# when they were sick

The word "they" refers to the "unrighteous witnesses" ([Psalms 35:11](./011.md)).

# I wore sackcloth

"I showed that I was sad"

# with my head bowed on my chest

This was a symbol of prayer. "with my head bent down in prayer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

# in grief as for my brother

The writer was as sad as if his own brother had died. AT: "grieving as if my own brother was ill" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

# I bent down in mourning as for my mother

The writer mourned as if his own mother had died. AT: "I mourned as if my own mother had died" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

# I bent down

This was a symbol of pain and suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])