6:33
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. The second line intensifies the thought of the first by describing the man’s disgrace/shame as permanent.
33a
Wounds and dishonor will befall him,
33b and his reproach will never be wiped away ;
6:33a–b
dishonor…reproach: the terms dishonor and reproach are synonyms. Both refer to the public humiliation, contempt, or disgrace that the adulterer will suffer in the community as a result of the husband’s action.
6:33a
Wounds and dishonor will befall him: The word translated here as Wounds can also mean “blows” (New International Version) or other injuries. In this context, it probably refers to blows. The phrase will befall him is literally “he will find/get.” Other ways to translate this clause are:
All he will get is blows and contempt (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
He will face/suffer blows and shame
-or-
He will be beaten up and disgraced (New Century Version)
If your language requires you to specify who did the beating, it was probably the wronged husband. However, others may have been involved, so a more general term would be preferable. For example, in some languages, it is natural to say:
There is/are someone/people who will beat him and publicly shame him.
6:33b
his reproach will never be wiped away: In Hebrew, the verb wiped away also means “blotted out” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “erased” (New Living Translation (2004)). These figurative expressions indicate here that his shame will never be removed. Other ways to translate this clause are:
he will be permanently disgraced (Good News Translation)
-or-
his shame will never go away (New Century Version)
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