en_tn_condensed/1ki/12/10.md

My little finger is thicker than my father's waist

This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. AT: "What I will do to make your burden heavier is much more than what my father put on you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions

This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. AT: "My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

punish you with scorpions

The word "scorpions" may refer to 1) a whip with sharp metal barbs on the end or 2) a spider-like creature that has a poisonous sting.