PROV 22:21 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=minor/spelling Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

OET (OET-RV) to show you true and reliable principles
⇔ so that you can give accurate answers to those sent to you.

22:21 OSHB note: We read one or more accents in L differently from BHQ.

Key: khaki:verbs.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the OET-RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

BrLXX Διδάσκω οὖν σε ἀληθῆ λόγον, καὶ γνῶσιν ἀγαθὴν ὑπακούειν, τοῦ ἀποκρίνεσθαί σε λόγους ἀληθείας τοῖς προβαλλομένοις σοι.
(Didaskō oun se alaʸthaʸ logon, kai gnōsin agathaʸn hupakouein, tou apokrinesthai se logous alaʸtheias tois proballomenois soi. )

BrTr I therefore teach thee truth, and knowledge good to hear; that thou mayest answer words of truth to them that [fn]question thee.

ULT to cause you to know the truth of the words of trustworthiness,
⇔ to return trustworthy words to one who sent you?

UST I am writing them in order to teach you what is true in trustworthy sayings,
⇔ and in order to answer those who sent you with trustworthy sayings.

OEB No OEB PROV book available

WEBBE To teach you truth, reliable words,
⇔ to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

WMBB (Same as above)

NET to show you true and reliable words,
⇔ so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you?

LSV To cause you to know the certainty of sayings of truth,
To return sayings of truth to those sending you.

FBV They are to make it clear to you what's right and true, so you can give a truthful explanation to those who sent you.

T4T From them, you will learn what is right and what is true,
⇔ in order that you will be able to bring back a good report to those who sent you to school (OR, give a good answer to those who ask you questions).

LEB • In order to show you what is right—sayings of truth— in order to return a true saying to him who sent you.

BBE To make you see how certain are true words, so that you may give a true answer to those who put questions to you?

Moff that you might understand them for yourself,
⇔ and answer all inquirers?
¶ 

JPS That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest bring back words of truth to them that send thee?

ASV To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth,
⇔ That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

DRA That I might shew thee the certainty, and the words of truth, to answer out of these to them that sent thee.

YLT To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.

Drby that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?

RV To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
(To make thee/you know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou/you mayest/may carry back words of truth to them that send thee/you? )

SLT To cause thee to know the truth of the words of truth; to turn back the words of truth to those sending thee?

Wbstr That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send to thee?

KJB-1769 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?[fn]
(That I might make thee/you know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou/you mightest/might answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee/you? )

22.21 to them…: or, to those that send thee?

KJB-1611 [fn]That I might make thee knowe the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answere the words of trueth to them that send vnto thee?
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above apart from footnotes)

22:21 Or, to those that send thee.

Bshps That I might make thee knowe the trueth, that thou with the veritie mightest aunswere them that sende vnto thee?
(That I might make thee/you know the truth, that thou/you with the verity/truth mightest/might answer them that send unto thee/you?)

Gnva That I might shewe thee the assurance of the wordes of trueth to answere the wordes of trueth to them that sende to thee?
(That I might show thee/you the assurance of the words of truth to answer the words of truth to them that send to thee/you? )

Cvdl yt I might shewe ye the treuth and that thou wt the verite mightest answere them yt laye eny thinge against ye?
(it I might show ye/you_all the truth and that thou/you with the verity/truth mightest/might answer them it lay anything against ye/you_all?)

Wycl that Y schulde schewe to thee the sadnesse and spechis of trewthe; to answere of these thingis to hem, that senten thee.
(that I should show to thee/you the sadness and speeches of truth; to answer of these things to hem, that sent thee/you.)

Luth daß ich dir zeigete einen gewissen Grund der Wahrheit, daß du recht antworten könntest denen, die dich senden?
(that I you/to_you(sg) showse a conscience Grund the/of_the truth, that you(sg) right answer(v) couldst those, the you/yourself send?)

ClVg ut ostenderem tibi firmitatem et eloquia veritatis, respondere ex his illis qui miserunt te.
(as to_showm to_you firmitatem and words to_the_truths, to_answer from his to_them who/which they_sent you(sg). )

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 22:17–24:22: Here are thirty sayings of wise people

This section follows the main collection of Solomon’s proverbs (10:1–22:16). It differs in significant ways from this preceding section:These differences were summarized from a number of commentaries, including UBS (page 472), Waltke (2004, page 22), and Hubbard (page 351).

The preceding section has mostly two-line proverbs that are one verse in length. This section has proverbs of a different form. They are sayings that range from one to seven verses. Most of the sayings are two or three verses in length. Each saying will be marked as a separate paragraph in the Notes.
Many of the proverbs in the preceding section express a general principle. They are not addressed specifically to the readers. Most of the sayings here contain direct commands. They advise the reader or listener either to follow wise behavior or avoid foolish behavior. Most of the sayings also give a reason or motive for following the command.
As in chapters 1–9, the author addresses his reader or listener as a father who advises his son. He uses second person commands and pronouns (you^(sing)). See the note on 23:15 for a list of verses where the words “my son” occur.

Some other headings for this section are:

Thirty Wise Sayings (CEV)

Words of the Wise (ESV)

Thirty Sayings of the Wise (NIV11)

Verse 22:20 mentions “thirty sayings,” but the Hebrew text itself does not number the sayings. Some versions that use the word “thirty” in the section heading also give a number as a separate heading for each saying. The GNT and CEV start numbering the sayings at 22:22. They have a total of thirty-one paragraphs. In these versions, the first paragraph (22:17–21) serves as an introduction to the thirty sayings (22:22–24:22).Scholars who identify 22:17–21 as the first saying include Hubbard (page 352), Fox (page 707), and Waltke (2004, page 22). Scholars who identify these verses as an introduction to the sayings that follow include Whybray (page 325) and Murphy (page 170). See also the NET footnote (b) on 22:16. Whether these introductory verses form the first saying or simply introduce the following sayings, all scholars agree that they function as an introduction to the whole section. Other versions, such as the NIV, NCV, and NLT, divide the paragraphs in the same way but do not have separate headings for each section. You may use either option in your translation.The NIV11 gives a number as a separate heading for each saying. But it counts the first paragraph as the first saying, and has a total of thirty paragraphs. Other versions have more or fewer paragraphs. For example, the ESV and NRSV have fifteen paragraphs. The NJB has thirty-four. Still other versions, such as the RSV, NET, and NJPS, do not group the verses into sayings or paragraphs.

For the convenience of those who decide to identify the number of each saying in their translation, the Notes will put the number in the paragraph headings, using the same numbering system as the GNT or CEV. These numbers will not be used in the Display.

Paragraph 22:17–21 Introduction

This paragraph begins with an exhortation to an unnamed person. This person is identified in Hebrew with the masculine singular pronouns “you/your.” The author more specifically identifies him as “my son” in 23:15a and other verses. See point (c) in the preceding section summary. In verses where the author does not identify his “son” explicitly, the notes will refer to his “reader” or “listener,” depending on the context.

In 22:17, the author exhorts the listener to pay careful attention to what he will say. In 22:18, the author then gives the listener a reason for following this exhortation. In 22:19–21 he further describes the nature of the wise sayings as well as his purpose in writing them.Waltke (page 221).

In this paragraph, the Hebrew text uses plural pronouns to refer back to “the words of the wise” in 22:17. For example, “them” is used in 22:18. In some languages, a singular noun, such as “advice” may be used instead of “words.” In such cases, singular pronouns or phrases (for example, “it” or “this advice”) will need to be used to refer back to it. The meaning lines in the Display will give both options when they are relevant.

22:21

This verse continues the rhetorical question from 20:20. It further describes the purpose or intended result of the sayings. It describes what they will enable the listener to do. They will enable him to accurately and reliably report to the person who sent him.

^21ato show you true and reliable words,

^21bthat you may soundly answer those who sent you?

22:21a

to show you true and reliable words,

These sayings will make known to you^(sing) what is true and trustworthy/reliable,
If you study them, you will learn information/advice that is accurate and can be trusted.

to show you true and reliable words: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “to make known to you the truth of words of truth/reliability.” It indicates that the sayings will cause the listener to know information or advice that is both accurate and reliable. It assumes that the listener will pay attention to the sayings and will study them carefully.

true and reliable words: The words that the BSB translates as true and reliable are different words in Hebrew. The first word occurs only here in the Old Testament. In this context, it may refer to the accuracy or certainty of the teacher’s words. It may also imply that his advice is appropriate.An Aramaic cognate of this word commonly means “truth” (Cohen, page 150). According to Waltke (page 224) and UBS (page 477), this word refers to information that is right and appropriate as well as true.

The second word overlaps in meaning with the first. It also refers to the truth or reliability of the teacher’s words.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

to make you know what is right and true (ESV)

will teach you information that is appropriate and accurate

You may use more or less than two terms in your language to describe the teacher’s words. Carefully compare the preceding and following verse parts to make sure that they fit together without sounding redundant.

22:21b

that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

so that you^(sing) can report/reply accurately to people who have sent you to do something.
Then you will have the ability to communicate properly back and forth with anyone who sends you with a message.

that you may soundly answer those who sent you: In Hebrew, this verse part is literally “to bring back words of truth/reliability to those who sent you.” The text does not specify who sent the son or the purpose for which they sent him. Scholars have suggested several possible situations. In any of these situations, the wise sayings that the son learns will enable him to reliably accomplish what he was sent to do.

An official or an employer may send the son as a messenger or representative. The son will need to accurately and reliably deliver the message and perhaps conduct negotiations. He will then need to report back to the one who sent him.Hubbard (page 353), McKane (page 377), Whybray (page 328), Murphy (page 170), and Waltke (page 225) favor this possibility.
A parent or an employer may have sent the son to receive specific training from the teacher of wisdom. The son will need to accurately report his progress to the one who sent him.Toy (page 424) favors this possibility. It is also mentioned by UBS (page 477), Cohen (page 150), Delitzsch (page 332), and Longman (page 416).

Translate in a way that could refer to as many of these situations as possible.

answer: In Hebrew, this word has a general meaning. It refers to anything that a person says. The BSB has used a more specific word, answer, because the context specifies that the son will “bring back” words to the person or persons who sent him.

those who sent you: The Hebrew word that the BSB literally translates as those who sent you is plural. But it may refer in general to anyone who sends the son to accomplish a task or tasks in the future. By the time the son returns with his report, the sender(s) will already have sent him. Some other ways to translate this are:

so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you (NET)

so that you can give an accurate report to those who send you (GW)

to give you the right words for those in charge of you (CEV)

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / rquestion

לְ⁠הוֹדִֽיעֲ⁠ךָ֗

to,make,known_to_you

This verse continues the rhetorical question that began in the previous verse. If you divide these two verses into separate sentences, then you will need to repeat part of the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “I have surely written these things to cause you to know”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

קֹ֭שְׁטְ & אֱמֶ֑ת

what_is_right_of & reliable

See how you translated the abstract nouns truth in [8:7](../08/07.md) and trustworthiness in [3:3](../03/03.md).

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

אִמְרֵ֣י אֱמֶ֑ת

words_of reliable

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe words that are characterized by trustworthiness. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the trustworthy words”

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

אִמְרֵ֣י & אֲמָרִ֥ים

words_of & answer

See how you translated the same use of words in [1:23](../01/23.md).

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / rquestion

לְ⁠הָשִׁ֥יב

to,bring_back

Here, to indicates that what follows is a second purpose for Solomon writing these “words of the wise”. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a second purpose. Alternate translation: “and to return”

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

לְ⁠הָשִׁ֥יב

to,bring_back

Here Solomon refers to replying to someone with trustworthy words as if they were objects that one returns to someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to reply with”

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

לְ⁠שֹׁלְחֶֽי⁠ךָ

to,[those_of,who]_sent_you

Here Solomon implies that he is speaking to a messenger whom his master has sent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to your master who sent you”

Parallel PROV 22:21

Section 22:17–24:22: Here are thirty sayings of wise people

Paragraph 22:17–21 Introduction

22:21

22:21a

22:21b