פֶּן־

From the study of Proverbs 5:6

Range of meaning

A particle expressing something to be prevented: 'lest, so that … not'. It normally follows a command or a main clause ('do X, lest Y').

Against the English

KJV and YLT keep 'lest' and make the son the subject ('lest thou shouldest ponder'). BSB, ESV, NIV, NASB and WEB treat it as a simple negative, 'she does not'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Its use here, opening a clause with no command before it, is unusual. Commentators explain it as a compressed 'so that she does not', or as an emphatic 'she will never'. The LXX and Vulgate simply translate it as a negative ('does not').

From the study of Psalm 38:16

Range of meaning

A particle that introduces something feared or to be avoided: "lest", "so that … not", "beware that". It can stand at the start of a quoted fear as an exclamation ("Lest…!" meaning "Don't let it happen that…!").

Against the English

KJV fills the gap with "[Hear me], lest…". BSB, WEB and NIV turn it into a direct request: "Let them not / Don't let them…". ESV adds "Only" to soften the abrupt start.

Used elsewhere in the period

Ps 13:3–4 is the closest parallel: "Light up my eyes, lest I sleep in death, lest my enemy say 'I have prevailed', lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken (môṭ)". It uses the same three ingredients: pen, rejoice, totter.

From the study of Psalm 91:12

Range of meaning

A particle that introduces a feared outcome to be avoided: "lest", "so that ... not", "otherwise".

Against the English

KJV's "lest" is accurate but old-fashioned. BSB and WEB's "so that you will not" says the same thing in modern English.

Used elsewhere in the period

Common throughout the Hebrew Bible (e.g. Genesis 3:3, "lest you die").