3 The word קַלֹּתִי (qalloti) means “to be light; to be of small account; to be unimportant.” From this comes the meaning “contemptible,” which in the causative stem would mean “to treat with contempt; to curse.” Dhorme tries to make the sentence a conditional clause and suggests this meaning: “If I have been thoughtless.” There is really no “if” in Job’s mind.
4 The perfect verb here should be classified as an instantaneous perfect; the action is simultaneous with the words.
5 The words “to silence myself” are supplied in the translation for clarity.
6 Heb “I will not add.”

In other versions

Then Job answered the Lord and said:

“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?

I lay my hand on my mouth.

I have spoken once, and I will not answer;

twice, but I will proceed no further.”

Then Job answered the Lord:

“I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?

I put my hand over my mouth.

I spoke once, but I have no answer—

twice, but I will say no more.”

Then Job answered the Lord:

I am so insignificant. How can I answer you?

I place my hand over my mouth.

I have spoken once, and I will not reply;

twice, but now I can add nothing.

Then Job replied to the Lord,

“I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?

I will cover my mouth with my hand.

I have said too much already.

I have nothing more to say.”

So Job answered Yahweh and said,

“Look, I am insignificant.

What shall I answer you?

I lay my hand on my mouth.

Once I have spoken, and I will not answer;

even twice, but I will not proceed.”

Then Job answered the Lord, and said,

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee?

I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer:

Yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

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