Verse 1
1. Through desire a man, etc. Wonderful are the diverse translations of this proverb, and of the senses attributed to it. The explanation of this fact is, that it contains several obscure words, of which the sense, at least in their present collocation, is uncertain.
Having separated himself נפרד , ( niphradh,) separated, or are separated, which is the subject of the sentence, though certain enough in its etymology is here uncertain in its use. It may be used to denote separation in either a good or a bad sense.
Intermeddleth In respect to יתגלע , ( yithgalla’h,) rendered, “intermeddleth,” the sense is obscure, and admits of various meanings. Thus in a bad sense Stuart gives, as the sentiment: “Selfishness is apt to become exclusive and supreme, and to break all bonds to gratify itself.”
Conant reads: “He that separates himself seeks his own pleasure; against all good counsel he is embittered.” Some prefer the good sense. Thus Dr. A. Clarke: “He who is separated shall seek the desired thing, (the object of his desire,) and shall intermeddle (mingle himself) with all realities, or all essential knowledge.”
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