Translation commentary on Proverbs 5:7

The theme of avoiding adultery is interrupted in verse 7 by appealing again to the learner to pay attention to the instruction of the teacher.

“And now, O sons, listen to me”: The appeal for attention from the learner follows the common pattern used in 1.8; 3.1; 4.1, 10; and 5.1. “And now” serves as a transition from the description of the seductive woman in verses 3-6 to the call for attention. In some languages this transitional marker is not translated. For “O sons” see 4.1. The plural “sons” in the Hebrew text is questionable because, aside from the plural verb forms in verse 7, the pronouns, referring back to “sons” in the rest of the chapter, are always singular. The Septuagint as well as the Vulgate have the singular. Therefore, in languages that mark singular and plural, it is advisable to say “my son” or its equivalent and use the singular pronouns.

“Do not depart from the words of my mouth” as a negative command means “Do not reject [give up or forget] what I have taught you.” The positive-negative structure of the verse in Hebrew will be good style in some other languages. But this line may also be stated positively; for example, “Always remember. . .” or “Keep in mind. . ..” For “words of my mouth” see 4.5.

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 5:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 5:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “So now, oh, my son, you should listen to me, and do not forget what I am saying to you.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “O my sons, so listen now to my words,
    and never forsake them.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Therefore children, you (plur.) listen to me and obey.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Therefore now, listen to what-I-say and do not forget.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 5:7

Paragraph 5:7–14

Verses 5:9–14 tell what will happen to the son if he does not follow the advice given in 5:7–8.

5:7–8

In 5:1–2, the father addressed his “son” (singular). In 5:7, he used the plural “sons.” In 5:8 and the following verses, the Hebrew verbs and pronouns are again singular. If it is confusing in your language to change from singular to plural like this, you may use singular forms throughout this section. A similar situation occurs in 4:1a. See the note and suggested footnotes there. The Display will use singular forms in 5:8–14.

5:7

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

7a So now, my sons, listen to me,

7b and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.

5:7a

So now: This phrase introduces the teacher’s reminder to his sons to pay attention to his warning about the adulteress. In 5:3–6, he described the bad outcome of her life. Here in 5:7, he gives his sons additional reasons to avoid her. Another way to indicate this kind of connection in English is:

Now then, my sons… (New International Version)

5:7b

do not turn aside from the words of my mouth: Other ways to translate do not turn aside from are:

never forget (Good News Translation)
-or-
do not ignore (Revised English Bible)

This command may also be expressed positively. For example:

do everything I say (Contemporary English Version)

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