Job 29 9

Job 29:9 kjv

The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

Job 29:9 nkjv

The princes refrained from talking, And put their hand on their mouth;

Job 29:9 niv

the chief men refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands;

Job 29:9 esv

the princes refrained from talking and laid their hand on their mouth;

Job 29:9 nlt

The princes stood in silence
and put their hands over their mouths.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 9 Meaning

Job 29:9 describes Job's past status where even high-ranking officials and prominent members of the community showed him utmost deference and silence. When Job spoke, they respectfully ceased their own discussions, signaling deep veneration for his wisdom, counsel, and authority. This was a testament to his significant standing and the profound respect he commanded in society.

Job 29 9 Context

Job 29 begins Job's poignant lament where he reminisces about his former life, status, and honor before his afflictions. He contrasts his once revered position in the community with his present state of suffering and disgrace. Verses 7-10 vividly depict the public honor he received, from the young rising to greet him, to elders standing in respect, and common people reverently awaiting his counsel. Verse 9 specifically highlights the apex of this deference: even the "nobles," individuals of high rank and customary authority, would not interrupt him, but instead signal profound respect and attentiveness. This flashback serves to underscore the dramatic reversal of his fortunes, setting a powerful emotional backdrop for his ongoing struggle with God's perceived injustice. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern societies, wisdom, integrity, and sound judgment, particularly from an elder or a respected leader, were highly esteemed, and public displays of honor and deference were customary signs of acknowledging such virtues.

Job 29 9 Word analysis

• The nobles (נְדִיבִים, nədîbîm):
  • Means "willing, generous," or "noble, princely."
  • Signifies individuals of high birth, moral standing, or influence within society.
  • Their noble status means they are usually the ones accustomed to speaking and commanding attention, making their silence before Job all the more significant.
  • It underlines Job's exceptional social standing and the depth of respect he commanded, as even those of equal or higher general status acknowledged his superiority in wisdom or counsel.
• held their peace (חֲרֶשׁוּ, ḥarešu):
  • Derives from a root meaning "to be silent, dumb, deaf, still."
  • Conveys more than simply not speaking; it implies a deliberate, active silence, a cessation of all conversation.
  • This indicates intense focus and attentiveness to Job's words, or profound reverence for him, suggesting that his counsel was so esteemed that no one would dare interrupt or speak over him.
• and laid their hand:
  • Describes a common ancient gesture.
  • It's a physical action reinforcing the intentionality of their silence.
• on their mouth (לְפִיהֶם, lǝfihem):
  • A powerful visual and physical symbol.
  • In this context, it primarily signifies self-restraint, respect, and attentive listening. It suggests a non-verbal agreement to suppress their own thoughts or words in the presence of greater wisdom.
  • It is a mark of profound reverence, acknowledgment of superior insight, or a silent pledge to heed what is being said.

Words-group analysis

• "The nobles held their peace": This phrase highlights the profound respect accorded to Job. The word "nobles" underscores the significance of this silence, as it was not common folk but powerful, influential individuals who refrained from speaking. Their quietness points to Job's immense authority and wisdom, which was perceived as superior even by those in positions of command.
• "and laid their hand on their mouth": This adds a powerful visual and physical dimension to the act of silence. It reinforces the idea of deep, conscious deference and reverence. It's a non-verbal affirmation of Job's status, signaling that they not only refrained from speaking but actively compelled their mouths to be shut, either out of awe, complete absorption in his words, or a commitment to not utter anything contrary or interruptive. It reflects a complete subjugation of their own speech in deference to Job's.

Job 29 9 Bonus section

The depiction of Job's command over such high-ranking individuals serves to establish him as a truly exceptional leader, not just by virtue of wealth but through wisdom and character, which was highly prized in ancient cultures. The specific gesture of "laying the hand on the mouth" appears in various biblical contexts, notably in Job 40:4 where Job uses the same action before the majesty of God, signifying humility and recognition of divine sovereignty and overwhelming power. Its use here in Job 29:9, therefore, equates the human reverence shown to Job with the type of profound respect reserved for great power or authority. This further underscores the dramatic irony of Job's later destitution, from a position of near-reverence by society to one of utter contempt and isolation.

Job 29 9 Commentary

Job 29:9 stands as a potent testimony to Job's former societal eminence and moral authority. The deferential silence of "the nobles," individuals accustomed to exercising power and influence, speaks volumes about the wisdom and integrity Job commanded. Their act of "laying their hand on their mouth" signifies a complete cessation of their own discourse, a gesture of profound respect, awe, and submission to his words. This verse illuminates Job's past status as a trusted, wise, and highly respected counselor, sharply contrasting with his present state of suffering, isolation, and scorn. It emphasizes how great his fall from grace felt, both socially and personally, highlighting the thematic focus on the loss of earthly honor and its spiritual implications within the book of Job. This serves to amplify Job's lament over his shattered reputation, which was once based on his perceived righteousness and divine favor.