Amsal 10:27-28

10:27 Fearing the Lord ¹  prolongs life, ² 

but the life span ³  of the wicked will be shortened. ⁴ 

10:28 The hope ⁵  of the righteous is joy,

but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled. ⁶ 

[10:27]  ¹ tn Heb “the fear of the Lord.” The term יְהוָה (yÿhvah, “the Lord”) functions as an objective genitive.

[10:27]  ² tn Heb “days” (so KJV, ASV).

[10:27]  ³ tn Heb “years.” The term “years” functions as a synecdoche of part (= years) for the whole (= lifespan).

[10:27]  ⁴ sn This general saying has to be qualified with the problem of the righteous suffering and dying young, a problem that perplexed the sages of the entire ancient world. But this is the general principle: The righteous live longer because their life is the natural one and because God blesses them.

[10:28]  ⁵ sn This proverb contrasts the hopes of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous will see their hopes fulfilled. The saying is concerned with God’s justice. The words תּוֹחֶלֶת (tokhelet, from יָחַל, yakhal) and תִּקְוַת (tiqvat, from קָוָה, qavah) are synonyms, both emphasizing eager expectations, longings, waiting in hope.

[10:28]  ⁶ tn Heb “will perish”; NAB “comes to nought.”