Subject: [b-hebrew] Jeremiah 8:8 - the pen of the scribes
Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 22:23:09 -0400
Shalom b-hebrew,
Jeremiah 8:8 (KJB)
How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us?
Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
JPS-1985
Assuredly, for naught has the pen labored, For naught the scribes !
NAS
How can you say, 'We are wise, And the law of the LORD is with us'?
But behold, the lying pen of the scribes Has made {it} into a lie.
The NAS (and many modern Christian versions) meaning is much different than
the KJB or JPS.
In one case the pen of the scribes actively lies/deceives, in the other it is
in vain, or for naught.
Comments on the underlying Hebrew, including ... shehker, and the full
constructions ?