39:11 Will you rely on it because its strength is great?
Will you commit 1 your labor to it?
39:16 She is harsh 2 with her young,
as if they were not hers;
she is unconcerned
about the uselessness of her labor.
10:3 Is it good for you 3 to oppress, 4
to 5 despise the work of your hands,
while 6 you smile 7
on the schemes of the wicked?
1 tn Heb “leave.”
2 sn This verb, “to deal harshly; to harden; to treat cruelly,” is used for hardening the heart elsewhere (see Isa 63:17).
3 tn Or “Does it give you pleasure?” The expression could also mean, “Is it profitable for you?” or “Is it fitting for you?”
4 tn The construction uses כִּי (ki) with the imperfect verb – “that you oppress.” Technically, this clause serves as the subject, and “good” is the predicate adjective. In such cases one often uses an English infinitive to capture the point: “Is it good for you to oppress?” The LXX changes the meaning considerably: “Is it good for you if I am unrighteous, for you have disowned the work of your hands.”
5 tn Heb “that you despise.”
6 tn Now, in the second half of the verse, there is a change in the structure. The conjunction on the preposition followed by the perfect verb represents a circumstantial clause.
7 tn The Hiphil of the verb יָפַע (yafa’) means “shine.” In this context the expression “you shine upon” would mean “have a glowing expression,” be radiant, or smile.