28 The vav that introduces this clause functions in an explanatory sense.
29 The Hebrew term מוֹרַי (moray) is the nominal form based on the Hiphil plural participle with a suffix, from the root יָרָה (yarah). The verb is “to teach,” the common noun is “instruction, law [torah],” and this participle form is teacher (“my teachers”).
30 The idioms are vivid: This expression is “incline the ear”; earlier in the first line is “listen to the voice,” meaning “obey.” Such detailed description emphasizes the importance of the material.
31 The form is the Piel plural participle of לָמַד (lamad) used substantivally.
32 The expression כִּמְעַט (kim’at) is “like a little.” It means “almost,” and is used of unrealized action ( 590 2). Cf. “I came close to”; “I have come to the brink of.”
33 Heb “I was in all evil” (cf. , ).
34 The text uses the two words “congregation and assembly” to form a hendiadys, meaning the entire assembly.

In other versions

and you say, “How I hated discipline,

and my heart despised reproof!

I did not listen to the voice of my teachers

or incline my ear to my instructors.

I am at the brink of utter ruin

in the assembled congregation.”

You will say, “How I hated discipline!

How my heart spurned correction!

I would not obey my teachers

or turn my ear to my instructors.

And I was soon in serious trouble

in the assembly of God’s people.”

and you will say, “How I hated discipline,

and how my heart despised correction.

I didn’t obey my teachers

or listen closely to my instructors.

I am on the verge of complete ruin

before the entire community.”

You will say, “How I hated discipline!

If only I had not ignored all the warnings!

Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?

Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?

I have come to the brink of utter ruin,

and now I must face public disgrace.”

and say “How I hated discipline,

and I despised reproof!”

and “I did not listen to the voice of my teachers,

and I did not incline my ear to my instructors!

I was almost at utter ruin

in the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

And say, How have I hated instruction,

And my heart despised reproof;

And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,

Nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

I was almost in all evil

In the midst of the congregation and assembly.

Public Domain