Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Steve Miller" <smille10 AT sbcglobal.net>]

Dear friends,

 

Ps 73:6 is translated “Therefore pride encircles them. A garment of violence
covers them.” I question translating the Hebrew word “sheeth” as “garment”
because it is only translated so here and in Prov 7:10. The consonants  Shin
Yod Tav are commonly translated “thorns” (i.e. Isa 5:6; 7:23-25, etc.), but
when translated as “thorns”, the word is voweled differently, with a patah
under the shin, rather then a hireq. 

 

Could the meaning of the 2nd ½ of Ps 73:6 be, “Thorns of violence cover
them” or “a thorny covering of violence is to them”? As thorns are a fallen
self-defense, the meaning then would be – if anyone tries to reprove them,
they violently attack him. 

 

If so, then Prov 7:10 could be translated, “and behold a woman to meet him,
a thorny harlot and subtle of heart.” “Thorny” means she speaks verbal
barbs.

 

Any comments? 

 

Another question: In Ps 73:6 there is a dash between the word “covers” and
“sheeth”. Does the dash mean anything?

 

Thanks.

 

Sincerely,

-Steve Miller

Detroit

www.voiceInWilderness.info

My flesh and my heart fail me.
God is the Rock of my heart.
And my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)