| 24. Linguistic Exegesis The proverb begins with the comparative adjective tov {ט֗וֹב | ṭôḇ} ‘better’ followed by the substantive infinitive shevet {שֶׁ֥בֶת | še-veṯ} ‘to dwell’, forming a comparative construction. The locative phrase al pinnat gag {עַל־פִּנַּת־גָּ֑ג | ʿal pi-nat gag} ‘on the corner of a roof’ employs a construct chain to convey precise spatial orientation. The comparison is introduced by the prefixed preposition mĕ in meʾeshet midyanim {מֵאֵ֥שֶׁת מִדְיָנִ֗ים | meʾ-e-šeṯ mid-ya-nim} ‘than with a quarrelsome woman’, where midyanim qualifies the woman in a genitive construct. The coordinating conjunction u in ubeit haver {וּבֵ֥ית חָֽבֶר | û-beit ḥā-ver} ‘and in a shared house’ parallels the first clause, heightening the contrast. The Hebrew comparative syntax is rendered by paralleling “better … than” and retaining the infinitive form. The juxtaposition of solitary danger with domestic discord underscores the proverb’s message. |