8:30

In this verse, the first line contains a metaphor that compares Wisdom to a craftsman. The next two lines describe her attitude as a craftsman, both giving happiness and being made happy.

30a Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side,

30b and His delight day by day,

30c
rejoicing always in His presence.

8:30a

Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side: The word craftsman refers to someone who is skilled in designing or making things. Some languages do not have technical terms such as “architect” or “craftsman” or do not use metaphors. If this is true in your language, you may be able to use one of the following options:

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

I was beside him like an architect (Good News Translation)

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

I was right beside the Lord helping him plan and build (Contemporary English Version)

8:30b

and His delight day by day: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “I was delights day day.” There are two ways to interpret this clause:

(1) Wisdom was an object or source of delight to the LORD. For example:

I was his daily source of joy (Good News Translation)

(2) Wisdom was delighted. For example:

I was delighted every day (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions and scholars. The LXX has “his,” and “his” delight is also implicit in Hebrew. Another way to translate this clause is:

I made him happy each day. (Contemporary English Version)

day by day: This word can also be translated as “always” or “constantly.” For example:

I was his constant delight. (New Living Translation (2004))

8:30c

rejoicing always in His presence: Verse 8:30b talks about Wisdom giving the LORD happiness, but 8:30c talks about Wisdom’s happiness. The verb rejoicing can mean “playing” or “dancing.” But here, it should probably be understood in the general sense of “rejoicing,” “acting joyfully,” or “celebrating.” The first thing that Wisdom rejoiced about was simply being in the LORD’s presence. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

enjoying his presence all the time (New Century Version)
-or-
I was always happy at his side

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