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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 29:24 If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/29-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/18_Job_29_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 29:24 - Job's Former Blessings" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/29-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/29-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/29.htm">Chapter 29</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/29-23.htm" title="Job 29:23">◄</a> Job 29:24 <a href="/job/29-25.htm" title="Job 29:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/29.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/29.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>If</i> I laughed on them, they believed <i>it</i> not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>If</i> I mocked at them, they did not believe <i>it,</i> And the light of my countenance they did not cast down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I smiled at them <i>when</i> they did not believe, And they did not look at my kindness ungraciously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I smiled on them when they did not believe, And the light of my face they did not cast down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I smiled on them when they did not believe, And the light of my face they did not cast down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I laughed with them <i>as</i> they could not believe <i>it</i>, And the light of my face they did not cast down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I smiled at them when they did not believe, And they did not diminish the light of my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I smiled at them, they couldn’t believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I smiled at them, they couldn&#8217t believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I smiled on them, when they had no confidence; And the light of my countenance they cast not down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and the smile on my face renewed everyone's hopes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it, but the expression on my face did not change. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I smiled on them when they had lost confidence; my cheerful face encouraged them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I smiled at them when they had no confidence, and no one could discourage me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If I smiled at them, they hardly believed it; and they did not cause the light of my face to darken. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They did not reject the light of my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They didn’t reject the light of my face. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I laugh at them—they give no credence, "" And do not cause the light of my face to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I laugh unto them -- they give no credence, And the light of my face cause not to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I shall laugh at them, they will not believe; and the light of my face they will not cast down.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If at any time I laughed on them, they believed not, and the light of my countenance fell not on earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If I had ever laughed at them, they would not have believed it, and the light of my face was not cast down towards the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When I smiled on them they could not believe it; they would not let the light of my face be dimmed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I smiled on them when they had no confidence; and the light of my countenance they did not extinguish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I ridiculed them, they did not take offense; and they did not turn from the light of my countenance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I shall laugh at them and they will not believe, and in the light of my face they will not walk<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If I laughed on them, they believed it not; And the light of my countenance they cast not down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Were I to laugh on them, they would not believe <i>it</i>; and the light of my face has not failed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/29-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=4376" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/29.htm">Job's Former Blessings</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>They waited for me as for rain and drank in my words like spring showers. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7832.htm" title="7832: ’eś·ḥaq (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To laugh. A primitive root; to laugh; by implication, to play.">If I smiled</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">at them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: ya·’ă·mî·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To confirm, support. ">believe it;</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: wə·’ō·wr (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">the light</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">of my countenance</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: yap·pî·lūn (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">was precious.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>I chose their course and presided as chief. So I dwelt as a king among his troops, as a comforter of the mourners.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Proverbs 16:15</a></span><br />When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Proverbs 15:30</a></span><br />The light of the eyes cheers the heart, and good news nourishes the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Proverbs 12:25</a></span><br />Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a></span><br />A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3-4</a></span><br />Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! / Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1-3</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, / to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Genesis 45:5</a></span><br />And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Genesis 50:21</a></span><br />Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-18.htm">1 Samuel 1:18</a></span><br />“May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began to eat, and her face was no longer downcast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-17.htm">2 Samuel 14:17</a></span><br />And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-13.htm">2 Kings 4:13</a></span><br />and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a></span><br />All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-21.htm">Luke 6:21</a></span><br />Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.</p><p class="hdg">they believed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/45-26.htm">Genesis 45:26</a></b></br> And told him, saying, Joseph <i>is</i> yet alive, and he <i>is</i> governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-41.htm">Luke 24:41</a></b></br> And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?</p><p class="hdg">the light</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/4-6.htm">Psalm 4:6</a></b></br> <i>There be</i> many that say, Who will shew us <i>any</i> good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-15.htm">Psalm 89:15</a></b></br> Blessed <i>is</i> the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/15-22.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-6.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/job/29-17.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/job/29-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-2.htm">Clouded</a> <a href="/job/24-23.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/job/14-20.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/job/15-31.htm">Credence</a> <a href="/job/28-5.htm">Face</a> <a href="/job/21-17.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/job/27-8.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/job/22-19.htm">Laugh</a> <a href="/job/28-11.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/28-16.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/job/10-3.htm">Reject</a> <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Scarcely</a> <a href="/job/24-17.htm">Troubled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/39-12.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/psalms/27-13.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/job/30-5.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/job/30-22.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-22.htm">Clouded</a> <a href="/job/31-24.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/psalms/4-6.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/psalms/106-24.htm">Credence</a> <a href="/job/30-10.htm">Face</a> <a href="/job/30-17.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/job/31-23.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/job/30-3.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/psalms/2-4.htm">Laugh</a> <a href="/job/30-26.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/31-26.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/job/34-33.htm">Reject</a> <a href="/songs/3-4.htm">Scarcely</a> <a href="/job/30-27.htm">Troubled</a><div class="vheading2">Job 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/29-1.htm">Job bemoans his former prosperity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/29.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If I smiled at them</b><br>In the context of Job's discourse, this phrase reflects the respect and admiration Job once commanded. Smiling at someone in ancient Near Eastern culture was a sign of favor and approval. Job's smile would have been seen as a blessing or endorsement, indicating his high status and the esteem in which he was held by his community. This respect is reminiscent of the honor given to patriarchs like Abraham and leaders like Moses, who were seen as intermediaries of God's favor.<p><b>they did not believe it</b><br>This suggests that Job's favor was so significant that it was almost unbelievable to those who received it. It highlights the profound impact of his presence and approval. In a broader biblical context, this disbelief can be compared to the reaction of people to divine favor or miracles, such as when the Israelites doubted God's provision in the wilderness (<a href="/exodus/16-2.htm">Exodus 16:2-3</a>). It underscores the human tendency to doubt even when faced with clear signs of blessing.<p><b>the light of my countenance</b><br>The "light of my countenance" is a metaphor for the joy, approval, and favor that Job's presence brought to others. Biblically, light is often associated with God's presence and blessing, as seen in the Aaronic blessing: "The LORD make His face shine upon you" (<a href="/numbers/6-25.htm">Numbers 6:25</a>). This phrase indicates that Job's presence was a source of encouragement and hope, much like the presence of God is to His people.<p><b>was precious</b><br>The term "precious" denotes something of great value and rarity. Job's favor and presence were highly esteemed, much like wisdom is described in Proverbs as more precious than rubies (<a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15</a>). This reflects the cultural and historical context where leaders and elders were revered, and their approval was sought after. It also points to the idea of Christ, whose presence and favor are of ultimate value to believers, as He is the light of the world (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Job's friends play a significant role in the account, often misunderstanding Job's situation and offering misguided counsel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and sovereign being in the Book of Job, who allows Job's trials and later restores him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_community.htm">Job's Community</a></b><br>The people who respected and revered Job, as indicated by their reaction to his smile and presence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_presence.htm">The Power of Presence</a></b><br>Job's presence and smile had a profound impact on those around him, highlighting the importance of our demeanor and how we interact with others. Our presence can be a source of encouragement and strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_genuine_relationships.htm">Value of Genuine Relationships</a></b><br>The disbelief at Job's smile suggests a deep respect and value for his genuine interactions. In our lives, building authentic relationships can lead to mutual respect and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_light.htm">Reflecting God's Light</a></b><br>Just as Job's countenance was precious, we are called to reflect God's light in our lives, bringing hope and encouragement to those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_character.htm">The Influence of Character</a></b><br>Job's character was such that his very smile was significant to others. This challenges us to cultivate a character that positively influences and uplifts those we encounter.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_moon_produce_its_own_light.htm">Does the moon produce its own light?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_matt_24_29's_imagery_defy_science.htm">Does the cosmic imagery in Matthew 24:29 contradict modern science, given that stars cannot literally 'fall' to earth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_'nameless_outcasts'_in_job's_era.htm">Job 30:8 - Do we have evidence of entire groups of 'nameless outcasts' in the Near East during Job's era, or is this an exaggerated literary trope?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_god's_'lamp'_tangibly_guide_job.htm">Is there any evidence that God's 'lamp' or presence (Job 29:2-3) tangibly guided him, considering modern scientific understanding?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">If I laughed on them.</span>--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."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I laughed on them, they believed it not</span>; rather, <span class="accented">if I smiled on them.</span> If, as a mark of favour, I smiled on any, they thought it such graciousness and condescension that they could scarcely believe it possible. <span class="cmt_word">And the light of my countenance they cast not down</span>. They never put me out of countenance, or made me sad and gloomy, by opposing my views and ranging themselves against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/29-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If I smiled</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׂחַ֣ק</span> <span class="translit">(’eś·ḥaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7832.htm">Strong's 7832: </a> </span><span class="str2">To laugh, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ֭לֵהֶם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">believe it;</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’ă·mî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the light</span><br /><span class="heb">וְא֥וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> </span><span class="str2">Illumination, luminary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my countenance</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּ֝נַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(pā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was precious.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַפִּילֽוּן׃</span> <span class="translit">(yap·pî·lūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/29-24.htm">Job 29:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/29-24.htm">OT Poetry: Job 29:24 I smiled on them when they had (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/29-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 29:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 29:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/29-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 29:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 29:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>