*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Or, For if there is an end (hereafter), thine expectations shall not be cut off. There is an implied confidence in immortality.
Surely there is an end - יש אחרית yesh acharith, there is another life; "and thy expectation" of the enjoyment of a blessed immortality "shall not be cut off." The Old MS. Bible reads thus: For thou schalt hab hop in the last: and thin abiiding schal not ben taken awei. "For the ende is not yet come; and thy patient abydinge shal not be in vayne." - Coverdale.
For surely there is an end; (h) and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
(h) The prosperity of the wicked will not continue.
For surely there is an end,.... Both of the prosperity of the wicked, which is but for a short time; and of the afflictions of the righteous, which are but as it were for a moment; and therefore there is no reason to envy the one, nor to be fretful under the other; the end to a good man will be peace and prosperity for ever: there is a "reward" (b), as some render it here, for the righteous, though not of debt, but of grace; upon which account they have ground to expect much here and hereafter;
and thine expectation shall not be cut off; or "hope" (c); as an hypocrite's is; for the hope of a saint is well founded upon the person and righteousness of Christ, and is an anchor sure and steadfast; his expectation of grace, and every needful supply of it, while in this life, and of eternal glory and happiness in the world to come, shall not perish; but he shall enjoy what he is hoping, expecting, and waiting for.
(b) "merces", Pagninnus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus; so Ben Melech. (c) "spes tua", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis.
an end--or, "hereafter," another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Psalm 37:28-38).
An end - An expected and happy end for such as fear God.
*More commentary available at chapter level.