Job 29:10

Authorized King James Version

The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קוֹל
their peace
a voice or sound
#2
נְגִידִ֥ים
The nobles
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
#3
נֶחְבָּ֑אוּ
held
to secrete
#4
וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם
and their tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#5
לְחִכָּ֥ם
to the roof of their mouth
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
#6
דָּבֵֽקָה׃
cleaved
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection