17:4 Because 1 you have closed their 2 minds to understanding,
therefore you will not exalt them. 3
1 tn This half-verse gives the reason for the next half-verse.
2 sn The pronoun their refers to Job’s friends. They have not pledged security for him because God has hidden or sealed off their understanding.
3 tn The object “them” is supplied. This is the simplest reading of the line, taking the verb is an active Polel. Some suggest that the subject is “their hand” and the verb is to be translated “is not raised.” This would carry through the thought of the last verse, but it is not necessary to the point.