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Proverbs 3:29-30
New English Translation
Proverbs 3:29-30
New English Translation
29 Do not plot[a] evil against your neighbor
when[b] he dwells by you unsuspectingly.
30 Do not accuse[c] anyone[d] without legitimate cause,[e]
if he has not treated you wrongly.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:29 sn The verb חָרַשׁ (kharash) means “to cut in; to engrave; to plough; to devise.” The idea of plotting is metaphorical for working, practicing or fabricating (BDB 360 s.v.).
- Proverbs 3:29 tn Heb “And he dwells trustingly (or securely) with you.” The vav (ו) prefixed to the pronoun introduces a circumstantial clause which further defines the neighbor.
- Proverbs 3:30 sn The term רִיב (riv) can mean “quarrel” or “legal accusation” (BDB 936 s.v.). Both ideas would work but the more technical legal accusation fits the context better. This is a warning to not bring legal accusations against anyone without a legitimate reason.
- Proverbs 3:30 tn Heb “a man.”
- Proverbs 3:30 tn Heb “gratuitously”; NIV, TEV “for no (+ good NCV) reason.” The adverb חִנָּם (khinam) means “without cause, undeservedly,” especially of groundless hostility (HALOT 334 s.v. 3; BDB 336 s.v. c).
New English Translation (NET)
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