| 1. Linguistic Exegesis The proverb opens with the comparative marker tov {ט֤וֹב | ṭôv} ‘better’, introducing a preference structure between two parallel noun phrases. The first phrase, p̄aṯ ḥărēḇâ {פַּת חֲ֭רֵבָה | p̄aṯ ḥărēḇâ} ‘dry morsel’, is followed by the compound prepositional phrase wə-šalwâ-bāh {וְשַׁלְוָה־בָּהּ | wə šalwâ-bāh} ‘and quietness within it’. The comparative preposition mi- in mi-bayit {מִ֝בַּ֗יִת | mi-bayit} ‘than from a house’ introduces the second, which is qualified by mālê {מָלֵא | mālê} ‘full’. The construct compound zivḥê-rîḇ {זִבְחֵי־רִֽיב | zivḥê-rîḇ} ‘sacrifices of strife’ juxtaposes abundance (zivḥê) with conflict (rîḇ), creating an antithetical paradox that underscores the value of modest sustenance with calm over plentiful offerings with discord. |