|
RSV |
GNT |
|
Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift? Both are to be
found in a gracious man |
Yes, kind words are more effective than the best of gifts, and
if you are really concerned, you will give both. |
Indeed, does not a word surpass a
good gift?: Indeed (literally “Behold”) calls attention to the following statement.
The language here is somewhat repetitious of the previous line. The implied
answer to this rhetorical question is “Yes.” The question can be expressed as a
statement, as in GNT. GNT “are more effective” translates surpass. For the
whole line NAB has “Sometimes the word means more than the gift.” The
introductory word “Sometimes” adds a nice touch, and serves the function of indeed
without expressing it quite the same way. It is also possible, but not
necessary, to combine this line with the last line of verse 16 as CEV does: “16
. . . saying the right thing can mean more than giving 17 even a generous gift.”
Both are to be found in a gracious
man: GNT expresses this in the second person. This may be considered,
but it is not necessary. “If you are really concerned” in GNT makes an
effective statement, but it shifts the focus a bit. “If you are courteous [or,
polite] may be closer to the meaning in Greek. An alternative line is “But if
you are a generous [or sympathetic] person, you will give both.” (Roger A.
Bullard and Howard A. Hatton, A Handbook on Sirach [UBS Handbook Series;
New York: United Bible Societies, 2008], 367-68)