Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <gathas AT mail.usyd.edu.au>]

Mark Markham wrote:

I am attempting to find the proper rendering of Ecc. 5:8 Hebrew text of this verse. I also would like to know why it is rendered as such. There seems to be considerable discord among the sources I have consulted so far. Is there a ref to God-- authority etc? Who/what is the highest?

Mark, I think this verse is a swipe at government bureaucarcy. The reference to the "MeDIYNAH" ("state") suggests that we should associate the corruption mentioned with the officials of the state who are in high places. It suggests that the corruption of this sort is rife at all levels of government, even at the very top. I can't really see an accusation against the deity in this verse. It seems to be an accusation aimed at government bureaucrats by a person who is very familiar with the in's and out's of the state mechanism. The word "GABoaH" is probably used in a slang way to denote someone in a "high" position. Today, we would use words like "tall poppies" or "bigwigs" to say the same sort of thing. As such, I'd translate the verse as follows:

"If you see oppression of the needy and the looting of justice and righteousness in the state, don't be astounded at the prospect. For high official keeps watch over high official - and higher officials are over them!"

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GEORGE ATHAS
 Dept of Semitic Studies,
 University of Sydney
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