Translation commentary on Proverbs 24:33-34

The proverbial saying in these two verses expresses what the author learned from observing the result of the farmer’s laziness.

For comments, see 6.10-11, which is almost identical in Hebrew to this passage.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 24:34)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 24:34:

  • Kupsabiny: “that is when poverty will come like a thief/robber comes unexpectedly to a person.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “poverty will come to attack you like a bandit.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “and suddenly will-arrive/come to you (sing.) the scarcity/poverty like an armed robber.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “the outcome-of-it is, suddenly you (sing.) will-become-poor like the one-from-whom- a criminal -has-stolen.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)