1:4 For this reason the law lacks power, 1
and justice is never carried out. 2
Indeed, 3 the wicked intimidate 4 the innocent. 5
For this reason justice is perverted. 6
1:7 They are frightening and terrifying;
they decide for themselves what is right. 7
1 tn Heb “the law is numb,” i.e., like a hand that has “fallen asleep” (see Ps 77:2). Cf. NAB “is benumbed”; NIV “is paralyzed.”
2 tn Heb “never goes out.”
3 tn Or “for.”
4 tn Heb “surround” (so NASB, NRSV).
5 tn Or “righteous” (KJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV, NLT).
6 tn Heb “comes out crooked.”
7 tn Heb “from him his justice, even his lifting up, goes out.” In this context שְׂאֵת (sÿ’et) probably has the nuance “authority.” See R. D. Patterson, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (WEC), 150.