14:19

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

19a
The evil bow before the good,

19b and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

In these two pairs of parallel terms, no distinction is intended between “The evil” and “the wicked.” Similarly, “the good” and “the righteous” both refer to the same group of people.

There is an ellipsis in 14:19b. In some languages, the missing verb will need to be supplied from 14:19a. For example:

19b and the wicked ⌊will bow down⌋ at the gates of the righteous.

14:19a

bow before: This expression means to bow down in front of someone. That is an action that shows submission or respect. If the meaning of the action is not understood in your language, you have several options:

• Make the meaning of the action explicit. For example:

Evil people will bow down to people who are good ⌊in order to show them respect⌋

• Translate the meaning of the action, but not the action itself. For example:

Evil people will show respect to good people

• Use a different action that indicates respect in your culture. For example:

Evil people will clasp their hands in front of good people

• Translate the action and add a footnote that gives the meaning.

14:19b

at the gates of: This phrase may have a more specific meaning than the parallel phrase in 14:19a. It may imply that someone bows down at the entrance of a wealthy person’s house to make a request or beg for his help. For example:

humbly beg their favor (Good News Translation)
-or-
Wicked people will ask righteous people to be kind to them. (Easy English Bible)

General Comment on 14:19a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine the parallel parts. For example:

Evil people will have to bow down to the righteous and humbly beg their favor. (Good News Translation)

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