8:24

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

24a
When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth,

24b
when no springs were overflowing with water.

8:24a–b

When there were no watery depths…when no springs were overflowing with water: These clauses both specify the time when Wisdom was given birth. It was when there were still no watery depths (literally, “depths,” as in the New Revised Standard Version) or springs. In other words, it was before “oceans” and “springs” were created. The springs are described as overflowing with water. Choose an expression in your language that refers to plentiful or abundant water.

8:24a

I was brought forth: This clause is a figurative way to indicate that the LORD brought Wisdom into existence. Many English versions, such as the New Jerusalem Bible, translate this as:

I was born (New Jerusalem Bible)

The same verb is repeated in 8:25 for the sake of emphasis. You are encouraged to use the same expression in both verses if such repetition will also convey emphasis in your language.

The clause I was brought forth is passive. If stative or passive clauses are not natural in your language, you may need to use an active clause. For example:

the LORD gave birth to me

In languages where such an expression would be understood as some kind of literal birth, it may be clearer to translate this as:

the LORD created me
-or-
the LORD caused me to exist

General Comment on 8:24a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. See the Display for 8:24a–b (combined/reordered).

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