23:2

This verse gives a specific command to clarify the general advice given in 23:1b. Each line of the verse contains a figure of speech. The two lines will be combined in the Display.

2a and put a knife to your throat

2b if you possess a great appetite.

23:2a

and put a knife to your throat: The Berean Standard Bible and most English versions translate this Hebrew figure of speech quite literally. It probably means “control your appetite” or “limit what you eat.” Some other ways to translate this figure of speech are:

Control yourself (New Century Version)
-or-
Cut down your appetite (Revised English Bible)

If your language has a figure of speech that expresses the right meaning, consider using it here.

23:2b

if you possess a great appetite: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “if you are a possessor of an appetite.” This figure of speech describes a person who normally has a big appetite or tends to eat a lot. It does not refer to a person who is temporarily very hungry. Some other ways to translate this figure of speech are:

if you have a big appetite (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
if you usually have a strong desire for food

General Comment on 23:2a–b

In some languages, it will be more natural to put the “if” clause first. For example:

If you have a big appetite, restrain yourself. (Good News Translation)

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