Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 29:9

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

9, 10. The meaning seems to be that Job’s arrival put a stop to speech and discussion already going on, which was not resumed until he should be heard.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

The princes refrained talking – As a mark of respect, or in awe of his presence.

And laid their hand on their mouth – To lay the finger or the hand on the mouth is every where an action expressive of silence or respect; Notes, Job 21:5. In one of the subterranean vaults of Egypt, where the mummies lie buried, they found in the coffin an embalmed body of a woman, before which was placed a figure of wood, representing a youth on his knees, laying a finger on his mouth, and holding in his other hand a sort of chafing dish, which was placed on his head, and in which, without doubt, had been some perfumes. Maillet.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Verse 9. The princes refrained talking] They never ventured an opinion in opposition to mine; so fully were they persuaded of the justice and integrity of my decision.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

Refrained talking; either fearing that I should discern their weakness by their words; or desiring to hear my words and sentence, which they readily approved of, and fully assented to. Such an opinion had they of my wisdom, and did not think me such a foolish, erroneous, and impertinent person as you fancy or represent me to be.

Laid their hand on their mouth, in token both of their wonder at Jobs wise speeches and sentences, and of their resolution to be silent. See Job 21:5; Pro 30:32.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

9. (Job4:2; see on Job 21:5).

Refrained talkingstoppedin the middle of their speech.

Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

The princes refrained talking,…. Who were in court before Job came in, and were either talking with one another about indifferent matters, or were giving their opinion in a case before them; but no sooner did Job make his appearance, but they left off talking, and would not proceed any further; they laid a restraint upon their words, and curbed themselves from speaking any more till they had heard his opinion:

and laid [their] hand on their mouth; as a token of silence,

Jud 18:19.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

(9) The princes retrained talking.Comp. Isa. 52:15.

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

9. Hand on their mouth Plutarch; speaking of a similar gesture, calls it a symbol of profound silence. See note, Job 21:5.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Job 29:9 The princes refrained talking, and laid [their] hand on their mouth.

Ver. 9. The princes refrained talking ] Not only as acknowledging his authority, but as admiring his great eloquence, and hanging upon his lips, as the babe doth upon the breast, the bee upon the flower, or the little bird upon her dam’s bill.

And laid their hand on their mouth ] Kissing their hands and adoring me ( adorare est applicare manum ad os ), or rather, as stopping their mouths, being ashamed to speak in his presence, whom they knew to be far beyond them in wisdom and elocution. Now of this honour done Job by all sorts of people, Brentius hath this note, Parum est ingentes camelos possidere, &c. It is a small matter, that Job had many camels and flocks of sheep; this was a greater blessing of God upon him, that he was honoured and observed by all sorts. This followeth virtue (as the shadow doth the body) at the heels. To do worthily in Ephrata, is the way to be famous in Bethlehem, Rth 4:11 .

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

laid their hand, &c. In token of silence and submission.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

refrained: Job 4:2, Job 7:11, Pro 10:19, Jam 1:19

laid: Job 21:5, Job 40:4, Jdg 18:19, Pro 30:32

Reciprocal: Job 1:3 – greatest Job 29:21 – gave ear Pro 31:8 – Open Isa 52:15 – kings Mic 7:16 – lay

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

29:9 The princes refrained talking, and laid [their] hand on their {f} mouth.

(f) Acknowledging my wisdom.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes