my glory fresh with me, and my bow ever new in my hand.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job’s "glory" wasn't just a fleeting reputation; it was a vital, ever-present freshness, like a tree constantly renewed by water. Similarly, his "bow" symbolized not just power, but an unceasing, revitalizing strength that never failed him in his endeavors.
my glory fresh with me, and my bow ever new in my hand.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is lamenting his former glory and status, contrasting it with his current suffering and humiliation. He's recounting how respected and powerful he was, enjoying unwavering strength and a flourishing reputation in the days before his troubles. He portrays his life as one of continuous renewal and capability, where his honor grew daily and his ability to act and defend remained undiminished.
In his prime, Job experienced a glory that didn't fade with time. What does it mean for honor and reputation to remain 'fresh'?
Job describes his glory as being 'fresh' (or 'new') with him. This speaks to a state of continuous honor, respect, and well-being that didn't diminish.
A Living Reputation
Job's 'bow' was 'renewed in his hand.' What does this powerful image of constant strength and readiness reveal about his life?
The 'bow' in Job's hand is a metaphor for his strength, capability, and power. The idea of it being 'renewed' signifies that his capacity to act, defend, and achieve was consistently refreshed and never depleted.
Strength That Doesn't Wane
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Understand the original words
kabodh · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for vitality, honor, social standing, or the weight/dignity of a person. In Job, it refers to his reputation and the blessing of God upon his life.
qesheth · Hebrew Noun
A weapon representing strength, military capability, or the ability to defend oneself and one’s legacy; staying 'new' implies ongoing strength and effectiveness.
This verse speaks of a royal bride adorned with glory, paralleling Job's description of his own 'glory' being 'fresh' and ever-present, suggesting a similar sense of honor and splendor.
Isaiah 40:31This passage describes those who wait on the Lord renewing their strength, a concept that resonates with Job's 'bow renewed in my hand,' symbolizing enduring strength and vigor.
Genesis 49:24In Jacob's blessing to Joseph, his 'bow remained in strength' is used as a metaphor for enduring power and vitality, directly connecting to Job's imagery of his bow being 'renewed.'
1 Samuel 2:4Hannah's prayer uses the metaphor of bows being broken for the mighty, contrasting with Job's own experience where his 'bow was renewed,' highlighting the sustained power and success he once enjoyed.
clarkeJob 29:20: "My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand."
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.
gillJob 29:20: "My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand."
My 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 civil magistrate, he had the honour given him that was due unto him, and this was continually increasing; and also of his spiritual glory, which lay, as every good man's glory does, in the grace of God wrought in him, and in the ri…
Job’s "glory" wasn't just a fleeting reputation; it was a vital, ever-present freshness, like a tree constantly renewed by water. Similarly, his "bow" symbolized not just power, but an unceasing, revitalizing strength that never failed him in his endeavors.
Job is lamenting his former glory and status, contrasting it with his current suffering and humiliation. He's recounting how respected and powerful he was, enjoying unwavering strength and a flourishing reputation in the days before his troubles. He portrays his life as one of continuous renewal and capability, where his honor grew daily and his ability to act and defend remained undiminished.
Job is lamenting his former glory and status, contrasting it with his current suffering and humiliation. He's recounting how respected and powerful he was, enjoying unwavering strength and a flourishing reputation in the days before his troubles. He portrays his life as one of continuous renewal and capability, where his honor grew daily and his ability to act and defend remained undiminished.
"my glory fresh with me, and my bow ever new in my hand.’" — Job’s "glory" wasn't just a fleeting reputation; it was a vital, ever-present freshness, like a tree constantly renewed by water. Similarly, his "bow" symbolized not just power, but an unceasing, rev…
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Last reviewed October 2026