KJV ORIGINAL
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The princes stopped talking and put their hands over their mouths.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse shows how much respect and honor Job once commanded - even the highest-ranking officials would fall silent when he spoke.
📚 Historical Context
Job is reminiscing about his days of prosperity and influence, before his terrible losses. In ancient Near Eastern culture, princes and nobles were typically the most powerful speakers in society, so their voluntary silence showed extraordinary deference. This was part of Job's larger reflection on how respected and influential he once was in his community.
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