1:26–27

In 1:26 the writer used two similar terms: “calamity” and “terror.” In the Hebrew of the next verse he used the same terms but changed the order (chiasm), but the Berean Standard Bible does not follow the Hebrew order. He also added a simile to each line: “dread comes like a storm” and “destruction like a whirlwind.” In the last line he added two other synonyms: “distress” and “anguish.” By organizing these verses in this way, he created the impression of an intense, certain, and sudden disaster. It may not be natural to use a chiasm in your language. It is also unlikely that your language will have the same range of parallel terms, but you should try to keep the implication of increasing or fearful disasters. Because the New International Version retains the parallelism of the original, it will be used in the Display for these verses.

1:26

Notice that the New International Version retains the parallel parts that are similar in meaning in the Hebrew:

26a
I in turn will laugh at your disaster ; (New International Version)

26b
I will mock when calamity overtakes you — (New International Version)

1:26a–b

(New International Version) I in turn: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “I also.” It shifts the focus from the foolish behavior of the people in Wisdom’s audience to the reaction that Wisdom will have when they face judgment. Some other ways to express this shift of focus in English are:

I, for my part (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
As for me, I will…

(New International Version) will laugh at…will mock: These verbs are parallel, but mock has a stronger meaning. It means to ridicule or make fun of someone.

(New International Version) your disaster…when calamity overtakes you: The Hebrew word that the New International Version translates as disaster refers to any sudden event that causes great damage or destruction. In Hebrew, the parallel word translated as calamity is literally “terror/panic” or “dread.” For example:

I will mock when panic strikes you (New Revised Standard Version)

The New Jerusalem Bible is similar:

I shall jeer when terror befalls you. (New Jerusalem Bible)

However, the Hebrew phrase that the New International Version translates as calamity is literally “your calamity.” This phrase may mean “the terror that you feel” (as in the New Revised Standard Version above) or “what causes you terror.” You may translate it either way. Together, the two lines refer to a disaster that causes people to be afraid.

(New International Version) overtakes: In Hebrew, this word is literally “comes.” In contexts like this verse, it implies “comes as a consequence.” So another way to translate this verse is:

I will scoff when the dreadful disaster you deserve comes.

General Comment on 1:26a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts in this verse. See 1:26a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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