34:37 For he adds transgression 1 to his sin;
in our midst he claps his hands, 2
and multiplies his words against God.”
35:16 So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; 3
without knowledge he multiplies words.”
1 tn Although frequently translated “rebellion,” the basic meaning of this Hebrew term is “transgression.”
2 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.
3 tn The word הֶבֶל (hevel) means “vanity; futility; to no purpose.”