Job 29:10 - The voice of the nobles was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

Generated Verse: Job 29:10

What does "Job 29:10" mean?


Job 29:10, "The voice of the nobles was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth," is a vivid metaphor describing the respect and awe that Job commanded. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"The voice of the nobles was hushed": Nobles were people of power, influence, and usually loud and confident. Their being silenced suggests that Job's presence and authority were so imposing that even they became quiet. They were either intimidated by Job's wisdom, character, or the respect he held in the community.

"Their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth": This is a figurative expression indicating extreme difficulty speaking. It suggests:

Speechlessness due to respect/awe: They were so impressed by Job that they were rendered speechless, unable to find the right words to speak in his presence.
Fear/Intimidation: They may have been afraid of saying the wrong thing or disagreeing with Job, leading to their silence.
Humility: Job's wisdom and virtue were so apparent that the nobles realized their own limitations and felt humbled in his presence.

In the context of Job 29, Job is reminiscing about his past glory and influence. He's highlighting how respected and admired he used to be. This verse is a key part of illustrating the profound change in his circumstances, making his current suffering even more poignant. The contrast between his past authority and his present state of misery underscores the magnitude of his loss.

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