Paragraph 6:16–19

This paragraph begins with a numerical proverb (6:16). In a numerical proverb, the second line contains a number (in this case, seven) that is one greater than the parallel number (six) in the first line. This kind of proverb is always followed by a list of items corresponding to the number in the second line. The two numbers are primarily a poetic feature. They should not imply that the author is unsure of the number of items or that he changed his mind. Four other numerical proverbs occur in chapter 30.

6:16

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

16a
There are six things the LORD hates,

16b
seven that are detestable to Him :

6:16a–b

There are six things…seven: The two numbers function together as a pair. They indicate that the list that follows will contain seven character traits, attitudes, or actions that the LORD hates. Although this list is specific, it should not imply that these are the only things that the LORD hates. One way to avoid this implication is to translate: “Here/These are seven things….” Some scholars feel that the seventh item may be the climax or focus of the list. (See the note for 6:19b.)

that the LORD hates…that are detestable to Him: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as detestable is similar in meaning to hates, but it has stronger connotations. It refers to something that the LORD “abhors” (New Jerusalem Bible) or something that is “disgusting to him” (God’s Word).

General Comment on 6:16a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines. For example:

There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate. (Good News Translation)

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