Job 29:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The princes {H8269} refrained {H6113} talking {H4405}, and laid {H7760} their hand {H3709} on their mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

leaders refrained from speaking -they would lay their hands on their mouths;

Berean Standard Bible

The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:9 powerfully illustrates the profound respect and commanding authority Job once wielded in his community, stating that "The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth." This verse captures a moment of deep reverence, portraying how even individuals of the highest social and political standing would fall silent in Job's presence, acknowledging his superior wisdom, integrity, and judicial counsel before the devastating trials that stripped him of his honor. It highlights the immense moral influence he possessed, a stark contrast to his later humiliation and public scorn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29:9 is situated within Job's eloquent and poignant monologue (chapters 29-31), a lament where he starkly contrasts his past glory and esteemed social standing with his present suffering and humiliation. Chapter 29 specifically serves as a nostalgic recollection of Job's former life, meticulously detailing the honor, respect, and pervasive influence he enjoyed. This verse, following descriptions of young men hiding and elders rising in his presence ([Job 29:8](/job/29-8 "Job 29:8 - Elders Rise for Job")), culminates in a powerful image of Job as a revered figure whose wisdom commanded universal deference. This detailed portrayal of his past eminence sets the dramatic stage for the profound shift in his fortunes described in [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Humiliation and Suffering"), where he recounts his current abject state. The entire monologue functions as Job's impassioned defense of his righteousness and a desperate plea for understanding from God and his friends, emphasizing the inexplicable nature of his current distress given his impeccable past.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, respect for elders, wise men, and those in positions of authority was a cornerstone of social order. Public assemblies, often convened at the city gate, served as crucial venues for judicial proceedings, the dispensing of counsel, and public discourse. Individuals like Job, renowned for their wisdom, justice, and piety, naturally commanded immense respect and moral authority. The gesture of "laying the hand on their mouth" was a widely recognized non-verbal cue in this cultural milieu, signifying deep reverence, solemn attention, silence, or even submission in the presence of superior authority or profound truth. It could also denote a sense of awe, humility, or the recognition that one's own words were inadequate or unnecessary in comparison to the speaker's wisdom. This custom, attested in various ancient texts, underscores the extraordinary deference shown to Job, indicating that his influence transcended mere social status or wealth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **lost honor and prosperity**, creating a stark contrast between Job's past eminence and his current state of abject suffering and public scorn. The dramatic reversal of his social standing is central to his lament. Secondly, it highlights the **value and impact of true wisdom and righteousness**, demonstrating how Job's integrity, just actions, and discerning counsel earned him unparalleled respect, even from the most powerful members of society. His influence was not merely due to his material wealth but fundamentally to his character, as further elaborated in his commitment to justice for the poor and needy ([Job 29:12-17](/job/29-12-17 "Job 29:12-17 - Job's Righteousness and Justice for the Needy")). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **attentive listening and humility before truth**, as even "princes" were compelled to silence themselves, indicating a posture of teachability and recognition of superior insight—a quality often praised in wisdom literature, emphasizing the importance of heeding wise counsel (e.g., [Proverbs 1:5](/proverbs/1-5 "Proverbs 1:5 - The Wise Listen and Learn")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, שָׂרִים, _sarim_):** From H8269 (sar), meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward." This term refers to high-ranking officials, nobles, or leaders within the community. Their inclusion here emphasizes the breadth and depth of Job's influence, extending even to those who themselves held significant power and authority. That "princes" would refrain from speaking indicates that Job's wisdom transcended mere social standing, compelling respect from those who were accustomed to being heard.
* **Refrained (Hebrew, עָצְרוּ, _ʻatsru_):** From H6113 (ʻâtsâr), meaning "to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble; [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self)." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, voluntary cessation of speech. It's not merely a lack of conversation, but an active choice to be silent out of respect, awe, or a recognition that Job's words were so weighty that no interruption or counter-argument was appropriate. This highlights the compelling nature of Job's discourse.
* **Mouth (Hebrew, פִּיהֶם, _pihem_):** From H6310 (peh), meaning "the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word." This word, combined with "hand," forms a powerful idiom signifying silence and reverence. The act of covering the mouth indicates a suppression of one's own speech, a physical manifestation of deference to a superior voice or truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The princes refrained talking":** This clause establishes the extraordinary impact of Job's presence and speech. It is not merely the common people, but the elite, the powerful, and the influential, who consciously chose to cease their conversation. This speaks volumes about the weight of Job's words and the profound respect he commanded. Their silence was a testament to his moral authority and the compelling nature of his wisdom, implying that anything they might have said would have been superfluous or inferior in comparison to his counsel.
* **"and laid [their] hand on their mouth":** This second clause describes the physical manifestation of their internal reverence and awe. The gesture of placing a hand over the mouth is a non-verbal affirmation of solemn silence, deep respect, and even submission. It indicates that Job's words were so profound, his counsel so wise, or his presence so commanding, that even the most authoritative individuals felt compelled to humble themselves and listen without interruption, recognizing a superior voice and profound insight. This gesture underscores the solemnity and deference with which Job was regarded by all segments of society.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:9 employs several literary devices to convey the depth of Job's former esteem and the profound respect he commanded. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of powerful men silenced and humbled before Job, a striking visual that contrasts sharply with his later public scorn. The phrase "laid their hand on their mouth" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing not just physical silence but also profound reverence, awe, humility, and the acknowledgment of superior wisdom or authority. This gesture is a well-understood **Idiom** or **Customary Gesture** in the ancient Near East, relying on the audience's cultural understanding to convey its full weight. Furthermore, the description of "princes" being silenced might contain an element of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary degree of Job's influence by depicting even the most powerful figures as utterly deferential, thereby magnifying his lost glory and the tragedy of his current state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:9 speaks profoundly to the nature of true authority and the transformative power of righteous wisdom. It illustrates that genuine influence, unlike that derived from mere power or wealth, stems from integrity, justice, and discerning counsel. Job's ability to command silence from "princes" underscores the spiritual and moral weight of a life lived in accordance with divine principles. This verse implicitly teaches that humility and attentive listening are prerequisites for receiving wisdom, whether from a human sage or, more importantly, from God. The stark contrast between Job's past honor and present humiliation also highlights the transient nature of human glory and the often-unfathomable ways of divine providence, prompting reflection on where true and lasting honor resides and the ultimate source of all wisdom.

* [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:11](/ecclesiastes/12-11 "Ecclesiastes 12:11 - Words of the Wise")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact a life of integrity, wisdom, and justice can have on others. It challenges us to consider what truly commands respect and attention in our own lives and communities. Is it superficial status, material wealth, or fleeting power, or is it the quiet, compelling authority that emanates from a life dedicated to truth, compassion, and righteous living? The princes' silence before Job invites us to cultivate a spirit of humility and attentive listening, recognizing that true wisdom often speaks softly and requires a receptive heart that is willing to pause and absorb. In a world saturated with noise, constant opinions, and the clamor for attention, the ability to "refrain talking" and truly hear—especially when God's Word is being proclaimed or profound wisdom shared—is a profound act of discernment, reverence, and spiritual maturity. This verse encourages us to seek and embody the kind of wisdom and character that draws others to listen, not through force or coercion, but through the compelling witness of a life lived in alignment with divine principles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What qualities in others truly command your deepest respect and attention, leading you to listen intently and humbly?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to "refrain talking" and cultivate a posture of more attentive listening, particularly to God's voice or wise counsel?**
* **How does your pursuit of wisdom and righteousness, rather than worldly accolades, impact your influence on those around you?**
* **How does the transient nature of Job's earthly honor challenge your own understanding of lasting value, respect, and where true glory is found?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "laying their hand on their mouth" in ancient cultures?**

Answer: The gesture of "laying their hand on their mouth" was a widely recognized and deeply significant non-verbal cue in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including that of the biblical world. It universally symbolized solemn silence, deep reverence, awe, humility, or submission. It indicated that the person making the gesture was choosing not to speak, often out of profound respect for a superior, in the presence of overwhelming wisdom, or when confronted with an undeniable truth or divine authority. It suggested a recognition that one's own words were inadequate, inappropriate, or unnecessary in the face of such a compelling presence or message. For example, in [Proverbs 30:32](/proverbs/30-32 "Proverbs 30:32 - Hand on Mouth for Silence") it is used as a sign of self-restraint and humility for one who has acted foolishly, and in [Micah 7:16](/micah/7-16 "Micah 7:16 - Nations Silenced by God's Power") it depicts powerful nations being silenced and humbled by God's overwhelming power. In Job 29:9, it powerfully conveys the immense respect and deference Job commanded, even from the most powerful and influential individuals in his society, underscoring his unique moral and intellectual authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's authority and wisdom were profound and commanded the silence of earthly princes, they ultimately pointed to a greater, divine authority found perfectly in Jesus Christ. Job's temporary and human wisdom, which earned him such reverence, foreshadows the ultimate and eternal wisdom of the [Son of God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom"). Where Job's mere presence silenced human princes, Jesus's very word silenced raging storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), cast out legions of demons with a command ([Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus Casts Out Demons with Authority")), and ultimately silenced the accusations of His enemies on the cross and the power of death itself through His resurrection. The reverence shown to Job, with hands laid over mouths in awe, finds its perfect and ultimate fulfillment in the worship and adoration due to Christ, before whom [every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"). He is the true King and ultimate Judge, whose words are not merely wise counsel but life-giving truth, compelling not just silence, but repentance, faith, and eternal life for all who hear and obey Him.

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

Job 21:5

Mark me, and be astonished, and lay [your] hand upon [your] mouth.

Job 40:4

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Proverbs 30:32

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.

Proverbs 10:19

¶ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Job 7:11

Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Judges 18:19

And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: [is it] better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?