Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Peter Kirk <peterkirk AT qaya.org>]

On 02/10/2004 19:58, Karl Randolph wrote:

> Peter and others:
>
> This is a hapax legomai for which I have seen different definitions, from to 
> discipline to to pamper: what clues to it can we find in cognate languages?
>  

I can't exegete this verse for you convincingly, and there are textual 
issues. But I can tell you that according to BDB PNQ is found in Arabic, 
Aramaic and Syriac, and in Sirach 14:16, apparently supporting BDB's 
gloss "indulge, pamper". BHS margin suggests, on the basis of the 
Syriac, that this may be a pual participle, presumably meaning "one who 
is pampered by his servant".

> Or did Solomon understand modern business practices, where one works with his 
> underlings, giving credit where credit is due, treating them fairly yet with 
> discipline?
>  

Maybe, maybe not. What does the second half of the verse mean? Perhaps 
the point is that "modern business practices" cause more trouble in the 
end. And anyway, who is Solomon?


--
Peter Kirk
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peterkirk AT qaya.org (work)
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