17:2

This verse has no parallel parts.

2a A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son

2b and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.

Verse 17:2b probably explains the sense in which a wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son. It is implied that the son will be disinherited. The servant will receive the son’s share of the inheritance instead and in that way will replace him as one of the father’s sons.

17:2a

A wise servant: This phrase refers here to a household slave who is sensible, prudent, or competent in carrying out his master’s orders. The phrase “wise servant” also occurs in 14:35a, but there it refers to an official who serves the king.

For wise, see wise dealing in the Glossary.

will rule over: In Hebrew, this verb can mean to rule or govern, as a king or master. But in this context, it probably indicates that the servant will come to have greater rights and authority than the disinherited son. For example:

…will gain authority over (Good News Translation)

a disgraceful son: This phrase refers to a son who “acts shamefully” (New Revised Standard Version). He brings shame on his father and also on himself. The same phrase also occurs in 10:5b.

17:2b

and share his inheritance as one of the brothers: In some languages, a literal translation of one of the brothers may wrongly imply “along with ⌊all⌋ the brothers,” ⌊including the “disgraceful son”⌋ . The correct meaning is that the servant will share the inheritance with his master’s other sons. In that way, he will replace the son who brought shame on the family. Some other ways to translate this line are:

and will receive that son’s share of what the brothers inherit
-or-
and will replace him by receiving his share of the inheritance

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