So these three men: So translates the Hebrew connective waw, which here marks a consequence or result. Good News Translation has shifted the reason clause beginning with because to the opening of the verse, and this makes verse 1 a reason followed by a result. Translators should follow the clause order that is most natural in the receptor language. These three men refers to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The use of men here rather than “friends” has been taken by some scholars as an indication of a change of author. However, “friends” reappears in verse 3 and men again in verse 5. Bible en français courant translates by using the names of the three friends. Ceased means “stopped, quit, gave up.” To answer is the same term used at the opening of each speech by the friends and by Job. Answer does not mean reply to a question, but rather to pick up the argument, to carry the argument forward, or to respond to another’s speech. See 4.1.

Because he was righteous in his own eyes: righteous translates the Hebrew tsadiq. In the context it refers to being right in a legal suit, or being innocent of charges made against one. So the author is saying that Job’s insistence on being right or being innocent has caused the friends to give up arguing with him. In his own eyes means “in his own mind, opinion, heart,” or as Good News Translation says, “convinced.” In some languages the reason clause may have to come first, as in Good News Translation: “Because Job was so sure that he was not guilty of wrong….”

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 .