Biblical Hebrew Forum

[K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>]

Michael:

On Fri, Dec 21, 2012 at 4:28 PM, Michael Abernathy <mabernathy AT conwaycorp.net> wrote:

Karl,
… I don't see what contextual clues you do that make כפר a noun. Can you explain what tells you this is not a verb?
Sincerely,
Michael Abernathy

This verse is made up of four sections, which are really two couplets comprising of two sections each. So looking at the second couplet, its first section reads WNQM Y$YB LCRYW “ונקם ישׁיב לצריו ” where the idea conveyed is that of fighting for or against someone or something, Then the second half of the couplet I expect to see a continuation or contrast of that idea, and it is there.

The second half of the couplet, “וכפר אדמתו עמו” where the first word KPR as a noun has the meaning in my dictionary “ covering ⇒ bribe Nu 35:31–32 (hush money) Ex 21:30, 1S 12:3, Pr 6:35, purchase price Is 43:3, Pr 13:8, (⇐ to cover the cost)”. Here the reason for the vengeance on his enemies is that the purchase price for his land is with him. The last word (MW is also wrongly pointed, it should be pointed for the meaning “with him”, not “his people”.

So in this couplet, I see a contrast between his treatment of his enemies and his land, and that’s what the verse gives.

Karl W. Randolph.