17:19
Notice the parallel structure. The underlined words in each line refer to the same person.
19a
He who loves transgression loves strife ;
19b
he who builds his gate high invites destruction.
The overall meaning is that a proud person who likes to sin against others likes to cause quarrels. As a result, he will be destroyed.
17:19a
He who loves transgression loves strife: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “⌊one who⌋ loves transgression ⌊one who⌋ loves strife.” There are two ways to interpret the subject of this clause:
(1) The subject of this clause is a person who loves transgression. This kind of person loves to cause strife. For example:
Whoever loves sin loves a quarrel. (God’s Word)
(2) The subject of this clause is a person who loves to cause strife. This kind of person loves transgression. For example:
Anyone who loves to argue loves to sin. (New Century Version)
The Display follows interpretation (1), along with a slight majority of versions and scholars. However, there is little practical difference between the two interpretations. You may choose whichever is more natural and logical in your language.
He who loves transgression: In Hebrew, the word transgression refers here to a deliberate sin, crime, or offense against another person. Another way to translate this phrase is:
A person who likes to do bad things to others
17:19b
he who builds his gate high: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “he who makes high his entrance/opening.” There are two main ways to interpret this phrase:
(1) It refers figuratively to a person who has a proud attitude or who speaks boastfully. For example:
the proud (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
anyone who speaks boastfully (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
If you brag all the time (Good News Translation)
(2) It refers literally to a person who builds a high doorway or gate into his house. For example:
One who builds a lofty entrance (Revised English Bible)
-or-
he who makes his door high (English Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) for at least three reasons:
(a) Other forms of the Hebrew word (“makes high”) that is used here refer to pride in 16:5, 16:18, and 18:12. In the last two verses, this pride is associated with destruction.
(b) By contrast, the concept of building a high doorway is not found elsewhere in the OT.
(c) An arrogant, boastful person forms a better parallel with a person who loves to wrong others and create arguments (17:19a).
There is good support for both interpretations. So it is recommended that you add a footnote that gives the literal interpretation. For example:
In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “the one who makes his doorway/entrance high.” Some scholars think that this refers to a person who builds a large, fancy doorway or house.
invites destruction: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “seeks destruction,” as in the New American Standard Bible. Most English versions do not specify whether the proud man is seeking his own destruction or the destruction of others. He probably intends to destroy other people, but this intention will actually lead to his own destruction.
In some languages, it may not be possible to translate in a way that allows both meanings to be understood. If that is true in your language, you should specify that the proud man himself will be destroyed. See 16:18 and 18:12. For example:
Whoever brags a lot is asking for trouble. (New Century Version)
General Comment on 17:19a–b
In some languages, the connection between these two lines may be clearer if the parallel parts are reordered. See 17:19a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.
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