Proverbs 9:14-16

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 9:15 tn The infinitive construct “calling out” functions epexegetically in the sentence, explaining how the previous action was accomplished.
2. Proverbs 9:15 tn The term “her” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied for the sake of clarity and smoothness.
3. Proverbs 9:15 tn The noun is a genitive of location after the construct participle. Its parallel word is also an adverbial accusative of location.
4. Proverbs 9:15 tn The participle modifies the participle in the first colon. To describe the passers-by in this context as those “who go straight” means that they are quiet and unwary.
5. Proverbs 9:16 tn The word לֵב (lev; “heart, mind”). By metonymy, the mind stands for understanding or judgment.
6. Proverbs 9:16 tc The LXX reads “she exhorts saying” a present indicative plus a participle. This implies a verb missing in the Hebrew and reading the vav plus perfect verb וְאָמְרָה (v^eʾam^erah, “and has said”) as a participle וְאֹמְרָה (v^eʾom^erah, “and says”). The participle would be present time. The consonants are the same for both forms and the present tense could certainly fit the context. The loss of another verb might explain the presence of the conjunction vav beginning the form. tn Heb “And [as for one] lacking of mind—and she has said to him.” The expression is almost identical to v. 4, except this verse adds the conjunction vav twice. The parallel is deliberate, showing the competing appeals for those passing by.