Biblical Hebrew Forum

["B. M. Rocine" <brocine AT twcny.rr.com>]

Hi Chris, you asked about the expression

venaqqeh lo' yenaqqeh

> This can not be referring to the GUILTY surely?

You notice that several translators add the words *the guilty*.  Translators 
add a word because nqh in the Piel stem means "acquit," which in English is 
a transitive verb requiring a direct object.  "The guilty" are suggested by 
the previous clauses that laud the Lord's mercy towards none other than the 
guilty.  Yet, Lord knows, all are guilty.  As you have understood, some of 
the guilty are forgiven while others of the guilty are judged and passing 
down judgment to their children.  As a result of these two different futures 
for two sets of the guilty, I think we should suggest supplying a different 
direct object than "the guilty."  Here's my translation:

"maintaining grace for thousands and forgiving rebellion, transgression and 
sin, or not at all acquitting the unrepentant, visiting the rebellion of 
fathers upon sons and sons of sons until the third and fourth generations."

First notice what a difference the *or* makes.  Second, repentance is one 
thing I can think of that would divide the forgiven guilty from the 
unforgiven guilty.  I am sure there can be other ways to divide the guilty 
from the guilty.

Hoping to help.

Shalom,
Bryan


B. M. Rocine
Living Word Church
6101 Court St. Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206

ph: 315.437.6744
fx: 315.437.6766