Job 29:10 Meaning and Explanation
“The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The most distinguished men grew so silent in Job's presence that their tongues seemed to stick to their palates.
What Does Job 29:10 Mean?
Job presses the picture further. The nobles, the voice of the people, held their peace; their tongues clung to the roofs of their mouths as if speech itself were stilled. It is a vivid image of complete, attentive silence.
Such quiet was a tribute to Job's discernment. When he spoke, others knew their words could add nothing. The verse closes a small portrait of a community ordered by respect for wisdom. It reminds us that listening is its own form of honor, and that the wise are known as much by the silence they inspire as by the words they offer.
Job 29:10 in the Original Language
lashon (לָשׁוֹן), 'tongue' -- the tongue, here standing for the power of speech itself fallen silent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job 29:10
What does Job 29:10 mean?
The most distinguished men grew so silent in Job's presence that their tongues seemed to stick to their palates.