18:18
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
18a Casting the lot ends quarrels
18b and separates strong opponents.
This verse refers to a situation in which powerful opponents agreed to cast lots to settle a dispute. It is possible that other methods of reaching an agreement had failed.
18:18a
Casting the lot ends quarrels: Casting the lot was a means of determining unknown facts or of deciding what action to take. How the lot was actually cast is not known. People may have used specially marked stones. They used this procedure because they believed that the LORD directed the outcome.
See the note on 16:33a for translation advice relating to this practice. You may also want to add a footnote such as:
See Proverbs 16:33.
ends quarrels: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as ends is literally “causes to cease,” or “puts an end to.” Some other ways to translate ends quarrels are:
settles disputes (New International Version)
-or-
can end arguments (New Living Translation (2004))
18:18b
and separates strong opponents: This phrase is more literally “and it separates between mighty ⌊people⌋ .” This phrase is parallel to “ends quarrels” Casting lots separates powerful opponents by deciding the argument between them. Some other ways to translate this line are:
and decides between powerful contenders (English Standard Version)
-or-
and settles the issue between strong opponents (NET Bible)
General Comment on 18:18a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. For example:
If two powerful people are opposing each other in court, casting lots can settle the issue. (Good News Translation)
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