Job 29:3
Job 29:3 in Multiple Translations
when His lamp shone above my head, and by His light I walked through the darkness,
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
When his lamp shined upon my head, And by his light I walked through darkness;
When his light was shining over my head, and when I went through the dark by his light.
His light shone above me and lit my way through the darkness.
When his light shined vpon mine head: and when by his light I walked thorowe the darkenesse,
In His causing His lamp to shine on my head, By His light I walk [through] darkness.
when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
When his lamp shined over my head, and I walked by his light in darkness?
During those years, it was as though God’s lamp [MET] shone on me and gave me light while I walked in the darkness.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 29:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 29:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/הִלּ֣/וֹ
נֵ֭ר/וֹ
עֲלֵ֣י
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
לְ֝/אוֹר/וֹ
אֵ֣לֶךְ
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
בְּ/הִלּ֣/וֹ
hâlal
H1984
to shine
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
נֵ֭ר/וֹ
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms | Suff
עֲלֵ֣י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
לְ֝/אוֹר/וֹ
ʼôwr
H216
light
Prep | N-cs | Suff
אֵ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 29:3
בְּ/הִלּ֣/וֹ
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
נֵ֭ר/וֹ
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms | Suff
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
עֲלֵ֣י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
לְ֝/אוֹר/וֹ
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
אֵ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Job 29:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 29:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 29:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 29:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 29:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 29:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 29:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 29:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 29:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 29:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 29:3
- Sermons on Job 29:3
Context — Job’s Former Blessings
1And Job continued his discourse:
2“How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me,
3when His lamp shone above my head, and by His light I walked through the darkness,
4when I was in my prime, when the friendship of God rested on my tent, 5when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:28 | For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness. |
| 2 | John 8:12 | Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” |
| 3 | Job 18:6 | The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. |
| 4 | John 12:46 | I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. |
| 5 | Ephesians 5:8 | For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, |
| 6 | Job 22:28 | Your decisions will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. |
| 7 | Job 11:17 | Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. |
| 8 | Psalms 84:11 | For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. |
| 9 | Proverbs 24:20 | For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. |
| 10 | Proverbs 13:9 | The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. |
Job 29:3 Summary
This verse means that God was guiding and watching over Job, giving him light in the darkest times. Just like a lamp helps us see in the dark, God's presence helps us navigate life's challenges. As it says in Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet, and in John 8:12, Jesus is the light of the world, guiding us through the darkness of sin and uncertainty. By trusting in God's love and sovereignty, we can experience His light shining in our lives, even in the toughest times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's lamp to shine above Job's head?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's guidance and presence in Job's life, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is a lamp to our feet, lighting our path.
How did Job walk through darkness by God's light?
Job trusted in God's sovereignty and provision, just as it is written in Isaiah 40:31, that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and walk in the light of His presence.
Is this verse talking about a physical light or a spiritual one?
This verse is referring to a spiritual light, as seen in John 8:12, where Jesus says He is the light of the world, guiding us through the darkness of sin and uncertainty.
Can I experience God's lamp shining above my head like Job did?
Yes, as a child of God, you can experience His guidance and presence in your life, as promised in Psalm 23:4, where God is with us, even in the darkest valleys.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm walking through darkness, and how can I trust in God's light to guide me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in my life, like Job experienced when God's lamp shone above his head?
- In what ways can I be a light to others, reflecting God's love and guidance in my own life, as seen in Matthew 5:16?
- What are some spiritual practices that can help me stay connected to God's light, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- How can I balance the desire for God's guidance with the need to trust in His sovereignty, even when His ways are not clear to me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 29:3
When his candle shined upon my head,.... Which may be understood either of outward prosperity, sometimes signified by a candle, Job 18:5; and may be called the candle of the Lord, because it is from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 29:3
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; Candle - when His favour shone on me (note, 18:6; Psalms 18:28). Darkness - by His safeguard I passed secure through dangers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 29:3
His candle, i.e. his favour and blessing, oft signified by the name light; as his displeasure and a state of affliction is frequently called darkness. Upon my head, or, over my head, to comfort and direct me. The ground of the expression is this, that lights used to be carried and set on high, that men may make the better use of them, as the sun for that end was placed above us. I walked through darkness; I passed safely through many difficulties, and dangers, and common calamities, which befell others who lived round about me, and overcame those troubles which fell upon myself.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 29:3
Job 29:3 When his candle shined upon my head, [and when] by his light I walked [through] darkness;Ver. 3. When his candle shined upon my head] When I was apparently blessed by him, and all went hail well with me. The sun smote me not by day nor the moon by night, Psalms 121:6, but both seemed to be made and to make for me. Nay, more; the sweet sunshine of God’ s loving countenance was displayed upon me, which is not like the winter sun, that casts a goodly countenance when it shines, but gives little comfort and heat. Job had both counsel and comfort from God; and that when other men were to seek of both: for, By his light I walked through darkness] Without the least fear of those evils and miseries that put others into very great distemper. So Noah was - Mediis tranquillus in undis. Abraham stands upon the hill, and seeth the cities of the plain burning. David can walk (not step) through (not cross) the valley (not a dark entry) of the shadow of death (the darkest side of death), and not fear (though he should go back again in the same way). And why? "for thou art with me," saith he, "thy rod and thy staff they comfort me," Psalms 23:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 29:3
(3) When his candle shined.—See Isaiah 1:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 29:3
Verse 3. When his candle shined upon my head] Alluding most probably to the custom of illuminating festival or assembly rooms by lamps pendant from the ceiling. These shone literally on the heads of the guests. By his light I walked through darkness] His light - prosperity and peace - continued to illuminate my way. If adversity came, I had always the light of God to direct me. Almost all the nations of the world have represented their great men as having a nimbus or Divine glory about their heads, which not only signified the honour they had, but was also an emblem of the inspiration of the Almighty.
Cambridge Bible on Job 29:3
3. This verse expands “preserved” or “watched over” in Job 29:2. his candle shined upon] Or, his lamp shined over. God’s lamp shone above him, and lighted his path, so that the darkness before him was made to be light, Isaiah 42:16. God’s “lamp” is a figure for His favour and enlightenment and prospering of him.
Barnes' Notes on Job 29:3
When his candle shined upon my head - Margin, or, “lamp;” compare notes Job 18:6. It was remarked in the note on that place, that it was common to have lamps or lights always burning in a house or tent.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 29:3
3. When his candle shined — Literally, When he, his lamp, shone above my head.
Sermons on Job 29:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Laws by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the importance of stabilizing our faith in God during times of trouble, encouraging us to apply Christian philosophy to our daily lives. He highlights the |
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Countless Treasures! by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the countless treasures found in the Bible, highlighting how the Scriptures are often heard without interest or understanding by many, leading to danger |
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Willed Blindness by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot preaches about the consequences of deliberate deception and the danger of holding onto darkness within ourselves, which can lead others away from the light of Jesu |
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Wait for Light by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on the importance of patience and waiting on the Lord, emphasizes the soul's calm endurance in seeking God's light before taking action. She highlig |
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(John) 01 - the Past by Alan Redpath | The video is a sermon on the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the prologue and the themes presented in the book. The speaker emphasizes that analyzing this gospel is almost |
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Grieving the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worldliness and its impact on society. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a young lady being shocked by a prayer du |
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(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 01 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that the gospel of Christ is primarily addressed to individuals and its ultimate goal is the salvation of mult |