Jeremiah 8:18

Footnotes

1. 45 The words, “Then I said” are not in the text but there is a general consensus that the words of vv. 18–19a are the words of Jeremiah. These words are supplied in the translation for clarity.
2. 46 The meaning of this word is uncertain. The translation is based on the redivision and repointing of a word that occurs only here in the and whose pattern of formation is unparalleled in the Hebrew Bible. The reads מַבְלִיגִיתִי (mavligiti) which provisionally derives from a verb root meaning “to gleam” or “to shine.” However, notes that the text is dubious (cf. 114 מַבְלִיגִית). The text is commonly emended to מִבְּלִי גְּהֹת (mibbéli géhot) which is a Qal infinitive from a verb meaning “to heal” preceded by a compound negative “for lack of, to be at a loss for” (cf., e.g., מַבְלִיגִית and 174 גּהה). This reading is supported by the Greek text which has an adjective meaning “incurable,” which is, however, connected with the preceding verse, i.e., “they will bite you incurably.”