Though she is but one, she can do all things: Good News Translation “Even though Wisdom acts alone” shifts the focus very slightly; it is a reasonable way to express the idea of Wisdom being one entity or person. Other possible approaches are “Though there is only one Wisdom,” “Though Wisdom is not divided,” and even “Though Wisdom is … only one being” (Contemporary English Version).

And while remaining in herself, she renews all things: Remaining in herself means that Wisdom never changes. Good News Translation reverses the clauses. Translators could say “Although she herself is always the same, she makes everything new.” Compare Psa 102.27; 104.30.

In every generation she passes into holy souls and makes them friends of God, and prophets: This means that in every generation there are some holy people, into whose souls Wisdom enters; these people become known as God’s friends, or prophets. By soul the author means the essence of a person’s being and personality, the nonphysical aspect of the person which will survive the death of the body. An alternative model for this line is “In each generation she enters the souls of people faithful to God, and makes them….” Prophets is often translated as “God’s spokespersons” or “people who speak [or, proclaim] God’s message.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Wisdom of Solomon. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2004. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.