Behold, I am of small account: Behold emphasizes the importance of Job’s conclusion, in which he values himself as worthless. Many versions do not represent it in translation. I am of small account translates a verb meaning “to be swift, light, insignificant.” The verb is found in 7.6 and 9.25 (“are swifter”); 1 Samuel 2.30 (“be lightly esteemed”); Nahum 1.14 (“are vile”). Job is admitting that he is of little importance in God’s vast scheme of things. Bible en français courant says “I am nothing at all,” New International Version “I am unworthy”; New English Bible translates “I who carry no weight,” but in English this expression means “I have little influence on those above me.” Since Job’s quarrel with God has resulted in Job’s speaking against God’s justice, Good News Translation says “I spoke foolishly, LORD.” Translators should note that it may not be wise to add the name “LORD” here as Good News Translation does, since Job uses it only once in all the discourses.

What shall I answer thee? is Job’s way of saying “There is nothing I can say to you.” In some languages, when one speaks to a superior, as Job does here, it is necessary to avoid the use of the pronoun alone. In these cases Job may say “How can I answer you, God?” In verse 2 Job was given the choice of giving up or answering. His choice will have to be to give up, surrender, submit. I lay my hand on my mouth expresses the gesture of placing the fingers or hand over the mouth as a sign of silence. In translation it may be necessary to state the purpose of the gesture; for example, “I place my fingers on my lips and remain silent.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .