Job’s reflection shows how he once experienced God’s continually renewed favor and robust energy, symbolized by a constantly replenished sense of glory and strength.
In the midst of Job reminiscing about his former blessings, he proclaims, “My glory is ever new with me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.” (v.20) Describing a time when his reputation, influence, and vitality seemed inexhaustibly fresh, Job likens his strength to a “bow” in constant renewal. This imagery suggests that in his prime, he retained a perpetual sense of vigor and an honored status before his peers, a status rooted in God’s favor. Earlier, the text describes Job as “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3), reflecting his wealth and social standing, and chapter 29 expands on how he commanded respect in the city gates, cared for the needy, and enjoyed respect from both young and old.
When Job declares that his “glory is ever new,” he testifies to the ongoing, replenishing presence of God’s blessing in his life. Instead of a one-time gift, he experienced God’s favor continuously. Coupled with the phrase “my bow is renewed,” the verse paints a picture of spiritual and personal fortitude daily strengthened and refreshed. Like a warrior’s bow readied again for battle, Job’s capacity to lead, provide counsel, and protect was recharged by the Lord, allowing him to serve his community with justice and confidence (Job 29:7-10). Although disaster would later strip him of these outward signs of prosperity, this reflection reveals how firmly Job believed his blessings—and the strength to sustain them—originated from the hand of God.
Because of this firm trust in the Lord’s continuous provision, Job maintained hope that his dignity was secure beyond mere earthly success. Even after losing his possessions and bearing severe afflictions, his longing for prior days shows that he understood his influence and honor as blessings that once flourished, and he lamented that they seemed lost. Nonetheless, this verse highlights how, in Job’s eyes, true glory came only from the Almighty, instilling lasting validation that would one day be restored.
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Job 29:20 meaning
In the midst of Job reminiscing about his former blessings, he proclaims, “My glory is ever new with me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.” (v.20) Describing a time when his reputation, influence, and vitality seemed inexhaustibly fresh, Job likens his strength to a “bow” in constant renewal. This imagery suggests that in his prime, he retained a perpetual sense of vigor and an honored status before his peers, a status rooted in God’s favor. Earlier, the text describes Job as “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3), reflecting his wealth and social standing, and chapter 29 expands on how he commanded respect in the city gates, cared for the needy, and enjoyed respect from both young and old.
When Job declares that his “glory is ever new,” he testifies to the ongoing, replenishing presence of God’s blessing in his life. Instead of a one-time gift, he experienced God’s favor continuously. Coupled with the phrase “my bow is renewed,” the verse paints a picture of spiritual and personal fortitude daily strengthened and refreshed. Like a warrior’s bow readied again for battle, Job’s capacity to lead, provide counsel, and protect was recharged by the Lord, allowing him to serve his community with justice and confidence (Job 29:7-10). Although disaster would later strip him of these outward signs of prosperity, this reflection reveals how firmly Job believed his blessings—and the strength to sustain them—originated from the hand of God.
Because of this firm trust in the Lord’s continuous provision, Job maintained hope that his dignity was secure beyond mere earthly success. Even after losing his possessions and bearing severe afflictions, his longing for prior days shows that he understood his influence and honor as blessings that once flourished, and he lamented that they seemed lost. Nonetheless, this verse highlights how, in Job’s eyes, true glory came only from the Almighty, instilling lasting validation that would one day be restored.