כְּנַ֗עַן בְּיָדֹ֛ו מֹאזְנֵ֥י מִרְמָ֖ה לַעֲשֹׁ֥ק אָהֵֽב׃
Kenaʿan, in his hand are deceitful balances; he loves to oppress.
Morphology
- כְּנַעַן (Kenaʿan) – Root: כנען (Kenaʿan); Form: Proper noun masculine singular; Translation: “Kenaʿan”; Notes: Here likely metaphorical for the northern kingdom (Ephrayim/Yisraʾel), depicted as a dishonest merchant rather than the historical region; conveys moral degradation associated with trade deceit.
- בְּיָדֹו (be-yado) – Root: יד (yad); Form: Preposition בְּ + noun feminine singular + suffix 3ms; Translation: “in his hand”; Notes: Indicates possession or agency—he holds or controls instruments of deceit, symbolizing active participation in injustice.
- מֹאזְנֵי (moznei) – Root: מאזן (mozen); Form: Noun masculine plural construct; Translation: “balances of”; Notes: Refers to weighing scales—common ancient metaphor for justice or commerce; construct links it to the next term “deceit.”
- מִרְמָה (mirmah) – Root: רמה (ramah); Form: Noun feminine singular absolute; Translation: “deceit”; Notes: Implies fraud or treachery; contrasts the moral ideal of “justice” (מִשְׁפָּט) in the previous verse, highlighting the nation’s corruption.
- לַעֲשֹׁק (laʿashoq) – Root: עשׁק (ʿashaq); Form: Preposition לְ + Qal infinitive construct; Translation: “to oppress”; Notes: Expresses purpose or inclination—his intent and desire are to exploit and defraud others.
- אָהֵב (ʾahev) – Root: אהב (ʾahav); Form: Qal participle masculine singular; Translation: “he loves”; Notes: Indicates ongoing preference—he delights in oppression, showing complete moral inversion; love of injustice replaces love of YHWH’s righteousness.