Proverbs 6:7-9 New English Translation
7 It has no commander,
overseer, or[a] ruler,
8 yet it would prepare[b] its food in the summer;
it gathered at the harvest what it will eat.[c]
9 How long, you sluggard, will you lie there?
When will you rise from your sleep?[d]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 6:7 tn The conjunction vav (ו) here has the classification of alternative, “or” (R. J. Williams, Hebrew Syntax, 71, §433).
- Proverbs 6:8 tn The Hebrew imperfect verb occurs here in the sense of past habitual action.
- Proverbs 6:8 tc The LXX adds a lengthy section at the end of the verse on the lesson from the bee: “Or, go to the bee and learn how diligent she is and how seriously she does her work—her products kings and private persons use for health—she is desired and respected by all—though feeble in body, by honoring wisdom she obtains distinction.” The Greek translator thought the other insect should be mentioned (see C. H. Toy, Proverbs [ICC], 124).tn Heb “its food.”
- Proverbs 6:9 sn The use of the two rhetorical questions is designed to rebuke the lazy person in a forceful manner. The sluggard is spending too much time sleeping.
New English Translation (NET)
NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.