He pours contempt on princes: for the same expression see Psalm 107.40a. The scorn or contempt is literally “poured” in the Hebrew. This figure refers to expressing disgust, disdain, extreme displeasure, and is close in meaning to “mock, ridicule, deride, make fun of.” Princes does not refer to sons of a king but translates a category of authorities known as “noblemen, persons of authority,” and therefore Good News Translation “rulers.” The line may be rendered, for example, “He scorns those who are in positions of authority,” “He ridicules the leaders,” or “He mocks the rulers of the people.”

Andlooses the belt of the strong renders the literal form of the Hebrew and is similar to verse 18a. Belt translates a word found only here but which is similar to a word used in Psalm 109.19, “like a belt with which he daily girds himself.” Although many changes in the text have been suggested, it is best to read the text here as it stands. The sense is as in 12.18a, so that here again Job says God takes power and authority away from the rulers. In some contexts the word translated the strong refers to “river beds,” but in this verse that meaning is inappropriate. Bible en français courant translates, “He suddenly leaves the tyrants without any defense.” This line may also be rendered, for example, “He leaves the powerful without any strength” or “He takes away from the mighty their strength.”

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 .