6:15

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

15a Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly ;

15b
in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.

6:15a–b

suddenly; in an instant: These two terms are synonyms. Another way to express this idea is:

without warning (Good News Translation)

6:15a

Therefore: This word expresses the conclusion or result of the scoundrel’s evil conduct. This relationship may also be expressed as:

That is why… (God’s Word)
-or-
Because of this,… (Good News Translation)

calamity will come upon him: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as calamity could also be translated as “disaster” (New International Version) or “destruction.” (See the note on 1:26a–b.) The New Living Translation (2004) expresses this idea as a verb:

they will be destroyed (New Living Translation (2004))

6:15b

he will be shattered beyond recovery: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shattered is literally “broken in pieces.” Here it refers figuratively to punishment. It is implied that the one who will punish or destroy the wicked person is the LORD.

The clause he will be shattered is passive. If your language does not use passive constructions, you may need to use an active verb and make the agent explicit. For example:

⌊The LORD⌋ will destroy them suddenly

beyond recovery: The nature of the disaster or punishment is not specified, except that it will be beyond recovery. This phrase suggests that the punishment may be sudden death. The Good News Translation has evidently followed this interpretation and has translated this as “fatally wounded.” However, it is recommended that you translate this with a more general expression if possible. For example:

no one can help them (New Century Version)
-or-
they will be…left without a hope (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
beyond healing (Revised Standard Version)

General Comment on 6:15a–b

In some languages, it may be more effective to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts of this verse. For example:

they will be struck by sudden disaster and left without a hope (Contemporary English Version)

Also see the Display for 6:15a–b (combined/reordered).

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