25:6 how much less a mortal man, who is but a maggot 1 –
a son of man, who is only a worm!”
41:14 Don’t be afraid, despised insignificant Jacob, 2
men of 3 Israel.
I am helping you,” says the Lord,
your protector, 4 the Holy One of Israel. 5
1 tn The text just has “maggot” and in the second half “worm.” Something has to be added to make it a bit clearer. The terms “maggot” and “worm” describe man in his lowest and most ignominious shape.
2 tn Heb “O worm Jacob” (NAB, NIV). The worm metaphor suggests that Jacob is insignificant and despised.
3 tn On the basis of the parallelism (note “worm”) and an alleged Akkadian cognate, some read “louse” or “weevil.” Cf. NAB “O maggot Israel”; NRSV “you insect Israel.”
4 tn Heb “your kinsman redeemer.” A גָּאַל (ga’al, “kinsman redeemer”) was a protector of the extended family’s interests.
5 sn See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4.