OET interlinear JOB 8:17

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

עַל־גַּ֭ל שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י⁠ו יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ בֵּ֖ית אֲבָנִ֣ים יֶחֱזֶֽה

on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in pile_of_rocks roots,his intertwined house_of stones looks

Bildad is continuing to speak of the godless person and his temporary prosperity as if he were a plant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “A godless person may at first be secure, like a plant whose roots are wrapped around a heap of stones, a plant that is solidly rooted among stones”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

עַל־גַּ֭ל שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י⁠ו יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ

on/upon/above/on_account_of//he/it_went_in pile_of_rocks roots,his intertwined

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It wraps its roots around a heap of stones”

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / personification

בֵּ֖ית אֲבָנִ֣ים יֶחֱזֶֽה

house_of stones looks

Bildad is speaking as if this plant were looking for a house to live in. He means that the plant naturally roots itself in a secure place among rocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it roots itself in a secure place among rocks”