22:21
This verse continues the rhetorical question from 20:20. It further describes the purpose or intended result of the sayings. It describes what they will enable the listener to do. They will enable him to accurately and reliably report to the person who sent him.
21a to show you true and reliable words,
21b that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
22:21a
to show you true and reliable words: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “to make known to you the truth of words of truth/reliability.” It indicates that the sayings will cause the listener to know information or advice that is both accurate and reliable. It assumes that the listener will pay attention to the sayings and will study them carefully.
true and reliable words: The words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as true and reliable are different words in Hebrew. The first word occurs only here in the Old Testament. In this context, it may refer to the accuracy or certainty of the teacher’s words. It may also imply that his advice is appropriate.
The second word overlaps in meaning with the first. It also refers to the truth or reliability of the teacher’s words.
Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
to make you know what is right and true (English Standard Version)
-or-
will teach you information that is appropriate and accurate
You may use more or less than two terms in your language to describe the teacher’s words. Carefully compare the preceding and following verse parts to make sure that they fit together without sounding redundant.
22:21b
that you may soundly answer those who sent you: In Hebrew, this verse part is literally “to bring back words of truth/reliability to ⌊those who⌋ sent you.” The text does not specify who sent the son or the purpose for which they sent him. Scholars have suggested several possible situations. In any of these situations, the wise sayings that the son learns will enable him to reliably accomplish what he was sent to do.
(a) An official or an employer may send the son as a messenger or representative. The son will need to accurately and reliably deliver the message and perhaps conduct negotiations. He will then need to report back to the one who sent him.
(b) A parent or an employer may have sent the son to receive specific training from the teacher of wisdom. The son will need to accurately report his progress to the one who sent him.
Translate in a way that could refer to as many of these situations as possible.
answer: In Hebrew, this word has a general meaning. It refers to anything that a person says. The Berean Standard Bible has used a more specific word, answer, because the context specifies that the son will “bring back” words to the person or persons who sent him.
those who sent you: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as those who sent you is plural. But it may refer in general to anyone who sends the son to accomplish a task or tasks in the future. By the time the son returns with his report, the sender(s) will already have sent him. Some other ways to translate this are:
so that you may give accurate answers to those who sent you (NET Bible)
-or-
so that you can give an accurate report to those who send you (God’s Word)
-or-
to give you the right words for those in charge of you (Contemporary English Version)
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