(0.31) | (Ecc 7:1) | 7 tn The article prefixed to הַמָּוֶת (hammavet, “death”) probably functions in an indefinite possessive sense or in a generic sense: “one’s death,” e.g., Gen 44:2 (see R. J. Williams, Hebrew Syntax, 19, §86, §92). |
(0.31) | (Ecc 6:12) | 2 tn The vav prefixed to וְיַעֲשֵׂם (veyaʿasem, conjunction plus Qal imperfect third person masculine singular from עָשַׂה, ʿasah, “to do” plus third person masculine plural suffix) functions in an explanatory or epexegetical sense (“For…”). |
(0.31) | (Ecc 2:25) | 1 tn Heb “For who can…?” The rhetorical question is an example of negative affirmation, expecting a negative answer: “No one can!” (see E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, 949-51). |
(0.31) | (Ecc 2:22) | 1 tn Heb “under the sun.” The rhetorical question is an example of negative affirmation, expecting a negative answer: “Man acquires nothing” (see E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, 949-51). |
(0.31) | (Ecc 2:20) | 4 tn Here the author uses an internal cognate accusative construction (accusative noun and verb from the same root) for emphasis: שֶׁעָמַלְתִּי הֶעָמָל (heʿamal sheʿamalti, “the toil for which I had toiled”); see IBHS 167 §10.2.1g. |
(0.31) | (Ecc 2:15) | 3 tn Heb “And why was I wise (to) excess?” The rhetorical question is an example of negative affirmation, expecting a negative answer: “I gained nothing!” (E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, 949). |
(0.31) | (Ecc 2:18) | 3 tn Qoheleth uses an internal cognate accusative construction (accusative noun and verb from the same root) for emphasis: עֲמָלִי שֶׁאֲנִי עָמֵל (ʿamali sheʾani ʿamel, “my toil for which I had toiled”). See IBHS 167 §10.2.1g. |
(0.31) | (Ecc 2:14) | 3 tn The term כֻּלָּם (kullam, “all of them”) denotes “both of them.” This is an example of synecdoche of general (“all of them”) for the specific (“both of them,” that is, both the wise man and the fool). |
(0.31) | (Pro 31:28) | 4 tn The text uses an independent nominative absolute to draw attention to her husband: “her husband, and he praises her.” Prominent as he is, her husband speaks in glowing terms of his noble wife. |
(0.31) | (Pro 31:24) | 2 sn The poet did not think it strange or unworthy for a woman of this stature to be a businesswoman engaged in an honest trade. In fact, weaving of fine linens was a common trade for women in the ancient world. |
(0.31) | (Pro 31:8) | 1 sn The instruction to “open your mouth” is a metonymy of cause; it means “speak up for” (so NIV, TEV, NLT) or in this context “serve as an advocate in judgment” (cf. CEV “you must defend”). |
(0.31) | (Pro 30:24) | 2 tn The construction uses the Pual participle with the plural adjective as an intensive; these four creatures are the very embodiment of wisdom (BDB 314 s.v. חָכַם Pu). |
(0.31) | (Pro 30:4) | 7 tn The verb תֵדָע (tedaʿ) is the imperfect form of the stative verb יָדָע (yadaʿ) “to know.” The imperfect form of a stative verb should be understood as future or modal and is translated here as an abilitive modal. |
(0.31) | (Pro 30:14) | 4 tn The Hebrew form לֶאֱכֹל (leʾekhol) is the Qal infinitive construct; it indicates the purpose of this generation’s ruthless power—it is destructive. The figure is an implied comparison (known as hypocatastasis) between “devouring” and “destroying.” |
(0.31) | (Pro 30:4) | 6 tn The particle כִּי (ki) functions in an asseverative sense, “surely; indeed; truly” (R. J. Williams, Hebrew Syntax, 73, §449). The statement appears sarcastic, suggesting that verses 2-3 are also sarcastic. |
(0.31) | (Pro 29:27) | 1 tn Heb “who is upright in the way” (so NASB; KJV and ASV are similar). Here “in the way” refers to the course of a person’s life, hence “who lives an upright life.” Cf. NAB “he who walks uprightly.” |
(0.31) | (Pro 30:1) | 2 tn The title הַמַּשָּׂא (hammassaʾ) means “the burden,” a frequently used title in prophetic oracles. It may be that the word is a place name, although it is more likely that it describes what follows as an important revelation. |
(0.31) | (Pro 30:1) | 4 sn The word translated “says” (נְאֻם, neʾum) is a verbal noun; it is also a term that describes an oracle. It is usually followed by the subjective genitive: “the oracle of this man to Ithiel.” |
(0.31) | (Pro 29:23) | 3 sn The Hebrew word translated “lowly” forms an implied comparison: To be humble is like being low, base, earthbound; whereas pride is often compared to being high, lofty—at least in one’s own eyes. |
(0.31) | (Pro 29:24) | 1 sn The expression shares with a thief describes someone who is an “accomplice” (cf. NAB, NIV) because he is willing to share in the loot without taking part in the crime. |