Translation commentary on Proverbs 2:13

This verse continues the description of evil people.

“Who forsake the paths of uprightness”: “Forsake” means to abandon, give up, or turn away from. “Paths of uprightness” is as in verse 8 “paths of justice.” “Uprightness” translates the same word used in 2.7. The meaning of this line may be expressed as “They [evil people] abandon the right way” or “They stop doing what is good.” More idiomatically we may say, for example, “They give up following the good path” or “They stop walking on the right path.”

“To walk in the ways of darkness”: Those who abandon the right way of life choose to live their lives in “darkness”, which is an image of wickedness or evil. See Psa 107.10, 14. Unless “darkness” in the translator’s language has a different meaning, it is best to use it. Otherwise we may translate, for example, “to walk on the path of evil,” “. . . where evil people walk,” or “to live in a bad way.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 2:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 2:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “These people are people who refuse the straight path and accept the path of darkness.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “These [understanding and insight]
    will keep you far away from evil doers.
    and [deliver us from] those
    who abandon the good path
    to go down the dark path,
    and [deliver us from] those
    who keep on rejoicing
    in false and evil work,
    and deliver [us] from untrustworthy liars.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “These people turned-away from the right ways and follow the ways of darkness.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “It is they who turn-their-backs-on a righteous way-of-life and it’s as-if they are in darkness.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 2:13

2:13

This verse contains parallel parts that contrast in meaning. The phrase “straight paths” contrasts with “ways of darkness.”

13a from those who leave the straight paths

13b to walk in the ways of darkness,

Notice that 2:13b gives the purpose for 2:13a.

2:13a–b

from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness: The phrases straight paths and ways of darkness are both metaphors that refer to conduct. To leave the straight paths means to abandon a good course of conduct. To walk in the ways of darkness means to follow evil conduct. Since the “path” metaphor occurs throughout Proverbs, and the metaphor of “darkness” occurs throughout Scripture, translators should try to retain these concepts if possible.

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