14:14
Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:
14a
The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways,
14b but a good man is rewarded for his ways.
In Hebrew, the second line has no verb, so there is no actual contrast in the words that are used. But the context clearly implies that the “backslider in heart” and the “good man” will experience different consequences for their actions.
14:14a
The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as backslider in heart refers to a person who has turned away from following the LORD or from following the right way. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
The faithless (New International Version)
-or-
Renegades (Revised English Bible)
-or-
People who turn away from the LORD
receives the fill of his own ways: The Hebrew verb that is used here is passive, literally “will be filled.” Some English versions translate it with a passive verb. For example:
will be fully repaid for their ways (New International Version)
Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
get what they deserve (Good News Translation)
-or-
suffer the consequences of what they have done
-or-
be punished for their deeds
14:14b
but a good man is rewarded for his ways: Many English versions begin this verse part with the word “and.” However, if you use a verb with an undesirable meaning, such as “punished,” in 14:14a, it may be more natural to begin 14:14b with but, as the Berean Standard Bible does. Connect these lines in a way that naturally expresses in your language the relationship between them.
General Comment on 14:14a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. See 14:14a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.
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