PROV 24:26 Interlinear View

SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 24:23–34: Here are more sayings of wise people

The first verse (24:23a) indicates that this section is an additional list of sayings of wise people. This list has been added to the preceding section (22:17–24:22). The sayings range from one to five verses. Each saying will be marked as a separate paragraph in the Notes. As in the English versions, the sayings in this section will not be numbered.

Three of the sayings (24:23b–25, 24:26, and 24:30–34) are general principles. They are not addressed specifically to the readers. See the notes on 10:2 for ways to translate this kind of proverb.

In the other two sayings (24:27 and 24:28–29), the author uses second person commands and pronouns (you^(sing)). Unlike the preceding section, he does not use the phrase “my son” explicitly in these commands.

Some other headings for this section are:

More Wise Sayings (GNT)

More Sayings of the Wise (ESV)

These Are Further Words of Wise People

Paragraph 24:26

Versions divide the paragraphs differently here:

Some versions start a new paragraph with this verse. (BSB, NCV, NIV, NJB, NJPS, NLT, GNT)
Some versions include this verse as part of 24:23b–25. (ESV, GW, NASB, NRSV, REB)

It is recommended that you start a new paragraph here. “An honest answer” (24:26) could refer to the verdict of a just judge (24:23b–25). But it is more likely that this verse is a separate saying that has to do with true friendship.

24:26

An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.

¶ A truthful/honest answer is like the kiss/embrace of a friend.
¶ If someone is really your^(sing) friend, he will answer you truthfully.

An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips: In Hebrew, this verse is more literally “the one who returns right/honest words kisses the lips.”This is a slight adaptation of the NET note on this verse. In Hebrew, the actual clause order is “he kisses lips one who returns right/honest words.” According to Fox (page 771), the Hebrew word order, with the subject last, creates suspense. It is like a riddle in which the hearer has to wait for the answer: “Who gives true kisses? One who answers to the point—even if his words are blunt.” This verse is a metaphor. It describes a person who answers honestly or truthfully. It compares him to someone who kisses another person on the lips.

a kiss on the lips: Among the Israelites, friends normally kissed each other on the cheek. This is the only verse in the OT that specifies a kiss on the lips.The Hebrew text of Genesis 41:40 has a similar expression (“kiss your mouth”). No English versions translate this figurative expression literally. They all have something like “obey your commands.” Most scholars think that this action was a sign of true friendship and loyalty.These scholars include Ross (page 1077), Waltke (pages 292–293), Toy (page 453), Murphy (page 185–186), and Fox (page 771).

In many cultures, a literal translation of this complex figure of speech would not be understood correctly. It would have incorrect sexual or romantic connotations. Some ways to translate this verse are:

Change the metaphor to a simile. Specify that kiss is an act of friendship. Do not specify on the lips. For example:
A straightforward answer is as good as a kiss of friendship. (REB)
When you answer a friend truthfully, it is like a kiss.
Change the metaphor to a simile. Use a similar action, such as “embrace,” that signifies friendship.The following example is adapted from UBS (page 533). For example:
A straightforward answer is like the embrace of a friend.
Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:
An honest answer is a sign of true friendship. (GNT)

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: translate-symaction

שְׂפָתַ֥יִם יִשָּׁ֑ק

lips gives_a_kiss

Here, kissing someone’s lips is a symbolic action to show true friendship and loyalty. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “He confirms his loyalty by kissing one’s lips”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

מֵ֝שִׁ֗יב דְּבָרִ֥ים נְכֹחִֽים

gives answer honest

Here the writer refers to someone speaking an honest reply to someone else as if he were returning straightforward words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who speaks an honest reply”

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

Note: The OET-RV is still only a first draft, and so far only a few words have been (mostly automatically) matched to the Hebrew or Greek words that they’re translated from.

Acknowledgements: The Hebrew text, lemmas, and morphology are all thanks to the OSHB and some of the glosses are from Macula Hebrew.

OET interlinear PROV 24:26

Hebrew word order

Section 24:23–34: Here are more sayings of wise people

Paragraph 24:26

24:26

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)