7:3

This verse contains parallel metaphors. Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

3a
Tie them to your fingers ;

3b
write them on the tablet of your heart.

7:3a

Tie them to your fingers: The image of this metaphor is not clear. It may refer to tying written teachings around the fingers (an allusion to the similar expression about God’s law in Deuteronomy 6:8). The point is that anything on the fingers can be seen at all times, so it serves to remind the person of something. The meaning is that the son should always keep his father’s teachings in his mind, ready to obey them.

In some languages, it may be possible to translate this metaphor literally, along with a footnote that explains the meaning and gives Deuteronomy 6:8 as a cross-reference. Other ways to translate this metaphor are:

• Change the metaphor to a simile. Make explicit the point of similarity. For example:

Keep them always in your mind like something that you fasten around your finger.

• Use a different figure of speech that has a similar meaning. For example:

Keep them at your fingertips (Contemporary English Version)

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

Keep my teaching with you all the time (Good News Translation)
-or-
Remind yourself of them (New Century Version)

7:3b

write them on the tablet of your heart: This clause is identical with 3:3c, but the context is different. In this metaphor, the heart itself is compared to a stone tablet. The son is commanded to engrave his father’s teaching on his heart. The meaning of the metaphor is that he should preserve his father’s teaching in his mind and make it a part of his character.

The options for translating this clause are similar to 7:3a.

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

write them on your heart as if on a tablet (New Century Version)

• Change the metaphor slightly. For example:

write them in your mind (Contemporary English Version)

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

Store them permanently in your mind.

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