Job 29:10

KJV

The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The nobles {H5057} held {H2244} their peace {H6963}, and their tongue {H3956} cleaved {H1692} to the roof of their mouth {H2441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the voices of nobles were silenced; their tongues stuck to their palates.

Berean Standard Bible

The voices of the nobles were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths.

American Standard Version

The voice of the nobles was hushed, And their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:10 powerfully depicts the unparalleled respect and moral authority Job commanded in his community before his profound trials. It vividly portrays how even the most influential members of society, the "nobles," were rendered utterly silent in his presence, their tongues seemingly stuck to the roofs of their mouths. This striking imagery underscores the immense weight of Job's words and the deep reverence his wisdom and integrity inspired, establishing a stark contrast with his subsequent humiliation and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29:10 is situated within Job's final, poignant monologue (chapters 29-31), which serves as his last defense and lament before God speaks from the whirlwind. Specifically, chapter 29 is a nostalgic recollection of Job's former glory and esteemed position in society. He paints a detailed picture of the honor, respect, and influence he once enjoyed, contrasting it sharply with his present state of abject suffering and scorn. This verse, following descriptions of how the young and old alike rose and listened to him ([Job 29:8](/job/29-8 "Job 29:8 - Respect for Job")), emphasizes the pinnacle of his societal standing: even the most powerful and outspoken individuals were silenced by his presence and wisdom. This sets the stage for the deep pathos of chapter 30, where Job laments his current humiliation, making his past eminence all the more tragic and perplexing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Job is likely a patriarchal, tribal society in the ancient Near East, possibly Edom or a region nearby, characterized by a strong emphasis on community, honor, and wisdom. Public life often revolved around the city gate, where elders, judges, and prominent figures would gather to discuss affairs, settle disputes, and offer counsel. "Nobles" (Hebrew: _nâgîyd_) were typically influential leaders, often accustomed to speaking and holding sway in public forums. For such individuals to "hold their peace" and for their "tongue" to be "cleaved to the roof of their mouth" was an extraordinary display of deference. It signifies not merely polite silence but an almost involuntary, profound stillness, indicative of overwhelming respect for Job's wisdom, moral authority, and perhaps the gravity of the matters he addressed. This level of respect was not easily given, especially by those accustomed to exercising their own authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Job's Righteousness and Esteem**, showcasing how his integrity and wisdom were publicly recognized and revered, challenging the later accusations of his friends. Secondly, it underscores the **Power of Wisdom and Righteous Counsel**, demonstrating how genuine insight and upright living can command profound attention and silence from even the most influential. This aligns with broader biblical wisdom literature that extols the value of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is Supreme"). Thirdly, it serves as a crucial element in the theme of **The Contrast Between Past Glory and Present Suffering**, intensifying the pathos of Job's lament in [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Lament of His Present Suffering"). The profound respect he once commanded makes his current humiliation all the more agonizing and perplexing, driving the central theological dilemma of the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nobles (Hebrew, _nâgîyd'_):** From H5057, this term refers to a commander, chief, governor, leader, prince, or ruler. In the context of Job, these were individuals of high social standing, often powerful, articulate, and accustomed to asserting their opinions and authority in public assemblies. Their silence in Job's presence is therefore profoundly significant, indicating a level of respect and awe that transcended typical social dynamics and challenged their own customary assertiveness.
* **Held their peace (Hebrew, _châbâʼ'_ and _qôwl'_):** This idiomatic phrase, drawing from H2244 (_châbâʼ_, "to secrete" or "hide") and H6963 (_qôwl_, "voice" or "sound," specifically noting the phrase "hold peace"), means to become silent or to cease speaking. It implies a deliberate or compelled suppression of voice, suggesting profound respect, awe, or conviction that causes one to "hide" or "secrete" their usual sound. It's more than mere politeness; it's an active, profound stillness in the face of overwhelming wisdom or authority.
* **Cleaved (Hebrew, _dâbaq'_):** From H1692, this word literally means "to impinge, cling, or adhere." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of sticking fast or being joined. The imagery of the tongue cleaving to the roof of the mouth is a powerful **hyperbole** that vividly conveys an extreme, almost physical, inability to speak. It goes beyond mere silence to suggest an involuntary, absolute cessation of speech, born of profound conviction, reverence, or astonishment at Job's words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The nobles held their peace":** This clause establishes the extraordinary nature of Job's influence. It specifies the highest echelon of society—those accustomed to leading discussions and holding forth—as the ones who became silent. This highlights that Job's authority was not merely over the common people, but extended to those who themselves possessed significant power and voice. Their silence was a conscious act of deference, a recognition of Job's superior wisdom and moral standing.
* **"and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth":** This vivid, almost visceral imagery intensifies the description of their silence. It suggests that their inability to speak was not just a choice but an overwhelming, almost physical compulsion. This phrase communicates the profound impact of Job's presence and words, rendering even the most eloquent utterly speechless, perhaps in awe of his wisdom, conviction by his arguments, or the sheer gravity of the moment. It paints a picture of complete and utter submission to the weight of his words.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Job's former authority and the profound impact of his presence. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrase "their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth." This is an exaggeration used for dramatic emphasis, vividly portraying an extreme, almost physical, inability to speak, rather than a literal physiological condition. This hyperbole functions as a **Metaphor**, where the profound silence and inability to speak are compared to a tongue literally stuck, to convey the depth of their awe, conviction, or respectful submission. The verse also utilizes rich **Imagery**, painting a clear mental picture of the scene: the powerful nobles, usually vocal and assertive, now utterly still and silent, their tongues seemingly paralyzed by Job's commanding presence. This combination of devices powerfully underscores the extraordinary respect and commanding presence Job once held in his community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:10 offers profound insights into the nature of true authority and the impact of righteous living. It suggests that genuine respect is not merely a product of social status or coercive power, but is earned through integrity, wisdom, and a life lived in accordance with divine principles. Job's ability to command such profound silence from the "nobles" speaks to the inherent power of truth and the compelling nature of a blameless character. This verse implicitly teaches that when wisdom is spoken and lived out, it possesses an intrinsic weight that can quiet even the most boisterous voices, compelling attention and reflection. This kind of authority, rooted in character rather than coercion, resonates deeply with biblical ideals of leadership and influence, where wisdom and righteousness are paramount.

* [Proverbs 25:11-12](/proverbs/25-11-12 "Proverbs 25:11-12 - A Word Fitly Spoken and Its Value")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time for Silence and a Time for Speech")
* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:10 invites us to consider the nature of true influence and the impact of our own lives and words. In a world often characterized by noise and the clamor for attention, Job's example reminds us that genuine authority is often quiet, earned through consistent integrity, wisdom, and compassionate action. It challenges us to cultivate a character that speaks louder than words, a life lived with such conviction and righteousness that it commands respect not through force, but through its inherent goodness. This verse also highlights the virtue of listening, especially to wisdom. The nobles' silence serves as a powerful reminder that true humility often manifests in the ability to quiet our own voices and truly hear, absorb, and reflect upon the insights of others, particularly those who embody wisdom and integrity. It prompts us to consider what kind of presence we cultivate and whether our lives inspire genuine reverence or merely polite acknowledgement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What qualities do I possess or need to cultivate that would command genuine, respectful attention from others?**
* **How often do I truly listen, with my "tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth," when wisdom or important counsel is being shared?**
* **In what ways can my life, rather than just my words, speak volumes about my character and convictions?**
* **How does the pursuit of wisdom and integrity impact my ability to influence others positively and righteously?**

### FAQ
**Why is the silence of the nobles so significant in Job 29:10?**

Answer: The silence of the nobles is profoundly significant because these were individuals of high social standing and often outspoken influence in ancient Near Eastern societies. Public discourse and the assertion of one's opinion were common among leaders at city gates and public assemblies. For them to "hold their peace" and for their "tongue" to be "cleaved to the roof of their mouth" indicates an extraordinary level of respect, awe, and deference towards Job. It suggests that Job's wisdom, integrity, and the gravity of his words were so compelling that they rendered even the most eloquent and powerful individuals utterly speechless. This highlights Job's unparalleled moral and intellectual authority in his community, contrasting sharply with the later disdain and mockery he experienced (see [Job 30:1-8](/job/30-1-8 "Job 30:1-8 - Job's Humiliation and Scorn")).

**Does this verse suggest Job was arrogant or boasting about his past status?**

Answer: While Job is indeed recounting his past glory, the context of chapters 29-31 is a defense and lament, not an act of arrogance or self-aggrandizement. Job is not boasting in a prideful way, but rather presenting a factual and poignant account of his former esteemed position to underscore the profound injustice and inexplicable nature of his current suffering. He is demonstrating to his friends and to God that his life was one of integrity, compassion, and public service (as detailed in [Job 29:12-17](/job/29-12-17 "Job 29:12-17 - Job's Righteous Deeds and Care for the Needy")), thus making his present humiliation all the more perplexing and seemingly undeserved. His recollection serves to highlight the stark contrast between how he was honored and how he is now scorned, which is central to his argument against his friends' accusations and his plea for divine understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's earthly wisdom and integrity commanded a profound, almost involuntary silence from human nobles, this foreshadows the infinitely greater and divine authority of Jesus Christ. Job's influence was a reflection of his righteous character, but Christ's authority stems from His very nature as the eternal Word of God, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator"); [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")). Where Job's words silenced men, Jesus' words silenced the very forces of nature, commanding the wind and waves to be still with a mere word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). He silenced demons who recognized His divine identity and authority ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), and His profound teaching left even His adversaries speechless, unable to answer His questions or find fault in His wisdom ([Matthew 22:46](/matthew/22-46 "Matthew 22:46 - No One Could Answer Jesus"); [Luke 20:26](/lukes/20-26 "Luke 20:26 - They Could Not Trap Him")). Ultimately, the ultimate silence commanded by Christ was over sin and death itself, as He, the Lamb of God, took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and conquered the grave, ensuring that every tongue will one day confess His Lordship, whether in willing worship or compelled submission, and every knee will bow before Him ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow and Every Tongue Confess")). Job's temporary, human authority, though remarkable, pales in comparison to the eternal, cosmic authority of Christ, who truly embodies all wisdom, righteousness, and divine power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 137:6

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Ezekiel 3:26

And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they [are] a rebellious house.