17:4 Because 1 you have closed their 2 minds to understanding,
therefore you will not exalt them. 3
19:5 If indeed 4 you would exalt yourselves 5 above me
and plead my disgrace against me, 6
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.
4 tn The introductory particles repeat אָמְנָם (’amnam, “indeed”) but now with אִם (’im, “if”). It could be interpreted to mean “is it not true,” or as here in another conditional clause.
5 tn The verb is the Hiphil of גָּדַל (gadal); it can mean “to make great” or as an internal causative “to make oneself great” or “to assume a lofty attitude, to be insolent.” There is no reason to assume another root here with the meaning of “quarrel” (as Gordis does).
6 sn Job’s friends have been using his shame, his humiliation in all his sufferings, as proof against him in their case.