust (aman, believe, have confidence in) such grace. His favor seemed too good to be true for the downcast.

The light of my countenance they cast not down (וְאוֹר פָּנַי לֹא יַפִּילוּן, ve'or panai lo yappilun)—Or panim (light of face) is the biblical idiom for favor and blessing, used of God's face shining upon His people (Numbers 6:25, Psalm 4:6). The verb naphal (cast down, cause to fall) appears in the causative: they did not cause Job's bright countenance to fall. Even in their misery, people couldn't diminish Job's cheerfulness—a striking contrast to Job's current state where his face is darkened (16:16, 30:30).

Historical Context

In honor-shame culture, facial expression communicated status and favor. A superior's smile could elevate the inferior, while a frown could devastate. The 'shining face' motif appears throughout Scripture as a sign of blessing and acceptance. Job's ability to maintain a bright countenance despite others' sorrow demonstrated secure confidence in God's favor—the very confidence now shattered by his inexplicable suffering.

Questions for Reflection