8:12 While they are still beginning to flower 1
and not ripe for cutting, 2
they can wither away 3
faster 4 than any grass! 5
1 tn The word has been traditionally translated “greenness” (so KJV, ASV), but some modern commentators argue for “in flower.” The word is found only in Song 6:11 (where it may be translated “blossoms”). From the same root is אָבִיב (’aviv, “fresh young ears of barley”). Here the word refers to the plant that is still in its early stages of flowering. It should not be translated to suggest the plant is flowering (cf. NRSV), but translating as if the plant is green (so NASB) is also problematic.
2 sn The idea is that as the plant begins to flower, but before it is to be cut down, there is no sign of withering or decay in it. But if the water is withdrawn, it will wither sooner than any other herb. The point Bildad will make of this is that when people rebel against God and his grace is withheld, they perish more swiftly than the water reed.
3 tn The imperfect verb here is the modal use of potential, “can wither away” if the water is not there.
4 tn Heb “before.”
5 tn The LXX interprets the line: “does not any herb wither before it has received moisture?”