5:9–10

Both of these verses begin with a word that the Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, and Revised Standard Version translate as “lest.” This word introduces the bad consequences of not obeying the command in 5:8. The consequences are that the young man will have to give the honor and wealth that he has worked for to others.

The four lines of these two verses are parallel. Notice that the parallel parts “others” and “strangers” in the first line of each verse are plural. The parallel parts “one who is cruel” and “house of a foreigner” in the last line of each verse are singular, though they may refer to a collective group. Although they are more specific than the parallel parts in the first two lines, the text does not identify who these individuals are. See the note on 5:9a–b.

5:9

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. The English Standard Version has been used as the source line for 5:9a, because it follows the recommended interpretation.

9a lest you give your honor to others (English Standard Version)

9b and your years to one who is cruel;

There is an ellipsis in 5:9b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 5:9a. For example:

9b and ⌊lest you give⌋ your years to one who is cruel

5:9a–b

to others…to one who is cruel: These phrases are parallel. They refer to an unidentified person or persons who are cruel, ruthless, without mercy. In some languages, keeping the parallel lines may wrongly imply that others and one who is cruel refer to different people. If that is true in your language, you may want to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines. See 5:9a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display for two ways to do this.

5:9a

(English Standard Version) lest you give your honor to others: There are two ways to interpret the Hebrew word that the English Standard Version translates here as your honor. It can refer to either honor or (manly) vigor:

(1) The word refers to honor, respect, or reputation. For example:

you will surrender your reputation to others (God’s Word)

(2) The word refers to strength or vigor. For example:

you will surrender your vigor to others (Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most commentaries. “Honor” may be a figure of speech that represents the source of the young man’s honor. His honor or reputation could come from his wealth or from the children that he would be forced to turn over to others. Since there are different interpretations as to the source of his honor, it is recommended that you not specify a particular source.

5:9b

and your years: This phrase is probably a figure of speech (metonymy) that represents what the young man would produce or earn during his best years, when he is in the prime of life. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

everything you have achieved in life (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
what you have gained during the best years of your life

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