Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Shoshanna Walker <rosewalk AT concentric.net>]

I searched in my heart to indulge my body with wine, and my heart 
conducting itself with wisdom and holding onto folly....

Or

I ventured to stimulate my body with wine - while my heart is 
involved with wisdom...



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.