16:26

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

26a
A worker’s appetite works for him

26b because his hunger drives him onward.

The second line explains more specifically how a laborer’s appetite works for him. It makes him willing to work harder.

16:26a–b

A worker’s appetite…his hunger: The Hebrew words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as appetite and hunger are literally “soul” and “mouth.” They both refer here to a person’s desire/need for food.

works for him…drives him onward: This physical need works for him, that is, it serves a positive purpose. His hunger will make him willing to work harder in order to obtain food. The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as drives him onward occurs only here in the OT. Another way to translate it is:

urges him on (New Jerusalem Bible)

Some other ways to express the meaning of this verse are:

A laborer’s appetite makes him work harder, because he wants to satisfy his hunger. (Good News Translation)
-or-
The workers’ hunger helps them, because their desire to eat makes them work. (New Century Version)

General Comment on 16:26a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. See 16:26a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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