Biblical Hebrew Forum

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

Hi Pastor Ron,

The first clause of the Hebrew Masoretic Text reads:

tartiy belibbit limshok bayyayin 'et besariy 

notice _'et besariy_ at the end.  It means "my flesh" and is the direct 
object of the infinitive _limshok_, so the entire Hebrew clause has, 
word-by word

I-explored   in-my-heart   to-pull   with-wine   my-flesh.

I could take take the idiom "to pull my flesh" to mean "to test my 
capabilities" or "to see what my body could take."

There is some dispute over the Hebrew word _limshok_, the thinking that 
it should be read _lismok_ "to sustain" or _lesammmex_ "to make happy," 
but I think it reads pretty well as _limshok_.

My translation: "I ventured to test my capabilities with wine."

Hoping to help.

Shalom,
Bryan


Ron Snider wrote:
> I would like to get some input on how one views the syntax of the 
> infinitive construct of MASHAK and how it is to be translated.  The 
> normal root meaning seems to be to pull, drag or draw out.  It can come 
> to mean to extend or prolong, but it that is the case here, it would 
> seem to indicate extended drinking sessions...I have no problem with the 
> fact that Solomon may have drank and drank to excess, but is that what 
> is in view?  As far as the syntax, the NAS understands the infinitive to 
> mean how to do something, but it could also indicate purpose I think.
>
> Any insights are appreciated.
>
> Ron Snider,
> Pastor-teacher,
> Makarios Bible Church
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>   

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