2:9 So 1 I was far wealthier 2 than all my predecessors in Jerusalem,
yet I maintained my objectivity: 3
7:24 Whatever has happened is beyond human 4 understanding; 5
it is far deeper than anyone can fathom. 6
1 tn The vav prefixed to וְגָדַלְתִּי (vÿgadalti, vav + Qal perfect first common singular from גָּדַל, gadal, “to be great; to increase”) functions in a final summarizing sense, that is, it introduces the concluding summary of 2:4-9.
2 tn Heb “I became great and I surpassed” (וְהוֹסַפְתִּי וְגָדַלְתִּי, vÿgadalti vÿhosafti). This is a verbal hendiadys in which the second verb functions adverbially, modifying the first: “I became far greater.” Most translations miss the hendiadys and render the line in a woodenly literal sense (KJV, ASV, RSV, NEB, NRSV, NAB, NASB, MLB, Moffatt), while only a few recognize the presence of hendiadys here: “I became greater by far” (NIV) and “I gained more” (NJPS).
3 tn Heb “yet my wisdom stood for me,” meaning he retained his wise perspective despite his great wealth.
4 tn The word “human” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
5 tn Heb “is far away.”
6 tn Heb “It is deep, deep – who can find it?” The repetition of the word “deep” emphasizes the degree of incomprehensibility. See IBHS 233-34 §12.5a.