In biblical hermeneutics, what does it mean to interpret a verb describing divine action in a permissive sense rather than a causative sense?

The chapter argues that certain Hebrew verbs translated as God “smiting” should instead be understood to mean that God **allows** afflictions to occur. It distinguishes permission from commission: in its reading, God permits the consequences of sin or the devil’s activity but does not directly create evil or sickness. The other options do not reflect this distinction.\n\n**Key takeaway:** The author’s translation argument rests on a distinction between permitting and causing.\n\n**Glossary:**\n- **Permissive**: Allowing something to happen.\n- **Causative**: Directly bringing something about.