# The princes used to refrain from talking when I came

This was a sign of respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

# they would lay their hand on their mouths

They did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

# The voices of the noblemen were hushed

This can be stated in active form. AT: "The noblemen hushed their voices" or "The noblemen stopped speaking" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# their tongue clung to the roof of their mouths

This represents them having so much respect for Job that they had nothing to say. AT: "they felt that they were unable to speak" or "they had nothing to say" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/prince]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/voice]]