34:35 that 1 Job speaks without knowledge
and his words are without understanding. 2
34:37 For he adds transgression 3 to his sin;
in our midst he claps his hands, 4
and multiplies his words against God.”
1 tn Adding “that” in the translation clarifies Elihu’s indirect citation of the wise individuals’ words.
2 tn The Hiphil infinitive construct is here functioning as a substantive. The word means “prudence; understanding.”
3 tn Although frequently translated “rebellion,” the basic meaning of this Hebrew term is “transgression.”
4 tc If this reading stands, it would mean that Job shows contempt, meaning that he mocks them and accuses God. It is a bold touch, but workable. Of the many suggested emendations, Dhorme alters some of the vowels and obtains a reading “and casts doubt among us,” and then takes “transgression” from the first colon for the complement. Some commentators simply delete the line.