Psalms
Psalms front
Introduction to Psalms
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Psalms
- Book One (Psalms 1–41)
- Book Two (Psalms 42–72)
- Book Three (Psalms 73–89)
- Book Four (Psalms 90–106)
- Book Five (Psalms 107–150)
What is the book of Psalms?
The book of Psalms is a collection of songs. People called psalmists wrote them for different reasons. In some psalms, the psalmists expressed their praise for God. In other psalms, they asked God for help and expressed confidence in his love and power. In others, they confessed their sins and begged for mercy. The Israelites wrote some psalms to ask Yahweh to defeat their enemies. Other psalms celebrated the event of a new king beginning his reign. Psalmists also wrote to praise the city of Jerusalem. They wrote some psalms to instruct people on how to be wise by honoring Yahweh and obeying his law. Also, pilgrims sang some of the psalms while traveling to Jerusalem to worship there. Some psalms became songs of praise in the temple worship of Yahweh.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators can use the traditional title of this book, “The Book of Psalms” or just “Psalms.” Another title of this book is “Songs of Praise.” Translators may express this meaning in their own languages, or they may choose to use or transliterate the name from another language version if it is well known. For example, the French title “Les Psaumes” might be understood by everyone in a project language, if French is the language of wider communication in the region. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)
When was the book of Psalms written?
The psalms were written over a long period of time. Moses probably wrote the earliest psalm around 1400 B.C. David and Asaph wrote their psalms between 1020 and 975 B.C. The Korahites may have written their psalms before Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews were exiled to Babylon in 587 B.C. Psalm 126 appears to come from the period after the exile, which ended in 538 B.C.
What are the Messianic psalms?
Some psalms are called “Messianic psalms.” New Testament writers considered these psalms to prophesy about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They cited Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 34, 40, 41, 45, 68, 69, 89, 102, 109, 110, and 118 at least one time each in the New Testament.
What are superscriptions in the Psalms?
Many psalms give some information called superscriptions before the beginning of the psalm. Some of the expressions in the superscriptions are difficult to understand, so modern versions often have different interpretations of them.
Seventy-three psalms are called “A psalm of David.” This may mean they were written by King David. Or, it could mean someone wrote them for David or in the style that David used when he composed poetry. The superscriptions of some psalms give the historical situations in which they were written.
Some superscriptions give instructions about how they should be played and sung. They tell which instruments, singers, or melodies should be used for that psalm. Fifty-five psalms are addressed “to the choirmaster” or “chief musician.” The psalmists seem to have meant them to be used in temple worship.
Traditionally, English versions do not give verse numbers to the superscriptions. But many versions in other languages do. Whether or not translators give them verse numbers, they should consider the superscriptions in the Psalms as part of the divinely inspired biblical text.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What are some important ways in which Yahweh is pictured in the book of Psalms?
The psalmists often pictured Yahweh as:
- a king who rules over the nation of Israel and over all the nations
- a shepherd who leads the people of Israel and also the individual psalm writers
- a “rock,” that is, a high rocky mountain on which people can be completely safe from their enemies
- a strong warrior who always defeats his enemies.
What is the importance of honor and shame in the book of Psalms?
When people honor someone, they think well of him and may even admire him. On the other hand, if people shame someone, that person loses honor and is disgraced.
Psalmists often expressed a great desire that Yahweh would be honored by the Israelites and also by the rest of the world.
Also, psalmists often expressed fear that they would be shamed by their enemies. When they felt this way, the psalmists wrote of their trust that Yahweh would not allow this to happen.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Why do the ULT and UST display the book of Psalms as poetry, but some modern versions do not?
The psalmists wrote the psalms as Hebrew poetry. The ULT and UST set each line farther to the right on the page than regular text is placed to show that the writing is poetry rather than prose.
This style typically uses pairs of poetic lines that relate to each other in different ways. Usually, poetic lines are said to be “parallel” to each other. A line that is indented farther to the right is paired with the line above it. (See: Parallelism)
Translators will have to decide whether to present the psalms as poetry or as prose in their own language. Translators will need to consider whether their language has poetic forms that are suitable for expressing the psalms.
Why do some versions number the psalms differently than others?
From ancient times, people have numbered the psalms in different ways. The Jews numbered the psalms in Hebrew in one way. When they translated the psalms into Greek, they numbered them in a different way. As a result, the Hebrew numbering and the Greek numbering of psalms were both passed down through the centuries. They are both still in use today. Translators will probably want to number the psalms in the same way that most versions in their own country do.
How should the translator view the terms Selah and Higgaion that occur in various psalms?
“Selah” and “Higgaion” seem to be musical terms inserted as directions for singers and musicians. Scholars do not agree as to their meaning. For this reason, translators may decide to transliterate them or leave them out rather than try to translate them. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)
Psalms 1
Psalm 1 General Notes
About the Psalm
Psalm 1 is usually considered to be a “wisdom psalm,” which gives advice to those who hear it read or sung.
Purpose: to celebrate the one who follows Yahweh's guidance
Content: It is the one who delights in Yahweh's guidance who is “happy.” “All of this is because Yahweh cares for righteous people, but wicked people keep sinning until Yahweh destroys them forever.” (verse 6)
Message: Devotion to Yahweh's guidance leads to success and honor.
Outline:
- Verses 1–3 The happy: Those devoted to Yahweh’s instruction prosper.
- Verses 4–5 The unhappy: Those who reject Yahweh’s instruction come to nothing.
- Verses 6 Authority: Yahweh directs each path to its destination.
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
- Words associated (whether by sound or by meaning) with a journey appear throughout the psalm.
- In Hebrew, in the word “wicked” the consonant sounds in “happy” are reversed.
- Verses 1 and 5 have a number of correspondences with one another. There are negated clauses in both verses, and both contain motion verbs. Additionally, the phrase “advice of the wicked” in verse 1a is similar to the phrase ”assembly of the righteous” in verse 5b. The phrases also have similar structure. In Hebrew the words for “advice” and “assembly” sound very similar.
Figurative language (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors):
- The psalm begins and ends with the metaphor of a journey.
- There is agricultural imagery which is frequent in scripture: a tree by water (representing flourishing through God’s blessing) and separating wheat from chaff (representing the different judgments of the righteous and wicked).
CCBYSA
Significant portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 1 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
Psalms 1:1
Happy
Quote: אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The man described as happy is someone that others admire and desire to be like. Happy here can be a congratulatory term. Alternate translation: “Admirable” or “Praised”
Happy is the man who walks not in the advice of the wicked {ones}, and stands not in the pathway of sinners, and sits not in the seat of scoffers
Quote: אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי־הָאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר ׀ לֹ֥א הָלַךְ֮ בַּעֲצַ֪ת רְשָׁ֫עִ֥ים וּבְדֶ֣רֶךְ חַ֭טָּאִים לֹ֥א עָמָ֑ד וּבְמוֹשַׁ֥ב לֵ֝צִ֗ים לֹ֣א יָשָֽׁב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
In some languages it may be more natural to place the declaration of the state of the man at the end of the verse after the description of the characteristics that he avoids. However, starting the psalm with the exclamation Happy was an intentional poetic decision by the author, who intended to set the mood of the psalm. Translators should consider how their language might start the psalm with the same sort of praising exclamation. Alternate translation: “The man who does not walk in the advice of the wicked ones, and stands not in the pathway with sinners, and sits not in the seat of mockers is happy.”
is the man
Quote: הָאִ֗ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The man here may refer first to the ideal Israelite king while also having a general meaning referring to a typical righteous person. If your readers would not understand the man in a general way, you may choose a term that gives a broader interpretation. One possible way to do this may be by not using a definite article. Alternate translation: “is a man” or “is the person” or “is a person”
walks not in the advice of the wicked {ones}, and stands not in the pathway of sinners, and sits not in the seat of scoffers
Quote: לֹ֥א הָלַךְ֮ בַּעֲצַ֪ת רְשָׁ֫עִ֥ים וּבְדֶ֣רֶךְ חַ֭טָּאִים לֹ֥א עָמָ֑ד וּבְמוֹשַׁ֥ב לֵ֝צִ֗ים לֹ֣א יָשָֽׁב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
It may be helpful to read these three phrases in an inverted way. That way the negative trajectory that the happy man avoids can be more clearly seen. Consider: “Unhappy is the man who walks in the advice of the wicked ones and then who stands in the pathway of sinners and then who sits in the seat of scoffers.” The meaning of each of these parts of this extended metaphor is expanded in later notes, but translators should see a trajectory of worsening character that a happy man avoids.
walks not in the advice of the wicked {ones
Quote: לֹ֥א הָלַךְ֮ בַּעֲצַ֪ת רְשָׁ֫עִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
Here, walks refers to a man doing the things that wicked ones suggest that he does. This is the beginning of a pattern of doing wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the image clear or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not walk into sin that wicked people suggest” or “never does what wicked people suggest”
and stands not in the pathway of sinners
Quote: וּבְדֶ֣רֶךְ חַ֭טָּאִים לֹ֥א עָמָ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
Here, stands not in the pathway of sinners refers to not copying how sinners continually live their lives, that is, their sinful habits. Standing means joining with sinners. The pathway means habits or how they live. Not only does the happy man not do what the wicked say, but doing what sinners do does not become the way in which he lives his life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the image clear or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and does not stand with sinners in the path of sinning” or “and does not make sinning a habit”
and sits not in the seat of scoffers
Quote: וּבְמוֹשַׁ֥ב לֵ֝צִ֗ים לֹ֣א יָשָֽׁב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
Here, sits not in the seat of scoffers means to not become like people who spend their time mocking people, things, and God. By avoiding the previous two progressions towards a sinful life, the happy man avoids this final state where he would be just like the wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the image clear or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and does not sit with scoffers to join them in scoffing” or “so he never becomes like wicked mockers”
Psalms 1:2
but
Quote: כִּ֤י אִ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
The author uses the word But here to indicate a strong contrast between what the happy man does and does not do. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Rather,”
in the instruction of … and in his instruction
Quote: בְּתוֹרַ֥ת & וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “in the instruction of … and in his instruction”
is} his delight, … he meditates
Quote: חֶ֫פְצ֥וֹ & יֶהְגֶּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, his and he refer to the happy man.
is} his delight
Quote: חֶ֫פְצ֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of delight, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he delights” or “he rejoices”
and in his instruction
Quote: וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, his refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “and in Yahweh’s instruction”
day and night
Quote: יוֹמָ֥ם וָלָֽיְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here, day and night is referring to all the time by naming major time components. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “round-the-clock” or “all the time”
Psalms 1:3
And he is like a tree set to grow on streams of water, which gives its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and he makes successful all that he does
Quote: וְֽהָיָ֗ה כְּעֵץ֮ שָׁת֪וּל עַֽל־פַּלְגֵ֫י מָ֥יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר פִּרְי֨וֹ ׀ יִתֵּ֬ן בְּעִתּ֗וֹ וְעָלֵ֥הוּ לֹֽא־יִבּ֑וֹל וְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה יַצְלִֽיחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this verse’s comparison between the happy man and a well-watered tree is that just like the streams of water cause the tree to flourish, learning Yahweh’s instructions causes the man to flourish. (In Hebrew the phrases even sound similar.) Both a positive and negative comparison are given to strengthen the force of the point. The tree, fruit, and leaf references connect both back to Eden and forward to the end of Revelation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the argument a little more explicit as the “Like … so” connection does in the UST. See 92:12-92:14 for another use of this imagery.
set to grow
Quote: שָׁת֪וּל (1)The point of the choice of the word transplanted is to emphasize the intentional placement of a tree so that it gets abundant water. Translators could use a word meaning “planted” if their readers would understand that this was intentional. Alternate translation: “deliberately planted” or “cultivated”
set to grow
Quote: שָׁת֪וּל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that someone transplanted”
and its leaf does not wither
Quote: וְעָלֵ֥הוּ לֹֽא־יִבּ֑וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is referring figuratively to the tree dying by association with the way the leaves on a tree wither when a tree is dead or dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it will not die”
and its leaf does not wither
Quote: וְעָלֵ֥הוּ לֹֽא־יִבּ֑וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Here the author uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “and its leaves are strong and green”
and he makes successful all that he does
Quote: וְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה יַצְלִֽיחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, both instances of he refer to the happy man.
Psalms 1:4
Not so
Quote: לֹא־כֵ֥ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
The so here refers to everything in the first three verses. The wicked are not in any way like the happy man. If your language has a way to indicate that so refers back not just to the last line about success but to the wider context of the first three verses, consider using it.
they are} like … chaff
Quote: כַּ֝מֹּ֗ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word chaff refers to the parts of a wheat or other grain plant that are not food. The husk that surrounds the edible seed is very light, and it blows away when the wheat is threshed to separate out the edible seed. The stalks are collected and burned. Thus the chaff is with the grain until harvest but then separated and burned or blown away. If your readers would not be familiar with this process, you could describe the chaff or use another light and worthless material to describe the wicked. Alternate translation: “like dried seed husks” or “like fallen leaves”
But {they are} like the chaff that wind chases away
Quote: כִּ֥י אִם־כַּ֝מֹּ֗ץ אֲֽשֶׁר־תִּדְּפֶ֥נּוּ רֽוּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idea of the wicked as waste material gathered at the harvest and eliminated in some way is a common biblical image of God judging the wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, consider how to make the connection to the next verse show this more clearly, because there the author makes this explicit.
Psalms 1:5
Thus
Quote: עַל־כֵּ֤ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Thus indicates that the connection between the previous statements and this is one of similarity. Just like the chaff is removed from the good harvest and destroyed, thus the wicked will be removed from Yahweh’s righteous people and destroyed. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “In the same way”
the wicked {ones} will not stand in the judgment
Quote: לֹא־יָקֻ֣מוּ רְ֭שָׁעִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To stand in the judgment is to be innocent. Unlike the man in 24:3-4, the wicked will be judged by Yahweh and will not rise again as in PSA 140:10. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the wicked ones will not get off the hook” or “the wicked ones will not be found innocent”
will … stand
Quote: יָקֻ֣מוּ (1)The word translated stand here is translated as “arise” in 140:10 and in many other places. This hints at resurrection imagery, which helps to clarify which judgment is in the mind of the author.
in the judgment
Quote: בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This refers to the time when Yahweh will finally judge the whole world. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in Yahweh’s final court”
nor sinners
Quote: וְ֝חַטָּאִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “nor will sinners stand”
Psalms 1:6
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
For here introduces an explanation of the contrast throughout this psalm. If possible, use a connector here that can refer back to more than just the immediate context.
knows
Quote: יוֹדֵ֣עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, knows refers to Yahweh’s intimate and active involvement in the life of the righteous. Alternate translation: “guards”
the way of the righteous {ones}, but the way of the wicked {ones} will perish
Quote: דֶּ֣רֶךְ צַדִּיקִ֑ים וְדֶ֖רֶךְ רְשָׁעִ֣ים תֹּאבֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
Here, the author continues speaking of life as if it were a way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the lifestyle of the righteous, but the lifestyle of the wicked ones causes them to perish”
Psalms 2
Psalm 2 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 2 is usually considered a royal psalm because it is about the king. It was probably first sung when a new person became the king. While there are (from the perspective of the New Testament) clear references to Jesus, the Anointed (Messiah) Son of God (Yahweh), translators should avoid bringing this fuller understanding into the translation of this psalm, which was written around 1,000 years before Christ.
Structure
- verses 1–3 Rebellion - Earthly kings plot rebellion
- verses 4–6 Response - The Heavenly King laughs
- verses 7–9 Decree - The King on Zion recounts Yahweh's covenant
- verses 10–12 Ultimatum - Earthly kings, “Serve Yahweh … Kiss the son!”
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
- The place of reference moves between things being on earth (verse 2), in heaven (verse 4), on the mountain (often seen as a meeting place between heaven and earth (verse 6), and on earth again (verse10).
- The rebellious words in verse 3 are echoed by similar sounding but very contrastive (obedient) words in verses 10–12.
- The word for son in verse 12 is highlighted by being Aramaic rather than Hebrew and having several occurrences of similar sounding consonant groups near it.
Figurative language:
- Nations are personified.
- Yahweh’s rule is pictured as physical bonds.
- Power is figured as an iron rod.
- Nations are figured as pottery.
CCBYSA
Significant portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 2 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
Psalms 2:1
Why do nations conspire and peoples plot futilely
Quote: לָ֭מָּה רָגְשׁ֣וּ גוֹיִ֑ם וּ֝לְאֻמִּ֗ים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Verses 4 and following provide the proper understanding of the questions that make up this verse. They are not true questions; they are statements of mocking disbelief. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Nations are in turmoil and peoples are complaining uselessly.”
nations
Quote: גוֹיִ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, nations represents either the people of the nations or the leaders of the nations. If nations could not be understood to conspire, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. However, it is best to not narrow the meaning to leaders yet, as the psalm will do that in the next verse. Alternate translation: “people from other nations”
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoWhat the nations are conspiring and the peoples are plotting is not mentioned in this verse, but since it becomes clear from the next two verses, you do not need to explain its meaning further here.
Psalms 2:2
The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together
Quote: יִ֥תְיַצְּב֨וּ ׀ מַלְכֵי־אֶ֗רֶץ וְרוֹזְנִ֥ים נֽוֹסְדוּ־יָ֑חַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth take their stand, indeed, the rulers conspire together”
Psalms 2:3
Let us tear apart their bonds and cast their cords away from us
Quote: נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה אֶת־מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹ וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Let us tear apart their bonds, truly, let us cast their cords away from us.”
Let us tear apart their bonds and cast their cords away from us
Quote: נְֽ֭נַתְּקָה אֶת־מֽוֹסְרוֹתֵ֑ימוֹ וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of other nations speak of Yahweh and his anointed one's rule over them as if it were bonds and cords. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “We should free ourselves from their control; we should not let them rule over us any longer”
Psalms 2:4
He who is sitting in the heavens laughs; the Lord mocks them
Quote: יוֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִשְׂחָ֑ק אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י יִלְעַג־לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “He who sits in the heavens sneers; indeed, the Lord mocks them.”
He who is sitting
Quote: יוֹשֵׁ֣ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, sitting represents ruling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He who rules” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 2:5
in his anger and … in his fury
Quote: בְאַפּ֑וֹ וּֽבַחֲרוֹנ֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of anger and fury, you could express the same ideas in another way, as modeled by the UST.
Psalms 2:6
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsThis verse is a quotation of Yahweh (who is mentioned before this verse as the Lord who is sitting in the heavens). If the speaker would be unclear, you may want to introduce him as the UST does.
I myself
Quote: וַ֭אֲנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
Yahweh says I myself to emphasize how significant it was that it was he and not someone else who was setting up this king on Zion. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “I alone”
have poured out
Quote: נָסַ֣כְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Scholars debate the meaning of this verb. However, all the options lead either symbolically or literally to the idea that Yahweh has made his king the ruler on Zion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “installed” or “placed”
Psalms 2:7
I will describe a decree of Yahweh. He said
Quote: אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה אֶֽ֫ל חֹ֥ק יְֽהוָ֗ה אָמַ֘ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The person saying this is the king that Yahweh placed in Zion. This is a change of speaker from the previous verse, though both are unmarked in the original. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The king says he will describe”
Psalms 2:8
as} your inheritance and … as} your possession
Quote: נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ וַ֝אֲחֻזָּתְךָ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of inheritance and possession, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “for you to inherit and … shall you possess”
the extremities of the earth
Quote: אַפְסֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here, the extremities of the earth is referring to all of the world by naming its edges or limits. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the entire world”
Psalms 2:9
You will break them with an iron rod; like a jar of a potter, you will smash them to pieces
Quote: תְּ֭רֹעֵם בְּשֵׁ֣בֶט בַּרְזֶ֑ל כִּכְלִ֖י יוֹצֵ֣ר תְּנַפְּצֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the king is speaking of his own power and anger as if it was an iron rod and of nations as if they were a jar of a potter. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning another way. Alternate translation: “Your power is like an iron rod, which will shatter the nations, which are like mere clay pots.”
like a jar of a potter, you will smash them to pieces
Quote: כִּכְלִ֖י יוֹצֵ֣ר תְּנַפְּצֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Using a simile in the second clause is a way to intensify the statement in biblical poetry. Use a method in your language’s poetic forms to intensify the second clause if possible. Alternate translation: “more than that, you will smash them to pieces like a jar of a potter”
like a jar of a potter
Quote: כִּכְלִ֖י יוֹצֵ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A potter is a person who makes clay pots and jars. These are fragile and can be broken easily. If your readers would not be familiar with this, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “like a clay jar”
Psalms 2:10
be admonished
Quote: הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “listen to this warning”
Psalms 2:11
with fear and rejoice with trembling
Quote: בְּיִרְאָ֑ה וְ֝גִ֗ילוּ בִּרְעָדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of fear and rejoice, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “fearfully, and joyfully tremble”
Psalms 2:12
Kiss the son
Quote: נַשְּׁקוּ־בַ֡ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To kiss the son is a symbolic action showing loyalty and pledged obedience. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. People would show their king that they were loyal to him by kissing him, perhaps on the feet. Alternate translation: “Show the son that you are truly loyal to him” or “Bow down humbly before his son”
and you perish in the way
Quote: וְתֹ֬אבְדוּ דֶ֗רֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the son will kill you if you do not kiss him. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he kill you in the way”
for his anger burns for just a moment
Quote: כִּֽי־יִבְעַ֣ר כִּמְעַ֣ט אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The anger of the son is spoken of as if it were a fire that could burn. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when he suddenly becomes very angry”
Happy are all seekers of refuge in him
Quote: אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י כָּל־ח֥וֹסֵי בֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The protection that submitting to the son provides is spoken of as if the son himself were a safe place (refuge) within which people could be protected. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Everyone who asks the king to protect them is happy”
Psalms 3
Psalm 3 General Notes
About the Psalm
Purpose: to pray for salvation from enemies. Content: Yahweh, save me! My enemies are many, but you are my defense. Message: “Salvation is of Yahweh” (3:8)
Outline:
- verse 1–2 Foes “rising” against psalmist
- verse 3–4 Trust expressed to Yahweh (on his holy hill, see Psalm 2:6)
- verses 5–6 Trust in Yahweh proclaimed
- verses 7–8 Help petitioned from Yahweh (“rising” and saving refer back to verse 1–2)
See 2 Samuel 15–18 for the story of David fleeing from Absalom.
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
- The psalm divides into four sections that are nearly the same length (14 words / 14 words / 14 words / 15 words).
- “Rising” and “salvation” are repeated between verses 2–3 and verses 8–9 in a negative and then positive way. This emphasizes that the author’s problems have been completely solved by Yahweh.
- The second and third sections share similar beginnings; both begin with an independent personal pronoun (verse 3a: "you;" verse 5a: "I"). "You" (=Yahweh) is the topic of the second section (verses 3–4), and "I" (=David) is the topic of the third section (verses 5–6).
- The first section (verses 1–2) and the two middle sections (verses 3–6) are connected by the ideas of “many/multitudes ... against me.”
Figurative language:
- Yahweh is pictured as a shield.
- Safety is pictured as sleeping.
- Yahweh’s salvation from enemies is pictured in violent graphic language.
- Wicked people’s power is represented by their teeth.
Special concepts in this chapter
-
Selah: This psalm contains the first instances of the Hebrew word Selah. Refer to the introduction to Psalms for more information.
-
Superscriptions : This psalm is the first instance which starts with an superscription. Refer to the introduction to Psalms for more information.
Psalms 3:front
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: לְדָוִ֑ד (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
Psalms 3:1
Yahweh, how many my oppressors have become
Quote: יְ֭הוָה מָֽה־רַבּ֣וּ צָרָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The word how marks this as an exclamation that is emphasizing to Yahweh by an emotional outburst how very desperate the author’s situation is. Use an exclamation that would communicate that meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “Oh Yahweh, I have so many enemies!”
The risers against me
Quote: קָמִ֥ים עָלָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, risers against me is an idiom that means “people who rebel against me” or “people who wish to fight me.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Those getting in my face” or “Those who rebel against me”
Psalms 3:2
There is no salvation for him in God
Quote: אֵ֤ין יְֽשׁוּעָ֓תָה לּ֬וֹ בֵֽאלֹהִ֬ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Surely God will not save him”
Selah
Quote: סֶֽלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
This is the first instance of the Hebrew word Selah, the meaning of which is unknown. The Septuagint translates the term as διάψαλμα (diapsalma), meaning “musical interlude.” Your translation team should decide if you will (1) transliterate Selah or (2) omit Selah or (3) follow the Septuagint and translate something like “pause” into your language.
Psalms 3:3
are a shield behind me
Quote: מָגֵ֣ן בַּעֲדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, shield represents protection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you, Yahweh, protect me like a shield”
my glory
Quote: כְּ֝בוֹדִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Because Yahweh is the actor in all the other actions in this verse, calling Yahweh his glory probably means that Yahweh gives the author glory or honor. Since the author has just spoken about his enemies and Yahweh being his protector, he probably means that Yahweh gives him glory by giving him victory over his enemies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are the one who gives me glory” or “you are the one who gives me victory”
and the lifter up of my head
Quote: וּמֵרִ֥ים רֹאשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Lifting the author’s head could mean (1) giving him courage or (2) giving him victory over his enemies or (3) restoring him to being king of Israel (given the context of David fleeing from his son’s usurping). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the one who encourages me” or “and the one who lifts me over my enemies” or “and the one who lifts me to the throne”
Psalms 3:4
I call … and he answered me
Quote: אֶקְרָ֑א וַיַּֽעֲנֵ֨נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the author is calling to Yahweh for help and that Yahweh’s answer takes the form of giving help. You can include this information if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I call for help … and he helped me”
Psalms 3:5
I laid myself down and slept. I awoke, for Yahweh protects me
Quote: אֲנִ֥י שָׁכַ֗בְתִּי וָֽאִ֫ישָׁ֥נָה הֱקִיצ֑וֹתִי כִּ֖י יְהוָ֣ה יִסְמְכֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the phrase for Yahweh protects me is the reason for the result, I awoke, as well as the reason for the author’s confidence that he can lie down and sleep. The events laid down and slept are not one-time occurrences, but a universal statement about his daily peace because of Yahweh. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh protects me, I lie down, sleep, and awake.”
Psalms 3:6
I will not fear
Quote: לֹֽא־אִ֭ירָא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The author does not fear because of Yahweh’s protection, mentioned in verse 5. Be sure that connection is clear in your language.
Psalms 3:7
Rise up
Quote: ק֘וּמָ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author speaks of starting to do something as to Rise up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Take action” or “Do something”
you hit all my enemies on the cheek; the teeth of the wicked you break
Quote: הִכִּ֣יתָ אֶת־כָּל־אֹיְבַ֣י לֶ֑חִי שִׁנֵּ֖י רְשָׁעִ֣ים שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. The phrases my enemies and the wicked refer to the same group of people. Alternate translation: “you hit all my enemies on the jaw; you even break those wicked enemies’ teeth” or “you destroy all my enemies”
you hit all my enemies on the cheek
Quote: הִכִּ֣יתָ אֶת־כָּל־אֹיְבַ֣י לֶ֑חִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Hitting an enemy on the cheek was a way of insulting people. If this would not be clear to your readers, you can explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “For you will insult all my enemies like someone hitting them on the jaw”
the teeth of the wicked you break
Quote: שִׁנֵּ֖י רְשָׁעִ֣ים שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Animals attack with their teeth. Breaking their teeth takes away their power to attack. David speaks as if Yahweh would come and physically fight against the wicked. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you make the wicked unable to harm me like someone breaking the teeth of a ferocious animal”
Psalms 3:8
Salvation {is} of Yahweh
Quote: לַיהוָ֥ה הַיְשׁוּעָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. The meaning of this phrase is that Yahweh is characterized by saving his people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the savior” or “Yahweh saves his people”
Your blessing {is} on your people
Quote: עַֽל־ עַמְּךָ֖ בִרְכָתֶ֣ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of blessing, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Please bless your people” or “You always bless your people”
Psalms 4
Psalm 4 General Notes
Outline:
- Superscription
- verse 1 Distress
- verses 2-6 Rebuke
- verses 7-9 Blessing
About the Psalm
Purpose: to intercede for the people and call them to repentance. Content: People, trust in Yahweh alone! He has relieved our suffering in the past, and he will help us again when I call to him. Yahweh, shine on us! Message: Yahweh alone gives peace and security in times of distress.
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
- Repetition features between verses 1, 6, and 8. See the note in verse 6.
- Hebrew roots from verse 5 repeat in verses 7–9. See the note in verse 5.
- There seems to be a morning and night pattern. The word translated call (verse 1) and cry (verse 3) sound like the Hebrew word for morning, and then bed is mentioned in verse 4. Yahweh lifting up the light of his face is like the dawn in verse 6 and in verse 8 the author lies down to sleep.
- The last verse of the psalm seems to wind down peacefully, even repeating “sh” sounds. See the note in verse 8.
CCBYSA
Significant portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 4 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
Psalms 4:1
God of my righteousness
Quote: אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צִדְקִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here the possessive could mean: (1) “my righteous God,” or (2) “God who vindicates me.” Both options are grammatically possible, and both fit the context well. The following relative clause (verse 2b), which highlights God’s past faithfulness, may suggest that it is God’s righteousness that is in view (hence the UST rendering). You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers.
God of my righteousness
Quote: אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צִדְקִ֗י\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “my God, the righteous one”
in distress
Quote: בַּ֭צָּר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of distress, you could express the same idea in another way. The original word is related to narrowness. Alternate translation: “in trouble” or “when I am oppressed”
Psalms 4:2
Son of man
Quote: בְּנֵ֥י אִ֡ישׁ\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Son of man could refer to: (1) the mortality and finitude of his enemies (as opposed to God’s eternal infinitude), (2) important or wealthy men, (3) the fact that the author is now addressing people rather than God. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You men”
until when {will} my glory become shame? Until when} will you love futility, {until when} will you seek falsehood
Quote: עַד־מֶ֬ה כְבוֹדִ֣י לִ֭כְלִמָּה תֶּאֱהָב֣וּן רִ֑יק תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּ כָזָ֣ב\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to rebuke his enemies. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these three questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “stop calling glory shame! Stop loving futility! Stop seeking falsehood!”
my glory become shame
Quote: כְבוֹדִ֣י לִ֭כְלִמָּה\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and shame, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “you consider my glorious deeds as shameful deeds”
Until when} will you love futility, {until when} will you seek falsehood
Quote: תֶּאֱהָב֣וּן רִ֑יק תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּ כָזָ֣ב\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of futility and falsehood, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “How long will you love vain things? How long will you pursue untrue things?”
Psalms 4:4
Tremble and do not sin
Quote: רִגְז֗וּ וְֽאַל־תֶּ֫חֱטָ֥אוּ\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication could be: (1) that the hearers should tremble in fear of Yahweh’s punishment for the unfaithful or (2) that if the hearers are angry, they should control themselves and not sin. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Tremble in fear and do not sin” or “Even if you tremble angrily, do not sin”
Meditate in your heart
Quote: אִמְר֣וּ בִ֭לְבַבְכֶם\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart represents the thoughts and motives. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Consider your thoughts and motives”
Meditate in your heart on your bed
Quote: אִמְר֣וּ בִ֭לְבַבְכֶם עַֽל־מִשְׁכַּבְכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
The Hebrew root words for speak, heart, and bed in this verse appear in verses 7 (as “say”), 8, and 9 (as “lie down”) respectively (in the same order). Consider if a similar pattern would create a natural poetic effect in your language.
Meditate in your heart
Quote: אִמְר֣וּ בִ֭לְבַבְכֶם (1)Alternate translation: “Think to yourselves”
and be silent
Quote: וְדֹ֣מּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, be silent means that the listeners should show self-control and not act on sinful impulses. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and do not act on evil thoughts”
Psalms 4:5
sacrifices of righteousness
Quote: זִבְחֵי־צֶ֑דֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “sacrifices that are righteous”
righteousness and trust
Quote: צֶ֑דֶק וּ֝בִטְח֗וּ\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
The words righteousness and trust form the poetic center of this psalm. Righteousness is mentioned in verse 1 and trust is the same word translated as “securely” in verse 8. You may wish to explore whether you can reflect this symmetry in a natural way in your language.
Psalms 4:6
Who will show us good
Quote: מִֽי־יַרְאֵ֪נ֫וּ ט֥וֹב\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people asking this are using the question form to make a complaint and implied request. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or plain request. Alternate translation: “No one is showing us good!” or “Please, someone show us good!”
Who will show us good
Quote: מִֽי־יַרְאֵ֪נ֫וּ ט֥וֹב\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, good is spoken of as if it were something that someone could show to someone else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who will do good things for us”
Lift up the light of your face on us
Quote: נְֽסָה־עָ֭לֵינוּ א֨וֹר פָּנֶ֬יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “act favorably towards us”
Lift up the light of your face on us Yahweh
Quote: נְֽסָה־עָ֭לֵינוּ א֨וֹר פָּנֶ֬יךָ יְהוָֽה (1)This is a reference to the high priest’s blessing in Numbers 6:24.
Psalms 4:7
You have put joy in my heart
Quote: נָתַ֣תָּה שִׂמְחָ֣ה בְלִבִּ֑י\r (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the phrase put joy in my heart represents that the author’s emotional state is joyful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have made me happy”
You have put joy in my heart
Quote: נָתַ֣תָּה שִׂמְחָ֣ה בְלִבִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You have made me glad”
their grain and their new wine abound
Quote: דְּגָנָ֖ם וְתִֽירוֹשָׁ֣ם רָֽבּוּ\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, grain and new wine represent basic food necessities. An abundance of them represents material prosperity. If these would not represent basic foods and prosperity in your culture, you may consider using items that have the same implication from your own culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have a lot of bread and fresh milk” or “they are quite rich”
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryIn Hebrew, this verse uses progressively shortening lines and repeated sounds to create a sense of peaceful rest. Consider if there is a way in your language to create the same sensation.
Psalms 4:8
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Yahweh, cause me to dwell securely
Quote: בְּשָׁל֣וֹם יַחְדָּו֮ אֶשְׁכְּבָ֪ה וְאִ֫ישָׁ֥ן כִּֽי־אַתָּ֣ה יְהוָ֣ה לְבָדָ֑ד לָ֝בֶ֗טַח תּוֹשִׁיבֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since you alone, Yahweh, cause me to dwell securely, therefore in peace I will both lie down and sleep.”
In peace
Quote: בְּשָׁל֣וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Peacefully”
Psalms 5
Psalm 5 General Notes
Outline:
- Superscription
- verses 1–2 Appeal
- verses 3–7 Precedent
- verses 8–11 Petition
- verse 12 Resolution
About the Psalm
Purpose: to petition the divine King and Judge for justice from enemies. Content: Yahweh, act justly! Banish the evildoers! Shelter the righteous! Message: Yahweh is a just ruler, and he blesses the just.
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
- The first word of the content portion of the psalm starts with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the final word starts with the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This symbolizes completeness; the author’s appeal to Yahweh is complete.
- There is a parallel structure between verses 3–7 and verses 8–11:
- Verses 3 and 8 start with an address to Yahweh, who is also the subject.
- Verses 4 and 9 start with “For” followed by a word of negation. They use a verbless clause in Hebrew, and the wicked are the topic.
- Verses 7 and 11 contrast with what is immediately before, and they speak of being with Yahweh.
- There is also progression between each earlier verse and its related later verse either in specificity or time.
CCBYSA
Significant portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 5 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
Psalms 5:1
To} my words
Quote: אֲמָרַ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of spoken words, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “To what I say”
give ear
Quote: הַאֲזִ֥ינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, give ear is an idiom that means “listen.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “pay attention”
Psalms 5:2
my king and my God
Quote: מַלְכִּ֥י וֵאלֹהָ֑י (1)The author is not referring to two people; both of these terms refer to Yahweh.
Psalms 5:2-3
to the sound of … my voice
Quote: לְק֬וֹל & קוֹלִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
The words translated as sound and voice are the same in the original. If your language has a word that could be the same in both places, you could consider using it to follow the poetic parallel of the original.
Psalms 5:1,5:3,5:8, 5:12
Yahweh … Yahweh … Yahweh … Yahweh
Quote: יְהוָ֗ה & יְֽהוָ֗ה & יְהוָ֤ה & יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
The direct address to Yahweh in each of these verses marks the start of a new section of the psalm. If your language marks section beginnings in poetry in a certain way, you may wish to use them at the beginning of these verses.
Psalms 5:3
I prepare for you and watch
Quote: אֶֽעֱרָךְ־לְ֝ךָ֗ וַאֲצַפֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) the author prepares his argument or legal case for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I prepare my case for you and watch for your judgment.” (2) the author prepares to be rescued by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I prepare to be rescued by you and wait for you.” You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers.
Psalms 5:4
wickedness
Quote: רֶ֥שַׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “wicked deeds”
Psalms 5:5
The arrogant will not stand in front of your eyes
Quote: לֹֽא־יִתְיַצְּב֣וּ הֽ֭וֹלְלִים לְנֶ֣גֶד עֵינֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, stand in front of your eyes is an idiom that means “come near you,” which implies worshiping Yahweh. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The arrogant will not be allowed to draw near to you” or “be allowed to offer pleasing worship to you”
doers of iniquity
Quote: פֹּ֥עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who trouble others”
Psalms 5:6
the man of blood and deceit Yahweh abhors
Quote: אִישׁ־דָּמִ֥ים וּמִרְמָ֗ה יְתָ֘עֵ֥ב ׀ יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The author is speaking about Yahweh in the third person. If changing between second and third person like this would not be natural in your language, you could continue the second person form. Alternate translation: “the man of blood and deceit you, Yahweh, abhor”
Psalms 5:7
But I
Quote: וַאֲנִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Here the author mentions himself explicitly to make a contrast between himself and the wicked people he’s been talking about. Draw attention to this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I, on the other hand” or “In contrast, I”
in the greatness of your covenant faithfulness
Quote: בְּרֹ֣ב חַ֭סְדְּךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because you always keep your promises”
your temple of holiness
Quote: הֵֽיכַל־קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of holiness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “your holy temple”
I will bow down toward your temple of holiness in fear
Quote: אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה אֶל־הֵֽיכַל־קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ בְּיִרְאָתֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I will reverently bow down toward your temple of holiness”
Psalms 5:8
guide me in your righteousness
Quote: נְחֵ֬נִי בְצִדְקָתֶ֗ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of righteousness as if it were a path, and of teaching as guiding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “teach me to do what is righteous as you are righteous” or “teach me to do what is righteous as you do what is righteous”
my watchers
Quote: שׁוֹרְרָ֑י (1)Alternate translation: “those who watch for a chance to attack me”
straighten before my face your path
Quote: הַיְשַׁ֖ר לְפָנַ֣י דַּרְכֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of following Yahweh’s commands as if doing so were a path. He asks Yahweh to put a straightened path before him, because a straight path is easy to see or walk on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “show me clearly how to live in the right way” or “make it easy for me to do what is right”
Psalms 5:9
there is no firmness in his mouth
Quote: אֵ֪ין בְּפִ֡יהוּ נְכוֹנָה֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, firmness means trustworthiness or dependability. If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you cannot trust what they say” or “you cannot rely on them”
in his mouth; … is their throat; their tongue
Quote: בְּפִ֡יהוּ & גְּרוֹנָ֑ם & לְ֝שׁוֹנָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The his mouth, their throat, and their tongue represent people’s speech. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in their speech … are their words … their talk” or “what they say … is everything they say … everything they say”
their inward being is destruction
Quote: קִרְבָּ֪ם הַ֫וּ֥וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The inward being represents people’s thoughts and desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their thoughts and desires are for destruction”
An open tomb is their throat
Quote: קֶֽבֶר־פָּת֥וּחַ גְּרוֹנָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Their throat is spoken of as if it were an open tomb. This could mean: (1) what they say is bad, like the smell of dead bodies Alternate translation: “their words are a bad as the smell from a tomb” or (2) it is ready for dead bodies to be put into it. Alternate translation: “they say that they will kill people” or “What they say kills people” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly.
their tongue they make smooth
Quote: לְ֝שׁוֹנָ֗ם יַחֲלִֽיקוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author is comparing what the enemies say to something smooth, which means they flatter people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they lie to people to get what they want” or “they say nice things about people without really meaning it”
Psalms 5:10
due to their schemes! Because of … many
Quote: מִֽמֹּעֲצ֪וֹתֵ֫יהֶ֥ם בְּרֹ֣ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of schemes and transgressions, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “due to their scheming! Because they transgress many times”
may they fall
Quote: יִפְּלוּ֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, fall represents the moral, spiritual, or social decline of the author’s enemies as the inevitable and divinely caused consequences of opposing God’s will. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may they suffer”
Psalms 5:11
refuge seekers
Quote: ח֪וֹסֵי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author speaks of people who trust in Yahweh to save and protect them as if they were seekers and Yahweh were a refuge. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who seek protection”
to eternity
Quote: לְעוֹלָ֣ם (1)Alternate translation: “forever”
and may you cover over them
Quote: וְתָסֵ֣ךְ עָלֵ֑ימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author is speaking of protection as if it were to cover over someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and may you defend them”
lovers of your name
Quote: אֹהֲבֵ֥י שְׁמֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh’s name represents his reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “lovers of your good reputation”
Psalms 5:12
you surround him {with} favor as a shield
Quote: כַּ֝צִּנָּ֗ה רָצ֥וֹן תַּעְטְרֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh’s favor is spoken of as if it were a shield. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will favor them and protect them as a soldier protects himself with his shield” or “because you are kind to them, you will protect them”
you surround him
Quote: תַּעְטְרֶֽנּוּ (1)Alternate translation: “you crown him”
Psalms 6
Psalm 6 General Notes
Outline:
- Superscription
- verses 1–5 Plea
- verses 6–7 Death
- verses 8–10 Answer
The psalm divides neatly in half between verses 5 and 6 with 34 words in each. The first half divides into two parts, verses 1–2 and verses 4–5, which parallel each other in structure and content.
About the Psalm
Purpose: to plead for mercy and healing
Content: Yahweh have mercy and heal me, because I am near death, and no one can praise you in death.
Message: Yahweh’s loyalty to David is stronger than sin and death (Psalm 30:6.)
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
-
The first section (verses 1–3) and the last section (verses 8–10) are parallel. Not only are they the same length (3 verses, 6 lines), but they are also similar in content and sounds. Structurally, the first section and the last section stand in a symmetrical relationship to one another. The parallels help to define the structure of the psalm.
-
The effect of the repetition in the last section is to highlight the complete resolution and reversal of the situation. David’s prayer has been heard, his question of "How long?" has been answered ("in an instant!"), and the deep dismay that he experienced is now imparted to his enemies on whom Yahweh’s punishment rightfully falls.
-
The second section (verses 6–7) stands out in a number of ways, including figurative language, line structure, use of rare words, alliteration, delay of information, word repetition, and use of similar-sounding words. The effect is to draw attention to this section of the poem, wherein David, on the brink of death, reaches to the heights of poetic/rhetorical technique in order to express the depths of his suffering in a last-ditch effort to persuade Yahweh to rescue him.
-
Yahweh’s name appears eight times throughout the psalm, but it is conspicuously absent from the second section (verses 6–7), which follows the Psalmist's statement that “in death, there is no remembrance of you” (verse 5a).
In verses 6–7, it is as though David has descended into the world of the dead, the place where Yahweh is neither named or praised. It is a place of darkness (night) and associated with watery chaos (tears/swim/melt). In the last section (verses 8–10), David regains energy, confidence, and authority, and he proclaims Yahweh’s name three times, as though he has come back from the dead.
- Almost every verse in this psalm displays parallelism. Verse 2 and the first line of verse 3 are a three-part parallel while the last line of verse 3 and the first line of verse 4 seem to be the only lines not in a parallelism construction. While all these phrases mean basically the same thing with the second emphasizing the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words, Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. (See: Parallelism.)
CCBYSA
Significant portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 6 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY "
Psalms 6:front
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: עַֽל־הַשְּׁמִינִ֗ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The meaning of the word translated as eighth is unknown. It may refer to (1) a style of music, (2) a style of instrument. Alternate translation: “set to the Sheminith style”
Psalms 6:1
not in your nose, rebuke me, and not in your rage, discipline me
Quote: אַל־בְּאַפְּךָ֥ תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי וְֽאַל־בַּחֲמָתְךָ֥ תְיַסְּרֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “do not rebuke or discipline me when you are angry”
in your nose
Quote: בְּאַפְּךָ֥ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the nose represents anger. If you have a body part in your culture that is associated with being angry you could use that here. Alternate translation: “in your anger”
in your rage
Quote: בַּחֲמָתְךָ֥ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of rage, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “furiously”
Psalms 6:2
my bones are shaking
Quote: נִבְהֲל֣וּ עֲצָמָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The bones represent the whole body. His body may have been shaking because he was sick or extremely tired. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my whole body is shaking”
Psalms 6:3-4
And my soul is very disturbed … my soul
Quote: וְ֭נַפְשִׁי נִבְהֲלָ֣ה מְאֹ֑ד & נַפְשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
My soul refers to the author as a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I am very disturbed … me”
Psalms 6:3
disturbed
Quote: נִבְהֲלָ֣ה (1)Alternate translation: “terrified” or “shaken”
And you, Yahweh, until when
Quote: וְאַתָּ֥ה יְ֝הוָ֗ה עַד־ מָתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to request an end to his suffering. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: please, do not let this continue!”
Psalms 6:4
Turn back
Quote: שׁוּבָ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Turn back refers to a change from one activity to another, in this case from anger to mercy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have mercy on me”
Save me for the sake of your covenant faithfulness
Quote: ה֝וֹשִׁיעֵ֗נִי לְמַ֣עַן חַסְדֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Save me because you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 6:5
in death
Quote: בַּמָּ֣וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when someone has died”
remembrance of you
Quote: זִכְרֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, remembrance represents praise or honor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “praise of you”
For in death, there is no remembrance of you
Quote: כִּ֤י אֵ֣ין בַּמָּ֣וֶת זִכְרֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word remembrance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “For in death people cannot remember you”
In Sheol, who will thank you
Quote: בִּ֝שְׁא֗וֹל מִ֣י יֽוֹדֶה־לָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses this question to emphasize that no one in Sheol thanks God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one in Sheol will give you thanks!” or “The dead cannot praise you!”
Psalms 6:6
I am weary with my groaning
Quote: יָגַ֤עְתִּי ׀ בְּֽאַנְחָתִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The author’s groaning represents the pain or distress that he feels. If your language does not use an abstract noun for that idea, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I am very tired because I hurt”
my bed … my couch
Quote: מִטָּתִ֑י & עַרְשִׂ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These are different words for the same thing. Alternate translation: “my sleeping place … my sleeping place”
During every night, I cause my bed to swim, With my tears, my couch I melt
Quote: אַשְׂחֶ֣ה בְכָל־לַ֭יְלָה מִטָּתִ֑י בְּ֝דִמְעָתִ֗י עַרְשִׂ֥י אַמְסֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says his tears cause his bed to swim and his couch to melt here as extreme statements for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Every night my bed gets very wet from my many tears that make my whole couch very wet”
Psalms 6:7
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitIn this verse, the implied cause of the eye (vision) problems the author is having is his excessive crying. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers.
My eye has wasted away
Quote: עָֽשְׁשָׁ֣ה & עֵינִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, eye represents the ability to see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My vision has wasted away” or “I cannot see clearly”
My eye has wasted away
Quote: עָֽשְׁשָׁ֣ה & עֵינִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the eye having wasted away means to lose the ability to see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have lost the ability to see well”
from grief
Quote: מִכַּ֣עַס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, grief here represents crying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from crying” or “because I cry so much”
it advances
Quote: עָֽ֝תְקָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the eye is said to advance which figuratively means to grow old or weak which plainly means to lose ability to see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it weakens” or “my sight weakens”
Psalms 6:8-9
Yahweh … Yahweh … Yahweh
Quote: יְ֝הוָ֗ה & יְ֭הוָה & יְ֝הוָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Yahweh is mentioned three times in these verses to focus the audience on who has changed the author’s circumstances. However, if repeating a name like this in your culture would not create a similar focus effect you could substitute some with pronouns as in the UST.
Psalms 6:9
my appeal for mercy
Quote: תְּחִנָּתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “my appeal for him to be merciful”
Yahweh accepts my prayer
Quote: יְ֝הוָ֗ה תְּֽפִלָּתִ֥י יִקָּֽח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being willing to do what the author prayed for is spoken of as if his prayer was something that Yahweh accepts from him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will respond to my prayer”
Psalms 7
Psalm 7 General Notes
Outline:
-
Superscription
-
verses 1–5 Injustice Rejected
- verses 6–9 Justice Requested
- verses 10–16 Justice Expected
- verse 17 Justice Praised
About the Psalm
Purpose: to invoke justice from Yahweh towards both the righteous (specifically, himself) and the wicked (false accusers).
Content: God is a righteous judge. He saves the upright, and he brings the end to the wicked’s violence.
Message: King Yahweh will see to it that the wicked receive their punishment and that the righteous are vindicated.
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
Heights and Depths
Provides the structure of the Psalm. 1. The Psalmist is brought down (vv. 1-5) 2. Yahweh goes up to the highest place (vv. 6-9) 3. The enemies are brought down (vv.10-16) 4. Praise to the Most High God (v.17)
Other
- There are a number of explicit and implicit references to Yahweh as both warrior and judge, which are both important functions of a king, especially King Yahweh—a metaphor that runs throughout the Psalms.
- The subject in verses 12-16 is ambiguous, only the pronoun “he” is used (but it must be the wicked in verses 14-16). The psalmist might have chosen to leave the participants grammatically ambiguous in this entire section to create tension in what is a prominent section of the psalm (which is it, Yahweh or the wicked?!), as well as to teach an important lesson in line with the meaning of this psalm: to be wicked is to bring death upon oneself; but Yahweh is the one who ensures the destruction. In the UST and notes, the most likely persons are identified.
Cush the Benjamite
Note the superscription and the specific circumstances. There is no other reference to this incident in the Scriptures. But there are references to David being opposed by those of the tribe of Benjamin during the time he was serving King Saul.
CCBYSA
Portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 7 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
Psalms 7:front
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A musical composition of David (1)Alternate translation: “This is a song that David wrote”
Psalms 7:1
in you I have taken refuge
Quote: בְּךָ֣ חָסִ֑יתִי (1)Here, the author is speaking of going to Yahweh for protection as taking refuge in him, as if Yahweh were something strong or safe he could hide inside of. Alternate translation: “I always go to you for protection”
Psalms 7:2
he rip my life apart like a lion
Quote: יִטְרֹ֣ף כְּאַרְיֵ֣ה נַפְשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author is saying that his enemy is like a lion because they would both rip his body apart and tear it in pieces. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they will violently kill me like a lion ripping apart its victim’s body and tearing it in pieces” or “they will violently kill me”
Psalms 7:3-5
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryIn some languages, translating verses 3-5 might require a significant rearrangement to make the meaning clear. This section presents a hypothetical situation where the author calls a potential curse onto himself. You might have to connect each hypothetical situation in verses 3-4 with a consequence in verse 5, or even put verse 5 before the hypotheticals.\r \r However, it's important to notice that both verses 3-4 and verse 5 build up to a greater level of tension, with the peak of this tension at the end of verse 5. As you translate, try to capture this growing sense of hypothetical sin and its consequences, doing so in a way that feels natural to the poetic style of your language.
Psalms 7:3-4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: אִם־עָשִׂ֣יתִי זֹ֑את אִֽם־יֶשׁ־עָ֥וֶל בְּכַפָּֽי & אִם־עָשִׂ֣יתִי זֹ֑את אִֽם־יֶשׁ־עָ֥וֶל בְּכַפָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary
The author presents a statement that may seem hypothetical, but in reality, he is sure that the condition he describes is not true. He’s making the case that he’s not guilty.
When translating, use a form in your language that introduces a condition the speaker doesn’t believe is true (similar to how it’s done in the UST).
Be careful, though: if you choose to translate it as a statement of the opposite, as seen in an alternate translation, you’ll need to also change the wording in verse 5 to reflect this negation, as shown at the end of the provided example.
Alternate translation: “since I have not done this, and since there is no wrong on my hands, since I have not repaid evil to one who was at peace with me, or senselessly rescued my adversary, then do not”
Psalms 7:3
if there is wrong on my hands
Quote: אִֽם־יֶשׁ־עָ֥וֶל בְּכַפָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author is speaking of wrong as if it was something that could be held in someone's hands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have done something wrong with my hands” or “if I have treated someone wrongly”
if there is wrong on my hands
Quote: אִֽם־יֶשׁ־עָ֥וֶל בְּכַפָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrong, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “if I have wronged someone”
Psalms 7:4
I have repaid evil {to} one {who was at} peace with me
Quote: גָּ֭מַלְתִּי שֽׁוֹלְמִ֥י רָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of evil, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I have acted evilly to one who was at peace with me”
to} one {who was at} peace with me
Quote: שֽׁוֹלְמִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to my friend” or “to my peaceful neighbor”
or senselessly rescued my adversary
Quote: וָאֲחַלְּצָ֖ה צוֹרְרִ֣י רֵיקָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) being an unfaithful friend by saving a person who is the author’s and his ally’s enemy. Alternate translation: “or saved my enemy for no reason” (2) not attacking even an enemy without immediate cause (in this case the verb translated rescue could be taken as plunder). Alternate translation: “or plundered my enemy without cause” (3) not only not doing evil to friends, but even doing good to enemies. In this case the phrase would be less logically connected to the previous one. Alternate translation: “. And I even rescue one who is my enemy without reason.”
Psalms 7:5
my soul … my life … my honor
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֡י & חַיָּ֑י & וּכְבוֹדִ֓י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, my soul, my life, and my honor represent the whole person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me”
and cause my honor to live in the dust
Quote: וּכְבוֹדִ֓י ׀ לֶעָפָ֖ר יַשְׁכֵּ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to lying dead and unburied in disgrace. (This is the same word for dust as in Genesis 3:19) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and throw my dead body on a dirt pile”
Psalms 7:6
Arise
Quote: ק֘וּמָ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Arise represents doing something or taking action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do something” or “Take action”
In your nose
Quote: בְּאַפֶּ֗ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, in your nose is an idiom meaning that Yahweh is angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Because you are angry”
be lifted
Quote: הִ֭נָּשֵׂא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, be lifted represents overcoming or conquering people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “overcome”
with the rage of my adversaries
Quote: בְּעַבְר֣וֹת צוֹרְרָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The adversaries’ rage represents their attacks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against the attacks of my adversaries” or “against my adversaries who attack me”
And wake up
Quote: וְע֥וּרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking to Yahweh as if he was asleep and needed to wake up. Here, waking up represents starting to do something or take action. It does not imply that the author thinks Yahweh is asleep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Take action” or “Start to do this”
You have ordered judgment
Quote: מִשְׁפָּ֥ט צִוִּֽיתָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
This wording serves a dual function: it both justifies the demands made earlier in this verse and sets the stage for the expectations expressed in the following verses. When translating, consider how to maintain this two-fold connection in your language, ensuring that it aligns with the logical and emotional flow of the text.
Psalms 7:7
And an assembly of peoples surround you
Quote: וַעֲדַ֣ת לְ֭אֻמִּים תְּסוֹבְבֶ֑ךָּ (1)Alternate translation: “And let an assembly of peoples surround you”
and over it return on high
Quote: וְ֝עָלֶ֗יהָ לַמָּר֥וֹם שֽׁוּבָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh ruling the assembly of people from heaven is spoken of as being over it … on high. Alternate translation: “rule over them from heaven” or “rule over them”
Psalms 7:8
Yahweh, adjudicate the peoples! Judge me, Yahweh
Quote: יְהוָה֮ יָדִ֪ין עַ֫מִּ֥ים שָׁפְטֵ֥נִי יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
The word adjudicate is used to show that in the original two different words meaning judge are used. If you have two terms in your language you can use two, if not, you can use the same term twice. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, judge the peoples! Judge me, Yahweh”
Judge me
Quote: שָׁפְטֵ֥נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Yahweh will find the author innocent. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Judge me innocent”
according to my righteousness and according to my integrity
Quote: כְּצִדְקִ֖י וּכְתֻמִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of righteousness and integrity, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “according to how I live rightly and according to how I live honestly”
Most High
Quote: עָלָֽי (1)This could be: (1) a title for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “O you, Above All” (2) a clause locating the author’s righteousness and integrity in himself. Alternate translation: “which is in me”
Psalms 7:9
The righteous God examines hearts and kidneys
Quote: וּבֹחֵ֣ן לִ֭בּ֗וֹת וּכְלָי֗וֹת אֱלֹהִ֥ים צַדִּֽיק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could move the last clause in this verse to the beginning as in the UST.
the evil of
Quote: רַ֨ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of evil, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “evil things”
hearts and kidneys
Quote: לִ֭בּ֗וֹת וּכְלָי֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The hearts and kidneys are internal organs that represent people’s thoughts and desires in the author’s culture. If these body parts do not have that meaning in your language, you could use body parts from your language that do have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “thoughts and motives”
Psalms 7:10
My shield is with God
Quote: מָֽגִנִּ֥י עַל־אֱלֹהִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word shield represents God’s protection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God protects me”
the upright of heart
Quote: יִשְׁרֵי־לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the heart represents the thoughts and motives. If the heart does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a body part from your language that has that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose thoughts and motives are upright”
Psalms 7:11
and a God {who is} indignant on every day
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗ל זֹעֵ֥ם בְּכָל־יֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The author assumes that his readers will understand that God is indignant with the wicked. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and a God who is angry with evil people every day”
on every day
Quote: בְּכָל־יֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here, on every day represents a constant state, God is angry with the wicked all the time. Alternate translation: “all the time”
Psalms 7:12
he does … repent, his sword he will sharpen, his bow he has bent
Quote: יָ֭שׁוּב חַרְבּ֣וֹ יִלְט֑וֹשׁ קַשְׁתּ֥וֹ דָ֝רַ֗ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The first he in this verse refers to the wicked. After the word repent all the he and his refer to Yahweh.
Psalms 7:12-13
his sword he will sharpen
Quote: חַרְבּ֣וֹ יִלְט֑וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In verses 12 and 13, David speaks of God deciding to punish the wicked as if God were a warrior preparing to fight against them with weapons. If it would be helpful in your language you could translate this as a simile (as in the UST) or state it plainly. Alternate translation: “God will prepare the punish him like a warrior prepares to fight by sharpening his sword”
Psalms 7:13
and for him
Quote: וְ֭לוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
This could mean: (1) for the wicked, that is, God has prepared to use these weapons against the wicked. Alternate translation: “and for the wicked” (2) for himself, that is, God has prepared the weapons for his own use. Alternate translation: “and for himself”
Psalms 7:14
he is pregnant with wickedness, and he conceives trouble, and he births lies
Quote: יְחַבֶּל־אָ֑וֶן וְהָרָ֥ה עָ֝מָ֗ל וְיָ֣לַד שָֽׁקֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These three phrases mean basically the same thing. The second and third emphasize the meaning by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the later phrases are repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “he who is pregnant with wickedness, who also conceives trouble, who even births lies”
he is pregnant with wickedness, and he conceives trouble, and he births lies
Quote: יְחַבֶּל־אָ֑וֶן וְהָרָ֥ה עָ֝מָ֗ל וְיָ֣לַד שָֽׁקֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
nThe author speaks of the things that a wicked person does as if the person were pregnant and wickedness, trouble, and lies are the baby. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Just as a woman conceives a child, carries it to term, and gives birth to it, So evil people think of wrong things to do, they do those wrong things, and then they lie about what they have done.” or “the person ready to do wicked things. He makes plans for trouble and produces lies”
he is pregnant
Quote: יְחַבֶּל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here the subject switches from God back to the evil person. Alternate translation: “the wicked person is pregnant”
he is pregnant with wickedness, and he conceives trouble, and he births lies
Quote: יְחַבֶּל־אָ֑וֶן וְהָרָ֥ה עָ֝מָ֗ל וְיָ֣לַד שָֽׁקֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Here, he represents evil people in general. It may be strange in some languages to use a masculine pronoun when talking about someone being pregnant or giving birth, even in a figure of speech. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “the person pregnant with wickedness, who conceives trouble, who births lies”
Psalms 7:16
His trouble returns on his head, and his violence comes down on the top of his head
Quote: יָשׁ֣וּב עֲמָל֣וֹ בְרֹאשׁ֑וֹ וְעַ֥ל קָ֝דְקֳד֗וֹ חֲמָס֥וֹ יֵרֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, trouble and violence are spoken of as if they hit a person’s head or fall down on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His own destructive plans destroy him, for his violence attacks him” or “When he plans to trouble others, others trouble him; when he attacks others, others attack him”
His trouble returns on his head, and his violence comes down on the top of his head
Quote: יָשׁ֣וּב עֲמָל֣וֹ בְרֹאשׁ֑וֹ וְעַ֥ל קָ֝דְקֳד֗וֹ חֲמָס֥וֹ יֵרֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of trouble and violence, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “His troubling others returns on his head, and his violently attacking others comes down on the top of his head”
Psalms 7:17
according to his righteousness, and sing praise to
Quote: כְּצִדְק֑וֹ & וַ֝אֲזַמְּרָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of righteousness and praise, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “because he is righteous … and sing a praise song”
the name of Yahweh
Quote: שֵֽׁם־יְהוָ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, name represents reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s reputation”
Psalms 8
Psalm 8 General Notes
Outline:
- Superscription
- verses 1–2 Introduction
- verses 3–4 Question
- verses 5–8 Answer
- verse 9 Closing
About the Psalm
Purpose: to praise Yahweh for his majesty throughout all the earth.
Content: Your name is majestic in all the earth! You bestow your glory on the heavens above, and you bestow glory on weak humans below.
Message: Yahweh’s majesty is revealed in weakness.
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
-
The psalm begins and ends with the exact same exclamation - this serves to point out the purpose of the psalm.
-
The psalm progresses from top to bottom several times. In verse 1b-2 it goes from the heavens down to the weakest of humans. Verses 3-4 again go down from the heavens to man. Verses 5-8 move from the heavenly beings through man, who is exalted and crowned with glory as Yahweh’s representative ruler of all creation and down and out into creation in circles moving away from man’s primary spheres of dominion (domestic animals) progressively outward.
- There are many echoes of Genesis 1. References include: the heavens as created by Yahweh’s fingers (verse 3), the animals as made by his hands (verse 6), the dominion of man over creation (verses 6-8, see also Genesis 1:26).
- Magnificent, Majesty, Splendor, Glory: Yahweh gives his weak representative (humans) many of his glorious attributes and humans rule for Yahweh.
CCBYSA
Portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 8 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
See their top three exegetical issues in Psalm 8 video for discussion of verses 1, 2, and 5 and their top three poetic features of Psalm 8 video on YouTube.
Psalms 8:front
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: עַֽל־הַגִּתִּ֗ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This may refer to a style of music.
Psalms 8:1
your name
Quote: שִׁ֭מְךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh’s “name” represents his reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your reputation” or “your fame”
in all the earth
Quote: בְּכָל־ הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, earth represents all the people in the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to all people”
you} whose splendor is bestowed on the heavens
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּנָ֥ה ה֝וֹדְךָ֗ עַל־הַשָּׁמָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you who bestow your splendor on the heavens”
you} whose splendor is bestowed on the heavens
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּנָ֥ה ה֝וֹדְךָ֗ עַל־הַשָּׁמָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of splendor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you show in the heavens how splendid you are”
Psalms 8:2
Out of the mouth of children and nursing ones
Quote: מִפִּ֤י עֽוֹלְלִ֨ים ׀ וְֽיֹנְקִים֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Out of the mouth of children and nursing ones is placed at the front of the sentence here to help create a strong sense of surprise that this weak thing would be the means that Yahweh uses to establish strength. Consider using a poetic method in your language to make the connection of the weak and strong surprising.
Out of the mouth of children and nursing ones you have established strength because of your adversaries
Quote: מִפִּ֤י עֽוֹלְלִ֨ים ׀ וְֽיֹנְקִים֮ יִסַּ֪דְתָּ֫ עֹ֥ז לְמַ֥עַן צוֹרְרֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because of your adversaries you have established strength out of the mouth of children and nursing ones”
Out of the mouth of
Quote: מִפִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, mouth represents the babies’ crying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From the crying of”
children and nursing ones
Quote: עֽוֹלְלִ֨ים ׀ וְֽיֹנְקִים֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words translated children and nursing ones may express a single idea. The word nursing further describes the age or state of thechildren. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “nursing babies”
strength
Quote: עֹ֥ז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
The Hebrew reads “strength.” The ULT follows that reading. The ancient Greek translation reads “praise.” The Greek version is quoted in Matthew 21:16. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
strength
Quote: עֹ֥ז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Because the word translated established is strongly associated with making a building, here, strength probably represents a fortress (a strong building that can be defended easily). Kings or Lords, as Yahweh is depicted in verse 1, often built fortresses to protect their domains and people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a building that is easy to defend”
children and nursing ones
Quote: עֽוֹלְלִ֨ים ׀ וְֽיֹנְקִים֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Because of the parallelism between verse 2 and verse 4, children and nursing ones may represent all of humanity (as weak and helpless people needing Yahweh’s protection). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even the weakest humans”
to cause the enemy and avenger to end
Quote: לְהַשְׁבִּ֥ית א֝וֹיֵ֗ב וּמִתְנַקֵּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal
Here, to marks cause the enemy and avenger to end as the goal or purpose of establishing strength. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.
the enemy and avenger
Quote: א֝וֹיֵ֗ב וּמִתְנַקֵּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words enemy and avenger may express a single idea. The word avenger further describes the enemy. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “vengeful enemy”
Psalms 8:3
the work of your fingers
Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֣י אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh’s fingers represent his capability. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the work of your power”
the work of your fingers
Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֣י אֶצְבְּעֹתֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, work of your fingers represent what Yahweh has created. Alternate translation: “the things that you made”
Psalms 8:4
what is mankind that you remember him, or the son of man that you pay attention to him
Quote: מָֽה־אֱנ֥וֹשׁ כִּֽי־תִזְכְּרֶ֑נּוּ וּבֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם כִּ֣י תִפְקְדֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to express surprise. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. These remarks have been expressed in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “It is amazing that you are concerned for people and are care about them!”
what is mankind that you remember him, or the son of man that you pay attention to him
Quote: מָֽה־אֱנ֥וֹשׁ כִּֽי־תִזְכְּרֶ֑נּוּ וּבֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם כִּ֣י תִפְקְדֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “What is mankind that you remember him? I say again, what is the son of man that you pay attention to him” or “What difference does the things that happen to humans make to you that you are concerned for them?”
is mankind … or the son of man
Quote: אֱנ֥וֹשׁ & וּבֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Both of these refer to people in general.
Psalms 8:5
Yet you have made him to lack
Quote: וַתְּחַסְּרֵ֣הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo
It is not entirely clear in what way humans lack little from the heavenly beings. It could be in their status somehow or in their perceived glory and majesty. Because of this ambiguity it would be best not to try to explain this lack in your translation.
from the heavenly beings
Quote: מֵאֱלֹהִ֑ים (1)The Hebrew word here could mean: 1) heavenly beings. This generic term encompasses any sorts of supernatural beings in the heavens that humans are slightly less than (like the heavenly court in Job 1). 2) God. The most common translation for this word is God. However, the author is speaking to Yahweh in this psalm, so if he meant God here it would make more sense for him to say ‘from you.’ 3) angels. The ancient Greek translation uses this option, but this Hebrew word does not seem to mean angels elsewhere. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
and {with} glory and majesty you have crowned him
Quote: וְכָב֖וֹד וְהָדָ֣ר תְּעַטְּרֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, glory and majesty are spoken of as if they were crowns. Because kings wear crowns this means Yahweh is sharing his glory and majesty with humans like they were lesser kings under him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and have given them glory and honor” or “and have caused them to be like kings”
and {with} glory and majesty
Quote: וְכָב֖וֹד וְהָדָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms glory and majesty mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and with great majesty”
and {with} glory and majesty
Quote: וְכָב֖וֹד וְהָדָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and majesty, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “and gloriously and majestically”
Psalms 8:6
You made him rule over the works of your hands, everything you have put under his feet
Quote: תַּ֭מְשִׁילֵהוּ בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣י יָדֶ֑יךָ כֹּ֝ל שַׁ֣תָּה תַֽחַת־רַגְלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “You made him rule over the works of your hands, in fact you have put everything under his feet” or “You made him the ruler over everything that you made”
You made him rule over … his feet
Quote: תַּ֭מְשִׁילֵהוּ & רַגְלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The words him and his here refer to humanity.
the works of your hands
Quote: בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣י יָדֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh’s hands represent his capability. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the works of your power”
the works of your hands
Quote: בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣י יָדֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, works of your hands represent what Yahweh has created. Alternate translation: “the things that you made”
everything you have put under his feet
Quote: כֹּ֝ל שַׁ֣תָּה תַֽחַת־רַגְלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Having authority to rule others or control things is spoken of as having them under one’s feet. This means Yahweh gave people authority over all that he created. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have given him authority over all things”
Psalms 8:9
This verse is exactly the same as the first half of verse 1. See how you translated there.
Psalms 9
Psalm 9 General Notes
Psalms 9–10 as One Psalm
This psalm has a superscription but Psalm 10 does not. This fact and the acrostic nature of the two psalms (lines start with consecutive letters of the alphabet) has lead many scholars to believe these two psalms may have originally been written as one psalm. The analysis of the structure of these psalms presented here will assume that. It is recommended that you follow the versification and chapter structure of other Bibles you are familiar with.
Outline:
The outlines for psalms 9 and 10 are combined here and in the introduction to psalm 10 because they were probably originally one psalm. Your translation will probably be best if you translate them together.
- Superscription
- verses 1–10 Praise of the King
- verses 1–4 Praise the righteous God, for he terrifies the wicked.
- verses 5–6 Yahweh destroyed the wicked.
- verses 7–10 Yahweh sits enthroned to do justice for the afflicted
- verses 11–20 Petition the King
- verses 11–14 He did not ignore the afflicted.
- verses 15–16 He ensnared the wicked!
- verses 17–20 The wicked will come to nothing. Psalm 10:
- verses 1–11 Persecution of the Poor
- verses 1–6 God stands far off; the wicked say, I will not be shaken. (check ULT 10:6)
- verses 7–11 The wicked sit in ambush and say, God has been ignoring (check ULT 10:11)
- verses 12–18 Proclamation of the King
- verses 12–14 God does see. Rise up, Yahweh. (check ult 10:12)
- verses 15–18 Yahweh is King forever. The afflicted will never fear again.
About the Psalm
Purpose: To petition the divine king to the aid of the oppressed.
Content: Rise up, Yahweh! You've avenged the oppressed in the past but You are now standing at a distance.
Message: Yahweh has established his throne for justice (9:7b).
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):\r
\r
Order and chaos\r
The first letter of many of the lines of these two psalms follows an acrostic (alphabetic) pattern. In some places, however, this orderly pattern is interrupted. The places where it is interrupted are places where the wicked are mentioned or acting. It is as if the presence of the wicked disrupts the orderliness over even the poetry, but it is restored and kept by Yahweh. If your language has a poetic style which can indicate order and chaos, you may wish to translate:\r
- 9:1–4 in an orderly style\r
- 9:5–6 in a slightly chaotic style\r
- 9:7–15 in an orderly style\r
- 9:16–17 in a slightly chaotic style\r
- 9:18 in neither\r
- 9:19–20 in an orderly style\r
- 10:1 in an orderly style\r
- 10:2–11 in a very chaotic style\r
- 10:12–18 in an orderly style\r \r
The fortress and the pit\r
\r There are two chiasms in psalm 9. In the first half, Yahweh is compared to a fortress (verse 9) and, poetically, his judgment forms a barrier between the enemies and the psalmist and the oppressed.\r \r - A 9:1–2 people trust Yahweh\r - B 9:3-4 Yahweh is a judge\r - C 9:5–6 The enemy\r - B 9:7-8 Yahweh is a king and judge\r - A 9:9–10 people trust Yahweh\r \r In the second half, people’s prayers poetically encircle the wicked, causing them to fall into their own pit.\r - A 9:11–14 people pray to Yahweh for help (especially verse 13) \r - B 9:15-18 the wicked are destroyed by their own pit\r - A 9:19-20 people pray to Yahweh for help\r \r As you translate this psalm, you will probably have a structure that matches this which may or may not be meaningful in your language. You could also consider if there is a way to poetically “surround” the wicked with Yahweh as judge and the prayers of his people in the two sections.\r \r \r
Adjectives used as generic nouns:\r
- The adjectives wicked, afflicted, innocent, and oppressed are nominal adjectives used as generic nouns in these psalms. See Nominal Adjectives and Generic Noun Phrases.### CCBYSA
Portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 9 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
See their overview video and top three exegetical issues in Psalm 9 video and their top three poetic features of Psalms 9-10 video on YouTube.
exegetical 9 exegetical 10 poetic
Psalms 9:front
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Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Muth Labben (1)This may refer to a style of music.
Psalms 9:1
with all my heart
Quote: בְּכָל־לִבִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here, the heart represents the whole person. If another body part represents this in your culture you could use it or state the meaning clearly. Alternate translation: “with all my being” or “with my whole person”
all your wonders
Quote: כָּל־נִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wonders, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “all the marvelous things you do” or “all your marvelous actions”
Psalms 9:2
I will rejoice and exult
Quote: אֶשְׂמְחָ֣ה וְאֶעֶלְצָ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words rejoice and exult may express a single idea. The word exult tells how the author is rejoicing. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “I will rejoice exuberantly”
I will sing praise to your name
Quote: אֲזַמְּרָ֖ה שִׁמְךָ֣ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, his name represents Yahweh: him, his reputation, and what he does. Alternate translation: “I will sing praise to you”
Psalms 9:3
from your face
Quote: מִפָּנֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, face represents the presence of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you”
Psalms 9:3-4
from your face … For
Quote: מִפָּנֶֽיךָ & כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The last part of verse 3 (from your face) and the first line of verse 4 give the reason why the enemies turn back … stumble and perish. Make sure this connection presented in a way that is clear in your language. Alternate translation: “. They do this because of your angry presence, // because”
Psalms 9:4
you have done
Quote: עָ֭שִׂיתָ (1)Alternate translation: “you have ruled on” or “you have declared” or “you have accomplished”
For you have done my justice and my claim; … a judge of righteousness
Quote: כִּֽי־עָ֭שִׂיתָ מִשְׁפָּטִ֣י וְדִינִ֑י & שׁוֹפֵ֥ט צֶֽדֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of justice, claim and righteousness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “For you have answered me justly when I petitioned in your court … a righteous judge”
you have done my justice and my claim
Quote: עָ֭שִׂיתָ מִשְׁפָּטִ֣י וְדִינִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
The two words justice and claim may express a single idea. The word justice tells how Yahweh views the author’s legal claim. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “you have ruled that my claim is just” or “you have answered my just claim”
you have sat on your throne
Quote: יָשַׁ֥בְתָּ לְ֝כִסֵּ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, throne represents kingship. Kings had authority to judge people, and they would sit on their throne when they judged. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are like a king who judged his people from his throne” or “you are a king”
you have sat on your throne, a judge of righteousness
Quote: יָשַׁ֥בְתָּ לְ֝כִסֵּ֗א שׁוֹפֵ֥ט צֶֽדֶק (1)Alternate translation: “you are like a royal judge who always issues correct judgements from his throne” or “you sit on your judgment throne and judge righteously”
Psalms 9:5
you blotted out their name forever and ever
Quote: שְׁמָ֥ם מָ֝חִ֗יתָ לְעוֹלָ֥ם וָעֶֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean 1) Yahweh caused these people to be forgotten. Alternate translation: “you have caused them to be forgotten as if their name was blotted out” or “no one will ever remember them again”, 2) Yahweh will not give these people eternal life (other parts of the Bible speak of this as blotting them out from the Book of Life). Alternate translation: “you send them to eternal punishment”. Interpretation one is favored because of the end of verse 6 which is parallel with this verse.
you blotted out
Quote: מָ֝חִ֗יתָ (1)Alternate translation: “you erased”
forever and ever
Quote: לְעוֹלָ֥ם וָעֶֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms forever and ever mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “eternally”
Psalms 9:6
The enemy are finished
Quote: הָֽאוֹיֵ֨ב ׀ תַּ֥מּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the word enemy is singular in form, but it refers to all enemies as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “The enemies are finished”
desolation forever
Quote: חֳרָב֗וֹת לָ֫נֶ֥צַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of desolation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “they are made desolate forever” or “you make them desolate forever”
and you pulled up cities
Quote: וְעָרִ֥ים נָתַ֑שְׁתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, cities is spoken of as if it were a plant that could be pulled up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when you destroyed their cities”
As for} them, their remembrance perished
Quote: אָבַ֖ד זִכְרָ֣ם הֵֽמָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, remembrance is spoken of as if it were a living being that could die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “All remembrance of them has stopped” or “There is no longer any remembrance of them”
As for} them, their remembrance perished
Quote: אָבַ֖ד זִכְרָ֣ם הֵֽמָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word remembrance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “No one remembers them at all”
As for} them
Quote: הֵֽמָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
The author ends this verse with an extra pronoun that creates an emphatic contrast between what happens to the enemy and Yahweh. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Now speaking of the enemy”
Psalms 9:7
will sit
Quote: יֵשֵׁ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, to sit represents sitting on the throne as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh reigns forever” or “Yahweh is king forever”
He has established his throne for justice
Quote: כּוֹנֵ֖ן לַמִּשְׁפָּ֣ט כִּסְאֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase his throne represents God’s rule. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He rules in order to judge people” or “He rules over people justly”
for justice
Quote: לַמִּשְׁפָּ֣ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to do justly”
Psalms 9:8
as for him, he will judge the world with righteousness, and he will adjudicate for the peoples with fairness
Quote: וְה֗וּא יִשְׁפֹּֽט־תֵּבֵ֥ל בְּצֶ֑דֶק יָדִ֥ין לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים בְּמֵישָׁרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “as for him, he will judge the world with righteousness, yes, he will adjudicate for the peoples with fairness” or “as for him, he will judge the people of world with righteousness and fairness”
the world
Quote: תֵּבֵ֥ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the world refers to all the people in the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly Alternate translation: “everyone in the world”
with righteousness, … with fairness
Quote: בְּצֶ֑דֶק & בְּמֵישָׁרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of righteousness and fairness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “righteously … fairly”
Psalms 9:9
And may Yahweh be a secure height for the oppressed, a secure height for times with distress
Quote: וִ֘יהִ֤י יְהוָ֣ה מִשְׂגָּ֣ב לַדָּ֑ךְ מִ֝שְׂגָּ֗ב לְעִתּ֥וֹת בַּצָּרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the author is speaking of Yahweh as if he were a place that people could go to for safety. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And may Yahweh protect the oppressed, may he protect them in times with distress” or “And may Yahweh provide safety for those who are oppressed, making them safe in times with distress”
for times with distress
Quote: לְעִתּ֥וֹת בַּצָּרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of distress, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for distressing times”
Psalms 9:10
the knowers of your name
Quote: יוֹדְעֵ֣י שְׁמֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, your name represents Yahweh and his reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who know you” or “those who have heard what you do”
the knowers of … the seekers of you
Quote: יוֹדְעֵ֣י & דֹרְשֶׁ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of knowers and seekers, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “people who know … people who seek you”
Psalms 9:11
the sitter
Quote: יֹשֵׁ֣ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, being the sitter represents sitting on the throne as king. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the crown wearer” or “the king” or “the ruler”
Sing praises to Yahweh, … his deeds
Quote: זַמְּר֗וּ לַ֭יהוָה & עֲלִֽילוֹתָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of praises and deeds, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh with a song … what he has done” or “Sing to praise Yahweh … the things he does”
Psalms 9:12
the seeker of {vengeance for} bloodshed
Quote: דֹרֵ֣שׁ דָּ֭מִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Here, the seeker refers to the avenger of blood, who hunts down and kills a murderer. Yahweh is the avenger in this case. See Numbers 35 for more information.
remembered them
Quote: אוֹתָ֣ם זָכָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the seeker of vengeance will remember to avenge for the murder of them (the victims calling for justice). You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “remembered to avenge those who were murdered”
the seeker of {vengeance for} bloodshed … them
Quote: דֹרֵ֣שׁ דָּ֭מִים אוֹתָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of seeker, vengeance and bloodshed, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “the one who seeks to avenge anyone who was murdered”
he does not forget
Quote: לֹֽא־שָׁ֝כַ֗ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative idea of forget. Alternate translation: “he surely remembers”
the afflicted ones
Quote: עניים (1)Alternate translation: “the afflicted ones” or “the oppressed ones”
Psalms 9:13
Have mercy on me, … my affliction from my haters
Quote: חָֽנְנֵ֬נִי & עָ֭נְיִי מִשֹּׂנְאָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mercy, affliction and haters, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Be merciful to me … how I am afflicted by those who hate me”
See
Quote: רְאֵ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Yahweh will act, not just see. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Take action because of”
O lifter of me from the gates of death
Quote: מְ֝רוֹמְמִ֗י מִשַּׁ֥עֲרֵי מָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter it. If someone is near the gates of death, it means that he will die soon. Keeping someone from dying is spoken of as lifting him away from the gates of that city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “O you who can rescue me from death” or “O you who can keep me from dying”
Psalms 9:14
in the gates of
Quote: בְּשַֽׁעֲרֵ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The **gate ** is the place of trade, business, justice, etc in the ancient city. If your readers would not be familiar with this, you could use the location where similar things happen in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “in the central market” or “in the place of trade and settling legal disputes”
your praise … in your salvation
Quote: תְּהִלָּ֫תֶ֥יךָ & בִּישׁוּעָתֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of praise and salvation, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “your praiseworthy deeds … because you saved me” or “the reasons to praise you … because you are a savior”
Psalms 9:15
The nations have sunk down into the pit they made; their foot is caught in the net that they hid
Quote: טָבְע֣וּ ג֭וֹיִם בְּשַׁ֣חַת עָשׂ֑וּ בְּרֶֽשֶׁת־ז֥וּ טָ֝מָ֗נוּ נִלְכְּדָ֥ה רַגְלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People dig pits so they can catch animals that fall into them. They also hide nets to catch animals. Here digging a pit or hiding a net represents making plans to destroy people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The nations are like people who dig a pit for others and then fall into it or like people who hide a net to catch people and then get caught in it” or “The nations get caught in their own traps.”
The nations have sunk down into the pit they made; their foot is caught in the net that they hid
Quote: טָבְע֣וּ ג֭וֹיִם בְּשַׁ֣חַת עָשׂ֑וּ בְּרֶֽשֶׁת־ז֥וּ טָ֝מָ֗נוּ נִלְכְּדָ֥ה רַגְלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information.
Psalms 9:15-16
Yahweh has revealed himself, he has done justice; the wicked is ensnared
Quote: נ֤וֹדַ֨ע ׀ יְהוָה֮ מִשְׁפָּ֪ט עָ֫שָׂ֥ה & נוֹקֵ֣שׁ רָשָׁ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Both the cause and the result of everything else in verses 15-16 are in the sentence Yahweh has revealed himself, he has done justice. The cause of the wicked nations being trapped by their own traps is Yahweh doing justice, the result is that he is revealed as being just. In your translation, use a structure that makes these connections clear. Alternate translation: “This happens because Yahweh is acting justly toward them. Yahweh reveals himself by justly causing the wicked to be ensnared”
Psalms 9:16
has revealed himself
Quote: נ֤וֹדַ֨ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The word himself indicates that the object of the verb is the same as the subject of the verb. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate that the same person fills two roles in the sentence. Alternate translation: “has revealed Yahweh”
justice
Quote: מִשְׁפָּ֪ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “things justly”
the wicked is ensnared by the work of his hands
Quote: בְּפֹ֣עַל כַּ֭פָּיו נוֹקֵ֣שׁ רָשָׁ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the wicked person harms himself by the wicked things he does”
by the work of his hands
Quote: בְּפֹ֣עַל כַּ֭פָּיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of works, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by what he does” or “by his own evil deeds”
Psalms 9:17
will turn back
Quote: יָשׁ֣וּבוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
See how you translated the idea of turn back in verse 3, as this is likely connected.
are forgetful of God
Quote: שְׁכֵחֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, forgetful of God is an idiom that means “they forget or ignore God.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “dismiss God” or “forget to honor and worship God”
all nations are forgetful of God
Quote: כָּל־גּ֝וֹיִ֗ם שְׁכֵחֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
This phrase probably further describes the wicked ones. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “the wicked ones from all nations who are forgetful of God”
all nations
Quote: כָּל־גּ֝וֹיִ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, nations represents the people in the nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people in every nation”
Psalms 9:17-18
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryVerses 17-18 form a poetic device called a chiasm where the inner two lines parallel each other and the outer two lines also parallel each other. In this case this artistic device creates a strong contrast between the verses by contrasting forgetting God with his not forgetting the needy, and contrasts the death of the wicked with the hope of the afflicted which does not die. If you language has a poetic structure than can make contrasts stand out markedly like this consider using it here.
Psalms 9:18
the needy will not be forgotten eternally
Quote: לֹ֣א לָ֭נֶצַח יִשָּׁכַ֣ח אֶבְי֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will not always forget the needy”
the needy will not be forgotten eternally
Quote: לֹ֣א לָ֭נֶצַח יִשָּׁכַ֣ח אֶבְי֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
The figure of speech here expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “the needy will be remembered eventually”
nor} will the hope of the afflicted perish forever
Quote: תִּקְוַ֥ת ענוים תֹּאבַ֥ד לָעַֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The negation in the first clause of this verse carries over to the second half. Translate this in a way that both halves of the verse are negated (but making a positive statement by litotes as the previous note explains). Alternate translation: “indeed, the hope of the afflicted will not perish forever” or “neither will the hope of the afflicted perish forever” or (assuming the first half is translated positively) “the hope of the afflicted lives on”
nor} will the hope of the afflicted perish forever
Quote: תִּקְוַ֥ת ענוים תֹּאבַ֥ד לָעַֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, hope is spoken of as if it was something that could perish. This would mean that what they hope for does not happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “nor will the oppressed hope forever without results” or “someday what the afflicted hope for will happen”
Psalms 9:19
Arise
Quote: קוּמָ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Getting up represents starting to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Take action”
let nations be judged
Quote: יִשָּׁפְט֥וּ ג֝וֹיִ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, judging includes punishing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let nations be judged and punished”
On your face
Quote: עַל־פָּנֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, on your face represents in Yahweh’s presence, which can be considered in his courtroom (as in the UST). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In your presence”
On your face let nations be judged
Quote: יִשָּׁפְט֥וּ ג֝וֹיִ֗ם עַל־פָּנֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “judge the nations in your presence” or “take the nations into your presence and punish them”
Psalms 9:20
Put terror to them, Yahweh
Quote: שִׁ֘יתָ֤ה יְהוָ֨ה ׀ מוֹרָ֗ה לָ֫הֶ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, terror is spoken of as something that could be put to the wicked, meaning to cause them to feel terror. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Make them be terrified Yahweh!” or “Terrify them Yahweh!”
May nations know they are human
Quote: יֵדְע֥וּ גוֹיִ֑ם אֱנ֖וֹשׁ הֵ֣מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the author is speaking of nations as if they were living humans. There are two points: 1) nations do not last forever, they pass away or are mortal like humans and 2) the leaders of nations are not gods, but humans who die. In both instances, they need to recognize that Yahweh is the supreme, never-ending power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May nations know they are temporary” or “May wicked human kings stop pretending to be eternal gods”
Psalms 10
Psalm 10 General Notes
Psalms 9–10 as One Psalm
Psalm 9 has a superscription but Psalm 10 does not. This fact and the acrostic nature of the two psalms (lines start with consecutive letters of the alphabet) has lead many scholars to believe these two psalms may have originally been written as one psalm. The analysis of the structure of these psalms presented here will assume that. It is recommended that you follow the versification and chapter structure of other Bibles you are familiar with.
Outline:
The outlines for psalms 9 and 10 are combined here and in the introduction to psalm 9 because they were probably originally one psalm. Your translation will probably be best if you translate them together.
- Superscription
- verses 1–10 Praise of the King
- verses 1–4 Praise the righteous God, for he terrifies the wicked.
- verses 5–6 Yahweh destroyed the wicked.
- verses 7–10 Yahweh sits enthroned to do justice for the afflicted
- verses 11–20 Petition the King
- verses 11–14 He did not ignore the afflicted.
- verses 15–16 He ensnared the wicked!
- verses 17–20 The wicked will come to nothing.
Psalm 10: - verses 1–11 Persecution of the Poor - verses 1–6 God stands far off; the wicked say, I will not be shaken. (check ULT 10:6) - verses 7–11 The wicked sit in ambush and say, God has been ignoring (check ULT 10:11) - verses 12–18 Proclamation of the King - verses 12–14 God does see. Rise up, Yahweh. (check ult 10:12) - verses 15–18 Yahweh is King forever. The afflicted will never fear again.
About the Psalm
Purpose: To petition the divine king to the aid of the oppressed.
Content: Rise up, Yahweh! You’ve avenged the oppressed in the past but You are now standing at a distance.
Message: Yahweh has established his throne for justice (9:7b).
Poetic Elements (See: Poetry):
Order and chaos
The first letter of many of the lines of these two psalms follows an acrostic (alphabetic) pattern. In some places, however, this orderly pattern is interrupted. The places where it is interrupted are places where the wicked are mentioned or acting. It is as if the presence of the wicked disrupts the orderliness over even the poetry, but it is restored and kept by Yahweh. If your language has a poetic style which can indicate order and chaos, you may wish to translate: - 9:1–4 in an orderly style - 9:5–6 in a slightly chaotic style - 9:7–15 in an orderly style - 9:16–17 in a slightly chaotic style - 9:18 in neither - 9:19–20 in an orderly style - 10:1 in an orderly style - 10:2–11 in a very chaotic style - 10:12–18 in an orderly style
The fortress and the pit
There are two chiasms in psalm 9. In the first half, Yahweh is compared to a fortress (verse 9) and, poetically, his judgment forms a barrier between the enemies and the psalmist and the oppressed.
- A 9:1–2 people trust Yahweh
- B 9:3-4 Yahweh is a judge
- C 9:5–6 The enemy
- B 9:7-8 Yahweh is a king and judge
- B 9:3-4 Yahweh is a judge
- A 9:9–10 people trust Yahweh
In the second half, people’s prayers poetically encircle the wicked, causing them to fall into their own pit. - A 9:11–14 people pray to Yahweh for help (especially verse 13) - B 9:15-18 the wicked are destroyed by their own pit - A 9:19-20 people pray to Yahweh for help
As you translate this psalm, you will probably have a structure that matches this which may or may not be meaningful in your language. You could also consider if there is a way to poetically “surround” the wicked with Yahweh as judge and the prayers of his people in the two sections.
Adjectives used as generic nouns:
- The adjectives wicked, afflicted, innocent, and oppressed are nominal adjectives used as generic nouns in these psalms. See Nominal Adjectives and Generic Noun Phrases.
CCBYSA
Portions of the ULT, UST, and TNs for this psalm are derivative from “Psalms, Layer by Layer”, Psalm 10 by Cambridge Digital Bible Research, Katie Frost, Meaghan Smith, Nikki Mustin et al, used under CC BY
See their overview video and top three exegetical issues in Psalm 10 video and their top three poetic features of Psalms 9-10 video on YouTube.
Psalms 10:1
Why, Yahweh, do you stand far-off? Why} do you hide in times of trouble
Quote: לָמָ֣ה יְ֭הוָה תַּעֲמֹ֣ד בְּרָח֑וֹק תַּ֝עְלִ֗ים לְעִתּ֥וֹת בַּצָּרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The speaker is using the question form to express his distress that Yahweh has not helped him. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, it seems as though you are far away from me and you hide from me whenever I am in trouble.”
in times of trouble
Quote: לְעִתּ֥וֹת בַּצָּרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trouble, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when we are troubled”
Psalms 10:2
In arrogance
Quote: בְּגַאֲוַ֣ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of arrogance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Arrogantly”
may they be caught by the schemes that they have planned
Quote: יִתָּפְשׂ֓וּ ׀ בִּמְזִמּ֖וֹת ז֣וּ חָשָֽׁבוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
It is not clear who they are. Options include 1) that they is the wicked in both cases. In that case this would either be a prediction or wish. This would fit with what is said in 9:15–16. Alternate translation: “the wicked are caught by the schemes that they themselves have planned” or “may the wicked be caught by the schemes that they themselves have planned” 2) the first they is the oppressed and the second is the wicked. This would fit with the very negative outlook of 10:1–11. Alternate translation: “the oppressed are caught by the schemes that the wicked have planned” You may wish to follow the choice that translations you are familiar with have made.
may they be caught by the schemes that they have planned
Quote: יִתָּפְשׂ֓וּ ׀ בִּמְזִמּ֖וֹת ז֣וּ חָשָֽׁבוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of schemes, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “they are caught in the traps they have planned” or “they are caught in their own scheming”
Psalms 10:3
Indeed
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Alternate translation: “For”
the desires of his soul
Quote: תַּאֲוַ֣ת נַפְשׁ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of desires, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what his soul longs to do”
and he blesses the robber; he despises Yahweh
Quote: וּבֹצֵ֥עַ בֵּ֝רֵ֗ךְ נִ֘אֵ֥ץ ׀ יְהוָֽה (1)It is difficult to discern who is the subject and object of both verbs in the second half of this verse. Additionally, some believe that blesses is an euphemism for “curses” here. The ULT seeks to offer a reasonable translation where the wicked is the subject throughout (occurrences of he in the ULT refer to the wicked). You may wish to follow the rendering of a translation in your region that you are familiar with. Alternate translation: “and the robber curses and disrespects Yahweh” or “and he blesses the robber who Yahweh despises”
and … the robber
Quote: וּבֹצֵ֥עַ (1)Alternate translation: “the greedy”
he despises
Quote: נִ֘אֵ֥ץ (1)Alternate translation: “he spurns” or “he rejects”
Psalms 10:4
According to the haughtiness of his nose
Quote: כְּגֹ֣בַהּ אַ֭פּוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the haughtiness of his nose is an idiom that means pride or arrogance. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his arrogant attitude” or “his pride”
seeks not
Quote: בַּל־יִדְרֹ֑שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. It is unclear who does not seek what here. It could be that 1) the wicked seeks not God. They do not fear him or obey him. 2) the wicked thinks that God does not seek them out, or notice them, to punish them. Alternate translation: “thinks God seeks not” You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language.
All his thoughts {are}, “{There is} no God
Quote: אֵ֥ין אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים כָּל־מְזִמּוֹתָֽיו (1)Alternate translation: “God is not in all his thoughts”
Psalms 10:5
His ways endure
Quote: יָ֘חִ֤ילוּ דְרָכָ֨יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here a person’s lifestyle is spoken of as if it was ways. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What he does endures”
your judgements are high from in front of him
Quote: מָר֣וֹם מִ֭שְׁפָּטֶיךָ מִנֶּגְדּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s judgements are compared to something high above the wicked like a bird or mountain top. This could mean 1) Yahweh’s judgements are far from his thinking, he ignores them. 2) he does not understand Yahweh’s judgements. Alternate translation: “your judgements are beyond his comprehension” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He pays no attention to your judgements”
as for} all his enemies, he snorts at them
Quote: כָּל־צ֝וֹרְרָ֗יו יָפִ֥יחַ בָּהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here, snorts (blowing air loudly out of the nose) is a symbolic action that expresses contempt and mocking. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “he shows that he thinks that all his enemies are weak and worthless” or “he sneers at all his enemies”
Psalms 10:6
I will not be shaken
Quote: בַּל־אֶמּ֑וֹט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Nothing can shake me”
to generation and generation
Quote: לְדֹ֥ר וָ֝דֹ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
To generation and generation is an extreme statement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “at any possible time”
be} in distress
Quote: בְרָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of distress, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be distressed”
Psalms 10:7
His mouth is full of
Quote: פִּ֣יהוּ מָ֭לֵא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, mouth represents speaking. To say that the mouth is full means he is always speaking curses, lies, and oppression. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is constantly speaking” or “His speech is characterized by”
under his tongue are
Quote: תַּ֥חַת לְ֝שׁוֹנ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the tongue represents speaking. To say that these things are under his tongue means they are always ready to come out when he talks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: or “what he says is always” or “his speech is characterized by”
His mouth is full of curses and lies and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and evil
Quote: אָלָ֤ה פִּ֣יהוּ מָ֭לֵא וּמִרְמ֣וֹת וָתֹ֑ךְ תַּ֥חַת לְ֝שׁוֹנ֗וֹ עָמָ֥ל וָאָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of curses, lies, oppression, mischief and evil, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Every word he speaks is harmful, false, or threatening; he always talks about mischievous plans for evil deeds”
Psalms 10:8
the innocent
Quote: נָקִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of innocent, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “innocent person”
his eyes stealthily watch for a helpless person
Quote: עֵ֝ינָ֗יו לְֽחֵלְכָ֥ה יִצְפֹּֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eyes represent him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he stealthily watches for a helpless person”
Psalms 10:9
like a lion in cover
Quote: כְּאַרְיֵ֬ה בְסֻכֹּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This is saying that the wicked are like a lion because they hide, lying it wait to ambush their prey like a lion does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “like a lion ambushes its prey from cover”
He ambushes in a secret place like a lion in cover; he ambushes to seize the afflicted
Quote: יֶאֱרֹ֬ב בַּמִּסְתָּ֨ר ׀ כְּאַרְיֵ֬ה בְסֻכֹּ֗ה יֶ֭אֱרֹב לַחֲט֣וֹף עָנִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
In order to follow the original and highlight the parallelism with the previous verse, the ULT leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. In English ambushes requires an object. You could supply these words or modify the sentence structure if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “He ambushes the afflicted in secret like a lion in cover; he ambushes them to seize them” or “He waits secretly in ambush like a lion in cover; he waits to ambush and seize the afflicted” or “He lies in wait in secret like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to seize the afflicted”
He seizes the afflicted by pulling in his net
Quote: יַחְטֹ֥ף עָ֝נִ֗י בְּמָשְׁכ֥וֹ בְרִשְׁתּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the wicked person catching people as if he were a hunter using a net to catch animals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He seizes the afflicted like a hunter that catches an animal in a net and drags it away”
Psalms 10:10
and unfortunate people fall by his power
Quote: וְנָפַ֥ל בַּ֝עֲצוּמָ֗יו חלכאים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and unfortunate people fall because he is powerful”
Psalms 10:11
He says in his heart
Quote: אָמַ֣ר בְּ֭לִבּוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, saying in his heart means that he thinks or believes something without necessarily speaking it out loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He thinks to himself” or “He believes deep down”
God has forgotten; he has hidden his face; to perpetuity he sees not
Quote: שָׁ֣כַֽח אֵ֑ל הִסְתִּ֥יר פָּ֝נָ֗יו בַּל־רָאָ֥ה לָנֶֽצַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The object of these sentences is unspoken. if it would be helpful in your language you could supply one. Alternate translation: “God has forgotten my deeds; he has hidden his face from my deeds, to perpetuity he sees my deeds not.”
God has forgotten
Quote: שָׁ֣כַֽח אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, God has forgotten is an idiom that means that God is not paying attention or does not care about what is happening. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will not make me pay” or “God does not notice”
he has hidden his face
Quote: הִסְתִּ֥יר פָּ֝נָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, he has hidden his face is an idiom that means that God is deliberately ignoring or not paying attention to what is happening. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he averts his eyes” or “he does not care”
to perpetuity he sees not
Quote: בַּל־רָאָ֥ה לָנֶֽצַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration to emphasize the wicked person's belief that God will never intervene or punish him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “what I do is completely invisible to him”
Psalms 10:12
Arise
Quote: קוּמָ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Arise represents doing something or taking action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Take action”
lift up your hand
Quote: נְשָׂ֣א יָדֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the hand represents God’s power. To lift up the hand means to use it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “use your power”
Psalms 10:13
He says in his heart, “You will not seek
Quote: אָמַ֥ר בְּ֝לִבּ֗וֹ לֹ֣א תִּדְרֹֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here, saying in his heart means that he thinks or believes something without necessarily speaking it out loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He thinks to himself” or “He believes deep down”
You will not seek
Quote: לֹ֣א תִּדְרֹֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. It is more clear here than in verse 3 who is seeking what. The wicked thinks that God does not seek them out, or notice them, to punish them. Alternate translation: “You will not punish me”
Psalms 10:14
You have seen
Quote: רָאִ֡תָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
There is a strong contrast between what the wicked think in the previous verse and what the author declares to be the truth in this verse. You should mark this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But you do seek, and you have seen” or “However you really do see”
mischief and vexation
Quote: עָ֘מָ֤ל וָכַ֨עַס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mischief and vexation, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “the mischievous and vexing things they do”
to take {it} in your hand
Quote: לָתֵ֪ת בְּיָ֫דֶ֥ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, to take it in … hand represents exercising power to take control of a situation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to powerfully intervene”
Psalms 10:15
Break the arm of wicked and evil {people
Quote: שְׁ֭בֹר זְר֣וֹעַ רָשָׁ֑ע וָ֝רָ֗ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here arm represents power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Destroy the power of wicked and evil people” or “Make wicked and evil people weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wicked and evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms wicked and evil mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very wicked” or “very evil”
May it seek his wickedness, {but} not find {it
Quote: תִּֽדְרוֹשׁ־רִשְׁע֥וֹ בַל־תִּמְצָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
There is significant debate about who or what is seeking and finding. The interpretation suggested here is that the wicked and evil people’s arm (power for harm) is personified as looking to do the evil they have planned but is unable to because Yahweh has broken the arm (power). For more information see the Psalms layer by layer exegetical discussion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May the wicked, evil person try to use his power for harm but discover you have destroyed it.” Another common interpretation is that Yahweh will seek out (hunt down, punish) the wicked, evil person’s wickedness until he can no longer find it (because it is eradicated). Alternate translation: “Hunt down his wickedness until no more can be found” You may wish to follow the interpretation of a translation commonly used in your region.
Psalms 10:16
the nations have perished from his land
Quote: אָבְד֥וּ ג֝וֹיִ֗ם מֵֽאַרְצֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh forces foreigners to leave his land”
Psalms 10:17
The desire of afflicted ones, you have heard
Quote: תַּאֲוַ֬ת עֲנָוִ֣ים שָׁמַ֣עְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the afflicted people expressed their desire for mercy to Yahweh. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “When afflicted people told you their desire for mercy, you listened to them tell you what they need”
you strengthen their heart
Quote: תָּכִ֥ין לִ֝בָּ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
A strong heart represents courage, and strengthening people’s hearts represents encouraging them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you encourage them” or “you make them confident”
you cause your ear to attend
Quote: תַּקְשִׁ֥יב אָזְנֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here, the author speaks of the ear as if it were a person who could attend (listen, or pay attention). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your ear hears” or “you listen carefully”
Psalms 10:18
to judge
Quote: לִשְׁפֹּ֥ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Yahweh will judge in favor of the orphan and oppressed. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to administer justice for” or “to judge in favor of”
terrify
Quote: לַעֲרֹ֥ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “terrify anyone” or “terrify the orphan and the oppressed”
Psalms 11
Psalm 011 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 11 is a worship psalm. It tells how great God is and that God delivers the good people from the evil people. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and good, right, pleasant, better, best and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Justice
The wicked people try to destroy the good people but God knows everything that is being done and he saves the good people and destroys the evil people. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 11:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to Yahweh for protection”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how will you say to me, “Flee like a bird to the mountain”? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is asked to provide emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “So do not ask me to run away!”
Psalms 11:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For see! The wicked prepare their bows. They make ready their arrows on the strings to shoot in the darkness at the upright in heart (1)Alternate translation: “Look! the wicked are preparing to attack upright people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: upright in heart (1)Here “upright in heart” refers to godly or righteous people.
Psalms 11:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For if the foundations are ruined, what can the righteous do? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here “the foundations” may refer to law and order. This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Righteous people cannot do anything when evil people are not punished when they disobey the laws!”
Psalms 11:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his eyes watch, his eyes examine the children of mankind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Yahweh is represented by his “eyes.” Yahweh is aware of everything that happens. Alternate translation: “He examines all that humanity does”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: children of mankind (1)Alternate translation: “humanity”
Psalms 11:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh examines (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh watches carefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do violence (1)Alternate translation: “hurt others”
Psalms 11:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He rains burning coals and brimstone upon the wicked; a scorching wind will be their portion from his cup! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s punishment is described as if it were burning coals and brimstone from a volcano. Alternate translation: “He punishes the wicked; there will be no relief for them!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brimstone (1)sulphur
Psalms 11:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: see his face (1)Alternate translation: “be in his presence”
Psalms 12
Psalm 012 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 12 is a judgment psalm, where the author asks God to judge and punish the wicked people. (See: judge, judgment and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh saves
There are so many wicked people now and they are proud of their evil. But God will save the poor who call out to him. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation and INVALID bible/kt/call)
Words
This relatively short psalm focuses on the words people use.
Psalms 12:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to the Sheminith (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 6:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Help, Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh, come to my aid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who have integrity have vanished (1)Alternate translation: “faithful people have all vanished”
Psalms 12:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Everyone says & everyone speaks (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The two occurrences of “everyone” are exaggerations, used to emphasize that this is true of very many people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: everyone speaks with flattering lips and a double heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “lips” is a metonym for what people say, and “a double heart” is a metaphor for deception. Alternate translation: “everyone speaks with flattering words and deception” or “everyone praises people falsely and tells lies” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 12:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut off all flattering lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “flattering lips” is a metonym for people who flatter others. This could mean: (1) “cut off” is a metaphor for killing. Alternate translation: “kill all who flatter others” or (2) “cut off” is a metaphor for stopping something. Alternate translation: “stop all those who flatter others” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every tongue declaring great things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “every tongue” represents every person who declares great things. Alternate translation: “every person who boasts”
Psalms 12:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With our tongues will we prevail (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “tongues” represents what people say. Alternate translation: “We will prevail because of what we say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will we prevail (1)Alternate translation: “we will succeed” or “we will win” or “we will be victorious”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When our lips speak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the “lips” represents the people who speak. Alternate translation: “When we speak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who can be master over us? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that they believed no one could rule over them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one can rule over us!”
Psalms 12:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: groans (1)These are deep sounds that people make because of pain or some strong emotion.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will arise,” says Yahweh (1)This means Yahweh will do something to help the people.
Psalms 12:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like silver purified in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh’s words are compared to silver that has been purified. Alternate translation: “they are without any imperfection”
Psalms 12:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You keep them (1)Alternate translation: “You keep the righteous people safe”
Psalms 12:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk on every side (1)Alternate translation: “surround us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when evil is exalted among the children of mankind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when people everywhere are praising evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: children of mankind (1)Alternate translation: “human beings” or “people”
Psalms 13
Psalm 013 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 13 is a psalm of deliverance because the psalmist is calling on God to deliver him from death and his enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and INVALID bible/kt/call)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
The author needs God to help him because his enemies will rejoice if they are able to defeat him. The string of rhetorical questions is very effective at heightening the fear David is feeling. (See: Rhetorical Question and fear, afraid, frighten)
Psalms 13:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long, Yahweh, will you keep forgetting about me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is asked to get the reader’s attention and to add emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, it seems that you have forgotten about me!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long & face from me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “your face” represent God’s whole being. This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It seems like you are hiding from me!” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
Psalms 13:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will my enemy triumph over me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely my enemies will not always defeat me!”
Psalms 13:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look at me and answer me (1)Alternate translation: “Give me your attention and listen to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give light to my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of asking for strength. Alternate translation: “Make me strong again”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or I will sleep in death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
To “sleep in death” means to die.
Psalms 13:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let my enemy say & so that my enemy may not say (1)Alternate translation: “Do not let my enemy say about me … so that my enemy may not say about me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I am brought down (1)Alternate translation: “when I fall” or “when they defeat me”
Psalms 13:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have trusted in your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I have trusted that you are faithful to your covenant” or “I have trusted you because you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart rejoices in your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will rejoice because you have rescued me”
Psalms 14
Psalm 014 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 14 is a deliverance psalm because he is trusting God to deliver the poor. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Special concepts in this chapter
Evil people
Wicked people do not even consider God when they make their plans. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 14:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A fool says in his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means to say to oneself or to think to oneself. Alternate translation: “A foolish person says to himself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are corrupt (1)The word “they” refers to all foolish human beings who say there is no God.
Psalms 14:2
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Quote: children of mankind (1)This phrase refers to all humans.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who seek after him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This describes those who desire to know God as if they were actually following him on a path. Alternate translation: “who desire to know him”
Psalms 14:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have all turned away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This describes people who have rejected God as if they had stopped walking on the right path and had gone in another direction. Alternate translation: “They have all turned away from Yahweh”
Psalms 14:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do they not know anything & who do not call on Yahweh? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “They act as if they do not know anything … who do not call on Yahweh. But they know what they are doing!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who commit iniquity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “iniquity” can be stated as “evil deeds.” Alternate translation: “those who do evil deeds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who eat up my people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to those who do evil things and destroy God’s people as if they were eating food.
Psalms 14:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They tremble (1)The word “they” refers to those who do evil things.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God is with the righteous assembly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
To say that “God is with” those who are righteous means that he helps them. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “God helps those who act righteously” or “God helps those who do the right things”
Psalms 14:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You want (1)The word “you” here refers to the wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to humiliate the poor person (1)Alternate translation: “to make the person who is poor feel ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is his refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the protection that Yahweh provides as if he were a shelter that one might seek in a storm. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like a shelter of protection to him”
Psalms 14:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation. The writer is saying what he wishes or longs for God to do. Alternate translation: “I wish so much that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the salvation of Israel” is a metonym for Yahweh, the one who saves Israel. Alternate translation: “Oh, that Yahweh would come from Zion and save Israel!” or “I wish that Yahweh would come from Zion and rescue his people Israel!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. Here both “Jacob” and “Israel” represent the people of Israel. The two phrases can be combined in the translation. Alternate translation: “then all the people of Israel will rejoice greatly” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 15
Psalm 015 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 15 is a wisdom psalm telling how people who honor God should live. (See: wise, wisdom and INVALID bible/kt/life)
Special concepts in this chapter
Godliness
This psalm outlines a person who is godly and sees others from a godly perspective. There are several good actions mentioned. Such a person treats his neighbor right, does not slander him, does not take a bribe or interest from him, and keeps his promises even when it is difficult to do so. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness and good, right, pleasant, better, best and promise, promised)
Moral Conditions for Worship
Scholars have noted that this psalm contains a list of ten different conditions for those who want to participate in worship at the temple. The list consists of three positives in verse 2, 3 negatives in verse 3, two positives in verse 4, followed by two negatives in verse 5. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Psalms 15:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who may live on your holy hill? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s “holy hill” represents God’s temple, which was on Mount Zion. Alternate translation: “Who may live in your holy place?”
Psalms 15:2
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Quote: speaks truth from his heart (1)Alternate translation: “speaks honestly”
Psalms 15:3
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Quote: He does not slander with his tongue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “tongue” represents what a person says. The word “he” refers to the “righeous person” (Psalms 15:2). Alternate translation: “He does not slander people with his speech” or “He does not say evil things about innocent people”
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Quote: harm (1)hurt
Psalms 15:4
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Quote: The worthless person is despised in his eyes, but he honors those who fear Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “Righteous people hate those who have rejected God, but they honor those who respect God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The worthless person (1)Alternate translation: “The wicked person” or “The person who has rejected Yahweh”
Psalms 15:5
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Quote: will never be shaken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “to be shaken” represents not living safely any longer. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “will live in safety”
Psalms 16
Psalm 016 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 16 is a psalm of praise, thanking God for all his mercies. The New Testament considers this psalm to be a messianic psalm: a psalm about Christ. (See: mercy, merciful and Christ, Messiah)
Special concepts in this chapter
Messiah
God has been so good to the psalmist, who will worship no other god. The New Testament considers the tenth verse to be about Christ’s resurrection when it says that he is God’s anointed one, and that God will not leave his body in the grave to decay. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best, god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and resurrection and anoint, anointed, anointing)
Superscription
The term “Michtam” is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this term, but in the end no one is certain what it means. So it is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you are welcome to translate it as “psalm.”
Psalms 16:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge in you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to you for protection”
Psalms 16:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the holy people who are on the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “holy people” refers to God’s own people who trust him. Alternate translation: “your people who live in this land”
Psalms 16:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their troubles will be & gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The troubles of those who seek other gods will increase”
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Quote: pour out & blood to their gods (1)Alternate translation: “pour out blood as a sacrifice to their gods”
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Quote: or lift up their names with my lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
Lifting up their names is a metaphor for praising them, and “lips” is a metonym for what one says. Alternate translation: “or praise them with my words” or “and I will not praise their gods” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 16:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my chosen portion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a portion of land that has been given to him.
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Quote: my cup (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a cup that contains many blessings. Alternate translation: “the one who blesses me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You hold onto my lot (1)Alternate translation: “You determine my future” or “You control what will happen to me”
Psalms 16:6
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Quote: Measuring lines & in pleasant places (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here laying down measuring lines is a metonym for measuring land and giving it to someone, and here this is a metaphor for God blessing David in many great ways. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You have measured off land for me in pleasant places” or “You have given me land in pleasant places” or “You bless me like one who gives land in pleasant places” (See also: Metaphor and Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Measuring lines (1)These are ropes that people use to measure a plot of land and mark its boundaries.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: surely a pleasing inheritance is mine (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of Yahweh’s blessings as if they were an inheritance that he has received. Alternate translation: “I am delighted with all the things that he has given me”
Psalms 16:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I set Yahweh before me at all times (1)Alternate translation: “I always remember that Yahweh is with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so I will not be shaken from his right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing will take me away from his side”
Psalms 16:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart is glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “heart” represents the speaker’s thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “Therefore I am glad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my glory is rejoicing (1)This could mean: (1) the word “glory” represents the honor a person feels. Alternate translation: “I am honored to rejoice in God” or (2) the word translated “glory” really means “liver” and represents the speaker’s emotions. Alternate translation: “I am rejoicing”
Psalms 16:11
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Quote: abundant joy (1)Alternate translation: “great joy” or “a large amount of joy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: joy resides in your presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of “joy” as if it were a person.
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Quote: in your right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words “right hand” indicate being in God’s special presence. Alternate translation: “when I am near you”
Psalms 17
Psalm 017 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 17 is a prayer for deliverance from all his enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Innocence
The psalmist is innocent and needs God to rescue him from these enemies. (See: innocent)
Psalms 17:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give ear to my prayer from lips without deceit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “give ear” is a metaphor for listening, and “lips without deceit” is synecdoche for a person who does not lie. Alternate translation: “Listen to my prayer for I speak without deceit” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 17:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let my vindication come from your presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Vindication coming from God represents God judging someone and declaring him innocent. God’s “presence” is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: “Let my vindication come from you” or “Declare that I am innocent” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your eyes see what is right! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “your eyes” is synecdoche for God himself, and “see” is a metaphor for paying attention and firmly deciding to do something. Alternate translation: “please see what is right” or “do what is right” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 17:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you test my heart, if you come to me in the night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “test my heart” means to examine my thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “If you examine my thoughts in the night”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my mouth will not transgress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the mouth is spoken of as if it were capable of acting on its own. It also represents the words that a person speaks. Alternate translation: “I will not tell lies or sin with my words” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 17:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is at the word of your lips that I have kept myself from the ways of the lawless (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the word of your lips” is a metonym for God’s instruction, and “the ways of the lawless” is a metaphor for the things that lawless people do. Alternate translation: “it is by obeying your instruction that I have kept myself from doing the things that lawless people do” or “your instruction has caused me to avoid doing wicked things” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 17:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My steps have held firmly to your tracks; my feet have not slipped (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these clauses mean the same thing. The repetition adds emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my feet have not slipped (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his obedience to God as if he were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “I am determined to follow your ways” (See also: Litotes)
Psalms 17:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn your ear to me & listen when I speak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean the same thing. Here “your ear” refers to God’s willingness to hear someone who prays to him. Alternate translation: “pay attention to me … listen when I speak” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 17:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Show your covenant faithfulness in a wonderful way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Show in a wonderful way that you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “right hand” refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “your mighty power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge in you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to you for protection”
Psalms 17:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Protect me like the apple of your eye (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The “apple of your eye” refers to something that is valuable. Alternate translation: “Protect me as you would something most valuable and precious”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hide me under the shadow of your wings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of God’s protection as if he were a bird protecting its young under its wings. Alternate translation: “Keep me safe as a mother bird protects her babies by gathering them under her wing”
Psalms 17:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their mouths speak with pride (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “their mouths speak” represents his enemies when they speak. Alternate translation: “they speak with pride” or “they are always boasting”
Psalms 17:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have surrounded my steps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “surrounded my steps” represents how David’s enemies have followed him everywhere he goes in order to capture him. Alternate translation: “My enemies have surrounded me”
Psalms 17:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a lion eager for a victim, like a young lion crouching in hidden places (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases express very similar ideas. The repetition adds intensity.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are like a lion & like a young lion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer feels pursued the way a lion hunts its prey
Psalms 17:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by your sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor for Yahweh’s power and for violent death in war. Alternate translation: “by having them die in war” or “by killing them in battle”
Psalms 17:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rescue me from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of this world (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This clause adds intensity to the words “Rescue my life from the wicked by your sword” (Psalms 17:13).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These words represent the power of Yahweh and add intensity to the words “by your sword” (Psalms 17:13).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will fill the bellies of your treasured ones with riches (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The ancient text is hard to understand. This could mean: (1) “treasured” is a metaphor for loved, and “your treasured ones” refers to the people whom God loves. Alternate translation: “you will fill the bellies of the people you love with riches” or (2) “your treasured ones” refers to treasures that God gives to people, the “men of this world” Alternate translation: “you will fill their bellies with rich treasures”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will fill the bellies & with riches (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “fill the bellies … with riches” is a metaphor for giving them many valuable things. This could mean: (1) “You will give many riches to the people you love” or (2) “you will give the men of this world many riches”
Psalms 17:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will see your face in righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “face” represents Yahweh in all of his being. David is confident he will see Yahweh. Alternate translation: “because I act in the right way, I will be with you one day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be satisfied, when I awake, with a sight of you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David believes that after he dies, he will be with Yahweh. This can be made clear in the translation. Alternate translation: “After I die, I will be happy to wake up in your presence”
Psalms 18
Psalm 018 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 18 is a psalm of praise to God for his strengthening David for war.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s power
God has tremendous power and he enabled David to prosper in war. This psalm, and its superscription, also appears in 1 Samuel 22 with some minor differences.
Psalms 18:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he sang to Yahweh the words of this song (1)Alternate translation: “he sang this song to Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the day that Yahweh rescued him (1)Alternate translation: “after Yahweh had rescued him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of Saul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” stands for the power of Saul. Alternate translation: “from Saul’s power”
Psalms 18:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock. The word “rock” is a picture of a safe place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my rock, my fortress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the words “rock” and “fortress” share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh provides safety from enemies. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to him for protection”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my stronghold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a “shield,” “the horn” of his salvation, and his “stronghold.” Yahweh is the one who protects him from harm. Here a similar idea is repeated three ways for emphasis.
Psalms 18:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be saved from my enemies (1)Alternate translation: “I will be rescued from my enemies”
Psalms 18:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The cords of death surrounded me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of death as if it were a person who could capture him and bind him with ropes. Alternate translation: “I was about to be killed” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rushing waters of worthlessness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David is as helpless as if he were being carried away by a rushing flood of waters. Alternate translation: “I felt completely helpless”
Psalms 18:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “Sheol,” the place of the dead, and “death” are spoken of as if they were people who could surround and trap him. These two clauses have similar meanings and the idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I felt trapped and thought I was going to die” (See also: Metaphor and Parallelism)
Psalms 18:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In my distress (1)Alternate translation: “In my great need” or “In my despair”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my call for help went into his presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here David speaks of his “call for help” as if it were a person who could come into the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I prayed to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it went into his ears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Here David speaks of how Yahweh heard his cry for help. The idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “he heard my appeal”
Psalms 18:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then the earth & shaken because God was angry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s being angry is spoken of as if the there was a terrible earthquake. Alternate translation: “God was so angry that it was as if the earth … shaken”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth shook and trembled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “shook” and “trembled” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how greatly the earth shook. Alternate translation: “the land moved back and forth” or “the ground moved up and down” or “there was a violent earthquake”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the foundations of the mountains also trembled and were shaken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the foundations of the mountains also trembled and shook”
Psalms 18:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Smoke went up from out of his nostrils & Coals were ignited by it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were breathing fire. This is a picture of how angry God was.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blazing fire came out of his mouth. Coals were ignited by it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “blazing fire came out of his mouth and ignited coals”
Psalms 18:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He opened (1)The word “He” refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thick darkness was under his feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Though Yahweh does not actually have feet, the Psalmist gives him human characteristics. Alternate translation: “thick darkness was beneath him”
Psalms 18:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wings of the wind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the Psalmist speaks of the wind as if it had wings like an angel. (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 18:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He made darkness & him (1)Here the words “He” and “him” refer to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He made darkness a tent (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here darkness is spoken of as if it were a tent. Alternate translation: “He made darkness a covering” or “He made darkness a hiding place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heavy rainclouds (1)Alternate translation: “clouds heavy with rain” or “thick, dark rainclouds”
Psalms 18:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hailstones (1)stones made of ice
Psalms 18:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh thundered in the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh’s voice sounded like thunder.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Most High (1)“the Most High” refers to Yahweh.
Psalms 18:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies & lightning bolts dispersed them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these clauses have similar meanings.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here lighting strikes are being spoken of as if they were arrows
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dispersed them (1)Alternate translation: “sent them in different directions”
Psalms 18:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then the water channels appeared; the foundations of the world were laid bare (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses have similar meanings. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the water channels appeared and the bottom of the ocean became visible; you exposed the foundations of the world” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the blast of the breath of your nostrils (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Though God does not have human physical characteristics as described here, this pictures his mighty strength. The wind is spoken of here as if it came as a mighty blast from God’s nostrils. (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 18:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He reached down & he took hold & He pulled me (1)The word “He” in these verses refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: surging water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the Psalmist speaks of the dangers of his enemies as if they were huge waves or forceful waters, from which Yahweh has rescued him.
Psalms 18:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They came against me (1)Here “They” refers to the strong enemies in verse 17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They came against me on the day of my distress but Yahweh was my support (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word distress, you could express the same idea with an adjective. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word support, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “protected.” Alternate translation: “Strong enemies attacked me on a day when I was distressed, but Yahweh protected me”
Psalms 18:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hands were clean (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here having clean hands represents being innocent of wrongdoing. Alternate translation: “I was innocent” or “my actions were right”
Psalms 18:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have kept the ways of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The laws of Yahweh are spoken of as if they were the paths on which one should walk. Alternate translation: “I have obeyed Yahweh’s laws”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have not wickedly turned away from my God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here being wicked is spoken of as if one left the right path and took the wrong path. Alternate translation: “have not done wickedly by turning away from my God”
Psalms 18:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For all his righteous decrees & I have not turned away from them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these clauses have similar meanings. The writer repeats these ideas for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have been before me (1)Alternate translation: “have guided me” or “I have remembered”
Psalms 18:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: innocent before him (1)Alternate translation: “innocent according to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have kept myself from sin (1)Alternate translation: “I have not sinned”
Psalms 18:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hands were clean (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
To have “clean hands” means that one is innocent of wrongdoing. See how you translated this in Psalms 18:20: Alternate translation: “I was innocent” or “my actions were right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before his eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to God’s presence. Alternate translation: “before him” or “according to him”
Psalms 18:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer speaks to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: To the one who is faithful (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “faithful” means to do what God commands one to do. You can state this clearly. Alternate translation: “to those who faithfully obey your commandments” or “to those who faithfully do your covenant”
Psalms 18:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are clever toward anyone who is twisted (1)Alternate translation: “you outwit anyone who is not honest”
Psalms 18:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you bring down (1)Alternate translation: “you humiliate”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with proud, uplifted eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to those who are proud. Alternate translation: “who are proud”
Psalms 18:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For you give light to my lamp; Yahweh my God lights up my darkness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s presence as if he were a light. These clauses have similar meanings. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 18:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For by you I can run over a barricade (1)Alternate translation: “For with your help I can cross any obstacle”
Psalms 18:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is a shield to everyone who takes refuge in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. See how you translated this in Psalms 3:3. Alternate translation: “You, Yahweh, protect like a shield everyone who takes refuge in you”
Psalms 18:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For who is God except Yahweh? Who is a rock except our God? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implied answer is no one. Alternate translation: “Only Yahweh is God! Only our God is a rock!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock that he could climb to get away from his enemies. See how you translated this in Psalms 18:2.
Psalms 18:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: puts strength on me like a belt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
God gives strength to David as if it were a piece of clothing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: places the blameless person on his path (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of living a life that is pleasing to God as if he were being placed on the right path. Alternate translation: “causes the blameless person to live a righteous life”
Psalms 18:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: makes my feet swift (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to enabling a person to run fast. Alternate translation: “makes me run very fast”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a deer and places me on the heights (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The deer is especially quick and stable in the mountains.
Psalms 18:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He trains my hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my hands” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “He trains me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my arms (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the person. Alternate translation: “me”
Psalms 18:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shield of your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the writer speaks of God’s protection as if it were a shield. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “your protection and saved me” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your right hand has supported me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here God’s right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: “Your power has supported me” or “You have supported me by your power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your favor has made me great (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here God’s favor represents him acting according to his favor. Alternate translation: “You have made me great according to your favor” or “By your kindness, you have made me great”
Psalms 18:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a wide place for my feet beneath me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the safety that God has provided as if it were a wide place for him to stand. Here “my feet” represent the person. Alternate translation: “a safe place for me” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my feet have not slipped (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my feet” refers to the person. The writer refers to the safety of God’s protection as if he were standing on a place where he will not slip or fall. Alternate translation: “I have not slipped” or “I am doing well” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 18:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I smashed them (1)Alternate translation: “I crushed them” or “I broke them to pieces”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unable to rise (1)Alternate translation: “unable to stand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have fallen under my feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means the Psalmist has defeated his enemies. Alternate translation: “I have defeated all of them”
Psalms 18:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put strength on me like a belt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The Psalmist says that Yahweh has given him strength that surrounds and supports him like a belt. See how you translated this in Psalms 18:32.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you put under me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the Psalmist speaks of the defeat of his enemies as if he were standing on them. Alternate translation: “you defeat for me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who rise up against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to those who oppose the Psalmist. Alternate translation: “those who are my enemies”
Psalms 18:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You gave me the back of my enemies’ necks (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents God giving David victory over his enemies. Alternate translation: “You gave me victory over my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You gave me the back of my enemies’ necks (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents God giving David victory over his enemies. Possible images are: (1) David could cut his enemies’ heads off at the neck or (2) David could put his foot down on his enemies’ necks or (3) David could see his enemies’ backs when they ran away from him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I annihilated those who hated me (1)Alternate translation: “I defeated those who hated me” or “I destroyed completely those who hated me”
Psalms 18:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but he did not answer them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means Yahweh did not provide any help. Alternate translation: “but he did not help them”
Psalms 18:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I beat them into fine pieces like dust before the wind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmists enemies are compared to dust to show how defeated they are.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I threw them out like mud in the streets (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist’s enemies are compared to mud in the streets to show how defeated they are.
Psalms 18:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disputes (1)disagreements, arguments
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have made me the head over nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “head” represents the ruler. Alternate translation: “appointed me to be the ruler over many nations”
Psalms 18:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: foreigners were forced to bow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God forced foreigners to bow”
Psalms 18:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: foreigners came trembling (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “trembling” shows that they were very afraid. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “foreigners came shaking, showing that they were very afraid”
Psalms 18:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may my rock be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he is my rock and he should be praised” or “may people praise my rock”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the writer speaks of Yahweh’s protection as if he were a rock that prevented his enemies from reaching him. See how you translated this in Psalms 18:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the God of my salvation be exalted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people exalt the God of my salvation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “salvation” can be stated as “saved” or “rescued.” Alternate translation: “the God who rescued me”
Psalms 18:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God who executes vengeance for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
To “execute vengeance” means to punish people for their evil actions. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word ****, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the God who punishes people for the evil things they have done to me”
Psalms 18:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am set free (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has set me free”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you lifted me above (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s protection of the writer is spoken of as if he lifted the writer up so high that his enemies could not reach him to harm him. Alternate translation: “you put me in a safe place high above”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who rose against me (1)Alternate translation: “who attacked me” or “who rebelled against me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: violent men (1)Alternate translation: “cruel men” or “savage men”
Psalms 18:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: among the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the writer means that he will give thanks to Yahweh so that all people will hear of Yahweh’s greatness. Alternate translation: “so all the nations will hear about it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents God himself. Alternate translation: “in honor of your name” or “to you”
Psalms 18:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: victory to his king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
By using the words “his king,” David is referring to himself as king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he shows his covenant loyalty to his anointed one & to his descendants forever (1)Alternate translation: “he faithfully loves me as he promised in his covenant, and he will love my descendants forever”
Psalms 19
Psalm 019 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 19 is a praise psalm, praising God for his creation and for his law.
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s law
God’s law keeps people from sinning. There are two distinct themes in this psalm. Verses 1–6 are God’s glory in the heavens and the second is praising God for his law. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and glory, glorious, glorify and heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)
Psalms 19:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The heavens declare (1)The heavens are described as if they were a person. Alternate translation: “The heavens show” or “The heavens look like they declare”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the skies make his handiwork known (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The skies are described as if they were a teacher. Alternate translation: “The skies seem to make God’s handiwork known to us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his handiwork (1)Alternate translation: “his creation” or “the world that he has made”
Psalms 19:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: speech pours out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
What is beautiful about creation is compared to speaking, as if creation were a person. Then those words are compared to water that flows everywhere. Alternate translation: “creation is like a person speaking to everyone” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 19:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is no speech or spoken words; their voice is not heard (1)These phrases express clearly that the first two verses were a metaphor. Alternate translation: “There is no real speech or spoken words; no one hears an actual voice with their ears”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their voice is not heard (1)Other translations read “where their voice is not heard,” emphasizing that creation’s “speech” is available everywhere.
Psalms 19:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
David has just said that creation shows God’s glory.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their words & their speech (1)This refers to the unspoken “words” of creation that show God’s glory.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their words go out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The words are described as if they were people who go out with a message. Alternate translation: “the words that creation speaks are like people who go out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their speech to the end of the world (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The implied words can be included in the translation. Alternate translation: “their speech goes out to the end of the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has pitched a tent for the sun (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the writer speaks of the place that Yahweh created for the sun as if it were a tent. Alternate translation: “He created a place for the sun”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: among them (1)The word “them” probably refers to the heavens.
Psalms 19:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sun is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks of the sun’s coming out as if it were a bridegroom. Alternate translation: “The sun is like a bridegroom walking joyfully toward his bride”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a strong man who rejoices when he runs his race (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares the sun to an athlete to emphasize the strength and brightness of the sun.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a strong man (1)Alternate translation: “a fast runner”
Psalms 19:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: horizon (1)the line where the earth and the sky meet
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the other (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “other” refers to the other horizon. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “to the other horizon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nothing escapes its heat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “everything feels its heat”
Psalms 19:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: restoring the soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “the soul” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “making a person strong again”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the simple (1)Alternate translation: “those who have no experience” or “those who have not learned”
Psalms 19:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
These words refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “a person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are right (1)Alternate translation: “are true” or “are correct”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bringing light to the eyes (1)This could mean: (1) “bringing understanding to a person” or (2) “making a person healthy again”
Psalms 19:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: altogether right (1)Alternate translation: “completely right”
Psalms 19:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are of greater value than gold & they are sweeter than honey (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s decrees are spoken of as if they could be bought and tasted. Alternate translation: “If you could buy them, they would be of greater value than gold … if you could taste them, they would be sweeter than honey”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even more than much fine gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “valuable” is understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. Alternate translation: “even more valuable than a lot of fine gold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fine gold (1)Alternate translation: “pure gold” or “expensive gold”
Psalms 19:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yes (1)This word marks that there is more to the truth than what has just been said. Alternate translation: “Moreover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by them your servant is warned (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they warn your servant” or “they are a warning for your servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by them & in obeying them (1)The word “them” refers to Yahweh’s righteous decrees.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant is warned (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David calls himself “your servant” when speaking to God as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “I am warned”
Psalms 19:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can discern all his own errors? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This appears in the form of a question to add emphasis and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: No one can be aware of his own errors!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from hidden faults (1)Alternate translation: “from secret mistakes I have made”
Psalms 19:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Keep your servant also from (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom pictures the servant as being removed from the sins he does not wish to commit. Alternate translation: “Also, protect your servant from doing” or “Also, make sure that I do not commit”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David calls himself “your servant” when speaking to God as a sign of respect. See how you translated this in Psalms 19:11. Alternate translation: “I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them not rule over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Sins are described as if they were a king that could rule over someone. Alternate translation: “do not let my sins become like a king who rules over me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: innocent from many transgressions (1)Alternate translation: “innocent of rebelling against you” or “innocent of committing many sins”
Psalms 19:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These expressions taken together describe everything a person says and thinks. Alternate translation: “the things I say and the things I think about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be acceptable in your sight (1)Alternate translation: “receive approval in your sight” or “be pleasing to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your sight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock that one could climb and be protected from his enemies. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you are like my rock”
Psalms 20
Psalm 020 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 20 is a royal psalm. It is probably a prayer for the king, perhaps when he first became king.
Special concepts in this chapter
Trust
Trusting God is much better than trusting in military might. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Psalms 20:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This Psalm begins with a group of people speaking to the king of Israel. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: help you (1)The word “you” in this Psalm is singular and refers to the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the day of trouble (1)Alternate translation: “in times of trouble” or “when you are in trouble”
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Quote: may the name of the God of Jacob protect you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) here “name” is a metonym for God’s power. Alternate translation: “may the power of the God of Jacob protect you” or “may the God of Jacob protect you by his power” or (2) here “name” is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: “may the God of Jacob protect you”
Psalms 20:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: send help from the holy place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God helping from his holy place is spoken of as if God were sending help. Alternate translation: “may Yahweh help you from his holy place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: holy place & Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these refer to God’s temple in Jerusalem.
Psalms 20:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May he call to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “call to mind” is a way of saying “remember.” It does not mean God forgot. It means to consider or think about. Alternate translation: “May he remember”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May he (1)The word “he” refers to Yahweh.
Psalms 20:4
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Quote: May he grant (1)Alternate translation: “May he give”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your heart’s desire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” stands for the entire person. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desire, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “what you desire” or “what you want” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fulfill all your plans (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word plans, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “may he help you to accomplish everything that you plan to do”
Psalms 20:5
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Quote: we will rejoice in your victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “we” refers to the people. They will rejoice in the king’s victory.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the name of our God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents honor or reputation. Alternate translation: “in honor of our God” or “for the reputation of our God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will raise banners (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“we will raise victory flags.” They would do this to show that they were praising God because he gave their king victory over his enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grant all your petitions (1)Alternate translation: “give you everything you request from him”
Psalms 20:6
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Quote: Now (1)This word is used here to mark a break in the psalm. It transitions from the people speaking to the king speaking.
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Quote: I know (1)The word “I” probably refers to the king who is speaking in this section.
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Quote: his anointed one & answer him & rescue him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The king is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “me, his anointed one … answer me … rescue me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from his holy heaven (1)God dwells in heaven as well as in the temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 20:2).
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Quote: with the strength of his right hand that can rescue him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: “with his great strength he will rescue him”
Psalms 20:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Some trust in chariots and others in horses (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “chariots” and “horses” represent a king’s army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: others in horses (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “trust” is understood. Alternate translation: “other trust in horses”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we call (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “we” refers to the writer and the readers.
Psalms 20:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will rise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “we” refers to the writer and the readers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will be brought down and fall (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “They” refers to the people who trust in chariots and horses. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will bring them down and make them fall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought down and fall (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both these verbs mean basically the same thing. Both of these stand for losing in battle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will rise and stand upright (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
“we will get up and stand up straight.” These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Both of these stand for victory in battle.
Psalms 20:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, rescue the king (1)This could mean: (1) the people ask God to protect the king or (2) the king continues to speak about himself in the third person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king; help us when we call (1)Some translations understand the Hebrew differently. Some translate it as the people speaking to Yahweh their king. Alternate translation: “King, help us when we call you”
Psalms 21
Psalm 021 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 21 is a royal psalm. The king is praying for victory. Victory in war comes from the power and help from God.
Special concepts in this chapter
Pronouns
There is a shift in pronouns in this psalm. In verses 1–6 the psalm addresses Yahweh in second person but in verse 7 the psalmist uses third person before moving back to second person in the latter part.
Psalms 21:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your strength, Yahweh (1)It is implied that this is strength Yahweh has given the king to defeat his enemies. Alternate translation: because you, Yahweh, have made him strong enough to defeat his enemies”
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Quote: How greatly he rejoices (1)Alternate translation: “He rejoices greatly”
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Quote: in the salvation you provide (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that God has saved the king from his enemies. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because you have saved him from his enemies” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 21:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his heart’s desire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“his heart’s wish.” Here “heart” stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: “his desire” or “what he wished for”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have not held back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
“have not refused him.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you have given him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the request of his lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “lips” stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: “his request” or “what he requested of you”
Psalms 21:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you bring him rich blessings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word blessings, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “bless” or “good things.” Alternate translation: “you bless him greatly” or “you give him many good things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you placed on his head a crown of purest gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To place a crown on a person’s head is a symbol of making him a king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a crown of purest gold (1)Here “purest gold” represents the great honor given to the king.
Psalms 21:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He asked you for life; you gave it to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “He asked that you cause him to live for a long time; you caused it to happen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the length of his days forever and ever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the length of his days” refers to the duration of his life. Alternate translation: “a long life that lasts forever”
Psalms 21:5
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Quote: His glory (1)Alternate translation: “The king’s honor” or “The king’s fame”
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Quote: you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“you have placed on him splendor and majesty.” Causing the king to be wealthy and powerful is spoken of as if splendor and majesty are objects that are placed on him. Alternate translation: “you have made him wealthy and powerful”
Psalms 21:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you grant him (1)Alternate translation: “you allow him to have” or “you agree to give him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lasting blessings (1)Alternate translation: “a blessings that will last” or “a blessings that will stay”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the joy of your presence (1)Alternate translation: “the joy of being in your presence” or “the joy that comes from you being near to you”
Psalms 21:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: through the covenant faithfulness of the Most High (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “because the Most High is faithful to his covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will not be moved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will remove him as king”
Psalms 21:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hand will seize (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power. Alternate translation: “Your power will seize” or “You will powerfully seize”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hand & hate you (1)Possible meaning of all occurrences of your and you are: (1) they refer to the king or (2) they refer to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your right hand will seize those who hate you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. It emphasizes that God will give the king the power to stop his enemies.
Psalms 21:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: At the time of your anger (1)Alternate translation: “When you are angry and begin to act”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your anger & you will burn (1)The words your and you refers to either: (1) God or (2) the king.
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Quote: you will burn them up as in a fiery furnace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh or the king destroying their enemies is spoken of as if their enemies are wood and Yahweh or the king will throw them into a furnace.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh will consume them in his wrath, and the fire will devour them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both clauses mean basically the same thing. Yahweh completely destroying his enemies is spoken of as if his wrath is a fire that completely burns up his enemies. (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 21:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will destroy (1)The word you refers to either: (1) God or (2) the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the earth & from among the human race (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both phrases mean the same thing. They emphasize that absolutely none of their enemies will survive.
Psalms 21:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they intended (1)“they planned.” The word “they” refers to the enemies of God and the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: evil against you (1)Alternate translation: “to do evil things to you”
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Quote: they conceived a plot (1)Alternate translation: “they made a plan” or “they created a scheme”
Psalms 21:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For you will turn them back; you will draw your bow before them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings for your and you are: (1) they refer to the king or (2) they refer to God and speak about him as if he were a warrior with a bow and arrows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will turn them back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of saying that God and the king will defeat their enemies in battle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will draw your bow before them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that he actually shoots his arrows at his enemies.
Psalms 21:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength (1)This could mean: (1) “Yahweh, show us that you are very strong” or (2) “Yahweh, because you are strong we will exalt you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will sing and praise your power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “sing” and “praise” share similar meanings. Here the word “power” represents God and his power. Alternate translation: “with singing we will praise you because you are powerful” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 22
Psalm 022 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm. It contains references to events during the crucifixion of Christ. It is also a psalm of individual lament and praise. (See: Christ, Messiah and crucify, crucified and lament, lamentation)
Special concepts in this chapter
Messiah
Christ was despised and taunted by his enemies; but finally people all over the earth will bow down to him.
New Testament usage
This psalm is quoted in different places in the New Testament. Verse 1a is cited in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 as the words of Christ on the cross. Many of the events in the narratives of the crucifixion are mentioned in this psalm. (See: cross)
Psalms 22:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The rhythm of the deer (1)This may refer to a style of music.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My God, my God (1)The writer repeats “My God” to emphasize that he is desperate for God to hear him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my God, why have you abandoned me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to emphasize that he feels like God has abandoned him. It may be best to leave this as a question. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “my God, I feel like you have abandoned me!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you abandoned me (1)Alternate translation: “you left me all alone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why are you so far from saving me and far from the words of my anguish? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Again the writer uses a question to emphasize that he feels like God is far away from him. It may be best to leave this as a question. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are far from saving me and far from the words of my anguish!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: far from the words of my anguish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer feeling like God is not listening to him is spoken of as if God were far from his words of anguish. Alternate translation: “why do you not listen when I speak to you about the anguish I feel” or “I have told you about my suffering but you do not come to me”
Psalms 22:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the daytime & at night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The writer uses the words “daytime” and “night” to mean he prays to God all the time.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am not silent (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I still speak”
Psalms 22:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you sit as king with the praises of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the praises of Israel are the throne on which you sit as king.” The praises of Israel are described as if they are a throne upon which God can sit and rule, or as a house in which God can live. Alternate translation: “you are king and the people of Israel praise you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel.
Psalms 22:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were not disappointed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you did not disappoint them” or “you did not fail them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were not disappointed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you saved them” or “you did for them what they needed you to do”
Psalms 22:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am a worm and not a man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of himself as if he were a worm. This emphasizes that he feels worthless or that the people treat him as if he were worthless. Alternate translation: “But it is like I am a worm and not a man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disgrace to humanity and despised by the people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrase mean basically the same thing. The phrase “despised by the people” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone thinks I am worthless and the people hate me” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 22:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: taunt me; they mock me; they shake their heads at me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize how much people disrespect him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they shake their heads at me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This describes an action used to mock someone.
Psalms 22:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He trusts in Yahweh & delights in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
The people are saying this to mock the writer. They do not really believe Yahweh will rescue him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let him rescue him (1)Alternate translation: “Let Yahweh rescue him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for he delights in him (1)This could mean: (1) “for Yahweh delights in him” or (2) “for he delights in Yahweh”
Psalms 22:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer uses the word “For” to begin explaining why he is confused and asking God why he is not coming to help.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you brought me from the womb (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of saying “you caused me to be born.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I was on my mother’s breasts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he has been trusting in Yahweh since he was very young. Alternate translation: “even from the time that I drank milk from my mother’s breasts”
Psalms 22:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have been thrown on you from the womb (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “have been thrown on” is a way of saying that Yahweh has taken care of him as if Yahweh had adopted him as his own child. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It was as though you had adopted me right when I was born” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are my God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that Yahweh has always taken care of the writer. Alternate translation: “you, God, have taken care of me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: since I was in my mother’s womb (1)Alternate translation: “since before I was born”
Psalms 22:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not be far away from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Come close to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for trouble is near (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about “trouble” as if it were an object that is near him. Alternate translation: “for my enemies are near me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no one to help (1)Alternate translation: “there is no helper”
Psalms 22:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were bulls. This emphasizes how dangerous and powerful his enemies are. Alternate translation: “I have many enemies and they are like bulls that surround me; they are like strong bulls from Bashan that surround me” (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 22:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They open their mouths wide against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions with the mouths open ready to eat him. His enemies may be speaking lies to discredit him. Or they may be threatening him and attacking him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a roaring lion ripping its victim (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions. This emphasizes how powerful and dangerous his enemies are.
Psalms 22:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am being poured out like water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It is like someone is pouring me out like water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am being poured out like water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks about feeling completely exhausted and weak as if he were water being poured out of a jar.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all my bones are dislocated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“all my bones are out of place.” It is possible the writer is in some kind of physical pain. Or he may be speaking of his emotional pain as if it were physical pain.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart is like wax & inner parts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks about no longer having courage as if his heart melted like wax. Here “heart” represents “courage.” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wax (1)a soft substance that melts at a relatively low temperature
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: within my inner parts (1)Alternate translation: “inside of me”
Psalms 22:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My strength has dried up like a piece of pottery (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks about feeling weak as if his strength were like a dry piece of pottery that can easily break.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: piece of pottery (1)an object made of baked clay that can be used in the house
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“my tongue sticks to the top of my mouth.” The writer may be describing his extreme thirst. Or he may be continuing to speak about being weak as if he were completely dry.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have laid me in the dust of death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings for dust of death are: (1) it refers to a person turning to dust after they die. Alternate translation: “You are about to let me die and become dust” or (2) it is a way of speaking about the grave, which would mean God is causing the writer to die. Alternate translation: “You have laid me in my grave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have laid me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The “you” is singular and refers to God.
Psalms 22:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dogs have surrounded me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs. His enemies are coming close to him like wild dogs do to a dying animal. Alternate translation: “my enemies are like dogs that have surrounded me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a company of evildoers (1)Alternate translation: “a group of evildoers” or “a gang of evildoers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: encircled (1)stood in a circle
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have pierced my hands and my feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This continues the dog metaphor. The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs that are biting and piercing his hands and feet with their teeth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pierced (1)stabbed through something with a sharp object
Psalms 22:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I can count all my bones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) the writer is so thin that he can see his bones. Alternate translation: “I can see all of my bones” or “I can feel each of my bones” or (2) this continues the dog metaphor and the writer can see his bones after the dogs have ripped his flesh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: look and stare at me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “look” and “stare” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that people look at him awkwardly and make fun of him.
Psalms 22:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my garments (1)Alternate translation: “my clothes”
Psalms 22:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not be far away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Be very close”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “strength” represents Yahweh who gives him strength. Alternate translation: “you who give me strength”
Psalms 22:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rescue my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “soul” stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: “Rescue me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The sword is a common way of referring to a violent enemy. Alternate translation: “those who want to kill me” or “my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my only life (1)Alternate translation: “my precious life” or “the only life I have”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: claws of wild dogs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs to emphasize how dangerous his enemies are. Also, the claws stand for the animals as a whole in a synecdoche. The writer emphasizes this part of the animal because it is what the animals would use to kill someone. (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wild dogs (1)The word “wild” here means that no one has captured and tamed the animal.
Psalms 22:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lion’s mouth & horns of the wild oxen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions and wild oxen to emphasize how dangerous his enemies are. Also, the mouth and horns stand for the animals as a whole in a synecdoche. The writer emphasizes these parts of the animals because they are what the animals would use to kill someone. (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wild oxen (1)The word “wild” here means that no one has captured and tamed the animal.
Psalms 22:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will declare your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“I will make known your name.” Here “name” stands for God’s character or reputation. Alternate translation: “I will talk about your character”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my brothers (1)Here “brothers” means “my fellow Israelites” or “my fellow worshipers of Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the midst of the assembly (1)Alternate translation: “when my fellow Israelites and I gather together” or “when I am surrounded by my fellow worshipers of Yahweh”
Psalms 22:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You who fear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “You” is plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you descendants of Jacob & you descendants of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these refer to the same group of people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Stand in awe of him (1)Alternate translation: “Be full of awe for him” or “Let God’s power amaze you”
Psalms 22:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has not despised or abhorred the suffering of the afflicted one (1)This could mean: (1) he has not despised the afflicted one because he is suffering or (2) he has not belittled the suffering of the afflicted one
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: despised or abhorred (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God has not forgotten the one who is afflicted and suffering.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: despised (1)strongly disliked or hated
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has not & abhorred the suffering of the afflicted one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, suffering is a metonym for the person who suffers. To abhor something is to think of it as horrible. Alternate translation: “he has not … thought of the afflicted one who suffers as horrible”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the suffering of the afflicted one & from him & the afflicted one cried (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This could mean: (1) the author was speaking about how God treats people who are suffering. Alternate translation: “those who suffer … from them … those who are suffering cried” or (2) the author was speaking specifically about how God treated him. Alternate translation: “my suffering because of my affliction … from me … I cried” (See also: First, Second or Third Person)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has not hidden his face from him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Hiding one’s face from someone represents ignoring him. Alternate translation: “has not turned his attention away from him” or “has not ignored him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he heard (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“he listened.” It is implied that he responded when he heard their cry. Alternate translation: “he answered” or “he helped”
Psalms 22:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will fulfill my vows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to sacrifices the writer promised to offer to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before those who fear him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here “him” refers to Yahweh. It can be stated as “you.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of those who fear you”
Psalms 22:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The oppressed will eat and be satisfied (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the fellowship meal which occurs after the writer offers to God the sacrifices that he promised. He will invite those who were suffering to eat a part of the animal he sacrificed.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who seek Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your hearts live forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hearts” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “May you live forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “your” is plural and refers to the oppressed people.
Psalms 22:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will remember and turn to Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Starting to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the people physically turn toward Yahweh. Alternate translation: “will remember Yahweh and obey him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the families of the nations will bow down before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. The writer is emphasizing that everyone from every place will worship and obey Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will bow down before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a sign of giving honor and respect to someone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” refers to Yahweh. It can be translated in the third person to match the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: “before him” (See also: First, Second or Third Person)
Psalms 22:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the kingdom is Yahweh’s (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“For the kingdom belongs to Yahweh.” Here “kingdom” represents God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh is king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is the ruler over the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “he rules the people of the nations”
Psalms 22:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will feast (1)The people will eat together at the feast. Alternate translation: “will eat together” or “will eat a festive meal together”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all those who are descending into the dust & those who cannot preserve their own lives (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both phrases refers to the same group. They both refer to all people because all people will die.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are descending into the dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “dust” represents the grave. The phrase “descending into the dust” is a way of referring to someone dying. Alternate translation: “those who are dying” or “those who die” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who cannot preserve their own lives (1)Alternate translation: “those who cannot save their own lives” or “those who cannot keep themselves from dying”
Psalms 22:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A generation to come (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “A generation” represents the people of a generation. The phrase “to come” speaks about a future time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “People in the future generations” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the next generation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “generation” represents the people of that generation. Alternate translation: “the people of the next generation” or “their children”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the Lord (1)Alternate translation: “about the Lord” or “about what the Lord has done”
Psalms 22:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tell of his righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “tell of the righteous things he has done”
Psalms 23
Psalm 023 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 23 is a psalm of praise to God for his continued care and protection. The psalmist praises God for always being with him and for caring for him.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Psalm 23 is an extended metaphor speaking of God as if he were a shepherd, and of the psalmist as if he were a sheep. (See: Metaphor)
Psalms 23:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
In much of this psalm, David writes as if he were a sheep and the Lord were his shepherd. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism and Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)
Yahweh is my shepherd
Quote: יְהוָ֥ה רֹ֝עִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. This emphasizes how God cares for people as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like a shepherd to me” or “Yahweh cares for me as a shepherd cares for his sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will lack nothing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I have everything that I need”
Psalms 23:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He makes me to lie down in green pastures (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about himself as if he were a sheep, and he speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate translation: He gives me rest like a shepherd who leads his sheep to lie down in green pastures”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he leads me beside tranquil water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about himself as if he were a sheep, and he speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate translation: “he provides what I need like a shepherd who leads his sheep beside tranquil water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tranquil water (1)“calm water” or “water that flows gently.” This water is safe to drink.
Psalms 23:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He brings back my life (1)This means God makes a person who is weak and tired to be strong and rested again.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he guides me along right paths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Showing a person how to live in a way that pleases God is spoken of as if it were a shepherd showing a sheep the right path to take. Alternate translation: “He shows me how to live right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for his name’s sake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “his name” here refers to his reputation. Alternate translation: “for his reputation” or “so that people will honor him”
Psalms 23:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Even though I walk through a valley of darkest shadow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes a person experiencing terrible trouble as if he were a sheep walking through a dark and dangerous valley. There a sheep could get lost or attacked by a wild animal. Alternate translation: “Though my life is like walking through a dark and dangerous valley”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not fear harm (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word harm, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will not be afraid of something harming me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are with me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your rod and your staff comfort me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The rod and staff represent protection because shepherds use them to protect their sheep from danger. Alternate translation: “I am not afraid because you protect me like a shepherd who protects his sheep with his rod and staff”
Psalms 23:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
General Information:
Now the writer tells how God is like someone who welcomes a guest into his home and protects him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You prepare a table (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
A table represents a feast because people would put all the food on a table.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the presence of my enemies (1)The meaning here is that the writer is not worried about his enemies because he is an honored guest of the Lord and therefore protected from harm. Alternate translation: “despite the presence of my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anointed my head with oil (1)People sometimes put oil on their guests’ heads in order to honor them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my cup runs over (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here a cup of wine that overflows represents many blessings. Alternate translation: “You fill my cup so much that it overflows” or “You give me many blessings”
Psalms 23:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely goodness and covenant faithfulness will pursue me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh being good and faithful to a person is spoken of as if goodness and covenant faithfulness are things that pursue after a person. The abstract nouns “goodness” and “faithfulness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “Surely you will be good and faithful to me” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the days of my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “as long as I live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Yahweh (1)This could mean: (1) this refers to Yahweh’s eternal home, or (2) this refers to Yahweh’s temple in Jerusalem. If possible, translate it so that both meanings could be understood.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the length of my days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to the duration of his life. Alternate translation: “as long as I live” or “forever”
Psalms 24
Psalm 024 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 24 is a psalm of praise to God as the almighty God. (See: Almighty)
Special concepts in this chapter
Righteous people
Only the righteous come to worship God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical Questions
The psalmists uses several rhetorical questions. Each question forms a unit with a response. (See: Rhetorical Question)
Psalms 24:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its fullness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fullness, you could express the same idea with the verb “fills.” Alternate translation: “everything that fills it”
Psalms 24:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he has founded it upon the seas and established it on the rivers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Here “founded it upon the seas” and “established it on the rivers” mean basically the same thing. The Hebrews of that time believed their land was supported by the oceans and deep underground rivers. Alternate translation: For he formed its foundation on the seas and built it on the deep waters” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the seas & the rivers (1)These phrases are used together to refer to the huge deep ocean below the earth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the rivers (1)Alternate translation: “the water that is deep below”
Psalms 24:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who will ascend the mountain & in his holy place? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these questions mean basically the same thing. The speaker is asking about who is allowed to go and worship Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will ascend (1)Alternate translation: “will go up” or “will climb”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountain of Yahweh (1)This refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his holy place (1)This refers Yahweh’s temple. His temple is on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
Psalms 24:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He who has & who has & and has not (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Here “He” does not refer to a specific person. Alternate translation: “Those who have … who have … and have not”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who has clean hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hands” represents what a person does. For his “hands” to be clean means he does what is right. Alternate translation: “who does what is right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a pure heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: “thinks good thoughts” or “does not think about doing what is wrong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who has not lifted up a falsehood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “falsehood” represents a false idol. To “lift up” means to worship. Alternate translation: “who has not worshiped an idol” (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 24:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will receive a blessing from Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The word “he” does not refer to a specific person. It refers to the ones with pure hearts mentioned in previous verse. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word blessing, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless them” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: righteousness from the God of his salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “righteously.” And, “salvation” can be stated as “save.” Alternate translation: “God will deal righteously with him and save him”
Psalms 24:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Such is the generation of those who seek him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “generation” represents people in general. Alternate translation: “The people who seek him are like this”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who seek him, those who seek the face of the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both statements mean the same thing. They both refer to those who go to the temple to worship God. Alternate translation: “the ones who approach God, they are the ones who may worship God, the one we Israelites worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who seek him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to the temple to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if the person is literally seeking to find him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the face of the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “face” stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: “the God of Jacob”
Psalms 24:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, everlasting doors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The two phases are very similar in meaning. The words “gates” and “doors” refer to the gates of the temple. The writer is speaking to the gates as if they were a person. A gatekeeper would be the one to open the gates. Alternate translation: “Open up, you ancient gates” or “Open these ancient gates” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lift up your heads (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It is uncertain what specific part of the gate is the “head.” But, it stands for the gate as a whole.
Psalms 24:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, strong and mighty; Yahweh, mighty in battle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a mighty warrior who fights in battles.
Psalms 24:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, everlasting doors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The two phases are very similar in meaning. The words “gates” and “doors” refer to the gates of the temple. The writer is speaking to the gates as if they were a person. A gatekeeper would be the one to open the gates. See how you translated this in Psalms 24:7. Alternate translation: “Open up, you ancient gates” or “Open these ancient gates” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lift up your heads (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
It is uncertain what specific part of the gate is the “head.” But, it stands for the gate as a whole.
Psalms 25
Psalm 025 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 25 is a prayer for God’s help.
Special concepts in this chapter
The humble
God is very good to humble people who seek to obey him.
Psalms 25:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I lift up my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “lift up my life” is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) the writer is giving himself to Yahweh, which means he is completely depending on Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I give myself to you” or (2) he is offering prayer and adoration to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I worship and adore you”
Psalms 25:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let me be humiliated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not let my enemies humiliate me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice triumphantly over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“rejoice in triumph over me.” The phrase “over me” implies that his enemies have defeated him and stand above in victory. Alternate translation: “defeat me and rejoice about it”
Psalms 25:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May no one who hopes in you be disgraced (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“Do not let those who hope in you be disgraced.” Disgrace could come from being defeated by their enemies. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not let enemies defeat those who hope in you” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who hopes in you (1)Alternate translation: “who trusts you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: act treacherously (1)Alternate translation: “act deceitfully” or “act with trickery”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: without cause (1)Alternate translation: “without a reason”
Psalms 25:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Make known to me your ways, Yahweh; teach me your paths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both statements mean the same thing. God teaching a person how they should behave is spoken of as if he were showing a person the correct path on which a person should travel. (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 25:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hope in you (1)Alternate translation: “I depend on you” or “I wait patiently for you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Guide me into your truth and teach me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Guide and teach mean the same thing, to give instruction. Alternate translation: “Instruct me to conduct my life by obeying your truth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “saves.” Alternate translation: “the one who saves me”
Psalms 25:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. This does not mean God forgot something. The writer is asking God to think about and consider his acts of compassion and faithfulness. Alternate translation: “Remember” or “Think about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your acts of compassion and of covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “compassion” and “faithfulness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “how you have been compassionate and faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for they have always existed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “they” personifies God’s compassion and covenant faithfulness. Alternate translation: “for that is how you have always been”
Psalms 25:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not think about the sins of my youth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sins, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “sinned.” Alternate translation: “Do not think about how I sinned against you when I was young”
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Quote: or my rebelliousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebelliousness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “rebelled.” Alternate translation: or about how I have rebelled against you”
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Quote: Call me to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. This does not mean God forgot something. The writer is asking God to think about him. Alternate translation: “Remember me” or “Think about me”
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Quote: with covenant faithfulness because of your goodness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “goodness” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “and be faithful to me because of your covenant, because you are good”
Psalms 25:8
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Quote: the way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.
Psalms 25:9
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Quote: the humble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “humble people” or “those who are humble”
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Quote: his way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.
Psalms 25:10
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Quote: All the paths of Yahweh are steadfast love and faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “paths” is a metaphor for ways. Alternate translation: “Yahweh always loves us because of his covenant and he is always trustworthy”
Psalms 25:11
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Quote: For your name’s sake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “your name” here refers to Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “For your reputation” or “So that people will honor you”
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Quote: pardon my sin, for it is great (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sin, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “sinned.” Alternate translation: “please forgive me, for I have sinned much”
Psalms 25:12
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Quote: Who is the man who fears Yahweh? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question introduces “the man who fears Yahweh” as a new topic. Alternate translation: “I will tell you about the man who fears Yahweh.”
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Quote: is the man who fears & instruct him & he should (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
These words refer to any person who fears Yahweh, not a specific person. Alternate translation: “are those who fear … instruct them … they should”
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Quote: The Lord will instruct him in the way that he should choose (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh teaching people how they should behave is spoken of as if Yahweh were teaching the people what way or path they should travel.
Psalms 25:13
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Quote: His life & his descendants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
These words refer to any person who fears Yahweh, not a specific person. Alternate translation: “Their lives … their descendants”
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Quote: His life will go along in goodness (1)Alternate translation: “God will cause him to prosper” or “God will cause them to prosper”
Psalms 25:14
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Quote: The friendship of Yahweh is for those (1)“Yahweh is a friend to those.” Some translate it as “Yahweh confides in those.” His confiding in them shows the intimate friendship he has with them.
Psalms 25:15
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Quote: My eyes are always on Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “eyes” represents looking. It is implied that he looks to Yahweh for help. Alternate translation: “I always look to Yahweh to help me” or “I always depend on Yahweh to help me” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Quote: for he will free my feet from the net (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A net is a trap. A person who is in danger is spoken of as if their feet are tangled in a net. Alternate translation: He will rescue me from danger”
Psalms 25:16
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Quote: Turn toward me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh paying attention to a person and considering him is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically turning towards the person.
Psalms 25:17
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Quote: The troubles of my heart are enlarged (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “I feel more and more troubled”
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Quote: draw me out from my distress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“bring me out of my distress.” This speaks of distress as if it were a place that a person can be brought out of. Alternate translation: “rescue me from my distress” or “relieve me of my distress”
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Quote: my distress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “distress” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “the things that distress me” or “the things that cause me to be afraid”
Psalms 25:18
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Quote: See my affliction (1)Alternate translation: “Notice my affliction”
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Quote: my affliction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word affliction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the things that afflict me” or “how afflicted I am”
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Quote: my toils (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “toils” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “the things that trouble me”
Psalms 25:19
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Quote: they hate me with cruel hatred (1)Alternate translation: “they hate me cruelly” or “they hate me fiercely”
Psalms 25:20
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Quote: do not let me be humiliated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not let my enemies humiliate me”
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Quote: take refuge in you! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to you for protection!”
Psalms 25:21
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Quote: May integrity and uprightness preserve me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks about “integrity” and “uprightness” as if they were persons who could keep another person safe. These abstract nouns can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “May being honest and doing what is right preserve me” or “Preserve me, Lord, because I am honest and do what is right” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: preserve me (1)Alternate translation: “keep me safe”
Psalms 25:22
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Quote: Rescue Israel (1)Alternate translation: “Save Israel” or “Redeem Israel”
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Quote: Israel & his troubles (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel … our troubles”
Psalms 26
Psalm 026 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 26 is a teaching psalm; showing people how they should live by the example of the psalmsist.
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
The psalmist delights in praising God and doing good deeds. It is striking how this psalm uses the first person pronoun. This is an individual psalm of petition. Each of the four petitions are accompanied with various claims. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best and INVALID bible/kt/works)
Psalms 26:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: I have walked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “walked” is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: “I have behaved”
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Quote: in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The third person use of “Yahweh” can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: “in you”
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Quote: without wavering (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Doubting is spoken of as if it were losing balance and waving back and forth. Alternate translation: “without doubting”
Psalms 26:2
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Quote: Examine me (1)Alternate translation: “Try me”
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Quote: test the purity of my inner parts and my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here “inner parts” and “heart” mean motives. Alternate translation: “test whether my motives are good”
Psalms 26:3
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Quote: For your covenant faithfulness is before my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “eyes” represent a person’s thoughts and having something before one’s eyes represents being aware of that thing. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “For I am always aware of your covenant faithfulness” or “For I am always aware that you are faithful to your covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: I walk about in your faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “walk” is a metaphor for behavior. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I conduct my life according to your faithfulness” or “I behave the way I do because you are faithful” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 26:4
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Quote: I do not associate with (1)Alternate translation: “I do not keep company with” or “I do not sit with”
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Quote: with deceitful people (1)Alternate translation: “with those who deceive others”
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Quote: nor do I mingle with dishonest people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This means the same as the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: “and I do not join with dishonest people”
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Quote: dishonest people (1)Alternate translation: “hypocrites” or “those who lie to others”
Psalms 26:5
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Quote: the assembly of evildoers (1)Alternate translation: “those who gather to do evil”
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Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This is a nominal adjective. Alternate translation: “wicked people” or “those who are wicked”
Psalms 26:6
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Quote: I wash my hands in innocence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This seems to refer to a ritual washing of hands in water to symbolize freedom from sin and guilt.
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Quote: I go around your altar (1)This was an action of worship that the Israelites were accustomed to doing.
Psalms 26:8
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Quote: the house where you live (1)This could mean: (1) if a person wrote this after the time of David, then the writer is referring to the temple in Jerusalem or (2) if David wrote this, then this refers to the tent that God told his people to set up so that they could worship him there.
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Quote: the place where your glory lives (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “glory” represents the presence and power of God, which is similar to a very bright light. Alternate translation: “the place where people can see the glorious light of your presence”
Psalms 26:9
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Quote: Do not sweep me away with sinners (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Sweep away” here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: “Do not destroy me along with sinners”
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Quote: or my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “sweep” is understood. Alternate translation: “or sweep my life”
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Quote: people who are bloodthirsty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “bloodthirsty” represents wanting to kill people. Alternate translation: “people who are eager to shed others’ blood” or “murderers”
Psalms 26:10
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Quote: in whose hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Hands” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “people in which”
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Quote: a plot (1)Alternate translation: “a wicked plan”
Psalms 26:11
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Quote: But as for me (1)This phrase shows that the writer is changing from speaking about wicked people to talking about himself.
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Quote: I will walk in integrity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Walk” here is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: “I will behave with integrity”
Psalms 26:12
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Quote: My foot stands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “foot” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I stand”
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Quote: level ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, level ground could mean: (1) a safe place or (2) right behavior
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Quote: in the assemblies will I bless Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “when I gather with the people of Israel I will praise you”
Psalms 27
Psalm 027 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 27 is a psalm of praise to God because God keeps the psalmist safe from all his enemies.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
Because of God’s help, he has nothing to fear, no matter what happens. The psalmist shows his confidence in God; he also asks God for help.
Psalms 27:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: Yahweh is my light (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “light” represents life. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the source of my life”
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Quote: whom should I fear? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should fear. Alternate translation: “I will not be afraid of anyone”
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Quote: Yahweh is my life’s refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about Yahweh as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one who keeps me safe”
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Quote: whom should I dread? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should be afraid of. Alternate translation: “I will not dread anyone”
Psalms 27:2
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Quote: to devour my flesh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Destroying someone completely is spoken of as if it were devouring a person’s flesh. He did not mean that they wanted to eat his body. Alternate translation: “to destroy me”
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Quote: my adversaries and my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean the same thing. These are the evildoers who came near to him.
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Quote: stumbled and fell (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents the writer’s enemies failing to fulfill their plans to harm the writer. Alternate translation: “did not succeed” or “failed”
Psalms 27:3
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Quote: Though an army encamps against me (1)Alternate translation: “though an army surrounds me” or “though an army puts its tents around me”
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Quote: my heart will not fear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will not be afraid”
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Quote: though war rises up against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s enemies are spoken of as if they themselves were a war. Alternate translation: “though my enemies come to fight against me”
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Quote: I will remain confident (1)Alternate translation: “I will continue to trust God to help me”
Psalms 27:4
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Quote: have I asked of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “I have asked Yahweh to let me do”
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Quote: I will seek that (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person really wanting something and continually asking God for it is spoken of as if he were seeking to find something.
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Quote: to see the beauty of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wonderful character of God is spoken of as if it were physical beauty. Alternate translation: “to see how wonderful Yahweh is”
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Quote: to meditate in his temple (1)This could mean: (1) “to ask God what he wants me to do” or (2) “to think carefully about God in his temple.”
Psalms 27:5
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Quote: in the day of trouble (1)Alternate translation: “in times of trouble” or “when I have troubles”
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Quote: he will hide me (1)Alternate translation: “he will protect me”
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Quote: his shelter & his tent (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these refer to the tabernacle where the writer is worshiping God.
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Quote: in the cover of his tent (1)The word “cover” represents something that hides and protects.
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Quote: He will lift me high on a rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God keeping the writer safe from his enemies is spoken of as if God were placing him on a high rock where his enemies cannot reach him.
Psalms 27:6
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Quote: my head will be lifted up above my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the writer receiving pride or honor when he defeats his enemies. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will honor me when I win the fight against my enemies” or “God will honor me by enabling me to defeat my enemies” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 27:7
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Quote: Hear, Yahweh, my voice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “voice” often represents a person who speak or calls out. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, hear me”
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Quote: answer me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that Yahweh hears the writer’s prayer and Yahweh will do what the writer asks. Alternate translation: “answer my prayer” or “do what I request of you”
Psalms 27:8
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Quote: My heart says (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “In my heart I say” or “I say to myself”
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Quote: Seek his face (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person going to the temple to pray to Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Here “face” represents all of God. Alternate translation: “Go and pray to Yahweh” (See also: Synecdoche)
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Quote: I seek your face, Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person going to the temple to pray to Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Here “face” represents all of God. Alternate translation: “I will come to your temple to pray to you” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 27:9
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Quote: Do not hide your face from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The face here represents Yahweh’s attention, and hiding the face represents rejecting someone. Alternate translation: “Do not reject me” or “Do not stop taking care of me” (See also: Metaphor)
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Quote: do not turn your servant away in anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David said “your servant” to refer to himself in a humble way. Alternate translation: “do not be angry with me”
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Quote: forsake me or abandon me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “forsake” and “abandon” mean the same thing. The writer is emphasizing that he does not want God to leave him.
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Quote: or abandon me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “and do not” are understood. Alternate translation: “and do not abandon me” or “and do not leave me”
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Quote: God of my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “saves.” Alternate translation: God who saves me” or “because you are the God who saves me”
Psalms 27:10
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Quote: Even if my father and my mother forsake me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
“Even if my father and my mother were to forsake me.” He is not saying that they actually have done this or that they would do it. His point is that even if they did that, God would not abandon him.
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Quote: Yahweh will take me in (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh will keep me” or “Yahweh will take care of me”
Psalms 27:11
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Quote: Teach me your way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How a person should behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path that person should travel. Alternate translation: “Teach me how you want me to live” or “Teach me to do what you want me to do”
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Quote: Lead me on a level path (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh keeping the writer safe from his enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh leads the writer on a level path where he will not stumble and fall. Alternate translation: “Keep me safe”
Psalms 27:12
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Quote: Do not give me up to the desires of my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desires, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Do not let my enemies do to me what they desire”
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Quote: have risen up against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Risen up” here is an idiom meaning that a witness stood in court to present testimony. Alternate translation: “have stood up in order to speak against me”
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Quote: they breathe out violence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here violence is spoken for as if it was something a person could breathe out. Alternate translation: “they say that they will do violent things to me”
Psalms 27:13
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Quote: What would have happened to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Something bad would have happened to me”
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Quote: the goodness of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word goodness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “the good things that Yahweh does”
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Quote: in the land of the living (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to being alive. Alternate translation: “while I am alive”
Psalms 27:14
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Quote: Wait for Yahweh & Wait for Yahweh! (1)This verse may be: (1) the writer speaking to himself or (2) the writer speaking to others or (3) someone speaking to the writer.
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Quote: let your heart be courageous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “be courageous”
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Quote: Wait for Yahweh! (1)This line is repeated at the end of the psalm as a way of ending the psalm.
Psalms 28
Psalm 028 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 28 is a psalm of prayer to God that he is not be punished along with the wicked people. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Trust
The psalmist trusted God completely and God rescued him. This is similar to psalm 7 and 17 because it is an individual lament psalm. (See: lament, lamentation)
Psalms 28:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: I cry out (1)Alternate translation: “I call out loudly”
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Quote: my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: “my strength”
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Quote: do not ignore me (1)Alternate translation: “do not be silent to me” or “do not leave me alone”
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Quote: I will join those who go down to the grave (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People who die are spoken of as if they are going down into the grave. Alternate translation: “I will die like those who are in the grave”
Psalms 28:2
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Quote: Hear the sound of my pleading (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sound” refers to the content of his request. Alternate translation: “Hear my strong request”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I lift up my hands toward your most holy place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Lifting up hands is a symbol of worship. The writer is not worshiping the holy place, but Yahweh who lives in the holy place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your most holy place (1)This could mean: (1) if David wrote this, then this refers to the tent that God told his people to set up so that they could worship him there, or (2) if a person wrote this after the time of David, then the writer is referring to the temple in Jerusalem.
Psalms 28:3
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Quote: Do not drag me away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God punishing people is spoken of as if he physically drags them away. In this metaphor Yahweh may be dragging them to prison, exile, or death. Alternate translation: “Do not remove me”
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Quote: who speak peace with their neighbors (1)Here “neighbors” refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “who speak peacefully with other people”
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Quote: but have evil in their hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hearts” represents a person’s mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: “but are thinking something evil about them”
Psalms 28:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give them what their deeds deserve & repay them what their wickedness demands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that they deserve for God to punish them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the work of their hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” represent what the person has done. Alternate translation: “the things they have done”
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Quote: render to them their due (1)Alternate translation: “give them what they deserve”
Psalms 28:5
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Quote: Because they do not understand & never rebuild them (1)This could mean: (1) David is confident about what God will do to wicked people or (2) David is asking God to destroy the wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they do not understand the deeds of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that “do not understand” means they ignore or do not honor Yahweh’s works. Alternate translation: “they do not regard with honor what Yahweh has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the work of his hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” represents what Yahweh has done or created. Alternate translation: “what he has created”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will tear them down and never rebuild them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The punishment of the wicked people is spoken of as if they were a building or a city that God would destroy.
Psalms 28:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has heard the sound of my pleading (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sound” represents what the writer said. Alternate translation: “has heard what I said when I pleaded to him”
Psalms 28:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is my strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “strong.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes me strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents Yahweh’s protecting the writer. Alternate translation: “he protects me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart trusts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I trust”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am helped (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he helps me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart greatly rejoices (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I greatly rejoice”
Psalms 28:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is the strength of his people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “strong.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes his people strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is the saving refuge of his anointed one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh keeping the king safe is spoken of as if Yahweh were a place that the king could go for safety. Alternate translation: “he keeps safe the one he appointed to be king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his anointed one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The represents the king.
Psalms 28:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your inheritance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about the people of God as if they were something God inherited. Alternate translation: “your possession” or “those who belong to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be their shepherd and carry them forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd and the people are his sheep. A shepherd would carry a sheep if it needed help or protection. Alternate translation: “Be like their shepherd and protect them forever”
Psalms 29
Psalm 029 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 29 is a worship psalm. It tells how Yahweh rules all nature.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s power
God is powerful. All he has to do is to speak in order to control nature.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metonymy
The voice of the Yahweh stands for Yahweh himself. (See: Metonymy)
Psalms 29:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you sons of God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “sons of” is a way of saying “having the characteristics of.” Alternate translation: “you mighty men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “glory” and “strength” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong”
Psalms 29:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ascribe to Yahweh the glory his name deserves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word glory, you could express the same idea with a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: “Honor Yahweh just as his name deserves” or “Proclaim that Yahweh is glorious just as his name deserves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his name deserves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “his name” refers to Yahweh or his reputation. Alternate translation: “as is proper because of who he is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bow down to Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: “Bow down to worship Yahweh” (See also: Symbolic Action)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the splendor of holiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “splendor” and “holiness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because he is gloriously beautiful and holy”
Psalms 29:3
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Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The psalm shows Yahweh’s power and glory.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The voice of Yahweh is heard over the waters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
God’s voice is louder and clearer than all other sounds and noises. It can be heard over other loud sounds such as the sound of the waters. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh speaks his voice is louder than the sound of the sea” or “Yahweh shouts louder than the sound of the waters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over the waters (1)This refers to the seas or the oceans. These waters make a very loud noise as the waves rise and fall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The voice of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
All occurrences of “voice” here represent Yahweh speaking. The writer is emphasizing that when Yahweh speaks, the sound is so loud it is heard over the waters, and it is so powerful it can destroy the largest trees. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh speaks, his voice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of glory thunders (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about God speaking as if it were the sound of thunder. Just like the sound of thunder, Yahweh’s voice can be heard over large distances. Alternate translation: “The voice of the glorious God is loud like thunder” or “When the glorious God speaks it rumbles like thunder”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over many waters (1)Alternate translation: “over the large bodies of water”
Psalms 29:6
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The writer continues describing the power of God’s voice.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He makes Lebanon skip like a calf (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The ground of Lebanon shaking is spoken of as if it were a young calf skipping. This emphasizes that when Yahweh speaks, the power of his voice shakes the ground. Alternate translation: “He makes the land of Lebanon shake like a calf skipping”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: skip (1)jump lightly back and forth
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Quote: Sirion like a young ox (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “he makes” and “skip” are understood from the first phrase. They can be repeated here. The ground of Sirion shaking is spoken of as if it were a young ox skipping. This emphasizes that when Yahweh speaks, the power of his voice shakes the ground. Alternate translation: “he makes Sirion skip like a young ox” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sirion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a mountain in Lebanon. It is also called Mount Hermon.
Psalms 29:7
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Quote: The voice of Yahweh sends out flames of fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
All occurrences of “voice” here represent Yahweh speaking. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh speaks he causes lightning to flash in the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flames of fire (1)This refers to lightning.
Psalms 29:9
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Quote: The voice of Yahweh causes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “voice” represents Yahweh speaking. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh speaks, the sound causes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the oaks to twist (1)Alternate translation: “the large trees to shake”
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Quote: strips the forests bare (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Removing the leaves of the trees is spoken of as if it was removing their clothing. Alternate translation: “strips off the leaves from the trees”
Psalms 29:10
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Quote: Yahweh sits as king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that Yahweh rules. Alternate translation: “Yahweh rules” or “Yahweh is king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over the flood (1)Here “flood” refers to waters that cover the earth.
Psalms 29:11
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Quote: Yahweh blesses his people with peace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “peace” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “Yahweh blesses his people by causing them to prosper and to live peacefully”
Psalms 30
Psalm 030 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 30 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God. The psalmist was near death but God rescued him.
Special concepts in this chapter
The psalmist’s death
If he had died, it would not have been a help to God. But since God rescued him he can praise God.
Psalms 30:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a song at the dedication of the temple (1)Alternate translation: “This song was sung when the temple was dedicated”
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Quote: you have raised me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God rescuing him and keeping him from dying as if God had drawn him up from a deep well. Alternate translation: “you rescued me”
Psalms 30:3
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Quote: brought up my soul from Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Since “Sheol” was the place where dead people go, it refers to death. Alternate translation: “kept me from dying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought up my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my soul” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “brought me up”
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Quote: from going down to the grave (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “grave” represents death. Alternate translation: “from dying”
Psalms 30:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give thanks when you remember his holiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “thanks” and “holiness” can be stated as “thank” and “holy.” Alternate translation: “Remember that God is holy and thank him” or “Remember what God has done because he is holy and thank him”
Psalms 30:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his anger is only for a moment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“his anger lasts only a moment.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “angry.” Alternate translation: “he is angry for only a moment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a moment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “moment” represents a short amount of time. Alternate translation: “a short time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but his favor is for a lifetime (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “good.” Alternate translation: “but he is good to us all of our lives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Weeping comes for a night, but joy comes in the morning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about “weeping” and “joy” as if they were something that travels and arrives at a certain time. Alternate translation: “We may cry during the night, but the next morning we will be joyful”
Psalms 30:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In confidence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “confidence” is an abstract noun. The writer recalls a time when he was prospering and felt confident and safe. Alternate translation: “When I was confident” or “When I felt safe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will never be shaken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “shaken” is a metaphor for defeat. Alternate translation: “No one will defeat me”
Psalms 30:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by your favor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you could express the same idea with the verb “favored” or the adjective “kind.” Alternate translation: “when you favored me” or “when you were kind to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you established me as a strong mountain (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s security is spoken of as if he were a strong mountain. Alternate translation: “you made me as secure as a high mountain”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you hid your face (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when you stopped helping me” or “when you rejected me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was troubled (1)Alternate translation: “I was fearful” or “I was worried”
Psalms 30:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sought favor from my Lord (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase “sought favor” means to ask for help. Alternate translation: “I pleaded for you to help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from my Lord (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer is referring to Yahweh in third person. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “from you, my Lord”
Psalms 30:9
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Quote: What advantage is there in my death, if I go down to the grave? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses this question to emphasize that he would be of no value to God if he were dead. Alternate translation: “There is no advantage if I die and go down to the grave.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will the dust praise you? Will it declare your trustworthiness? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that his dead and decayed body cannot praise God. Alternate translation: “The dust will certainly not praise you or tell others about how trustworthy you are.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the body of the writer which will decay and become dust when he is dead. Alternate translation: “my decayed body”
Psalms 30:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have turned my mourning into dancing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
It was customary for the Jews to dance when they were very happy. The abstract nouns “mourning” and “dancing” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “You have caused me to stop mourning and to dance with joy instead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have removed my sackcloth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Sackcloth was associated with mourning and sorrow. Alternate translation: “You have caused me to no longer be sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clothed me with gladness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of gladness as if it were a garment that he could put on. Alternate translation: “caused me to be glad”
Psalms 30:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my glory will sing praise to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my glory” refers to the writer’s soul or heart or inner being. This represents the entire person of the writer, who worships God because God has made him glad. Alternate translation: “I will sing praise to you”
Psalms 31
Psalm 031 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 31 is a psalm of deliverance. The psalmist’s enemies thought they had defeated him, but God protected him. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Abandonment
Even though everyone deserted and despised the psalmist, God did not abandon him.
Psalms 31:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In you, Yahweh, I take refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “I go to you, Yahweh, for protection”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: never let me be humiliated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “do not let others humiliate me”
Psalms 31:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase “be my rock of refuge” is a request for protection. The second phrase emphasizes the first phrase.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my rock of refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoke of as if he were a huge rock that would protect the writer from attack. Alternate translation: “like a huge rock on which I can be safe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a stronghold to save me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.
Psalms 31:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoke of as if he were a huge rock that would protect the writer from attack. Alternate translation: “like a huge rock on which I can be safe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my fortress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your name’s sake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this phrase “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “so that your name may be honored” or “so that I may worship you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lead and guide me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “lead” and “guide” mean basically the same thing and strengthen the request that Yahweh lead him. Alternate translation: “lead me where you want me to go”
Psalms 31:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pluck me out of the net that they have hidden for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer is spoken of as if he were a bird caught in a hidden net, and waiting for Yahweh to free him from the trap.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are my refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoken of as if he is a place where the writer can hide from people who are attacking him. Alternate translation: “you always protect me” or “you give me constant protection”
Psalms 31:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Into your hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
God is spirit, but he is here spoken of as if he has hands. Here “your hands” refers to Yahweh’s care. Alternate translation: “Into your care” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I entrust my spirit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my spirit” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “I place myself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God of trustworthiness (1)Alternate translation: “you are a God I can trust”
Psalms 31:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hate those who serve worthless idols (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish
Here the word “worthless” refers to all idols. This can be clarified in translation. Alternate translation: “Idols are worthless. I hate those who serve them”
Psalms 31:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be glad and rejoice in your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “glad” and “rejoice” share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of joy. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I will be very glad because you are faithful to your covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you saw my affliction & you knew the distress of my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases express the idea that God knows about the writer’s troubles.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the distress of my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my soul” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “my distress”
Psalms 31:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have set my feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my feet” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “You have set me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a wide open place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Hebrews thought of wide open spaces as a metaphor for safety and freedom. Alternate translation: “a place where I am free”
Psalms 31:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am in distress (1)Alternate translation: “I am suffering greatly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul and my body (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The terms “soul” and “body” are used to describe the complete person.
Psalms 31:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For my life is weary (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my life” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “I have become very weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with sorrow & with groaning (1)Alternate translation: “because of my sorrow … because of my groaning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my years with groaning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The phrase “is weary” is missing, but is implied. Alternate translation: “my years are weary with groaning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My strength fails (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “My strength” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “I have become weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bones are wasting away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my bones” refers to the physical health of the writer. Alternate translation: “my health is failing”
Psalms 31:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: people disdain me (1)Alternate translation: “people insult me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are appalled at my situation (1)Alternate translation: “are shocked at my condition”
Psalms 31:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as a dead man whom no one thinks about (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People do not think about dead people. The writer does not think people think about him.
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Quote: like a broken pot (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks of himself as if he was completely useless. “as useless as a broken pot”
Psalms 31:13
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Quote: the whispering of many (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is implied that “many” refers to people. Alternate translation: “many people talking about me”
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Quote: terrifying news from every side (1)Alternate translation: “scary reports from many sources”
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Quote: take away my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to kill someone. Alternate translation: “kill me”
Psalms 31:15
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Quote: My times are in your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “You have the power to decide my future”
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Quote: from those who pursue me (1)Alternate translation: “from people who try to capture me”
Psalms 31:16
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Quote: Make your face shine on your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards him as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on him. Alternate translation: “Act favorably towards your servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: save me in your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “save me because you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 31:17
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Quote: Do not let me be humiliated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not let others make me feel ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the wicked be humiliated! (1)Alternate translation: “I wish that God would disgrace wicked people!”
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Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to “wicked people.
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Quote: May they be silent in Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “in Sheol” represents death. Alternate translation: “Let them die so they cannot speak”
Psalms 31:18
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Quote: May lying lips be silenced (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “May someone make these lying lips silent”
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Quote: lying lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These represent lying people. Alternate translation: “people who lie”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that speak against the righteous defiantly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “the righteous” refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: “that say terrible things about righteous people”
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Quote: with arrogance and contempt (1)These terms have similar meanings. Alternate translation: “with a complete lack of respect”
Psalms 31:19
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Quote: is your goodness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: “are the good things you do”
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Quote: that you have stored up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s goodness is spoken of as if it was something that could be stored up like a harvest. Alternate translation: “that you are keeping ready to use”
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Quote: those who revere you (1)Alternate translation: “those who respect you greatly”
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Quote: take refuge in you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. See how you translated this in Psalms 31:1. Alternate translation: “those who go to you for protection”
Psalms 31:20
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Quote: In the shelter of your presence, you hide them & You hide them in a shelter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases both mean that God protects them.
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Quote: In the shelter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s presence is spoken of as if it is a strong building where the writer would be safe.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You hide them in a shelter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here a “shelter” represents a safe place. Alternate translation: “You provide a safe place for them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the violence of tongues (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “tongues” refer to the people who are speaking violent things against the writer. Alternate translation: “where their enemies cannot speak evil at them”
Psalms 31:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he showed me his marvelous covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “he showed me that he is wonderfully faithful to his covenant”
Psalms 31:22
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Quote: I am cut off from your eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You have removed me from your presence” (See also: Idiom)
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Quote: your eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Yahweh is represented by his “eyes.” Alternate translation: “you”
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Quote: you heard my plea for help (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here “plea” can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: “you heard me plead for help”
Psalms 31:23
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Quote: the faithful (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the faithful people. Alternate translation: “the people who are faithful”
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Quote: he pays back the arrogant in full (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “pay back” is an idiom that refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “he gives the proud people all of the punishment that they deserve”
Psalms 32
Psalm 032 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 32 is a psalm of confession of sin. (See: confess, confession and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Special concepts in this chapter
Confession of sin
This psalm tells of the sorrow of unconfessed sin; it also tells of the blessing of confession and of receiving God’s forgiveness. It is such a blessing when God forgives sin. Trouble comes when sin is hidden and not confessed. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned)
Psalms 32:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
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Quote: whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases have similar meanings. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who God forgives his transgression and covers his sin” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose sin is covered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sin that is forgiven is spoken of as if it were covered so that it can not be seen. Alternate translation: “whose sin is ignored” or “whose sin is deliberately forgotten”
Psalms 32:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to whom Yahweh reckons no guilt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh sees as innocent” or “who is not guilty according to Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in whose spirit there is no deceit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “spirit” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “in whom there is not deceit” or “who is completely honest”
Psalms 32:3
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Quote: my bones were wasting away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my bones” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “I was wasting away” or “I was getting weaker”
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Quote: all day long (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “continually.” Alternate translation: “all the time”
Psalms 32:4
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Quote: day and night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
These extremes include everything in between. Alternate translation: “all the time”
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Quote: your hand was heavy upon me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hand” refers to Yahweh. The entire phrase is an idiom that means “you afflicted me.” Alternate translation: “you made me suffer greatly” (See also: Idiom)
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Quote: My strength withered as in summer drought (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
David’s strength is compared to a small, green plant that turns brown and crumbles in the dry season.
Psalms 32:6
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Quote: at a time of great distress (1)Alternate translation: “when they are in great trouble.”
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Quote: When the surging waters overflow, the waters will not reach them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Difficulties are spoken of as if they were a flood of water. Alternate translation: “Then when difficulties come like a flood of water, those people will be safe”
Psalms 32:7
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Quote: You are my hiding place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoken of as if he was a safe place from the attacks of the writer’s enemies. Alternate translation: “You are like a place where I can hide myself from my enemies”
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Quote: You will surround me with the songs of victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor apparently means that Yahweh’s protection of the writer is the cause for songs of victory to be sung. Alternate translation: “Because of you I will sing songs of victory”
Psalms 32:8
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Quote: I will instruct you and teach you in the way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “instruct” and “teach” mean basically the same thing and emphasize careful instruction. Alternate translation: “I will teach you everything about the way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will instruct (1)Here the “I” is probably Yahweh who talks directly to David.
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Quote: in the way which you should go (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Living in the correct way is spoken of as if it were a path that the writer should walk. Alternate translation: “how you should live your life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my eye upon you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my eye” refers to Yahweh’s attention. Alternate translation: “and direct my attention to you” or “and watch over you”
Psalms 32:9
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Quote: Do not be like a horse & no understanding (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares people with no understanding to horses and mules. This could mean: (1) the writer is speaking Yahweh’s words to his readers, “You all must not be like a horse … no understanding” or (2) Yahweh is speaking to the writer as though to a group of people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bridle and bit (1)Two tools that are used by people to guide horses and mules go where the rider wants them to go.
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Quote: where you want them to (1)“where anyone wants them to go.” The “you” here is singular and refers to no one in particular.
Psalms 32:10
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Quote: Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness will surround the one who trusts in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh being faithful to a person and protecting that person is spoken of as if Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness surrounded the person. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh is faithful to his covenant, he will protect the one who trusts in him” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 32:11
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Quote: Be glad in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “in Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh has done for them. “Be glad because of what Yahweh has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people. Alternate translation: “you righteous people”
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Quote: shout for joy (1)Alternate translation: “shout joyfully” or “shout because of joy”
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Quote: who are upright in heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “people who are upright”
Psalms 33
Psalm 033 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 33 is a worship song. It tells how great God is.
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s power
God is the creator and also the God of his people, Israel. Whatever he plans works out. He alone provides safety in battle.
Psalms 33:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rejoice in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “in Yahweh” refers to what Yahweh has done for them. “Rejoice because of what Yahweh has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise is appropriate for the upright (1)Alternate translation: “to praise Yahweh is appropriate for upright people”
Psalms 33:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
General Information:
Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s word is upright (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “upright” is used as a metaphor for something that is true. Alternate translation: “Yahweh always does what he says that he will do”
Psalms 33:5
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Quote: He loves righteousness and justice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
These abstract nouns can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “He loves doing what is right and just” or “He loves those who do what is right and just”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The earth is full of Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People everywhere in the world being able to see evidence of Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if his covenant faithfulness filled the earth. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word covenant faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “People everywhere on earth can see that Yahweh is faithful to his covenant” or “Throughout the earth, there is evidence that Yahweh is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 33:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By the word of Yahweh the heavens were made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “By using his word, Yahweh made the heavens”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the breath of his mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to Yahweh’s word. Alternate translation: “by his word”
Psalms 33:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
General Information:
Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a heap (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“like behind a dam.” The writer describes the creation of the sea as if God piles up all the waters together.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he puts the oceans in storehouses (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes the creation of the oceans as if God put them in a storehouse. Alternate translation: “he puts the oceans in their place, just like a man puts grain in a storehouse”
Psalms 33:8
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Quote: Let the whole earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people on the earth. Alternate translation: “Let everyone on earth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stand in awe of him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “stand in awe” is an idiom that means “be in awe.” Alternate translation: “honor him”
Psalms 33:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stood in place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “stood in place” is an idiom that means “was created.” Alternate translation: “started to exist”
Psalms 33:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
General Information:
Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh frustrates (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh destroys” or “Yahweh breaks”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the alliances of nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” refers to the people of these nations. Alternate translation: “the alliances of the people of different nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: alliances (1)An alliance is an agreement between two or more nations to support each other in a war against a common enemy.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the plans of the peoples (1)Alternate translation: “the evil plans of the peoples”
Psalms 33:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stand forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “stand” is an idiom that means “endure.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the plans of his heart for all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The missing term “stand” is implied. Alternate translation: “the plans of his heart stand for all generations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the plans of his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “his heart” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “his plans”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“for all future generations.” This is an idiom that means “forever.”
Psalms 33:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed is the nation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the nation” refers to the people of the nation. Alternate translation: “Blessed are the people of the nation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose God is Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “who worship Yahweh as God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as his own inheritance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people Yahweh has chosen to worship him are described here as if they were an inheritance that he has received.
Psalms 33:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he looks down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place where Yahweh lives is spoken of as if it is above the earth where people live.
Psalms 33:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shapes the hearts of them all (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hearts” refers to the thinking of these people. The writer speaks of Yahweh guiding the thinking of the people as if he were a potter who was shaping a bowl. Alternate translation: “guides their thinking as a potter shapes a bowl” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 33:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No king is saved by a vast army (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “A large army is not what saves a king”
Psalms 33:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A horse is a false hope for victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “a horse” represents the strongest part of the army. Alternate translation: “Having an army with strong horses does not provide security”
Psalms 33:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (1)This word shows that a new theme begins in this Psalm. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s eye (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “eye” refers to Yahweh’s attention. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s attention”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who hope in his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom to “count on” means to “wait for” or to “expect.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “those who expect him to act faithfully because of his covenant” or “those who wait for him to act because he is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 33:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to deliver their lives from death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “their lives” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “to keep them from dying”
Psalms 33:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We wait for Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “wait” is an idiom that refers to trust. Alternate translation: “We trust in Yahweh” or “We hope in Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is our help and our shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he is a shield that protects soldiers in battle. Alternate translation: “he is our helper and protects us like a shield”
Psalms 33:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Our hearts rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hearts” refer to the people. Alternate translation: “We rejoice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his holy name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “holy name” refers to Yahweh’s holy character. Alternate translation: “in his holy character” or “in him because he is holy”
Psalms 33:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, be with us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh acting faithfully towards the people is spoken of as if Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness were with them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “May you always act faithfully towards us because of your covenant, Yahweh” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as we put our hope in you (1)Alternate translation: “as we hope for your help”
Psalms 34
Psalm 034 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 34 is a teaching psalm and includes thanksgiving. It teaches that living right leads to a good life. (See: INVALID bible/kt/life)
The psalm does not relate directly to the superscription given about Abimelech.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
Good people can have problems, but God brings them through these. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best)
Psalms 34:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pretended to be insane (1)Alternate translation: “acted like a crazy person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before Abimelech (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to a specific historical event that the Hebrews knew well. Alternate translation: “when he was in Abimelech’s house” or “when he was Abimelech’s prisoner”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his praise will always be in my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “in my mouth” refers to David speaking about Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will always praise him out loud”
Psalms 34:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the oppressed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people who are oppressed. Alternate translation: “the oppressed people”
Psalms 34:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise Yahweh with me (1)The verb “praise” is a command to a group. Alternate translation: “Everyone should praise Yahweh with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lift up his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “lift up” is an idiom that refers to exalting Yahweh. Alternate translation: “tell people how great he is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his name” refers to Yahweh’s character. Alternate translation: “his character”
Psalms 34:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sought Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “sought Yahweh” means David was asking Yahweh for help. Alternate translation: “I prayed to Yahweh” or “I asked Yahweh for help”
Psalms 34:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who look to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “look to” represents seeking help from him. Alternate translation: “Those who look at him for help” or “those who expect help only from him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are radiant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to their appearance as being joyful. Alternate translation: “are joyful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their faces are not ashamed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “their faces” refers to the people who look to Yahweh. It can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “they are not ashamed” or “they are proud” (See also: Litotes)
Psalms 34:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This oppressed man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David describes himself as an oppressed man. Alternate translation: “I was oppressed and”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh heard him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “heard” means that Yahweh helped him. Alternate translation: “Yahweh heard me” or “Yahweh helped him”
Psalms 34:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: camps around (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The angel of Yahweh is spoken of as if he were an army that camps around someone in order to protect them. Alternate translation: “guards”
Psalms 34:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Taste and see that Yahweh is good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s goodness is spoken of as something that can be tasted and seen. Alternate translation: “Try and experience that Yahweh is good”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: takes refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a place where people can hide for protection from their enemies. Alternate translation: “trust him to protect them”
Psalms 34:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is no lack for those who fear him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Those who fear him will always have what they need”
Psalms 34:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not lack anything good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “will always have the good things they need”
Psalms 34:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sons (1)Here this does not refer to literal sons of the writer, but to the people he is teaching about Yahweh. Alternate translation: “my students”
Psalms 34:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit answer to this question is “every man.” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Every man desires life and desires to live many days and have a good life”
Psalms 34:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep your tongue from evil & keep your lips from speaking lies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases refer to the same thing and it is said in different ways to emphasize its importance.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then keep your tongue from evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “tongue” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “Therefore, do not speak evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep your lips from speaking lies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “lips” refers to the person speaking. Alternate translation: “do not speak lies”
Psalms 34:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn away from evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “Turn away” is a metaphor for avoiding evil. Alternate translation: “Refuse to do evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Seek peace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “seek” means to be concerned about peace. Alternate translation: “Try hard to live in peace with other people”
Psalms 34:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The eyes of Yahweh are on the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the eyes of Yahweh” refer to his careful watching. “The righteous” is a reference to righteous people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh carefully watches over the righteous people” (See also: Nominal Adjectives)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his ears are directed toward their cry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Yahweh is represented by his “ears.” To be directed toward something means to pay attention to it. Alternate translation: “he pays attention to their cry” or “he answers their cry”
Psalms 34:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to cut off the memory of them from the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh will cause people to so completely forget them when they die that it is as if he used a knife to cut off any memory of them. Alternate translation: “so that when they are dead, people will forget them completely”
Psalms 34:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh hears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “hears” means that Yahweh desires to respond to them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh pays attention to them”
Psalms 34:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is close (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “is close” means “ready to help.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh is always ready to help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the brokenhearted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a nominal adjective that refers to people who are brokenhearted. Deep sadness is spoken of as if the person’s heart is broken. Alternate translation: “people who are very sad” (See also: Nominal Adjectives)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are crushed in spirit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People who are deeply discouraged are spoken of as if their spirits are crushed. Alternate translation: “people who are deeply discouraged”
Psalms 34:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: “the righteous people”
Psalms 34:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He keeps all his bones, not one of them will be broken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “all his bones” is literal, but it also implies that Yahweh takes care of the entire person. Alternate translation: “He provides complete protection for him, he will not be harmed in any way”
Psalms 34:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Evil will kill the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Evil is described as if it were a man who can kill people. Alternate translation: “The evil deeds of wicked people will kill them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who hate the righteous will be condemned (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will condemn those who hate the righteous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to righteous people.
Psalms 34:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will forgive everyone who takes refuge in him” (See also: Litotes)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to him for protection”
Psalms 35
Psalm 035 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 35 is a prayer for deliverance. His enemies are coming against him. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Enemies
When his enemies were sick, he tried to comfort them, but when he was in trouble his enemies use this as a time to attack him.
Psalms 35:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 35:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Grab your small shield and large shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: small shield and large shield (1)these are defensive weapons
Psalms 35:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Use your spear and battle ax (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spear and battle ax (1)these are offensive weapons
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who chase me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) these enemies are literally chasing the writer or (2) this is a metaphor for people who are enemies of the writer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: say to my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “say to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be stated without the abstract noun. Alternate translation: “I am your savior” or “I will save you”
Psalms 35:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May those who seek my life be shamed and dishonored (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh shame and dishonor those who seek my life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May those (1)Alternate translation: “I desire that”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who seek my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “seek my life” means they desire to kill the writer. The writer is represented by his “life.” Alternate translation: “who are trying to kill me” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May those who plan to harm me be turned back and confounded (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh turn back and confound those who plan to harm me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be turned back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“be turned back” here is a metaphor for being unable to accomplish their goal. Alternate translation: “be unsuccessful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: confounded (1)Alternate translation: “confused”
Psalms 35:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as chaff before the wind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer’s enemies are spoken of as if they are chaff that is easily blown away. Alternate translation: “blown away by the wind like chaff”
Psalms 35:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “their way” refers to their lives. Alternate translation: “their lives”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dark and slippery (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to a way that is hidden and dangerous. Alternate translation: “hidden and full of dangers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chases them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to the angel of Yahweh being opposed to the writer’s enemies. Alternate translation: “works against them” or “opposes them”
Psalms 35:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they set their net for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a net that they set to catch the writer. Alternate translation: “they want to catch me in a net like a small animal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they dug a pit for my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a pit that they dug to catch the writer. Alternate translation: “they wanted to capture me in a pit like a big animal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “me”
Psalms 35:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let destruction overtake them by surprise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Destruction is spoken of as if it was a dangerous animal that would suddenly attack them. Alternate translation: “Let them be destroyed suddenly” or “Let them be surprised because you destroy them suddenly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the net that they have set (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a net that they place to catch the writer. Alternate translation: “the net that they placed in order to capture me like an animal and harm me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them fall into it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is the same metaphor as in verse 7. The net is intended to catch the writer. Alternate translation: “Let them fall into the pit that they dug for me” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fall into it (1)This could mean: (1) fall into the pit of verse 7 or (2) fall into destruction.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to their destruction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “so that they will be destroyed” or “that is how you should destroy them”
Psalms 35:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because you save me”
Psalms 35:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All my bones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “bones” refers to the deepest inner being of a person. Alternate translation: “My whole inner being”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, who is like you & those who try to rob them? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit answer to this question is that no one is like Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, there is no one like you … those who try to rob them.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the poor and needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “poor” and “needy” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh saves many who need his help.
Psalms 35:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rise up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means they testify in a trial. Alternate translation: “volunteer to give a testimony”
Psalms 35:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They repay me evil for good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor which means they give back evil in exchange for the good they have received. Alternate translation: “In return for my doing good things for them, they do evil things to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: evil & good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
These abstract nouns can be stated in other forms. Alternate translation: “evil things … good things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am sorrowful (1)Alternate translation: “I am extremely sad”
Psalms 35:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when they were sick (1)The word “they” refers to the “unrighteous witnesses” (Psalms 35:11).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I wore sackcloth (1)Alternate translation: “I showed that I was sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my head bowed on my chest (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was a symbol of prayer. “with my head bent down in prayer”
Psalms 35:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in grief as for my brother (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer was as sad as if his own brother had died. Alternate translation: “grieving as if my own brother was ill”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I bent down in mourning as for my mother (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer mourned as if his own mother had died. Alternate translation: “I mourned as if my own mother had died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I bent down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was a symbol of pain and suffering.
Psalms 35:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gathered together (1)Alternate translation: “assembled together” or “came together”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means they came together for the purpose of attacking the writer. Alternate translation: “to make plans against me” or “to plan my destruction”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They tore at me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the treated the writer as if he were a piece of cloth that they could tear to pieces. Alternate translation: “They attacked me”
Psalms 35:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With no respect at all they mocked me (1)(1) “With the worthless people they ridiculed me” or (2) “Without respect they made fun of me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they grind their teeth at me in rage (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a sign of anger and hate. “they made grinding noises with their teeth at me”
Psalms 35:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how long will you look on? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question indicates that the writer wants God to stop simply looking on and to start to help him. Alternate translation: “how long will you only watch them doing this?” or “when will you help me?”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rescue my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “soul” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “Rescue me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life from the lions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “save” is implied. Alternate translation: “save my life from the lions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the lions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the writer speaks of his enemies as if they were vicious lions. Alternate translation: “from my enemies who attack me like wild animals”
Psalms 35:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let my deceitful enemies (1)Alternate translation: “Do not let my enemies, who tell lies about me,”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their wicked schemes (1)Alternate translation: “their evil plans”
Psalms 35:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they do not speak peace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word peace, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “peacefully.” Alternate translation: “they do not speak peacefully to people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: devise deceitful words (1)Alternate translation: “look for ways to tell lies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those in our land who live in peace (1)Alternate translation: “those who live peacefully in our land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: live in peace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word peace, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “live peacefully with others” or “do no harm to anyone”
Psalms 35:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They open their mouths wide against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The reason they open their mouths is to accuse the writer. Alternate translation: “They shout at me in order to accuse me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aha, Aha (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is something an excited person says when he has suddenly seen or understood something, especially something other people did not expect him to see. It emphasizes the statement that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our eyes have seen it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “our eyes” refers to the enemies’ eyes. It is implied that they are saying they saw the writer do something wrong. Alternate translation: “we have seen it” or “we saw the wrong things that you did” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 35:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have seen it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “it” refers to the false accusations of the writer’s enemies. Alternate translation: “You have seen how they falsely accused me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not be silent (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
“do not ignore what they did” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “judge them because of what they did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not be far from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “be very close to me”
Psalms 35:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arouse yourself and awake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This does not mean that God is actually asleep. The writer wants God to intervene. Both words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the urgency of this request. Alternate translation: “I feel like you are sleeping! Wake up” (See also: Doublet)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to my defense (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This abstract noun “defense” can be stated as “defend.” Alternate translation: “to defend me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my cause (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “me”
Psalms 35:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not let them rejoice over me (1)Alternate translation: “do not let them be glad because I am suffering”
Psalms 35:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: say in their heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means to say to oneself. Alternate translation: “say to themselves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aha (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation that is used when something is suddenly seen or understood. It emphasizes what follows. Alternate translation: “Yes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we have what we wanted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the writer’s enemies wanted him to be declared guilty. Alternate translation: “he has been declared guilty just as we desired”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have devoured him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s enemies speak of his destruction as if they were wild animals who had eaten him. Alternate translation: “We have swallowed him up” or “We have destroyed him”
Psalms 35:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they be put to shame and may they be confounded who rejoice at my distress (1)Alternate translation: “May those who rejoice at my distress be put to shame and confounded”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they be put to shame (1)Alternate translation: “May they feel shame”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may they be confounded (1)Alternate translation: “may they be confused” or “may they be humiliated”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and dishonor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May you clothe with shame and dishonor those who exalt themselves over me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: exalt themselves over me (1)Alternate translation: “consider themselves better than I am” or “think they have the right to treat me badly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clothed with shame and dishonor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here shame and dishonor are spoken of as if they were shameful clothes that the writer could wear. These abstract nouns can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “shamed and dishonored” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shame and dishonor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These terms mean about the same thing and are used to emphasize how degraded they will be.
Psalms 35:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my vindication (1)Here “vindication” refers to Yahweh proclaiming or judging the psalmist innocent.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may they say continually (1)Alternate translation: “may they always say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let us praise Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who delights in (1)Alternate translation: “who is happy with” or “who is glad for”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: welfare (1)well-being, happiness
Psalms 35:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tell of your justice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “right.” Alternate translation: “proclaim that you act in the right way”
Psalms 36
Psalm 036 General Notes
Formatting in this chapter
Psalm 36 is a psalm of praise. It speaks of how good God is to those who love him. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best and love, beloved)
Special concepts in this chapter
God and man
Evil people do not think about God; but he is such a pleasure to all who honor him. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 36:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
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Quote: An evil man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific man, but to evil people in general. Alternate translation: “Evil people”
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Quote: from deep in his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” refers to the inner being of a person. Alternate translation: “from his inner being”
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Quote: in his eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eyes” refers to the wicked person. Alternate translation: “in him”
Psalms 36:2
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Quote: he comforts himself, thinking (1)Alternate translation: “he prefers to believe” or “he wants to think”
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Quote: his sin will not be discovered and be hated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will not discover and hate his sin”
Psalms 36:3
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Quote: His words are (1)Alternate translation: “What he says is”
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Quote: do good (1)Alternate translation: “do things that are good”
Psalms 36:4
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Quote: he sets out on an evil way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sinful actions of the man are spoken of as if he was walking along a path that was evil. Alternate translation: “he begins to do evil things”
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Quote: he does not reject evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here “evil” can be stated in another form. Alternate translation: “he does not reject evil behavior”
Psalms 36:5
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Quote: Your covenant faithfulness & reaches to the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The greatness of God’s covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if it were an object that reached as high as the heavens. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Your covenant faithfulness … is very great” or “You … are as faithful to your covenant as the heavens are high above the earth” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: reaches to the clouds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The greatness of God’s loyalty is spoken of as if it was very high. Alternate translation: “is as high as the clouds” or “is enormously great”
Psalms 36:6
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Quote: like the mountains of God & like the great deep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These phrases describe the greatness of God’s righteousness and judgments as if they were very high and deep. Alternate translation: “as high as the highest mountains … as deep as the deepest sea”
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Quote: you preserve (1)Alternate translation: “you help” or “you save”
Psalms 36:7
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Quote: How precious is your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “precious” refers to how greatly the writer values Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I greatly value how you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 36:8
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Quote: They feast upon the abundance of your house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eating much food as guests in a house is a metaphor for God providing all his people need. Alternate translation: “They will have all they need because you will provide it to them” or “You have plenty to give, and you will provide them with all they need”
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Quote: you let them drink from the river of your delights (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
There are two metaphors here. God’s abundant blessings are spoken of as if they are the water in a flowing river. Also, those who receive those blessings are spoken of as if they are drinking them like water. Alternate translation: “your precious blessings are like a river from which you will let them drink”
Psalms 36:9
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Quote: fountain of life (1)Alternate translation: “source of life”
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Quote: in your light we will see light (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “light” is a metaphor for true knowledge. Alternate translation: “when you enlighten us, we will know the truth” or “your light is what enables us to know the truth about you”
Psalms 36:10
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Quote: Extend your covenant faithfulness fully to those who know you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh continuing to act faithfully towards the people as if Yahweh were to extend his covenant faithfulness or make it longer. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “Continue to act faithfully to those who know you” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: your defense to the upright of heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word defense, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. “Continue” is implied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “Continue to protect the upright of heart” (See also: Ellipsis)
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Quote: the upright of heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “the upright” or “people who act righteously”
Psalms 36:11
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Quote: the foot of the arrogant man & the hand of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “foot” and “hand” refer to the evil people. These are not specific men. This refers to evil people in general. Alternate translation: “arrogant people … wicked people” (See also: Generic Noun Phrases)
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Quote: drive me away (1)Alternate translation: “send me away” or “make me leave my place”
Psalms 36:12
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Quote: evildoers have fallen; they are knocked down and are not able to get up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
All three phrases describe the evildoers as defeated.
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Quote: they are knocked down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have knocked them down” or “you have destroyed them”
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Quote: are not able to get up (1)Alternate translation: “cannot get up”
Psalms 37
Psalm 037 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 37 is a teaching psalm. It provides guidance about how to live a moral and God-fearing life. It teaches that evil people do not prosper in the future. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Envy
Do not envy evil people. Although it appears as though they prosper, soon they will be destroyed and the good people will continue on living. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best and INVALID bible/kt/life)
Psalms 37:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: Do not be irritated because of evildoers (1)Alternate translation: “Do not let wicked people upset you” or “Do not be bothered by what wicked people do”
Psalms 37:2
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Quote: dry up as the grass & wither as the green plants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Evildoers are spoken of as if they are grass and plants that dry up and die in the hot weather. These two similes both mean they will die. Alternate translation: “die” or “come to an end” (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 37:3
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Quote: graze in faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Faithfulness is spoken of as if it was an animal that would be strengthened by feeding in good pasture. Alternate translation: “nourish faithfulness” or “increase your faithfulness”
Psalms 37:4
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Quote: the desires of your heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the person’s inner being and thoughts. Alternate translation: “your deepest, inner desires” or “the things that you desire the most”
Psalms 37:5
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Quote: Give your ways to Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “give your ways” is an idiom that means to ask Yahweh to control your life. Alternate translation: “Ask Yahweh to guide your actions in life”
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Quote: act on your behalf (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is to represent another in legal issues. Here, when one trusts in Yahweh, he will defend that person and grant justice to that person.
Psalms 37:6
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Quote: like the daylight & like the day at noon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases mean about the same thing.
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Quote: like the daylight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means “in full view of everyone.” Alternate translation: “as clear to see as the light of day”
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Quote: like the day at noon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means “as visible as the noon sun.” Alternate translation: “as visible as the light at the brightest time of day”
Psalms 37:7
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Quote: Be still (1)Alternate translation: “Be quiet”
Psalms 37:9
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Quote: will be cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away.
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Quote: but those who wait for Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “but those who trust in Yahweh”
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Quote: will inherit the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it will be received as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “will receive the land as their own possession” or “will live safely in the land”
Psalms 37:10
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Quote: will disappear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to the death of the evil man. Alternate translation: “will die and you will no longer see him”
Psalms 37:11
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Quote: the meek (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the people who are meek. Alternate translation: “the meek people”
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Quote: will inherit the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it will be received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in Psalms 37:9. Alternate translation: “will receive the land as their own possession” or “will live safely in the land”
Psalms 37:12
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Quote: The wicked man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific man. It refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: “The wicked person”
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Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This does not refer to specific people. This refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: “the righteous person”
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Quote: grinds his teeth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The wicked man hates the righteous person so much that he grinds his teeth together to show his anger.
Psalms 37:13
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Quote: his day is coming (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that “his day” will be a day of judgment. Alternate translation: “the day is coming when Yahweh will judge and punish him” or “the day is coming when Yahweh will judge and punish the wicked person”
Psalms 37:14
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Quote: The wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the wicked people. Alternate translation: “The wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have drawn out their swords & have bent their bows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Both “swords” and “bows” are weapons used to attack people. The fact that they are “drawn” and “bent” means they are ready to start attacking. Alternate translation: “have prepared their weapons in order to attack”
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Quote: to cast down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This destruction of the needy people is spoken of as if they were clay pots that would break into pieces when thrown down on the ground. Alternate translation: “to destroy”
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Quote: the oppressed and needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These terms both refer to people who are powerless to defend themselves. Alternate translation: “people who are not able to resist them”
Psalms 37:15
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Quote: Their swords will pierce their own hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Swords are examples of weapons and “hearts” represent the people. To “pierce the heart” is an idiom that means “to kill.” Alternate translation: “Their weapons will be turned against them and they will kill themselves” (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 37:16
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Quote: Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked people (1)Alternate translation: “It is better to be poor and righteous than to be wicked with great wealth”
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Quote: Better is the little that the righteous has (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The nominal adjective “the little” refers to few possessions. The nominal adjective “the righteous” refers to a righteous person. Alternate translation: “Better are the few possessions that a righteous person has”
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Quote: the abundance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the wealth of the wicked people.
Psalms 37:17
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Quote: For the arms of the wicked people will be broken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arms” represent the strength of the wicked people. Breaking their arms represents taking away their power. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh will remove the strength of the wicked people” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 37:18
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Quote: watches over the blameless (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “watch over” means to protect someone. Here “the blameless” refers to the blameless people. Alternate translation: “protects the blameless people” (See also: Nominal Adjectives)
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Quote: day by day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means “continually.” Alternate translation: “every day”
Psalms 37:19
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Quote: when times are bad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase refers to disasters, such as famine. Alternate translation: “when calamities occur”
Psalms 37:20
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Quote: Yahweh’s enemies will be like the glory of the pastures (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares Yahweh’s enemies to the flowers blooming in the fields.
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Quote: be consumed and disappear in the smoke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the destruction of the wicked as if they were weeds or wilted flowers in the field that are burned off after the harvest. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will destroy them as fire turns the weeds of the field into smoke” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 37:21
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Quote: is generous and gives (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These mean the same thing and emphasize the generosity of the righteous.
Psalms 37:22
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Quote: Those who are blessed by God will inherit the land; those who are cursed by him will be cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This is a contrastive form of Parallelism. Those who are blessed by God in contrast to those who are cursed by God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who are blessed by God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: “Those whom God blesses”
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Quote: will inherit the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it had been received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in Psalms 37:9. Alternate translation: “will receive the land as their own possession” or “will be allowed to live safely in the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are cursed by him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom Yahweh curses”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated this in Psalms 37:9.
Psalms 37:23
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Quote: It is by Yahweh that a man’s steps are established & commendable in God’s sight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
These can be stated to show the logical connection and clarify the passive clause. Alternate translation: “If a man lives in a commendable way in Yahweh’s sight, Yahweh will establish his steps”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is by Yahweh that a man’s steps are established (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one who enables a man to be successful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a man & the man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific man, but to people in general.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a man’s steps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Steps represent the way a person lives. Alternate translation: “the way a man lives”
Psalms 37:24
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Quote: Though he stumbles, he will not fall down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “stumble” and “fall” refer to the man’s reaction to difficult times. Alternate translation: “Though he has difficult times, he will not utterly fail”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: holding him with his hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his hand” refers to Yahweh’s power, and “holding him” refers to protecting him. Alternate translation: “protecting him with his power”
Psalms 37:25
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Quote: the righteous person abandoned (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh forsake the righteous person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous person (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: begging for bread (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “bread” represents food in general. Alternate translation: begging for food”
Psalms 37:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the day long he is (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means this action is a habit of his life. Alternate translation: “He is always
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his children become a blessing (1)Alternate translation: “his children grow up to bless others”
Psalms 37:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn away from (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To stop doing something is spoken of as if the person turned away from it. Alternate translation: “Stop doing”
Psalms 37:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are preserved forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will protect them forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated this in Psalms 37:9.
Psalms 37:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will inherit the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it had been received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in Psalms 37:9. Alternate translation: “will receive the land as their own possession” or “will be allowed to live safely in the land”
Psalms 37:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the people who are righteous. Alternate translation: “the righteous people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The mouth of the righteous person (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “mouth” represents the whole person who speaks. Alternate translation: “The righteous person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: speaks wisdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “gives wise advice to others”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: increases justice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “encourages other people to live rightly”
Psalms 37:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The law of his God is in his heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “in his heart” refers to his deepest inner being. Alternate translation: “He treasures the commands of his God in his inner being”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his feet will not slip (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here failure to obey Yahweh is spoken of as slipping off a safe path and falling. Alternate translation: “he will walk safely in the way God wants him to walk” or “he will safely do the things God wants him to do”
Psalms 37:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wicked person & the righteous person (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
These words refer to any wicked or righteous person or to wicked and righteous people in general, not to specific people. Alternate translation: “Wicked people … righteous people” or “Any wicked person” or “any righteous person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: watches the righteous person (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the watching implies observing the righteous in order to do them harm. Alternate translation: “waits in ambush for the righteous person”
Psalms 37:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the evil person’s hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
These words refer to the hand of any evil person, not of any specific person. Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “evil people’s hands” or “the power of the evil person” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when he is judged (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This refers to Yahweh judging the righteous man. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh judges him”
Psalms 37:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will raise you up to possess the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “raise you up” refers to God giving honor to those who wait for him. Alternate translation: “he will honor you by giving you the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “the wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 37:9.
Psalms 37:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked and terrifying person (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spread out like a green tree in its native soil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the prosperity of the wicked man is spoken of as if he were a healthy tree growing in good soil.
Psalms 37:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he could not be found (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I could not find him” or “Yahweh had taken him away”
Psalms 37:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the man of integrity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mark the upright (1)Alternate translation: “note carefully the good people” or “notice the good people”
Psalms 37:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the future for the wicked man is cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will end his family line” or “he will not have any descendants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the future (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: “his descendants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 37:9.
Psalms 37:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Salvation of the righteous comes from Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word Salvation, you could express the same idea with an action. Alternate translation: “Yahweh rescues the righteous people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the righteous people. Alternate translation: “the righteous people”
Psalms 37:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: helps & rescues & saves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This same idea is repeated in several different ways to emphasize that Yahweh is dependable and able to give aid.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have taken refuge in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “they have gone to him for protection”
Psalms 38
Psalm 038 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 38 is a confession of sin and a prayer for deliverance. (See: confess, confession and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Author’s sickness
The author was very sick and his enemies were seeking ways to destroy him.
Psalms 38:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not rebuke me in your anger & do not punish me in your wrath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean basically the same thing and the idea is repeated for emphasis.
Psalms 38:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your arrows pierce me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The severity of Yahweh’s punishment of the writer is spoken of as if Yahweh had shot arrows into the writer. Alternate translation: “Your punishment is as painful as if you had shot arrows into me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your hand presses me down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s punishment of the writer is spoken of as if Yahweh was smashing the writer with his hand. Here, “hand” refers to Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “your power knocks me down” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 38:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no health in my bones because of my sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my bones” represents the body of the writer. Alternate translation: “my whole body is diseased because of my sin”
Psalms 38:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my iniquities overwhelm me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s iniquities are spoken of as if they are a flood of water that covers him. Alternate translation: “my iniquities cover me like a flood”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are a burden too heavy for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s iniquities are spoken of as if they are a heavy load that he cannot lift. Alternate translation: “they are like a load that is too heavy for me to lift”
Psalms 38:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My wounds are infected and smell (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “smell” refer to his sores having a bad smell that is associated with rotting flesh. Alternate translation: “My wounds are infected and stink as they rot”
Psalms 38:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am stooped over (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The pain of the writer’s wounds have caused him to be bent over as if he were an old, feeble man. Alternate translation: “I am bent over in pain”
Psalms 38:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am filled with burning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s is so sick with fever that it is as if he is burning inside. Alternate translation: “My body is burning with fever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no health in my flesh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my flesh” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “I am completely sick”
Psalms 38:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: utterly crushed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s illness is so severe that it is as if a huge weight is pressing down on him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anguish of my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my heart” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “my anguish”
Psalms 38:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart’s deepest yearnings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my heart” refers to the writer. It may be helpful to state that the writer desires good health. Alternate translation: “My strongest desires” or “that I desire you to heal me” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my groanings are not hidden from you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you are able to see all my moans of sorrow”
Psalms 38:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart pounds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means his heart beats intensely. Alternate translation: “My heart beats loudly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my strength fades (1)Alternate translation: “I become very weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eyesight dims (1)Alternate translation: “I can no longer see well”
Psalms 38:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay snares for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The plots of the writer’s enemies are spoken of as if they were traps that they had set to catch him like an animal. Alternate translation: “set traps to catch me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: speak destructive words and say deceitful words (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the hurtful nature of what these people say.
Psalms 38:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like a deaf man & hear nothing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer does not listen to what his enemies are saying.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like a mute man & says nothing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer does not speak evil words to or about his enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a mute man (1)a person who cannot speak
Psalms 38:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does not hear (1)The writer does not listen to what his enemies are saying. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has no reply (1)The writer does not speak evil words to or about his enemies. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md)
Psalms 38:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will answer (1)This could mean: (1) “you will answer me” or (2) “you will answer my enemies.”
Psalms 38:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not gloat over me (1)Alternate translation: “will not delight over my trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If my foot slips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my foot” represents the writer. The slipping of his foot is a metaphor that refers to the writer’s troubles and misfortunes. Alternate translation: “If I make mistakes that cause me trouble” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 38:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am about to stumble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor could mean: (1) “I am so sick that I am about to die” or (2) “I will soon be ruined.” It may be best not to interpret the metaphor in the text.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am in constant pain (1)Alternate translation: “I am always in pain”
Psalms 38:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But my enemies are numerous & are many (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing.
Psalms 38:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They repay me evil for good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The actions of the writer’s enemies are spoken of as a financial transaction where they gave him evil things in exchange for good things. The abstract nouns “evil” and “good” can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “They do evil thing to me after I was good to them” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hurl accusations at me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way the writer’s enemies accuse him is spoken of as if they were throwing accusations at him like rocks.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pursued what is good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writers desire for what is good is spoken of as if he were running after good things.
Psalms 38:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not abandon me & do not stay far away from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have very similar meanings.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not stay far away from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Because Yahweh has not yet answered the writer’s request, he speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were standing far away from the writer.
Psalms 38:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Come quickly to help me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if he is running to the writer to help him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you are the one who saves me”
Psalms 39
Psalm 039 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 39 is a psalm of deliverance from sickness. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Life
Life on earth is short. The psalmist wanted God’s healing so he can enjoy the rest of his life. (See: INVALID bible/kt/life)
This psalm shares some characteristics of another wisdom book called Ecclesiastes or Koheleth but is more positive.
Psalms 39:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship,”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeduthun (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
One of David’s chief musicians had this same name. This may refer to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will watch what I say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “watch” is an idiom that mean “pay attention to.” Alternate translation: “I will pay attention to the things that I say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that I do not sin with my tongue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “tongue” refers to the writer’s speech. Alternate translation: “so that I do not speak an offense against Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: muzzle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To “muzzle” means to keep a mouth shut. Here David means that he will not speak while he is with an evil person.
Psalms 39:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I kept silent; I kept back my words (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the writer did not speak at all. Alternate translation: “I was completely silent”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I kept back my words (1)Alternate translation: “I did not speak”
Psalms 39:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart became hot & it burned like a fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. The anxious thoughts of the writer are spoken of as if they were a fire burning inside him. Alternate translation: “I became very anxious when I thought about these things” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 39:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the end of my life & the extent of my days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean basically the same thing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Show me how transient I am (1)Alternate translation: “Show me how brief my life is” or “Show me how soon I will die”
Psalms 39:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: only the width of my hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his lifespan is if it could be measured by the width of his hand. Alternate translation: “only a very short time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my lifetime is like nothing before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile states that the length of the writer’s life is so short that it does not exist. This is an exaggeration to stress how short it is. Alternate translation: “the length of my life is barely any time at all” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely every man is a single breath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Life is short, and the psalmist speaks of it here as if it were only as long as the time it takes for a person to breathe one breath. Alternate translation: “The time that humans live is as short as a single breath of a person”
Psalms 39:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely every man walks about like a shadow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The lives of people are spoken of as if they are as insignificant as shadows. Alternate translation: “Everyone disappears like shadows do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: although they do not know who will receive them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here it is implied that they do not know what will happen to their wealth after they die. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
Psalms 39:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now, Lord, for what am I waiting? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer asks this question to emphasize that people cannot help him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “So now, Yahweh, I can expect to receive nothing from anyone else.”
Psalms 39:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am silent & cannot open my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean basically the same thing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because it is you who has done it (1)Alternate translation: “because my punishment comes from you”
Psalms 39:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Stop wounding me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s punishment of the writer is spoken of as if God was wounding him with a weapon. Alternate translation: “Please stop punishing me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am overwhelmed (1)Alternate translation: “I am defeated completely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the blow of your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s punishment of the writer is spoken of as if God was striking him with his fist. Here “hand” represents God’s judgment. Alternate translation: “your judgment on me”
Psalms 39:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: consume the things they desire like a moth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
God will take away the things they value in the same way as a moth eats a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: “consume the things they desire like a moth eats away at clothing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all people are nothing but vapor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the frailty of people as if they were mist that disappears quickly. Alternate translation: “everyone is completely fragile”
Psalms 39:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear my prayer & listen to me & listen to my weeping (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These three phrases mean basically the same thing and show how strongly the writer wants God to respond to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not be deaf to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s lack of response to him as if Yahweh was deaf. Alternate translation: “Do not ignore me as if you could not hear me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like a foreigner with you, a refugee (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s lack of response as if Yahweh considered him to be a total stranger to him. Alternate translation: “I am like a complete stranger to you”
Psalms 39:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn your gaze from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your gaze” represents Yahweh’s punishment. Alternate translation: “Please stop punishing me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that I may smile again (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “smile” is associated with being happy. Alternate translation: “so that I can be happy again”
Psalms 40
Psalm 040 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 40 is a psalm of praise. Many also see it as a messianic psalm, a psalm about Christ. (See: Christ, Messiah)
Special concepts in this chapter
Sacrifices
God is not interested in sacrifices but wants people to obey him and fulfill his plans for them.
Psalms 40:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I waited patiently for Yahweh (1)This means the writer was waiting for Yahweh to help him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he listened to me & heard my cry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These mean the same thing, and can be combined into one statement. Alternate translation: “he listened to me when I called out to him”
Psalms 40:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two metaphors mean the same thing. The writer’s danger is spoken of as if it was a deadly pit full of mud. This emphasizes the danger. Alternate translation: “from being trapped in a horrible pit full of sticky mud” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he set my feet on a rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my feet” refers to the writer, and “a rock” refers a place of safety. Alternate translation: “he provided safety for me” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 40:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has put a new song in my mouth (1)This could mean: (1) “He has taught me the words to a new song” or (2) “He has given me a new reason to sing.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my mouth” refers to the writer. Alternate translation: “in me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise to our God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The noun “praise” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “a song to praise our God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Many will see it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “see it” refers to hearing the writer sing his song about what God has done for him. Alternate translation: “Many people will hear me tell what Yahweh has done”
Psalms 40:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust (1)Alternate translation: “Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh” or “Those who trust in Yahweh are blessed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the proud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the people who are proud. Alternate translation: “proud people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to lies (1)The Hebrew word is unclear. This could mean: (1) “lies” or (2) “false gods.”
Psalms 40:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your thoughts which are about us cannot be numbered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one can count all the things you think about us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cannot be numbered & more than could be counted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean essentially the same thing. The first is stated in negative form, and the second is stated in positive form. (See also: Litotes)
Psalms 40:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have no delight in sacrifice or offering (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration to express that other things are much more important to God. Alternate translation: “Sacrifices and other offerings are not the things that delight you most”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have opened my ears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “ears” refers to the ability to hear. Alternate translation: “you have enabled me to hear your commands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have not required burnt offerings or sin offerings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration to show that these things were not the most important to God. Alternate translation: “animals burned on the altar and other offerings for our sins are not what you require most”
Psalms 40:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the scroll of the document (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to a scroll on which was written the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the written scroll”
Psalms 40:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your laws are in my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my heart” refers to the inner being of the writer. Alternate translation: “I am always thinking about your laws within my inner being”
Psalms 40:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have proclaimed good news of your righteousness in the great assembly (1)Alternate translation: “I have told a large assembly of people the good news of your righteousness.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: good news of your righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This refers to the good news that God rescues his people. Alternate translation: “good news that because you are righteous, you rescue your people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my lips have not kept back from doing this (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my lips” represents the writer, emphasizing his speech. Alternate translation: “I have not stopped myself from proclaiming these things”
Psalms 40:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not concealed your righteousness in my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
“I have not kept your righteousness a secret.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I have openly told every one about your righteousness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here this refers to the writer’s inner being.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not concealed your covenant faithfulness or your trustworthiness from the great assembly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I have told everyone in the great assembly about your covenant faithfulness or your trustworthiness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” Alternate translation: “how faithful you are to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your trustworthiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This abstract noun “trustworthiness” can be stated as “trustworthy.” Alternate translation: “how trustworthy you are”
Psalms 40:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your covenant faithfulness and your trustworthiness always preserve me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “covenant faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” are spoken of as if they were living people who could protect the writer. Alternate translation: “I want your covenant faithfulness and your trustworthiness to always preserve”
Psalms 40:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Troubles that cannot be numbered surround me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here troubles are spoken of as if they were objects that surround and trap the speaker. Alternate translation: “there are more troubles around me than I can count” or “more troubles come to me than I can count”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that cannot be numbered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This is stated in negative form to intensify the number.See how you translated this in Psalms 40:5. Alternate translation: “that are vast in number”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my iniquities (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the consequences of his sin. Alternate translation: “the consequences of my iniquities”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have caught up with me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer’s iniquities are spoken of as if they were his enemies who were harming him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am no longer able to see anything (1)Versions differ in how to understand this difficult passage. It may mean that the speaker is crying so much that he cannot see anything because of his tears.
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Quote: my heart has failed me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” refers to the writer’s inner confidence. Alternate translation: “I am very discouraged”
Psalms 40:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be ashamed and completely disappointed who pursue my life to take it away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let those who pursue my life to take it awy be ashamed and completely disappointed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be ashamed and completely disappointed (1)Alternate translation: “Please make them ashamed and completely disappointed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who pursue my life to take it away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “pursue my life” means they desire to kill the writer. The writer is represented by his “life.” Alternate translation: “who are trying to kill me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor, those who delight in hurting me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let those who delight in hurting me be turned back and brought to dishonor” or “Please have someone turn back those who delight in hurting me and bring them to dishonor”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned back (1)Alternate translation: “unable to continue”
Psalms 40:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be shocked because of their shame, those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” (1)Alternate translation: “Let those who say to me, ‘Aha, aha!’ be shocked because of their shame”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be shocked because of their shame (1)Alternate translation: “I hope that they will be shocked when you shame them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aha, aha! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
These words indicate that the speaker has seen the hearer doing evil that the hearer did not think anyone knew about. You can use here words in your language that mean the same thing but sound different. See how this is translated in Psalms 35:21.
Psalms 40:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice and be glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of joy. Alternate translation: “be very joyful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: loves your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “love you because you saved them”
Psalms 40:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor and needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean the same thing and emphasize how helpless the writer is. Alternate translation: “very needy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Lord thinks about me (1)Alternate translation: “the Lord cares for me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are my help & you come to my rescue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean the same thing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are my help (1)Alternate translation: “You are the one who helps me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you come to my rescue (1)Alternate translation: “you come to save me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not delay (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “respond quickly”
Psalms 41
Psalm 041 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 41 is a psalm of deliverance. The author’s friends had become his enemies who wanted to see him die but he trusted God to rescue him. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Special concepts in this chapter
Enemies
The author’s best friend had become an enemy. His enemies were happy because they were sure his sickness would result in death.
Psalms 41:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he who is concerned for the weak & rescue him (1)The words “he” and “him” refer to anyone who is concerned for the weak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the weak (1)Alternate translation: “weak people” or “poor people”
Psalms 41:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he & him & his (1)These words refer to anyone who is concerned for the weak.
Psalms 41:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh will support him on the bed of suffering (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “the bed of suffering” refers to when a person lies in bed because he is sick. Alternate translation: “When he is sick and in bed, Yahweh will support him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will make his bed of sickness into a bed of healing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “a bed of healing” refers to when a person rests in bed and recovers from his sickness. Alternate translation: “you, Yahweh, will heal him of his sickness”
Psalms 41:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his name perish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
If a person’s name dies, it means that people forget that he had ever lived. Alternate translation: “when will his name perish” or “when will people forget about him” (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 41:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If my enemy comes to see me (1)The words “my enemy” refers to any enemy in general, and not to one specific enemy.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he says worthless things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) “he says meaningless things” or (2) his enemies say things to make him think that they are his friends when they are not. Alternate translation: “he says deceitful things” or “they pretend to be concerned about me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his heart gathers up my disaster for itself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
His enemies try to learn all of the bad things about him. Here the word “heart” refers the whole person. Bad circumstances are spoken of as if they were objects that can be gathered. Alternate translation: “he tries to learn about all of my disasters” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 41:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against me they hope for my hurt (1)This could mean: (1) “they hope that very bad things will happen to me” or (2) “they are planning to hurt me.”
Psalms 41:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: An evil disease & to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
His enemies speak of “disease” as if it were a person who has captured him. Alternate translation: “He is sick with a fatal disease” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: An evil disease (1)This could mean: (1) “A fatal disease” or (2) “Something evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: now that he is lying down, he will rise up no more (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the words “lying down” refer to lying in bed because of illness. That he will not “rise up” means that he will continue to lie down, which is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “now that he is sick in bed, he will die there” (See also: Euphemism)
Psalms 41:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has lifted up his heel against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means his friend betrayed him. Alternate translation: “has betrayed me” or “has turned against me”
Psalms 41:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But you, Yahweh, have mercy on me and raise me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
This is a request. Alternate translation: “Please, Yahweh, have mercy on me and raise me up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raise me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to raise him up from his bed, or to make him recover from his disease. Alternate translation: “make me well”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that I may pay them back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of revenge on his enemies as if it were paying to them what he owes. Alternate translation: “so that I may take revenge on them”
Psalms 41:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By this I know that you delight in me, for my enemy does not triumph over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events
The word “this” refers to what the writer will say next. For clarity, the clauses may be reversed. Alternate translation: “Because my enemy does not triumph over me, I know that you delight in me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By this I know that you delight in me, for my enemy does not triumph over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This can also be translated in future tense, since Yahweh has not yet healed him. Alternate translation: “If you enable me to do that, with the result that my enemies do not defeat me, I will know that you are pleased with me”
Psalms 41:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you support me in my integrity (1)Alternate translation: “you support me because of my integrity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will keep me before your face (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of being in Yahweh’s presence as being in a place where Yahweh can see him and he can see Yahweh’s face. Alternate translation: “will keep me with you”
Psalms 41:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is more than the end of this psalm. It is the closing statement for all of Book 1 of the Psalms, which starts at Psalm 1 and ends with Psalm 41.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from everlasting to everlasting (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amen and Amen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The word “Amen” is repeated to emphasize approval of what has been said. Alternate translation: “May it certainly be so”
Psalms 42
Psalm 042 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 42 is a psalm of praise for all that God has done and a prayer for deliverance from the authors enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Structure and formatting
Psalm 42 and 43
Many experts and some ancient versions put these two Psalms together as one Psalm. People think this because the two Psalms have very similar topics, and because Psalm 43 does not have a title. If you have a local translation, format the Psalms the way that your translation does.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s deliverance
The author praises God as he remembers what God has done for him in the past, and he puts his trust in him. He needs rescuing from his enemies. Scholars believe that this psalm is about a man in exile longing for Jerusalem.
Psalm 42 and Psalm 43
Some scholars believe that these two psalms were originally written together as one psalm.
Difficult figures of speech in this chapter
Metonymy
The author of uses the word “soul” to mean himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly.
Psalms 42:front
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: מַשְׂכִּ֥יל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A Maskil is a type of Psalm which many experts believe are for the purpose of teaching widsom. If your readers would not be familiar with this, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a teaching son” or “a wisdom song”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: לִבְנֵי־קֹֽרַח (1)This could mean: (1) The sons of Korah wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about the sons of Korah or (3) the psalm is in the style of psalms that the sons of Korah wrote.
Psalms 42:1
As a deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, God
Quote: כְּאַיָּ֗ל תַּעֲרֹ֥ג עַל־אֲפִֽיקֵי־מָ֑יִם כֵּ֤ן נַפְשִׁ֨י תַעֲרֹ֖ג אֵלֶ֣יךָ אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author's situation in which people are oppressing him is being compared to when a deer desires streams of water to drink from because it lives in a dry, desert area. If it would be helpful to your readers, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In the same way that a deer desires a stream to drink water from because it lives in a desert, so I desire to be rescued by you, God” (See: Simile)
my soul longs
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֨י תַעֲרֹ֖ג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See the discussion about soul in the general notes. Alternate translation: “I long”
Psalms 42:2
My soul thirsts for God, … God
Quote: צָמְאָ֬ה נַפְשִׁ֨י ׀ לֵאלֹהִים֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase thirst to mean strongly desire. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My soul strongly desires God”
My soul
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֨י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
See the discussion about the word soul in the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “I thirst for God”
for the living
Quote: לְאֵ֪ל חָ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase living God to mean that God is the one true God who exists and acts in the world, compared to the other false gods who do nothing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the real God”
When will I come and appear before the face of God
Quote: מָתַ֥י אָב֑וֹא וְ֝אֵרָאֶ֗ה פְּנֵ֣י אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to cry out to God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I greatly want to come and appear before God!”
Psalms 42:3
My tears are my food
Quote: הָֽיְתָה־לִּ֬י דִמְעָתִ֣י לֶ֭חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase My tears are my food to mean that during this time of oppression, he has not eaten real food, but has only been crying in distress. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My tears are like my only food”
day and night
Quote: יוֹמָ֣ם וָלָ֑יְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The author is referring to the entire day by naming its components. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all day”
Psalms 42:3,10
as {people are} saying to me … when they are saying to me
Quote: בֶּאֱמֹ֥ר אֵלַ֥י & בְּאָמְרָ֥ם אֵלַ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous
The phrases translated when people are saying to me and when they are saying to me indicates that the event it introduces took place at the same time as the event that the story related just before it. Use a natural form in your language for introducing an event that happened at the same time as another event. Alternate translation: “because people are constantly saying to me … and are constantly saying to me”
Where is your God
Quote: אַיֵּ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Enemies are using the question form to challenge the author. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely your God will not help you!”
Psalms 42:4
These things I remember
Quote: אֵ֤לֶּה אֶזְכְּרָ֨ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The phrase These things refers to what the author describes in the sentence “I traveled with the crowd and accompanied them to the house of God with a voice of joy and praise, a multitude celebrating a festival.” Make sure this is clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “The following things I remember”
and I pour out my soul within myself
Quote: וְאֶשְׁפְּכָ֬ה עָלַ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase I pour out my soul to mean that he mourns when he remembers the events in the following sentence. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my soul mourns within me”
my soul
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See the discussion about the word soul in the chapter introduction
the house of God
Quote: בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term house to mean the temple that is in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the temple of God”
with a voice of joy and praise
Quote: בְּקוֹל־רִנָּ֥ה וְתוֹדָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of joy and praise, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “rejoicing and giving thanks with our voices”
with a voice of joy and praise
Quote: בְּקוֹל־רִנָּ֥ה וְתוֹדָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “with a voice of thanksgiving” (See: Hendiadys)
Psalms 42:5,11
Why are you bowed down, O my soul, and upset within me … Why are you bowed down, O my soul? And why are you upset
Quote: מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ וַתֶּהֱמִ֪י עָ֫לָ֥י & מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ וּֽמַה־תֶּהֱמִ֪י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge himself. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be bowed down, O my soul, and upset within me! … You should not be bowed down, O my soul, and you should not be upset within me!”
Why are you bowed down, O my soul, and upset within me … Why are you bowed down, O my soul? And why are you upset within me
Quote: מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ וַתֶּהֱמִ֪י עָ֫לָ֥י & מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ וּֽמַה־תֶּהֱמִ֪י עָ֫לָ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See the discussion about the word soul in the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “Why am I bowed down and upset within myself?”
Why are you bowed down, O my soul
Quote: מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase bowed down to mean depressed or sad. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why are you sad, O my soul”
Psalms 42:5-6
I will praise him, the salvation of my face … and my God
Quote: אוֹדֶ֗נּוּ יְשׁוּע֥וֹת פָּנָֽיו & אֱֽלֹהַ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Many ancient manuscripts read “I will give him thanks, the salvation of his face.” The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “I will him praise, the salvation that is before my God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
Psalms 42:5,11
the salvation of my face … the salvation of my face
Quote: יְשׁוּע֥וֹת פָּנָֽיו & יְשׁוּעֹ֥ת פָּ֝נַ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “whose face saves me … who saves my face”
Psalms 42:5
my face
Quote: פָּנָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, his face is an idiom that means the place where God himself dwells. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that is from him”
Psalms 42:6
My soul is bowed down within me, … I
Quote: עָלַי֮ נַפְשִׁ֪י תִשְׁתּ֫וֹחָ֥ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated bowed down in the previous verse.
therefore … you
Quote: עַל־כֵּ֗ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The connecting word therefore introduce a goal or purpose relationship. The purpose for calling God to mind is because the authors soul is bowed down within him. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.
from the land of the Jordan
Quote: מֵאֶ֣רֶץ יַרְדֵּ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the land of the Jordan is referring to northern Israel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the northern region of Israel where the Jordan river is”
and the Hermons
Quote: וְ֝חֶרְמוֹנִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Hermons is likely referring to the entire mountain range which Mount Hermon is a part of. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the mountain range where Mount Hermon is”
Psalms 42:7
Deep is calling to deep
Quote: תְּהֽוֹם־אֶל־תְּה֣וֹם ק֭וֹרֵא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author speaks of deep water as if it were speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The deep is making a loud noise, as though it were shouting out to other deep water”
Deep is calling to deep
Quote: תְּהֽוֹם־אֶל־תְּה֣וֹם ק֭וֹרֵא (1)The the meaning of the word Deep here is not entirely clear. It could mean (1) a flood of moving water, such as a river. Alternate translation: “One deep river is calling to another deep river” (2) A large mass of water. Alternate translation: “Deep water is calling to other deep water”
Deep is calling to deep at the sound of your waterfalls; All of your waves and your billows flow over me
Quote: תְּהֽוֹם־אֶל־תְּה֣וֹם ק֭וֹרֵא לְק֣וֹל צִנּוֹרֶ֑יךָ כָּֽל־מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥יךָ וְ֝גַלֶּ֗יךָ עָלַ֥י עָבָֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In the same way that the author uses water imagery in 42:1–2 to describe himself, so he uses water imagery here to describe the the how he is feeling. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When people afflict me, they cause my soul to be in turmoil like when deep water calls out to deep water with the sound of your waterfalls. It is also as though your waves and billows crash over me”
All of your waves and your billows
Quote: כָּֽל־מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥יךָ וְ֝גַלֶּ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms waves and billows mean similar things. The author may be using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “All of your waves”
Psalms 42:8
During the day, Yahweh commands his covenant faithfulness, and in the night, his song is with me
Quote: יוֹמָ֤ם ׀ יְצַוֶּ֬ה יְהוָ֨ה ׀ חַסְדּ֗וֹ וּ֭בַלַּיְלָה שִׁיר֣וֹ עִמִּ֑י\n\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author speaks of covenant faithfulness as if it were a person that Yahweh could command. Likewise, the author speaks of his song as if it were a person that could be present with him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “During the day, Yahweh performs his steadfast love, and in the night, I sign a song about him”
During the day, Yahweh commands his covenant faithfulness
Quote: יוֹמָ֤ם ׀ יְצַוֶּ֬ה יְהוָ֨ה ׀ חַסְדּ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the author leaves out the implied information that Yahweh commands his steadfast love to be with the author. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh commands his steadfast love to be with me”
During the day, Yahweh commands his covenant faithfulness
Quote: יוֹמָ֤ם ׀ יְצַוֶּ֬ה יְהוָ֨ה ׀ חַסְדּ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is faithful to his covenant during the day”
to the God of my life
Quote: לְאֵ֣ל חַיָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe how God is the one who sustains his life If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “to the God who sustains my life” or “to the God who causes me to live”
Psalms 42:9
to God, my rock
Quote: לְאֵ֥ל סַלְעִי֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase my rock to mean that God protects him like a rock protects a person from their enemy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to God, who is like a protective rock to me”
I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I walk around mourning because of the oppression of the enemy
Quote: אוֹמְרָ֤ה ׀ לְאֵ֥ל סַלְעִי֮ לָמָ֪ה שְׁכַ֫חְתָּ֥נִי לָֽמָּה־קֹדֵ֥ר אֵלֵ֗ךְ בְּלַ֣חַץ אוֹיֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “I will ask God, my rock, why he has forgotten me, and why I must go around mourning because of the oppression of my enemies”
Why have you forgotten me? Why do I walk around mourning because of the oppression of the enemy
Quote: לָמָ֪ה שְׁכַ֫חְתָּ֥נִי לָֽמָּה־קֹדֵ֥ר אֵלֵ֗ךְ בְּלַ֣חַץ אוֹיֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have surely forgotten me! I am always walking around mourning because of the oppression of my enemies!”
because of the oppression of the enemy
Quote: בְּלַ֣חַץ אוֹיֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of oppression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because of how my enemies oppress me”
Psalms 42:10
In the crushing of my bones, those who are hostile to me rebuke me
Quote: בְּרֶ֤צַח ׀ בְּֽעַצְמוֹתַ֗י חֵרְפ֥וּנִי צוֹרְרָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase In the crushing of my bones, those who are hostile to me rebuke me to mean that when they rebuke him, it is as if they were crushing his bones because it is so painful. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As if they were crushing my bones, those who are hostile to me rebuke me”
Psalms 43
Psalm 043 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 43 is a psalm of deliverance. It is a plea for rescue from the psalmist’s enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Structure and formatting
See the note on Psalms 42 and 43 in the chapter introduction
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Abstract Nouns
In this chapter, the author uses many abstract nouns. Some languages do not use abstract nouns. If your language does not use an abstract noun for certain ideas, you could express the same idea in another way.
Psalms 43:1
Declare me righteous, O God, and defend
Quote: שָׁפְטֵ֤נִי אֱלֹהִ֨ים ׀ וְרִ֘יבָ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please, deliver me O God and defend”
Declare me righteous, O God, and defend my case … Deliver me
Quote: שָׁפְטֵ֤נִי אֱלֹהִ֨ים ׀ וְרִ֘יבָ֤ה רִיבִ֗י & תְפַלְּטֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “Declare me righteous O God, defend my case … Please deliver me” or “Show that I am innocent O God”
Psalms 43:2
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “This is because ”
you are the God of my fortification
Quote: אַתָּ֤ה ׀ אֱלֹהֵ֣י מָֽעוּזִּי֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe how God is like a fortification to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are like a fortification to me O God”
Why have you rejected me? Why do I walk around mourning because of the oppression of the enemy
Quote: לָמָ֪ה זְנַ֫חְתָּ֥נִי לָֽמָּה־קֹדֵ֥ר אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ בְּלַ֣חַץ אוֹיֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely you have rejected me! I am always walking around mourning because of the oppression of my enemies!”
because of the oppression of the enemy
Quote: בְּלַ֣חַץ אוֹיֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
See how you translated oppression in 42:9
Psalms 43:3
Send out your light
Quote: שְׁלַח־אוֹרְךָ֣ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase light to mean good actions that drive away evil people, which darkness often represents. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Drive away evil people”
Send out
Quote: שְׁלַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please send”
and your truth
Quote: וַ֭אֲמִתְּךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and speak true words to me”
let them lead me. Let them bring me
Quote: הֵ֣מָּה יַנְח֑וּנִי יְבִיא֥וּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author speaks of “light” and “truth” as if they could lead him and bring him somewhere. It is actually God, who sends the light and truth, who does these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will lead me. You will bring me ” (See: Personification)
to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place
Quote: אֶל־הַֽר־קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ וְאֶל־מִשְׁכְּנוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrases הַֽר־קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ and מִשְׁכְּנוֹתֶֽיךָ mean similar things. The author may be using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to your holy dwelling place” (See: Doublet)
to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place
Quote: אֶל־הַֽר־קָ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ וְאֶל־מִשְׁכְּנוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the terms holy mountain and dwelling place to mean the temple which is in Jerusalem, on top of Mount Zion. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to your holy temple, and to the temple in which you dwell”
Psalms 43:4
of the joy of my gladness
Quote: שִׂמְחַ֪ת גִּ֫ילִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, the joy of my gladness is an idiom that means to have a lot of joy. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my exceeding joy”
to the God of the joy of my gladness
Quote: אֶל־אֵל֮ שִׂמְחַ֪ת גִּ֫ילִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of joy and gladness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to the God who makes me very joyful”
Psalms 43:5
Why are you bowed down, O my soul? And why are you upset within me
Quote: מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ וּֽמַה־תֶּהֱמִ֪י עָ֫לָ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
See how you translated Why are you bowed down, O my soul? And why are you upset within me in 42:11
Why are you bowed down, O my soul
Quote: מַה־תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ נַפְשִׁי֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated bowed down in 42:11
the salvation of my face
Quote: יְשׁוּעֹ֥ת פָּ֝נַ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
See how you translated the salvation of my face in 42:11
Psalms 44
Psalm 044 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 44 is a deliverance psalm. It is a prayer for God’s help against enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Pronouns
The author uses the pronoun us to refer to himself and the other Israelite, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. In 44:4 and 44:6, the author switches to the singular form. This likely shows that he is functioning as the one who is leading worship for the Israelites he is with.
Collective Nouns
In this Psalm, the author frequently uses the singular form to refer to something that belongs to all of the people of Israel. If it would be helpful, you can use the plural form for these words.
You are my king
In 44:4, the author speaks about God as his king. The author says this to express that Yahweh is the one true king over all of the earth, in contrast to any earthly king.
Psalms 44:front
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Quote: לִבְנֵי־קֹ֬רַח (1)This could mean (1) The sons of Korah wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about the sons of Korah or (3) the psalm is in the style of psalms that the sons of Korah wrote.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: מַשְׂכִּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A Maskil is a type of Psalm which many experts believe are for the purpose of teaching widsom. If your readers would not be familiar with this, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a teaching son” or “a wisdom song”
Psalms 44:1
our fathers
Quote: אֲבוֹתֵ֥ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term fathers to mean ancestors. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our relatives who lived long ago”
in their days
Quote: בִֽ֝ימֵיהֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, in their days is an idiom that means when they were alive. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when they were alive”
in their days, in the days of old
Quote: בִֽ֝ימֵיהֶ֗ם בִּ֣ימֵי קֶֽדֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase days of old is describing in their days. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “in their days, which were long ago”
Psalms 44:2
You drove out the nations {by} your hand, but you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, but you sent them
Quote: אַתָּ֤ה ׀ יָדְךָ֡ גּוֹיִ֣ם ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ וַתִּטָּעֵ֑ם תָּרַ֥ע לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
The author uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between the nations and them, as well as between the peoples and them. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You drove out the nations with your hand, in contrast to how you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, in contrast to how you sent them”
You drove out the nations {by} your hand
Quote: אַתָּ֤ה ׀ יָדְךָ֡ גּוֹיִ֣ם ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term hand to mean power. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You drove out the nations by your power” or “You drove out the nations powerfully”
the nations
Quote: גּוֹיִ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author is using nations to represent the people who were a part of another nation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “other peoples”
but you planted them. … but you sent them
Quote: וַתִּטָּעֵ֑ם & וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun them refers to the fathers of the Israelite people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “but you planted our fathers … but you sent our fathers”
but you planted them
Quote: וַתִּטָּעֵ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase planted to mean that Yahweh caused them to settle in the land, as someone plants a plant in the ground. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly, as demonstrated in the UST.
Psalms 44:3
with their sword
Quote: בְחַרְבָּ֡ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A sword is a weapon with a sharp blade on one end of it. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of weapon, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “with their weapon”
and their arm … your right hand, and your arm
Quote: וּזְרוֹעָם֮ & יְמִֽינְךָ֣ וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the terms arm and right hand to mean power. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and their power … your might and your power”
but
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
The author uses the word but here to indicate a strong contrast between the previous sentence and the sentence that follows. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but rather”
your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face
Quote: יְמִֽינְךָ֣ וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ וְא֥וֹר פָּנֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face possessed the land and saved them”
and the light of your face
Quote: וְא֥וֹר פָּנֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase the light of your face to mean to the favor that someone has on another person. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and your favor”
Psalms 44:4
Appoint
Quote: צַ֝וֵּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please appoint”
Appoint salvation for Jacob
Quote: צַ֝וֵּ֗ה יְשׁוּע֥וֹת יַעֲקֹֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Save Jacob”
for Jacob
Quote: יַעֲקֹֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author is using Jacob to represent the people who live in the country of Israel, which is sometimes called Jacob. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who live in the country of Jacob”
Psalms 44:5
Through you we will gore our adversaries, by your name we will trample those who rise up against us
Quote: בְּ֭ךָ צָרֵ֣ינוּ נְנַגֵּ֑חַ בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ֗ נָב֥וּס קָמֵֽינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the words gore and trample to mean beat down and defeat. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Through you we beat down our enemies, and by your name we defeat those who rise up against us”
Psalms 44:5,8
by your name … and … your name
Quote: בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ֗ & וְשִׁמְךָ֓ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term name to mean God himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through you … you”
Psalms 44:5,26
those who rise up against us … Rise up
Quote: קָמֵֽינוּ & ק֭וּמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, those who rise up against us is an idiom that means people who attack them. Rise up is a phrase that is asking Yahweh to fight for them. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who attack us … Fight for us”
Psalms 44:6
and my sword will not save me
Quote: וְ֝חַרְבִּ֗י לֹ֣א תוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here, the author speaks of his sword as if it were a person who could save him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will not save myself with my sword”
Psalms 44:9
Yet
Quote: אַף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “Even though we do this,”
and you do not go out with our armies
Quote: וְלֹא־תֵ֝צֵ֗א בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The author assumes that his readers will understand that go out means to go out and fight in battle. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you have not helped our armies fight”
Psalms 44:10
You made us turn back
Quote: תְּשִׁיבֵ֣נוּ אָ֭חוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, turn back is an idiom that means to retreat during a battle. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “retreat” or “flee”
plunder for themselves
Quote: שָׁ֣סוּ לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, plunder for themselves is an idiom that means to take as much spoils as one wants. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have plundered as much as they desired”
Psalms 44:11
You have appoint us {to be} like sheep for food
Quote: תִּ֭תְּנֵנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן מַאֲכָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here, the author is comparing the people of Israel with sheep. If it would be helpful to your readers, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You have allowed our enemies to attack us, and we were defenseless like sheep that people are about to kill and eat” (See: Simile)
and you have scattered us among the nations
Quote: וּ֝בַגּוֹיִ֗ם זֵרִיתָֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase scattered to mean to spread out over a vast area. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have spread us all out among the nations”
and … among the nations
Quote: וּ֝בַגּוֹיִ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
See how you translated nations in 44:2.
Psalms 44:12
You have sold your people for what is not valuable
Quote: תִּמְכֹּֽר־עַמְּךָ֥ בְלֹא־ה֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase you sell your people for what is not valuable to mean that Yahweh allows the enemies to take his people captive, as though he were selling them to the enemies. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation “You allow the enemies to take your people captive, as if you were selling your people to them”
Psalms 44:13
You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a contempt and a scorn to those around us
Quote: תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ חֶ֭רְפָּה לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ לַ֥עַג וָ֝קֶ֗לֶס לִסְבִיבוֹתֵֽינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, and a contempt and a scorn to those around us” or “You have caused those who live in the countries around us to reproach us”
a contempt and a scorn to those around us
Quote: לַ֥עַג וָ֝קֶ֗לֶס לִסְבִיבוֹתֵֽינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “you have made us a contempt and a scorn to those around us”
a reproach to our neighbors, a contempt and a scorn
Quote: חֶ֭רְפָּה לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ לַ֥עַג וָ֝קֶ֗לֶס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of reproach, contempt, or scorn you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “You have caused our enemies to reproach us, we are contemptuous and scornful”
Psalms 44:14
You made us an insult among the nations, a shaking of the head among the peoples
Quote: תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ מָ֭שָׁל בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם מְנֽוֹד־רֹ֝֗אשׁ בַּל־אֻמִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “You have made us an insult among the nations, and a shaking of the head among the peoples” or “You have made us a disgrace among the foreign peoples”
You made us an insult among the nations
Quote: תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ מָ֭שָׁל בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of insult, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You have caused the nations to insult us”
Psalms 44:15
All day my dishonor is before me, and the shame of my face has covered me
Quote: כָּל־הַ֭יּוֹם כְּלִמָּתִ֣י נֶגְדִּ֑י וּבֹ֖שֶׁת פָּנַ֣י כִּסָּֽתְנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of dishonor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “All the day people dishonor me, and I am completely ashamed”
my dishonor is before me
Quote: כְּלִמָּתִ֣י נֶגְדִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, my dishonor is before me is an idiom that means he is always thinking about his dishonor. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am always thinking about my dishonor”
and the shame of my face has covered me
Quote: וּבֹ֖שֶׁת פָּנַ֣י כִּסָּֽתְנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase the same of my face covers has covered me means that the author is so ashamed that his facial expression shows that he is ashamed. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “an expression of shame covers my face” or “people can see by my face that I am ashamed
Psalms 44:16
from of the voice of reproaching and insulting
Quote: מִ֭קּוֹל מְחָרֵ֣ף וּמְגַדֵּ֑ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author is using voice to represent people who are speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from people who reproach and insult me”
reproaching and insulting, and from … of an enemy and a vengeful one
Quote: מְחָרֵ֣ף וּמְגַדֵּ֑ף & א֝וֹיֵ֗ב וּמִתְנַקֵּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms reproaching and insulting mean similar things. The terms enemy and *a vengeful one also mean similar things The author may be using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “insulting … a hostile one”
Psalms 44:17
All of this
Quote: כָּל־זֹ֣את (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The author assumes that his readers will understand that All of these things refers to everything that the author has described since 44:9. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “All of the things I have just spoken about”
and we have not forgotten you, and we have not dealt falsely with your covenant
Quote: וְלֹ֣א שְׁכַחֲנ֑וּךָ וְלֹֽא־שִׁ֝קַּ֗רְנוּ בִּבְרִיתֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “We have not forgotten you, and we likewise have not dealt falsely with your covenant” or “We have not stopped being faithful to you”
Psalms 44:17-18
and we have not forgotten you, and we have not dealt falsely with your covenant … Our heart has not turned back, our steps bent from your way
Quote: וְלֹ֣א שְׁכַחֲנ֑וּךָ וְלֹֽא־שִׁ֝קַּ֗רְנוּ בִּבְרִיתֶֽךָ & לֹא־נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and a negative word. Alternate translation: “and we have remembered you, and we have been faithful to your covenant … Our heart has continued to obey you, and our steps have stayed on your way”
Psalms 44:18
Our heart has not turned back, our steps bent from your way
Quote: לֹא־נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “Our heart has not turned back, likewise our steps bent from your ways” or “Our actions have not departed from you”
Our heart has … turned back
Quote: נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, turn back is an idiom that means to stop obeying Yahweh. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Our heart has not stopped obeying you”
our steps bent from your way
Quote: וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the phrase our steps to refer a person's actions during their life. They are using your way* to refer to Yahweh's commandments as though they were a path that someone might walk on. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we have acted according to your commandments”
our steps bent from your way
Quote: וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase bent to mean that their steps have turned towards a different direction, just as a piece of metal is bent in a different direction. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our steps have turned in a different direction from your ways, as a person bends something”
our steps bent from your way
Quote: וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “our steps have not bent from your way”
Psalms 44:19
But you have crushed us in the place of jackals
Quote: כִּ֣י דִ֭כִּיתָנוּ בִּמְק֣וֹם תַּנִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase crushed to mean destroyed in battle. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have destroyed us as easily as someone crushes a fragile object”
in the place of jackals
Quote: בִּמְק֣וֹם תַּנִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term place of jackals to mean a desert place where wild animals such as jackals live. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in a desert place where jackals live”
with extreme darkness
Quote: בְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Here, the phrase extreme darkness could mean (1) a place that is very dark and has no light, or (2) the place where people go after they die which has no light.
Psalms 44:20-21
If we had forgotten the name of our God and spread out our hands to a foreign god … would God not have discovered this
Quote: אִם־שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ שֵׁ֣ם אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַנִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּ֝פֵּ֗ינוּ לְאֵ֣ל זָֽר & הֲלֹ֣א אֱ֭לֹהִים יַֽחֲקָר־זֹ֑את (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The author uses this expression to introduce an imaginary situation to help explain how he and the rest of the people have not stopped worshiping Yahweh. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose that we had forgotten the name of our God and spread our hands to a foreign god, would not God have known this” (See: Hypothetical Situations)
the name of our God
Quote: שֵׁ֣ם אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The author is using the term name to mean Yahweh himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our God”
the name of our God … God
Quote: שֵׁ֣ם אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ & אֱ֭לֹהִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The author is speaking about God in the third person even though he is talking directly to him. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the second person form. Alternate translation: “your name, O God … you”
Psalms 44:20
and spread out our hands
Quote: וַנִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּ֝פֵּ֗ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The author speaks about spreading out our hands as a symbolic action to speak about worshipping a god. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “and worshipped”
Psalms 44:21
would God not have discovered this
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א אֱ֭לֹהִים יַֽחֲקָר־זֹ֑את (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge Yahweh. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely God would have known this”
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “This is because”
the secrets of the heart
Quote: תַּעֲלֻמ֥וֹת לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term heart to mean a person's inner thoughts. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “inner thoughts”
Psalms 44:22
because of you we are killed
Quote: עָ֭לֶיךָ הֹרַ֣גְנוּ (1)The phrase because of you could mean (1) that Yahweh is the reason that they are being killed, because he is allowing people to attack and kill them. Alternate translation: “because you allow people to kill us” or (2) that because they are Yahweh's people, people kill them. Alternate translation: “because we are your people we are killed”
because of you we are killed
Quote: עָ֭לֶיךָ הֹרַ֣גְנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because you allow people to kill us”
all the day
Quote: כָל־הַיּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says all the day here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “constantly”
we are considered {to be} like sheep of slaughtering
Quote: נֶ֝חְשַׁ֗בְנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן טִבְחָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “because of you we are considered to be like sheep of slaughtering”
we are considered {to be} like sheep of slaughtering
Quote: נֶ֝חְשַׁ֗בְנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן טִבְחָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author is saying that he and the people of Israel are like sheep that people slaughter for food because, like sheep, they cannot defend themselves when people try to kill them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we are thought to be like innocent sheep that cannot defend themselves before they are slaughtered”
to be} like sheep of slaughtering
Quote: כְּצֹ֣אן טִבְחָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe a sheep that is characterized by slaughtering. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like sheep that people slaughter”
Psalms 44:23
Awake! Why do you sleep, Lord? Arise
Quote: ע֤וּרָה ׀ לָ֖מָּה תִישַׁ֥ן ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י הָ֝קִ֗יצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using words pertaining to rest, such as Awake, sleeping, and Arise to explain that it seemed as though Yahweh were resting and not helping to defend his people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly, as in the UST.
Awake! … Arise! Do not reject {us} forever
Quote: ע֤וּרָה & הָ֝קִ֗יצָה אַל־תִּזְנַ֥ח לָנֶֽצַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please, awake! … Arise! Please do not throw us off forever”
Why do you sleep, Lord
Quote: לָ֖מָּה תִישַׁ֥ן ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge Yahweh. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely you should not be sleeping, Lord!”
Psalms 44:24
Why do you hide your face and forget our affliction and our oppression
Quote: לָֽמָּה־פָנֶ֥יךָ תַסְתִּ֑יר תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח עָנְיֵ֣נוּ וְֽלַחֲצֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge Yahweh. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely you hide your face, and forget our affliction and oppression!”
Why do you hide your face
Quote: לָֽמָּה־פָנֶ֥יךָ תַסְתִּ֑יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase you have hidden your face to mean that he is not favoring his people. Yahweh does not have a face. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why have you have hidden your favor” or “Why are you are not favoring us”
and forget
Quote: תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term forget to mean ignore. God does not forget anything in the way that people forget things, but to the author, it seems that he has forgotten. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and ignore”
our affliction and our oppression
Quote: עָנְיֵ֣נוּ וְֽלַחֲצֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of affliction and oppression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that people afflict and oppress us”
Psalms 44:25
For our life has sunk down into the dust, our belly has clung to the earth
Quote: כִּ֤י שָׁ֣חָה לֶעָפָ֣ר נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ דָּבְקָ֖ה לָאָ֣רֶץ בִּטְנֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “For our life has sunk to the dust, likewise our belly has clung to the earth” or “For we have laid down in the dirt”
For our life has sunk down into the dust, our belly has clung to the earth
Quote: כִּ֤י שָׁ֣חָה לֶעָפָ֣ר נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ דָּבְקָ֖ה לָאָ֣רֶץ בִּטְנֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is using the phrase For our soul has sunk down into the dust, our belly has clung to the earth to mean that they are feeling hopeless because of how people are afflicting them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For we are hopeless, as though our life has sunk into the dust, as though our belly has clung to the earth”
into the dust
Quote: לֶעָפָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term dust to mean the ground. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the ground”
our life
Quote: נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term life to mean themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we”
Psalms 44:26
Rise up {… and redeem us
Quote: ק֭וּמָֽה & וּ֝פְדֵ֗נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please, rise up … please help us”
your covenant faithfulness
Quote: חַסְדֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way, as in the UST.
Psalms 45
Psalm 045 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 45 is a royal psalm written for the king’s wedding day.
Special concepts in this chapter
Beauty
The king has a beautiful palace, and his bride is also beautiful.
Superscription
This psalm is called “a Maschil.” The word “Maschil” in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 45:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Shoshannim (1)This may refer to a style or the tune of the music. Sometimes it is translated as “set to the tune of ‘Lilies.’”
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Quote: A psalm of the sons of Korah (1)Alternate translation: “This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart overflows on a good subject (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his heart as if it were a container that overflows with liquid. The word “heart” represents his emotions, which are excited by the song that he sings. Alternate translation: “My emotions are excited about a good subject” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a good subject (1)“a noble theme” or “a beautiful word.” This refers to the song that he has written.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: composed (1)to have written or created a song
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his tongue as if it were a pen. He speaks words as skillfully as an experienced writer writes words. Alternate translation: “my tongue is like the pen of person who writes well” or “I speak words as skillfully as an experienced writer can write words”
Psalms 45:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are fairer than the children of mankind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This phrase is an exaggeration that emphasizes that the king is better looking than anyone else. The phrase “children of mankind” is an idiom and refers to all humans. Alternate translation: “You are more handsome than any other man” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grace is poured onto your lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of grace as if it were oil that someone has used to anoint the king’s lips. The word “lips” refers to the king’s speech. The phrase means that the king speaks eloquently. Alternate translation: “it is as if someone has anointed your lips with oil” or “you speak eloquently” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 45:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Put your sword on your side (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Warriors carried their swords in a sheath that hung from a belt around their waist. The sword would rest against their side. This phrase describes an action of someone preparing for battle. Alternate translation: “Prepare yourself for battle”
Psalms 45:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ride on triumphantly (1)The writer tells the king to ride his horse or chariot to victory.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of trustworthiness, meekness, and righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “trustworthiness,” “meekness,” and “righteousness” can be stated as adjectives. This could mean: (1) these are qualities of the mighty one. Alternate translation: “because you are trustworthy, meek, and righteous” or (2) these are virtues that he fights to uphold for the people whom he rules. Alternate translation: “in order to fight for what is trustworthy, meek, and right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your right hand will teach you fearful things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Most soldiers held their swords with their right hands when they fought. Here, the phrase “right hand” refers to his ability to fight, which the writer speaks of as if it were a person who can teach the king through the experience he gains in battle. Alternate translation: “You will learn to accomplish great military feats by fighting in many battles” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fearful things (1)“awesome deeds.” This refers to military victories that cause his enemies to fear him and his allies to revere him.
Psalms 45:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the peoples fall under you (1)This phrase refers to the king defeating his enemies. This could mean: (1) “the peoples fall at your feet in surrender” or (2) “the peoples fall dead at your feet.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your arrows are in the hearts of the king’s enemies (1)“your arrows have pierced the hearts of your enemies.” The writer speaks to the king while referring to the king in the third person.
Psalms 45:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your throne & is forever and ever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “throne” represents the kingdom and rule of the king. Alternate translation: “Your kingdom … is forever and ever” or “You will reign … forever and ever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your throne, God (1)Possible meanings are that the word God: (1) is a title for the king, who is God’s representative or (2) modifies the word “throne” and means “Your kingdom that God has given you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “scepter” represents the king’s authority to rule his kingdom. Alternate translation: “you rule your kingdom with justice”
Psalms 45:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of gladness as if it were an oil that God used to anoint the king. That God has anointed him is a symbolic action that represents God’s choosing him to be king. Alternate translation: “when God appointed you as king, he made you very glad” (See also: Symbolic Action)
Psalms 45:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Here the writer begins to describe what appears to be the wedding ceremony of the king and his bride.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: myrrh, aloes, and cassia (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
These are aromatic plant substances that people used to make perfumes.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ivory palaces (1)Ivory is a hard white substance that forms animal’s tusks. This phrase describes a palace with walls and furniture that people have decorated with ivory.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stringed instruments have made you glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “stringed instruments” refers to the music that people make by playing the stringed instruments. Alternate translation: “the music of stringed instruments has made you glad”
Psalms 45:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: honorable women (1)These women are wives of the king who receive his approval.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the queen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a reference to the woman who will become queen. Alternate translation: “your bride, the queen” or “your bride, who will be the queen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophir (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place that had a reputation for its fine gold. The location is unknown.
Psalms 45:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen, daughter (1)The writer begins to speak to the queen and refers to her as “daughter” because she is a young woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: incline your ear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of listening carefully to something as if it were bending one’s ear towards the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “listen carefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forget your own people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the queen no longer following the beliefs and customs of her native people as if it were forgetting them. Alternate translation: “no longer follow the customs of your people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your father’s house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” refers to family. Alternate translation: “your relatives”
Psalms 45:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In this way (1)Alternate translation: “and” or “so”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king will desire your beauty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to say that the king will want to sleep with the queen as his wife.
Psalms 45:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The daughter of Tyre (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the people who live in Tyre as if they are Tyre’s children. Alternate translation: “The people of Tyre”
Psalms 45:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The royal daughter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a reference to the woman whom the king will marry. Alternate translation: “The king’s bride”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all glorious (1)“very beautiful.” This refers to the woman’s appearance.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her clothing is worked with gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Her clothing is decorated or embroidered with gold. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she wears clothing that someone has embroidered with golden thread”
Psalms 45:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: She will be led to the king in embroidered dress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will lead her to the king as she wears an embroidered dress”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: embroidered (1)a design made by sewing colored threads into cloth
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here the word “you” refers to the king. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will bring to you the virgins, her companions who follow her”
Psalms 45:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will be led by gladness and rejoicing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This phrase describes “gladness and rejoicing” as a person who leads others to celebrate. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Gladness and rejoicing will lead them” or “They will proceed with gladness and rejoicing” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gladness and rejoicing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of gladness. Alternate translation: “great gladness”
Psalms 45:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The writer continues to address the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the place of your fathers will be your children (1)This means that the king’s sons will replace him as king, just as he replaced his ancestors as king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will make princes in all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The phrase “in all the earth” is an exaggeration to emphasize that they will rule over many nations. Alternate translation: “you will make rulers over many nations”
Psalms 45:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make your name to be remembered in all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “I” refers to the writer. The word “name” refers to the king’s character and reputation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will cause people in every generation to know about your greatness” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 46
Psalm 046 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 46 is a psalm of praise to God.
Special concepts in this chapter
God is all-powerful, controls nature, and protects his people. (See: people of God)
Psalms 46:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of the sons of Korah (1)Alternate translation: “This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Alamoth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This may refer to a style of music.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God is our refuge and strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: “God gives us safety and strength”
Psalms 46:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountains should be shaken into the heart of the seas (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the deepest part of the sea as if it were the sea’s heart. Here he describes an earthquake that causes the mountains to crumble and fall into the sea. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the mountains should shake so violently that they fall into the depths of the sea” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 46:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: though its waters roar and rage (1)“though the waters of the sea roar and rage.” The words “roar” and “rage” describe the violent movements of the sea during a strong storm.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mountains tremble with their swelling (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “their swelling” refers to the waters of the sea as they rise and crash against the mountains. Alternate translation: “the swelling waters cause the mountains to tremble”
Psalms 46:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is a river whose streams make the city of God happy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage
The imagery of a running river symbolizes peace and prosperity for the city of God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make the city of God happy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “the city of God” refers to Jerusalem, and represents the people who live in that city. Alternate translation: “make the people who live in Jerusalem happy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the holy place where the Most High dwells (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase describes “the city of God.” Alternate translation: “the holy place where the Most High lives”
Psalms 46:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the middle of her; she will not be moved & help her (1)The words “her” and “she” refer to “the city of God.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she will not be moved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the word “moved” is the same word translated as “shaken” in Psalms verse 2. The writer speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem by armies as if an earthquake were to destroy it. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing will be able destroy her” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 46:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The nations raged (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the word “raged” is the same word that the writer used in Psalms verse 3 to describe the waters of the sea. The writer speaks of the fear of the nations as if it was the violent movements of the sea during a strong storm. Alternate translation: “The nations are terrified”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the kingdoms were shaken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the word “shaken” is the same word that the writer used in Psalms verse 2 to describe the effect of an earthquake on the mountains. The writer speaks of the overthrow of kingdoms by armies as if an earthquake were to destroy them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “armies overthrew the kingdoms” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he lifted up his voice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“God lifted up his voice.” The writer speaks of the “voice” as an object that a person can pick up and raise into the air. This means that the voice becomes louder. Alternate translation: “God shouted”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth melted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The writer speaks of the earth as an object, such as ice, that can melt. Here “the earth” represents mankind, and to melt represents fear. Alternate translation: “the people of the earth tremble with fear” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 46:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Jacob is our refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: “the God of Jacob gives us safety”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “the God whom Jacob worshiped” or (2) “Jacob” is a metonym for the nation of Israel and means “the God of Israel.”
Psalms 46:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He makes wars cease (1)Alternate translation: “He makes nations stop fighting wars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to everywhere in the word. Alternate translation: “everywhere in the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he breaks the bow & burns up the shields (1)One way in which Yahweh will make all wars to cease is by destroying the weapons that the armies use to fight one another.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shields (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Some versions understand this Hebrew word as “chariots.”
Psalms 46:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be quiet and know that I am God (1)Here, God begins to speak.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be quiet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, these words are likely a command to the nations to stop their wars. Alternate translation: “Stop fighting”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: know that I am God (1)Here the word “know” means to understand and to confess that Yahweh is the true God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted on the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people of every nation in the world will exalt God. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People from every nation will exalt me; people all over the earth will exalt me” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 46:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. See how you translated these lines in Psalms 46:7.
Psalms 47
Psalm 047 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 47 is a psalm of praise to God.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s power
God is powerful over all the nations in the world.
Psalms 47:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Clap your hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Clapping your hands is associated with celebration. Alternate translation: “Clap your hands in celebration”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shout to God with the sound of triumph (1)“shout to God with joyful voices.” Here the word “triumph” refers to the joy associated with victory.
Psalms 47:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel and mean that God enabled Israel to conquer their enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: subdues (1)to conquer and place under the authority of another
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: under us & under our feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of conquering other nations as if it were putting those nations underneath their feet.
Psalms 47:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He chooses our inheritance for us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the land of Israel as if it were an inheritance that God has given the people as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “He chooses this land as an inheritance for us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the glory of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “glory” refers to a source of pride and represents the land that God has given to his people as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “the land in which Jacob takes pride”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jacob whom he loved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “Jacob” refers to the nation of Israel.
Psalms 47:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has gone up with a shout (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s conquering the nations as if God were a king ascending his throne, which was located in the temple. Alternate translation: “God has gone up into the temple as people shouted” or “God has ascended to his throne as people shouted” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh with the sound of a trumpet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This phrase parallels the previous phrase. The verb may be supplied for clarity. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has gone up as people blew trumpets” (See also: Ellipsis)
Psalms 47:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase “sing praises” is repeated for emphasis. You may omit the repetition if it is awkward in your language. Alternate translation: “Sing, sing praises to God; sing, sing praises to our King”
Psalms 47:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The princes of the peoples (1)Alternate translation: “The rulers of all the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gathered together to the people (1)Possible meanings are that the rulers of the nations: (1) “gather in front of the people” or (2) “gathered together with the people” so that all may worship God as king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shields of the earth belong to God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings are that shields: (1) refers to instruments of war. Alternate translation: “God has more power than the weapons of all the kings on the earth” or (2) refers to the rulers of the nations who are spoken of as shields who protect their nations. Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth are subject to God”
Psalms 48
Psalm 048 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 48 is a psalm of praise for Jerusalem.
Special concepts in this chapter
Jerusalem
Jerusalem has mighty defenses. Foreign nations will be amazed. It is something to remember and testify about. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)
It is helpful to know that “Mount Zion” is often used to refer to the city of Jerusalem.
Psalms 48:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a song about Jerusalem being God’s dwelling place. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: greatly to be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: “people are to praise him greatly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city of our God on his holy mountain (1)This is a reference to Jerusalem, which was built on Mount Zion.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the city of our God (1)This could mean: (1) “the city where our God lives” or (2) “the city that belongs to our God”
Psalms 48:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Beautiful in elevation (1)“Beautiful and high.” The word “elevation” refers to how high mount Zion is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “earth” refers to everyone living on the earth. The word “joy” may be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “Mount Zion gives joy to everyone on earth” or “everyone on earth rejoices because of Mount Zion” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the sides of the north (1)Possible meanings are that this phrase: (1) refers to the direction of the north or (2) is another name for Mount Zion meaning “the mountain of God.”
Psalms 48:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has made himself known in her palaces as a refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate translation: “God has made himself known as one who gives safety to the people in Mount Zion’s palaces”
Psalms 48:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: see (1)The word “see” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: assembled themselves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the kings represent their armies. Alternate translation: “assembled their armies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they passed by together (1)Alternate translation: “together they passed by Jerusalem”
Psalms 48:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They saw it (1)Alternate translation: “They saw Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dismayed (1)greatly troubled
Psalms 48:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Trembling took hold of them there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the kings’ fear as if it were a person who caused the kings and their armies to tremble. Alternate translation: “There they trembled with fear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pain as when a woman is in labor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the kings’ fear as if it were the pain that a woman experiences in childbirth and speaks of that pain as if it were a person. The verb may be supplied from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “pain took hold of them, as when a woman is in labor” or “they became afraid, like a woman is afraid of experiencing labor pains” (See also: Personification and Ellipsis)
Psalms 48:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With the east wind you break the ships of Tarshish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor in which the author describes the kings being afraid as if they were ships that shake because God destroys them with a strong wind. Alternate translation: “They shook with fear, as the ships of Tarshish shake when you break them with the east wind” or (2) this is an apostrophe in which the author describes God’s great power. (See also: Apostrophe)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the east wind (1)This could mean: (1) “a wind blowing from the east” or (2) “a strong wind.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ships of Tarshish (1)This could mean: (1) ships that sail to or are built in the city of Tarshish or (2) any large ocean-going ship.
Psalms 48:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As we have heard (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that what they have heard is the great things that God has done in the past. Alternate translation: “As we have heard about the great things that God has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so have we seen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that they have seen the proof that the things that they have heard are true. Alternate translation: “so we have seen God do great things now”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the city of Yahweh of hosts, in the city of our God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases refer to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “in the city of our God, Yahweh of hosts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: establish it (1)“make it secure.” Here the word “establish means to preserve and make something secure.
Psalms 48:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “how faithful you are to your covenant” or “how faithful you are to us because of your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the middle of your temple (1)Alternate translation: “as we are in your temple”
Psalms 48:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As your name is & so is your praise to the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents God’s character and reputation. The two phrases compare the greatness of God’s reputation with how greatly people praise him. Alternate translation: “Your name is very great … and so people throughout the world praise you greatly” or “People all throughout the world have heard of you … so people throughout the world praise you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiomatic expression that means everywhere in the word. See how you translated this in Psalms 46:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your right hand is full of righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of righteousness as if it were an object that God could hold in his hand. Here the word “hand” refers to God’s power and authority to rule. Alternate translation: “you rule with righteousness” or “you are righteous as you rule” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 48:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let Mount Zion be glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of Mount Zion as if it were a person who could be glad. The phrase refers to the people who live in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Let those who live on Mount Zion be glad” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the daughters of Judah rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the towns in Judah as if they were Judah’s children. The phrase refers to the people who live in those towns. Alternate translation: “let the people who live in the cities of Judah rejoice” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 48:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Walk around Mount Zion, go round about her (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel. Alternate translation: “Walk all the way around Mount Zion”
Psalms 48:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: notice well (1)Alternate translation: “notice in detail”
Psalms 48:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will be our guide (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “guide” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “he will guide us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to death (1)This could mean: (1) “until we die” or (2) “forever.”
Psalms 49
Psalm 049 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Riches
Riches do not last forever. They cannot save a person from death, and they cannot be taken from a person at death. (See: eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever and save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 49:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all you inhabitants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel. Together they strengthen the command for all people to listen.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give ear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiomatic expression means to use one’s ears to listen. Alternate translation: “listen”
Psalms 49:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: both low and high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of people who are weak or insignificant in society as being low and of people who are important and powerful as being high. Together, the words “low” and “high” represent all people. Alternate translation: “both important people and unimportant people” or “people of every social class” (See also: Merism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rich and poor together (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Together the words “rich” and “poor” refer to all people, regardless of wealth. Alternate translation: “all people”
Psalms 49:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My mouth will speak wisdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “mouth” refers to the whole person who speaks. Alternate translation: “I will speak wise words”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the meditation of my heart will be of understanding (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “heart” represents the mind and thoughts. The abstract nouns “meditation” and “understanding” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “the thoughts upon which I meditate will help you to understand” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 49:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: incline my ear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of listening carefully to something as if it were bending one’s ear towards the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “listen carefully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the harp (1)Alternate translation: “as I play the harp”
Psalms 49:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should I fear & heels? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer asks this question to emphasize that he has no reason to fear when bad things happen. Alternate translation: “I have no reason to fear … heels.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the days of evil (1)“when evil things happen.” Here the word “days” refers to general periods of time.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when iniquity surrounds me at my heels (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) the writer speaks of the evil desires of his enemies as if it were a predator ready to overtake him. Alternate translation: “when the iniquity of sinful men is ready to overcome me” or (2) the writer’s enemies surround him as they commit their iniquity. Alternate translation: “when my enemies surround me”
Psalms 49:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who trust in their wealth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These people trust their wealth will keep them from having to suffer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: about the amount of their riches (1)a large amount of something
Psalms 49:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is certain that no one (1)Alternate translation: “There is no way that any of them can” or “No one can”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no one can redeem his brother or give God a ransom for him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Both of these phrases express that a person cannot give God enough money to be able to avoid death. Alternate translation: “no one can pay money to God so that their brother will not die” (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 49:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the redemption of one’s life is costly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “redemption” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “it costs too much to redeem a person’s life”
Psalms 49:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that his body should not decay (1)This refers to the body decomposing in the grave.
Psalms 49:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will see decay (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of experiencing something as if it were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: “he will die and his body will decay”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wise men die; the fool and the brute alike perish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The author refers to all people by referring to those who have the most and least wisdom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brute (1)This means a person who is stupid or unintelligent.
Psalms 49:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their inner thought (1)Alternate translation: “Their belief”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the places where they live, to all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “the places where they live will continue to all generations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they call their lands after their own names (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“they name their lands after themselves.” This phrase expresses ownership. Alternate translation: “they own their own lands”
Psalms 49:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But man, having wealth (1)Alternate translation: “But man, even if he has wealth”
Psalms 49:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This, their way, is their folly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the fate of fools as if it is the destination at the end of the path on which they walk. Alternate translation: “This is the fate of those who practice folly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: yet after them (1)Alternate translation: “yet after they die”
Psalms 49:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Like sheep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares people who will all die to a flock of sheep. Just as sheep cannot escape when the butcher decides to slaughter them, so men will not escape when it is their time to die.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are appointed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has appointed them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: death will be their shepherd (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of men dying by personifying death as a shepherd who leads them into the grave. Alternate translation: “death will take them away as a shepherd leads away sheep to be slaughtered” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the morning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “morning” is a metaphor that refers to a time when God will vindicate righteous people and save them from evil people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their bodies will be consumed in Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of Sheol, the place of the dead, as if it were a person or animal. He speaks of the decay of dead bodies as if Sheol were eating them. Alternate translation: “their bodies will decompose in the grave” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 49:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will redeem my life from the power of Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of Sheol as if it were a person who has power over those who die. From the context, it is implied that this power refers to consuming the bodies of the dead.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will redeem my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “life” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “God will redeem me”
Psalms 49:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the glory of his house increases (1)The word “glory” here refers to wealth or riches. This could mean: (1) “when he gains more wealth in his house” or (2) “when his family becomes richer.”
Psalms 49:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will take nothing away (1)Alternate translation: “he will take nothing with him to the grave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his glory will not go down after him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The phrase “go down” refers to when the man dies. Alternate translation: “his glory will not go along with him when he dies” or “he will not keep his reputation when he dies”
Psalms 49:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He blessed his soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “soul” refers to the whole person. This phrase means that he considered himself to be happy and successful because of his riches. Alternate translation: “He congratulated himself” (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 49:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will go to the generation of his fathers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
“he will go to where his fathers’ generation is.” This is a euphemism that means that the rich man will die and join his ancestors in the grave. Alternate translation: “he will join his ancestors in the grave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will never see the light again (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “they” refers to the rich man and his ancestors. The word “light” may refer to the sun or be a metaphor for life. Alternate translation: “they will never see the sun again” or “they will never live again”
Psalms 50
Psalm 050 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 50 is a wisdom psalm. It tells what pleases God. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Sacrifices
God does not need animal sacrifices; he does not eat meat or drink blood. The world and everything in it belong to God. He wants people to be thankful and to depend on him. God rejects evil people who reject his covenant. (See: INVALID bible/kt/blood and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 50:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a song that teaches people. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Mighty One, God, Yahweh (1)The author uses three different names to speak of God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “earth” refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “called all people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the rising of the sun to its setting (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This phrase refers to the directions east, where the sun rises, and west, where the sun sets. The writer uses these two extremes to represent everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “everywhere on earth”
Psalms 50:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zion, the perfection of beauty (1)This could mean: (1) “Zion, whose beauty is perfect” or (2) “Zion, the most beautiful city.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has shone (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a light that shines. This refers to God causing people to know about his glory. Alternate translation: “God’s glory shines like a light”
Psalms 50:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does not stay silent (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
The writer uses this negative statement to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: “speaks so that everyone can hear him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fire devours before him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of a fire burning things as if it were eating them. Alternate translation: “a fire burns in front of him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is very stormy around him (1)Alternate translation: “there is a great storm around him”
Psalms 50:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He calls to the heavens above and to the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) God is calling on all who live in heaven and on earth to be witnesses as he judges his people or (2) God is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses as he judges his people. (See also: Personification)
Psalms 50:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The heavens will declare (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) the writer uses the word “heavens” to refer to the angels who live there or (2) the writer speaks of “the heavens” as if they are a person who testifies about God’s righteousness. (See also: Personification)
Psalms 50:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not reprove you for your sacrifices (1)“I will reprove you, but not for your sacrifices.” God explains that their sacrifices are not the reason that he is reproving them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reprove (1)tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your burnt offerings are always before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This explains why God is not rebuking them for their sacrifices. The phrase “are always before me” refers to being in God’s presence and means that his people are always sacrificing their burnt offerings to him. Alternate translation: “you are always sacrificing burnt offerings to me”
Psalms 50:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: folds (1)areas surrounded by walls in which sheep and goats are kept
Psalms 50:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cattle on a thousand hills (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The phrase “on a thousand hills” does not represent the total number of cattle that God owns. The number is an exaggeration that emphasizes that God owns all of the cattle in the world. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “all the cattle in the world are mine” (See also: Ellipsis)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thousand hills (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 hills”
Psalms 50:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I know all the birds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “know” implies ownership. Alternate translation: “I own all the birds” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 50:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If I were hungry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This describes something that could not happen, since God does not get hungry.
Psalms 50:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not do these things and so has no need for their sacrifices. Alternate translation: “I do not eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats.”
Psalms 50:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Offer to God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here God refers to himself. Alternate translation: “Offer to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pay your vows to the Most High (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of “vows” as if they are currency which a person pays to God. Alternate translation: “fulfill your vows to the Most High” or “do what you have promised the Most High to do”
Psalms 50:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the day of trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “day” refers to any period of time. Alternate translation: “whenever you have troubles”
Psalms 50:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But to the wicked God says (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here God is still speaking and speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “But to the wicked I say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The word “wicked” refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: “to wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have taken my covenant in your mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of wicked people reciting the words of his covenant as if they are putting the covenant in their mouth. Alternate translation: “talk about my covenant”
Psalms 50:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: since you hate instruction and throw my words away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the end of the rhetorical question begun with the words “What have you to do” (Psalms 50:16). God uses this question to rebuke wicked people. This question can be turned into a statement: “It is not right for you to declare my statutes and my covenant, since you hate instruction and throw my words away.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throw my words away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of the wicked people rejecting what he says as if they were throwing away trash. Alternate translation: “reject what I say”
Psalms 50:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you agree with him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) that they approve of the thief’s actions. Alternate translation: “you approve or him” or (2) that they join the thief in their actions. Alternate translation: “you join him”
Psalms 50:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You give your mouth to evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of a person speaking evil things as if that person’s mouth is a messenger whom the person sends to do evil things. Alternate translation: “You are always saying evil things” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your tongue expresses deceit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “tongue” represents the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “you are always telling lies”
Psalms 50:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning but use different words. God accuses them of speaking falsely against members of their own family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You sit and speak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “sit and speak” against someone implies that this person deliberately thinks of bad things to say about someone. Alternate translation: “You always think of ways to speak” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 50:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you thought that I was someone just like yourself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since God had kept silent and not yet rebuked the wicked people for their actions, they thought that God approved of what they did. Alternate translation: “you thought that I was someone who acts just like you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reprove (1)tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring up & all the things you have done (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
God speaks of listing all of the evil things that they have done. Alternate translation: “list … all the things you have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right before your eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, to be “before your eyes” means that it is in a place where they can see. This means that they will not be able to deny the charges that God brings against them. Alternate translation: “right in front of you” or “so that you can not deny them”
Psalms 50:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who forget God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of the wicked rejecting him as if they have forgotten him. He speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “you who reject me” (See also: First, Second or Third Person)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will tear you to pieces (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of destroying the wicked as if he were a lion eating its prey. Alternate translation: “I will destroy you”
Psalms 50:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plans his path in the right way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of a the way a person lives as if it were a path that the person travels. Alternate translation: “lives his life the right way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will show God’s salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” God refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I will save him” (See also: First, Second or Third Person)
Psalms 51
Psalm 051 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance from sin. (See: repent, repentance and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Special concepts in this chapter
Repentance
The psalmist is truly sorry for having sinned. He repented and God forgave his sins. God wants true sorrow for having sinned, not sacrifices. (See: INVALID bible/kt/true and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned)
Author of Psalm
Scholars are divided over whether this psalm was authored by King David as is mentioned by the superscription. If nothing else, we can assume the last two verses were added later since Jerusalem is intact with well-built walls during King David’s reign.
Psalms 51:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. In this psalm David asks God for forgiveness. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when Nathan the prophet came to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly what Nathan did when he came to David, because this psalm is in response to that. Alternate translation: “when Nathan the prophet came to David and rebuked him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “because you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the sake of the multitude of your merciful actions (1)Alternate translation: “because you do so many merciful things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blot out my transgressions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Forgiving sins is spoken of as either: (1) blotting them out or (2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate translation: “forgive my sins like someone wiping something away” or “forget my sins like someone who erases a record of sins”
Psalms 51:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity & cleanse me from my sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins. Alternate translation: “Wash away all my sin” or “Forgive all my sins so that I will be acceptable to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thoroughly (1)completely, totally
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cleanse me from my sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins. Alternate translation: “Make me clean from my sin” or “forgive me for my sin so that I will be clean”
Psalms 51:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sin is always before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not being able to forget his sins is spoken of as if they were always in front of him where he can see them. Alternate translation: “I am always aware of my sins” or “I cannot forget my sins”
Psalms 51:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is evil in your sight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “sight” here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of David’s actions. Alternate translation: “what you judge to be evil” or “what you consider to be evil”
Psalms 51:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was born in iniquity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being a sinner is spoken of as being in iniquity. Alternate translation: “I was already a sinner when I was born”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as soon as my mother conceived me, I was in sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being a sinner is spoken of as being in sin. Alternate translation: “even when my mother conceived me, I was a sinner”
Psalms 51:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, you desire trustworthiness (1)The use of “See” here draw our attention to the contrast between this sentence and “See, I was born in iniquity” (verse 5). “Truly I was born in iniquity … But you desire trustworthiness”
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Quote: you desire trustworthiness in my inner self (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The inner self represents either: (1) the person’s desires or (2) the whole person. Alternate translation: “you want me to desire trustworthiness” or “you want me to be trustworthy” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 51:7
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Quote: Purify me & I will be clean & wash me & I will be whiter than snow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean or white. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins.
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Quote: Purify me with hyssop (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if God were a priest who would sprinkle water on him to make him acceptable to God. Alternate translation: “Make me acceptable by sprinkling water on me with hyssop” or “Forgive me for my sins so that I will be acceptable to you”
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Quote: hyssop (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This is a plant that the priests used to sprinkle water or blood on people or things to make them ceremonially clean, that is, acceptable to God.
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Quote: whiter than snow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Not having sin is spoken of as being white. Alternate translation: “very, very white”
Psalms 51:8
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Quote: joy and gladness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize his desire to hear joyful things.
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Quote: so that the bones that you have broken may rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Feeling terrible sadness is spoken of as if his bones were broken. Alternate translation: “for you have caused me terrible sadness in my inner being. Let me rejoice again”
Psalms 51:9
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Quote: Hide your face from my sins (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Thinking about someone’s sins is spoken of as seeing them. Forgiving or refusing to think about the sins is spoken of as choosing not to see them. Alternate translation: “Do not look at my sins” or “Do not remember my sins”
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Quote: blot out all my iniquities (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, forgiving or refusing to think about someone’s sins could mean: (1) blotting them out or (2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate translation: (1) “forgive my sins like someone wiping something away” or (2) “forget my sins like someone who erases a record of sins”
Psalms 51:10
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Quote: Create in me a clean heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the “heart” represents the feelings and desires. Being completely devoted and obedient to God is spoken of as having a clean heart. Alternate translation: “Make me completely devoted to you” or “Make me want to obey you always” (See also: Metaphor)
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Quote: renew a right spirit within me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “spirit” represents the attitude and desires of a David. Alternate translation: “make my attitude right” or “make me always want to do what is right”
Psalms 51:11
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Quote: Do not drive me away from your presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Do not force me to go away from you.” Being rejected by God is spoken of as being forced to go away from him. Alternate translation: “Do not reject me as one of your people”
Psalms 51:12
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Quote: sustain me (1)Alternate translation: “hold me up” or “assist me”
Psalms 51:13
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Quote: your ways (1)Alternate translation: “the way you want people to live” or “what you want people to do”
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Quote: transgressors & sinners (1)These two words refer to the same people here.
Psalms 51:14
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Quote: shedding blood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase refers to killing another person.
Psalms 51:15
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Quote: Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will express your praise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the person is represented by his “mouth.” Being able to talk is spoken of as the lips being open. Here not being able to speak is a symbol of being guilty of sin and not being able to make a defense. Alternate translation: “Lord, make me able to speak, and I will praise you”
Psalms 51:16
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Quote: you do not delight in sacrifice & you have no pleasure in burnt offerings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that God wants something more important than these things. Alternate translation: “A sacrifice is not enough to please you … you want something more than burn offerings”
Psalms 51:17
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Quote: The sacrifices of God (1)Alternate translation: “The sacrifices that please God”
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Quote: a broken spirit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A broken spirit represents a humble attitude. Alternate translation: “humility” or “a person who becomes humble” (See also: Metonymy)
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Quote: a broken and a contrite heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Being humble and sorry for one’s sin is spoken of as having a broken and contrite heart. The heart represents the emotions and will. Alternate translation: “sorrow and humility” or “a person who is sorry for his sin and humble”
Psalms 51:18
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Quote: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The walls of a city protect the city and the people in it. This could mean: (1) “enable us to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem” or (2) “protect Jerusalem and make it strong”
Psalms 51:19
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Quote: our people will offer bulls on your altar (1)A bull is an adult male cow. Bulls were often used as sacrificial animals, according to God’s instruction.
Psalms 52
Psalm 052 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 52 is a wisdom psalm. It teaches that God will destroy evil people. (See: wise, wisdom and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Evil people
Although the evil people feel secure with their wealth and evil deeds, God will destroy them. But people who do good are secure because God protects them. (See: INVALID bible/kt/works)
Superscription
This psalm is called “a Maschil of David.” The word “Maschil” in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 52:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
In this psalm the word “you” refers to Doeg. When Saul wanted to kill David, Doeg told Saul where David was so that Saul could find him. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
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Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
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Quote: Doeg & Ahimelech (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
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Quote: Why are you proud of making trouble, you mighty man? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question shows how angry David was at the one who made trouble. Alternate translation: “You should not be so proud of making trouble, you mighty man.”
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Quote: you mighty man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
David may have been using irony when he called Doeg this. Alternate translation: “you, who think you are so mighty”
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Quote: The covenant faithfulness of God comes every day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of God’s covenant faithfulness as if it were something that could come. David was probably referring to God’s promises to protect his people from wicked people. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective or an adverb. Alternate translation: “Every day, God is faithful to keep the promises of his covenant” or “Every day, God faithfully protects his people from wicked people like you” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 52:2
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Quote: a sharp razor (1)a sharp blade
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Quote: Your tongue plans destruction like a sharp razor, working deceitfully (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the tongue is compared to a sharp razor which is capable of causing great harm. Alternate translation: “Your tongue harms people like a sharp razor does, when you plan destruction and deceive others”
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Quote: Your tongue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “your tongue” refers to the person David is speaking to. Alternate translation: “You”
Psalms 52:3
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
David continues speaking to the “mighty man” of Psalms 5:1
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Quote: lying rather than speaking righteousness (1)Alternate translation: “you love lying more than speaking what is right”
Psalms 52:4
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Quote: words that devour others (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here words that harm others are spoken of as if they were animals that devour people. Alternate translation: “words that harm others”
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Quote: you deceitful tongue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the person the author is speaking to. Alternate translation: “you speaker of deceit” or “you liar”
Psalms 52:5
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Quote: take you up & pluck you & root you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
All three of these phrases are different ways of saying “remove you”
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Quote: root you out of the land of the living (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being alive on earth is spoken of as if people are plants with roots in the ground. God killing someone is spoken of as digging up the plant’s roots and taking it out of the ground. Alternate translation: “he will take you out the land of the living” or “He will kill you so that you will no longer be on earth with living people”
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Quote: Selah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
This may be a musical term that tells people how to sing or play their instruments here. Some translations write the Hebrew word, and some translations do not include it.
Psalms 52:6
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Quote: The righteous will also see it and fear (1)Alternate translation: “The righteous will also see God remove him and they will fear”
Psalms 52:7
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Quote: See (1)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
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Quote: did not make God his refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “refuge” represents a protector. Alternate translation: “did not make God his protector” or “did not ask God to protect him”
Psalms 52:8
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Quote: a green olive tree (1)Green olive trees are strong and secure. They do not fall over.
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Quote: I am like a green olive tree in God’s house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Being safe and secure is spoken of as being like a strong tree. Alternate translation: “I am strong in God’s house, like a green olive tree” or “Because I worship in God’s house, I am secure like a green olive tree”
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Quote: in God’s house (1)This refers to God’s temple.
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Quote: I will trust in the covenant faithfulness of God forever and ever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I will trust in God forever and ever because he is faithful to his covenant”
Psalms 52:9
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Quote: I will wait for your name, because it is good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s name represents God himself. Waiting for God represents waiting for God to help him. Alternate translation: “I will wait for you, because you are good” or “I will wait for you to help me, because you are good”
Psalms 53
Psalm 053 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 53 is a wisdom psalm. It warns people who do evil that God will judge them. (See: wise, wisdom and evil, wicked, unpleasant and judge, judgment)
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s watching mankind
God looks down from heaven and sees that all humans are evil and corrupt. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)
Superscription
This psalm is called “a Maschil of David.” The word “Maschil” in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 53:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
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Quote: set to Mahalath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
This may refer to a style of music.
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Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
Psalms 53:2
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Quote: the children of mankind (1)This refers to all people.
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Quote: who seek after him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Seeking God as a person would look for someone is spoken of as “seeking” God. This could mean: (1) wanting to know God. Alternate translation: “who want to know him” or (2) worshiping God. Alternate translation: “who worship him”
Psalms 53:3
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Quote: They have all turned away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Rejecting God and what is right is spoken of as turning away. Alternate translation: “They have all turned away from doing what is right” or “They have all rejected God”
Psalms 53:4
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Quote: Do those who commit iniquity have no understanding—those & God? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to show the shock that the writer feels because the people are so sinful. It can be written as two statements. “Those who commit iniquity act as though they do not know anything. They devour my people as if they were eating bread, and they do not call on God!”
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Quote: those who devour my people as if they were eating bread (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Destroying people is spoken of as devouring them. Doing it as if they were eating bread implies that they did it very easily or without feeling guilty about it. Alternate translation: “those who destroy my people as freely as if they were eating bread” (See also: Simile)
Psalms 53:5
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Quote: God will scatter the bones of whoever will camp against you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Scattering people’s bones represents killing them and allowing their bones to remain wherever they have died and not be buried properly. “God will completely destroy whoever will camp against you, and their bones will lie scattered on the ground”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whoever will camp against you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Camping against people represents attacking them. Enemy armies would travel and set up camps to live in temporarily near the people they wanted to attack. Alternate translation: “whoever will attack you”
Psalms 53:6
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Quote: Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The word “Oh” here introduces an exclamation that expresses a hope or prayer. Alternate translation: “I hope that the salvation of Israel will come” or “I pray that the salvation of will come”
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Quote: the salvation of Israel would come from Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The salvation represents God, the savior, whose temple is in Zion. Alternate translation: “the savior of Israel would come from Zion” or “God would come from Zion and save Israel”
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Quote: When God brings back his people from the captivity (1)Alternate translation: “When God saves his captive people”
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Quote: Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning.
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Quote: Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Jacob” refers to the descendants of Jacob, the Israelites.
Psalms 54
Psalm 054 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 54 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Rescue
Evil people want to kill David; but God has rescued him in the past and he trusts God to rescue him again. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Superscription
This psalm is called “a Maschil of David.” The word “Maschil” in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 54:1
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a prayer for help. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
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Quote: on stringed instruments (1)Alternate translation: “people should play stringed instruments with this song”
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Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1
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Quote: Ziphites (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
people from the city of Ziph in the Judean mountains, southeast of Hebron.
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Quote: Save me, God, by your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here God’s name represents his character. It may represent specifically his power or his justice. Alternate translation: “Save me, God, by your power”
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Quote: judge me in your might (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Judging David here represents showing people that David is not guilty. When God uses his might to save David, people will know that God has judged him as not guilty. Alternate translation: “In your might, show people that I am not guilty” or “Show people that I am not guilty by using your power to rescue me”
Psalms 54:2
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Quote: give ear to the words (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Giving one’s ear represents listening. Alternate translation: “listen to the words”
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Quote: the words of my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the speaker is represented by his mouth. Alternate translation: “my words” or “what I am saying to you”
Psalms 54:3
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Quote: have risen up against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Rising up against someone represents preparing to attack him or actually attacking him. Alternate translation: “have prepared to attack me” or “are attacking me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pitiless men (1)Alternate translation: “men who have no mercy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have sought after my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Seeking after someone’s life represents trying to kill him. Alternate translation: “have tried to kill me” or “want to kill me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have not set God before them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Setting God before them represents paying attention to God. Alternate translation: “they do not pay attention to God” or “they ignore God”
Psalms 54:4
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Quote: who upholds me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Defending David and keeping him safe is spoken of as upholding or supporting him. Alternate translation: “who defends me” or “who keeps me safe”
Psalms 54:5
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Quote: He will repay my enemies with evil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Punishment is spoken as if it were payment. Alternate translation: “He will do the evil to my enemies that they have done to me” or “He will cause the evil that my enemies have done to me to be done to them”
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Quote: in your faithfulness, destroy them (1)Here David changes from talking about God to talking to God. Alternate translation: “God, destroy them because you are faithful to me”
Psalms 54:6
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Quote: I will give thanks to your name, Yahweh, for it is good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh’s name represents him. Alternate translation: “I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, for you are good”
Psalms 54:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye has looked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye represents the person. Alternate translation: “I have looked”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) seeing that his enemies have been defeated. Alternate translation: “I have seen that my enemies have been defeated” or (2) defeating his enemies. Alternate translation: “I have defeated my enemies”
Psalms 55
Psalm 055 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 55 is a deliverance psalm. The psalmist is praying that God will deliver him from his enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Betrayal
The author wishes he could get far away from his enemies after his best friend betrayed him. He asks God to completely destroy his enemies. He is trusting God to save him. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and save, saved, safe, salvation)
Superscription
This psalm is called “a Maschil of David.” The word “Maschil” in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 55:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on stringed instruments (1)Alternate translation: “people should play stringed instruments with this song”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give ear to my prayer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Giving one’s ear represents listening. Alternate translation: “Listen to my prayer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not hide yourself from my plea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Refusing to pay attention to his plea is spoken of as hiding himself from it. Alternate translation: “do not ignore my plea”
Psalms 55:3
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Quote: because of the voice of my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “voice” represents what they say. Alternate translation: “because of what my enemies say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they bring trouble on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing trouble is spoken of as bringing trouble. Alternate translation: “they cause me to have great troubles” or “they do wicked things to me and so I suffer”
Psalms 55:4
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Quote: My heart trembles within me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, “heart trembles” refers to his emotional pain and suffering. This suffering is because of fear. Alternate translation: “I am suffering because I am so afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the terrors of death have fallen on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Becoming very afraid, or terrified, is spoken of as if terror is a thing that falls on a person. Alternate translation: “I am very much afraid that I will die” or “I am terrified that I will die”
Psalms 55:5
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Quote: Fearfulness and trembling have come on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Becoming fearful and trembling is spoken of as if fearfulness and trembling are things that come on a person. Alternate translation: “I have become very fearful and I tremble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: horror has overwhelmed me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Feeling horror is spoken of as if horror were a thing that can cover people. Alternate translation: “I feel terrible horror” or “I am extremely afraid”
Psalms 55:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, if only I had wings like a dove! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This exclamation expresses something the writer wishes for very much. Alternate translation: “I wish very much that I had wings like a dove”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then would I fly away (1)Alternate translation: “If I did have wings, I would fly away”
Psalms 55:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, then I would wander (1)Alternate translation: “I would do that and more: I would wander”
Psalms 55:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer finishes telling about what he had said.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tempest (1)a strong storm
Psalms 55:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Devour them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Destroying something is spoken of as eating all of it. Possible meanings are “Destroy my enemies’ plans” or “Destroy my enemies.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: confuse their language (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Language” here represents what the people were saying to each other, and probably refers specifically to them talking about plans to do evil. Confusing it represents making the people unable to understand each other. Alternate translation: “confuse them when they speak to each other” or “confuse their plans”
Psalms 55:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they go about on its walls (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“violence and strife go about on her walls” (Psalms 55:9). Violence and strife are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who cause violence and strife. Alternate translation: “people walk about on the city’s walls, being violent and fighting”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on its walls (1)“along the tops of the city walls.” Cities had thick walls around them to protect them from enemies. People could walk along the tops of the walls to see if any enemies were coming to the city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wickedness and trouble are in the middle of it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Wickedness and trouble are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who do wickedness and trouble. Alternate translation: “people do wickedness and cause trouble in the middle of the city” or “people do sinful things and cause trouble in it”
Psalms 55:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wickedness is in the middle of it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Wickedness is spoken of as if it were a person. This can be expressed by telling about the people who do wicked things. Alternate translation: “People do wicked things in the middle of the city” or “people destroy things in the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oppression and deceit do not leave its streets (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Oppression and deceit are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who oppress and deceive others. Alternate translation: “People oppress and deceive others in the city streets, and they do not leave” or “People are always oppressing and deceiving others in the city streets”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its streets (1)This may refer to the marketplaces in the city.
Psalms 55:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I could have borne it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Tolerating or enduring a rebuke is spoken of as bearing or carrying it. Alternate translation: “I could have tolerated the rebuke” or “I would not be so sad about the rebuke”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raised himself up against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being proud of oneself and insulting another is spoken of as raising oneself up against another. Alternate translation: “insulted me” or “despised me”
Psalms 55:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But it was you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
The psalmist speaks as though the person who had rebuked and taunted him were there listening to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: myself, my companion and my close friend (1)This can be divided and a new sentence begun. Alternate translation: “myself. You were my companion and my close friend”
Psalms 55:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We (1)The word “we” refers to the psalmist and his friend.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the throng (1)This could mean: (1) “together” or (2) “with the crowd.”
Psalms 55:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let death come suddenly on them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Death is spoken of as if it were a person that could attack people. Alternate translation: “Let my enemies die suddenly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them go down alive to Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Dying suddenly is spoken of as if people were to go to Sheol so fast that they do not even die first. Alternate translation: “let them suddenly go to Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wickedness is where they live (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Wickedness is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be in a certain place. The habitual wickedness of his enemies is spoken of as if wickedness were with them or near them. Alternate translation: “they always do wicked things where they live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right among them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This phrase intensifies the idea of wickedness being very near them. Here wickedness is spoken of as being not only in their homes, but right where they are. Alternate translation: “They always do wicked things wherever they are” or “wherever they are”
Psalms 55:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As for me (1)This phrase shows that the writer has stopped talking about one thing and is now about to talk about himself. Alternate translation: “But I”
Psalms 55:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: moan (1)the sound people and animals make when they are in pain
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will hear my voice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here, voice represents either: (1) the psalmist or (2) the psalmist’s complaints and moans. Alternate translation: “he will hear me” or “he will hear my moaning” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 55:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my life” represents the psalmist. Alternate translation: “me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for those who fought against me were many (1)Alternate translation: “for many people fought against me”
Psalms 55:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will hear them (1)Some versions say “will hear me.” Alternate translation: “will hear my enemies” or “will hear what my enemies say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: humiliate them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
How God will humiliate them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “will defeat and humiliate them”
Psalms 55:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has raised his hands against those (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Raising the hand against people represents attacking them. This may be a metaphor for saying things that put people in danger or cause them trouble. Alternate translation: “has attacked those” or “has betrayed those” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 55:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Someone’s “mouth” represents what he says. Alternate translation: “What my friend said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His mouth was smooth as butter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Speech that is pleasant or nice to hear is spoken of as if it were smooth and easy to swallow. Alternate translation: “What he said was pleasant like smooth butter” or “He said nice things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: was hostile (1)Alternate translation: “was mean” or “was hateful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his words (1)Alternate translation: “what he said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his words were softer than oil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People put oil on their skin to make it feel nice, and they put it on wounds to help them heal. Speech that is kind or helpful is spoken of as if it were soft or soothing. Alternate translation: “what he said was kind and soothing like oil” or “he said kind things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were actually drawn swords (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Speech that causes people trouble is spoken of as if it were swords that wound people. Alternate translation: “what he said wounded people as drawn swords do” or “what he said caused people trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: drawn swords (1)The word “drawn” here means that the swords were pulled out of their covers and ready to be used.
Psalms 55:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Place your burdens (1)Here the psalmist is speaking to other godly people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Place your burdens on Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here troubles are spoken of as if they were burdens that people have to carry. Trusting God to help us when we have troubles is spoken of as putting our burdens on him so that he can carry them for us. Alternate translation: “Give Yahweh your problems” or “Trust God to help you with all your troubles like someone who trusts a stronger person to carry his load”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will sustain you (1)Taking care of someone or helping someone when he has troubles is spoken of as supporting him. Alternate translation: “he will take care of you” or “he will help you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will never allow a righteous person to totter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who is about to be severely harmed by some sort of disaster is spoken of as if he is tottering or swaying and is about to fall down. Alternate translation: “he will not let a righteous person sway and fall down” or “he will not let a righteous person to be destroyed”
Psalms 55:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But you, God (1)The author speaks to God now.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit of destruction (1)This probably refers to the grave or hell.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will bring the wicked down into the pit of destruction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents causing people to die. Alternate translation: “will cause the wicked to die” or “will cause wicked people to die and go to the place where dead people are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bloodthirsty and deceitful men (1)Alternate translation: “people who lie and who want to kill others” or “deceitful murderers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even half as long as others (1)Alternate translation: “even half as long as other people live”
Psalms 56
Psalm 056 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 56 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Fear
Although the psalmist’s enemies are trying to harm him, he is not afraid because God is protecting him.
Superscription
The word “Michtam” is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this word but, in the end, no one is certain what it means. It is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you can simply translate it as “psalm.”
Psalms 56:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship;”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Jonath elem rehokim (1)This probably tells what musical style or tune to use when singing this psalm. Alternate translation: “Sing this psalm using the tune of ‘Jonath elem rehokim’” or “Sing this using the Jonath elem rehokim style”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jonath elem rehokim (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This may mean “Dove on Distant Oak Trees.” Translators may either write the meaning or copy the Hebrew words. (See also: Copy or Borrow Words)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A michtam (1)The meaning of the word “michtam” is uncertain. You may use the word “psalm” instead. This can be written as: “This is a psalm that David wrote.” See how you translated this in Psalms 16:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: press their assault (1)Alternate translation: “come closer and closer in order to attack me”
Psalms 56:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My enemies trample me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The enemies’ fierce attack is spoken of as if they were crushing his body by marching on it. Alternate translation: “My enemies attack me severely”
Psalms 56:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you (1)The word “you” refers to God.
Psalms 56:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what can mere man do to me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here a question is used to show that the psalmist is not afraid of people, because they cannot seriously harm him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “mere man can do nothing to me!” or “mere man cannot harm me badly!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mere man (1)“just humans” or “people.” This implies that people are not powerful, but God is powerful.
Psalms 56:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the day long (1)Alternate translation: “All the time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they twist my words (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Repeating what someone says but changing it a little so that it means something different is spoken of as twisting their words. Alternate translation: “they say that I said things than I did not say” or “they claim that I said things, but they lie”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all their thoughts are against me for evil (1)Alternate translation: “they always have evil thoughts against me” or “they always think of evil things to do to me”
Psalms 56:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they mark my steps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Watching what a person does in order to see how to cause him trouble is spoken of as watching his steps, just as someone who wants to capture a person watches where that person walks. Alternate translation: “they watch everything I do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: just as they have waited for my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Waiting to kill someone is spoken of as waiting for his life. Alternate translation: “as they wait to kill me”
Psalms 56:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let them escape doing iniquity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
What they might escape can be sued clearly. Alternate translation: “Do not let them escape your punishment for their iniquity” or “Do not let them escape when you punish them for the wicked things they do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bring down the peoples (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Defeating the enemies is spoken of as bringing them down. Alternate translation: “Defeat the peoples”
Psalms 56:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You number my wanderings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if God counted each time that the psalmist has walked in sadness and with no place to go for comfort. Alternate translation: “You care about all the times that I have been wandering alone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: put my tears into your bottle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if God saved the psalmist’s tears in a bottle. The tears represent crying. Alternate translation: “you know how much I have cried and you care about me” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are they not in your book? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if he wrote the number of the psalmist’s tears in his book. This question is used to remind God about how greatly he cares for the psalmist. Alternate translation: “you have written about them in your book!” or “you remember my cries!” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
Psalms 56:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will turn back (1)Alternate translation: “will retreat” or “will turn and run away”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God is for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that God favors him. In this context it implies that God fights against the psalmist’s enemies in order to protect him. Alternate translation: “God is fighting for me”
Psalms 56:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What can anyone do to me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here a question is used to show that the psalmist is not afraid of people, because they cannot seriously harm him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “People can do nothing to me!” or “People cannot harm me badly!”
Psalms 56:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The duty to fulfill my vows to you is on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being obligated to do something is spoken of as if the duty to do something is on a person. Alternate translation: “I must fulfill my vows to you” or “I must do what I promised you I would do”
Psalms 56:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have kept my feet from falling (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The feet here represent the person. Falling here probably represents being killed by his enemies. Alternate translation: “you have kept me from falling” or “you have kept me from being killed by my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that I may walk before God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Living and being seen by God is spoken of as walking before God. Alternate translation: “so that I may live in God’s presence”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the light of the living (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the light of the living” probably represents God’s enabling people to live. Alternate translation: “with the life that you give” or “because you enable me to live”
Psalms 57
Psalm 057 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 57 is a psalm of deliverance. It praises God for the many times he has delivered David. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Fear
Since God is protecting the psalmist, he has nothing to fear from his enemies.
Superscription
The word “Michtam” is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this word but, in the end, no one is certain what it means. It is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you can simply translate it as “psalm.”
Psalms 57:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Al Tashheth (1)This probably tells what musical style or tune to use when singing the psalm. Alternate translation: “sing this psalm using the tune of ‘Al Tashheth’” or “sing this using the Al Tashheth style”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Al Tashheth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This means “Do Not Destroy.” Translators may either write the meaning or copy the Hebrew words. (See also: Copy or Borrow Words)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A michtam (1)The meaning of the word “michtam” is uncertain. You may use the word “psalm” instead. This can be written as: “This is a psalm that David wrote.” See how you translated this in Psalms 16:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I take refuge in you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “I go to you for protection”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I stay under your wings for protection (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of God as if he were a mother bird that protects its babies by huddling them under its wings. Alternate translation: “I trust you to protect me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until this destruction is over (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destructive.” Alternate translation: “until this destructive storm is over” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 57:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who does all things for me (1)This explains why he will cry out to God. It can be translated with “because.” Alternate translation: “because he does all things for me”
Psalms 57:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who crush me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The enemies’ fierce attack is spoken of as if they were crushing his body by marching on it. Alternate translation: “those who attack me severely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will send me his loving kindness and his faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s being kind and faithful is spoken of as if he were sending his kindness and faithful. The abstract nouns “kindness” and “faithfulness” can be stated as “kind” and “trustworthy.” Alternate translation: “God will be kind to me and trustworthy” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 57:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My life is among lions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of his enemies as if they were lions. Alternate translation: “I live among fierce enemies” or “Fierce enemies surround me like lions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are ready to devour me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Destroying is spoken of as devouring or eating something up. Some versions understand the Hebrew text to mean “fiery beasts.” Both images speak of his enemies as if they were wild beasts. Alternate translation: “those who are ready to destroy me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: people whose teeth are spears and arrows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The enemies’ spears and arrows are spoken of as if they were lions’ teeth. The psalmist continues to speak of his enemies as if they were lions. Alternate translation: “people who kill others with spears and arrows as lions kill with their sharp teeth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spears and arrows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Since both of these terms are weapons, if your culture knows only one, it is acceptable to use it alone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose tongues are sharp swords (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The tongue represents what someone says, and the enemies’ cruel words are spoken of as if they were swords. Alternate translation: “whose cruel words are like sharp swords” or “who cause terrible trouble for me by what they say”
Psalms 57:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be exalted, God, above the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist is asking God to show that he is exalted. Being exalted above the heavens represents being great. Alternate translation: “God, show that you are exalted above the heavens” or “God, show that you are great in the heavens”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your glory be above all the earth (1)The psalmist is asking God to show his glory. Alternate translation: “show your glory over all the earth”
Psalms 57:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They spread out a net for my feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
His enemies’ plans to capture him are spoken of as if they had spread out a net on the ground to trap him. Alternate translation: “It is as though my enemies have spread a net out to trap me” or “They planned to capture me like people who spread out a net to trap an animal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They dug a pit in front of me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
His enemies’ plans to capture him are spoken of as if they had dug a pit for him to fall into. Alternate translation: “It is as though they dug a pit for me to fall into” or “They planned to capture me like people who dig a hole in the ground to trap an animal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They themselves have fallen into the middle of it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The harm that came to his enemies when they tried to capture him is spoken of as if they fell into the trap that they had made for him. Alternate translation: “They themselves fell into the pit they had dug for me” or “But they themselves were hurt by what they planned to do to me”
Psalms 57:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart is fixed, God, my heart is fixed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Being confident is spoken of as one’s heart being firm rather than shaken or easily moved. The phrase is repeated to show that he has complete confidence in God and will not change. Alternate translation: “I am completely confident in you, God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will sing praises (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Who he will sing to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will sing praises to you, God”
Psalms 57:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wake up, my honored heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly that the purpose of waking up is to sing praises to God. Waking up may be a metaphor for starting or preparing to do something. The heart represents the psalmist or his emotions. Alternate translation: “Wake up, my honored heart, to sing praises to God” or “I will prepare my honored heart to sing praises to God” or “I am honored to wake up and sing praises to God” (See also: Metaphor and Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wake up, lute and harp (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly that the purpose of waking up is to sing praises to God. The psalmist speaks as though the lute and harp were people who could wake up to sing praises to God. Alternate translation: “Wake up, lute and harp, and sing praises to God” or “I will play the lute and harp while I sing praises to God” (See also: Personification and Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will wake up the dawn (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The dawn is spoken of as if it were alive, and getting up before dawn happens is spoken of as waking it up. The purpose of getting up before dawn is to praise God. Alternate translation: “I will get up before dawn” or “I will get up before the sun rises” (See also: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 57:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For great is your unfailing love, reaching to the heavens & your faithfulness to the clouds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are very similar in meaning. The greatness of God’s unfailing love and the greatness of his faithfulness are spoken of as if they could be measured in distance. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For great is your unfailing love, reaching to the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The greatness of God’s unfailing love is spoken of as if it could be measured in distance. Alternate translation: “Your unfailing love is as great as the distance from the earth to the heavens”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your faithfulness to the clouds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “great is your” and “reaching” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “great is your faithfulness, reaching to the clouds” or “your faithfulness is as great as the distance from the earth to the clouds” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 57:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be exalted, God, above the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist is asking God to show that he is exalted. Being exalted above the heavens represents being great. Alternate translation: “God, show that you are exalted above the heavens” or “God, show that you are great in the heavens”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may your glory be exalted over all the earth (1)The psalmist is asking God to show his glory. Alternate translation: “show your glory over all the earth”
Psalms 58
Psalm 058 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 58 is a deliverance psalm. It asks God for deliverance from the unjust rulers. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)
Special concepts in this chapter
Deliverance
Although the leaders are very evil and unfair, God can deliver his people from their oppression. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant and INVALID bible/other/oppress)
Superscription
The word “Michtam” is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this word but, in the end, no one is certain what it means. It is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you can simply translate it as “psalm.”
Psalms 58:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a song about wicked people. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Al Tashheth (1)This probably tells what musical style or tune to use when singing the psalm. See how you translated this in Psalms 57:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you rulers speak righteousness? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author uses this question to rebuke the rulers because they do not speak righteously. Alternate translation: “You rulers do not say what is right!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you judge uprightly, you people? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author uses this question to rebuke the judges who do not judge uprightly. Alternate translation: “You people never judge people uprightly!”
Psalms 58:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you & your (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The words “you” and “your” refer to the mighty men who are judges (Psalm 58:1) and so is plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No (1)The author answers the two questions he had just asked.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you commit wickedness in your heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The heart refers to the people’s thoughts or plans. Alternate translation: “you commit wickedness in your thoughts” or “you think about doing wicked things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you distribute violence throughout the land with your hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Doing violence in various places throughout the land is spoken of as distributing or spreading the violence throughout the land, as if violence were some kind of stuff or things. Alternate translation: “you yourselves do violent deeds everywhere in the land”
Psalms 58:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wicked go astray even when they are in the womb & they go astray from birth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This is the same idea expressed in two different ways.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they go astray (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Doing wrong things is spoken of as if people are walking on a road, and they turn off and go the wrong way. Alternate translation: “they do wrong things”
Psalms 58:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their poison is like a snake’s poison (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wicked things people say are spoken of as if they were poison. Alternate translation: “Their wicked words cause trouble as a snake’s poison harms people” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are like a deaf adder that stops up its ears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Wicked people who do not listen to advice or rebukes are spoken of as if they were snakes that do not respond to a charmer’s music. Alternate translation: “they refuse to listen like a deaf adder that stops up its ears”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a deaf adder that stops up its ears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
An adder that does not respond to a charmer’s music is spoken of as if it could put something in its ears so that it will not hear. Alternate translation: “an adder that does not listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: adder (1)a kind of poisonous snake
Psalms 58:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: charmers (1)people who play or sing music in order to control snakes
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no matter how skillful they are (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
What the snake charmers were skillful at can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “no matter how skillful the charmers are at controlling snakes”
Psalms 58:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The author lists things that he would like God to do to wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Break their teeth & break out the great teeth of the young lions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
In both of these phrases, the wicked people are spoken of as if they were lions, and making them powerless to kill people is spoken of as breaking their teeth. Alternate translation: “Take away their power to kill. Make them powerless like young lions whose teeth have been broken and fallen out” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 58:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them melt away as water that runs off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wicked people are spoken of as if they were ice or water. No longer existing is spoken of as melting or draining away into the dry ground. Alternate translation: “Make them disappear like water that runs off” or “Make them vanish like ice that melts and drains into the ground” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them be as though they had no points (1)Alternate translation: “let their arrows be as though they had no points”
Psalms 58:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be like a snail that melts and passes away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
No longer existing is spoken of as melting and disappearing. Alternate translation: “Let the wicked vanish like a snail that melts and no longer exists”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: snail (1)small animal that the Israelites considered unclean and that looks like it is melting as it moves by sliding over slime it has produced
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like the untimely-born child of a woman that never sees the sunlight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Not existing is spoken of as being like a baby that is born dead. Alternate translation: “like a baby who is born too early too live and see the sunlight” or “like a baby that was born dead”
Psalms 58:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Before your pots can feel the thorn’s burning heat & the green thorns and the burning thorns alike (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wicked are spoken of as if they were thornbush branches, and God’s swift punishment of them is spoken of as if he were to quickly blow them away or sweep them away. Alternate translation: “God will destroy wicked people faster than a whirlwind can blow away thornbush branches that have been put under a cooking pot and lit with fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
David is speaking to God’s people, so this is plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the thorn’s burning heat & the green thorns and the burning thorns (1)Alternate translation: “the heat from the burning thorn branches … the green thorn branches and the burning thorn branches”
Psalms 58:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The righteous will rejoice when he sees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The phrase “the righteous” refers to righteous people in general. Alternate translation: “Righteous people will rejoice when they see”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Getting one’s feet wet by walking on blood is spoken of as washing the feet in blood. Alternate translation: “the righteous will make their feet wet in the blood of the wicked” or “the righteous will march on the blood of the wicked”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This exaggeration expresses that a great number of wicked people will die. Alternate translation: “so many wicked people will die that when the righteous march on their blood, it will seem as if they could wash their feet in it” (See also: Hyperbole)
Psalms 59
Psalm 059 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 59 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Protection
The author prays for God to defeat his enemies. God is his protector. Therefore, he will praise God.
Superscription
The word “Michtam” is used in the superscription for this psalm. There is much discussion about this word but, in the end, no one is certain what it means. It is easiest to transliterate this word into your language, or you can simply translate it as “psalm.”
Psalms 59:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Al Tashheth (1)This probably tells what musical style or tune to use when singing the psalm. See how you translated this in Psalms 57:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A michtam (1)The meaning of the word “michtam” is uncertain. You may use the word “psalm” instead. This can be written as: “This is a psalm that David wrote.” See how you translated this in Psalms 16:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set me on high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
A high place represents a safe place where his enemies cannot reach him. Alternate translation: “put me in a safe place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rise up against me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Rising up against someone represents attacking him. Alternate translation: “attack me”
Psalms 59:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bloodthirsty men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The word “bloodthirsty” contains “blood,” which refers to murder and “thirsty,” which refers to desire. Alternate translation: “people who desire to kill” or “people who like to kill people”
Psalms 59:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they wait in ambush to take my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
David’s enemies are in hiding and are waiting quietly for the time when they can attack him.
Psalms 59:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: awake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Deciding to do something and beginning to do it is spoken of as waking up. Alternate translation: “do something” or “take action”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and see (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
What he wants God to see can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “and see what is happening to me” or “and see what they are doing to me”
Psalms 59:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: arise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Deciding to do something and beginning to do it is spoken of as getting up. Alternate translation: “do something” or “take action”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “nations” here represents the people of the nations that do not honor God. Alternate translation: “the people of all the nations”
Psalms 59:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They return at evening (1)The word “they” refers to the wicked transgressors.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they howl like dogs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist speaks of his enemies threatening to attack people as if they were dogs howling, growling, or barking at people. Alternate translation: “they threaten to attack people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: go around the city (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Why they go around the city can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “go around the city to attack anyone they find”
Psalms 59:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (1)Here the word “See” is being used to draw attention to something. Alternate translation: “Hear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they belch out with their mouths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Saying terrible things is spoken of as belching. These terrible things may have been insults or threats. Alternate translation: “they say terrible things” or “they shout out terrible words”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: belch (1)burp loudly; allow air from the stomach to come out of the mouth with a loud, rude noise
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swords are in their lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The cruel things that the wicked people were saying are spoken of as if they were swords. Alternate translation: “they say cruel things that cause people trouble as much as swords destroy people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who hears us? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to show that they believed that God would not hear and punish them. Alternate translation: “No one can hear us!” or “Your God does not hear us!”
Psalms 59:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: laugh at them (1)“laugh at them scornfully” or “mock them.” God would laugh at them because they are worthless and powerless.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you hold all the nations in derision (1)Alternate translation: “you ridicule all the nations” or “you know that the people of the nations are fools”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: derision (1)ridicule
Psalms 59:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s being the psalmist’s strength represents God protecting him. Alternate translation: “you are my strength” or “you are my protector”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are my high tower (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A high tower is a place that people could go to for shelter from their enemies. The psalmist speaks of God protecting him as if God were a strong, safe shelter. Alternate translation: “you protect me like a high tower”
Psalms 59:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My God will meet me with his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase implies that God will come to him in order to save him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “My God, who is faithful to his covenant, will come to save me” or “My God will come to save me because he is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my desire on my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desire, you could express the same idea with the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “what I want to happen to my enemies”
Psalms 59:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Scatter them (1)Alternate translation: “Cause them to wander around”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s protecting the righteous is spoken of as if God were a shield. Alternate translation: “our protector” or “the one who protects us like a shield”
Psalms 59:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The mouths and lips represent the things people say. Alternate translation: “Because they sin by what they say” or “Because of the sinful things they say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them be captured in their pride (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let people capture them because of their pride”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that they express (1)Alternate translation: “that they say”
Psalms 59:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Consume them in wrath, consume them so that they will be no more (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Destroying them completely is spoken of either as burning them up or eating them. Alternate translation: “Be angry with them and destroy them completely so there will be no more of them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Jacob here refers to Israel. Alternate translation: “in Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“to even the most distance places on earth.” This represents all places on earth. Alternate translation: “everywhere on earth”
Psalms 59:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: howling like dogs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist speaks of his enemies threatening to attack people as if they were dogs howling, growling, or barking at people. Alternate translation: “threatening to attack us” or “threatening to attack us like wild dogs”
Psalms 59:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: satisfied (1)content, having everything they want
Psalms 59:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have been my high tower and a refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
High towers and refuges are places that people can go to for shelter from their enemies. The psalmist speaks of God protecting him as if God were a strong, safe shelter. Alternate translation: “you have protected me like a high tower and a refuge”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the day of my distress (1)Alternate translation: “whenever I have had troubles”
Psalms 59:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: To you, my strength, I will sing praises (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-sentences
“To you, my strength” can be combined as one clause. Alternate translation: “You are my strength, so I will sing praises to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s being the psalmist’s strength represents God protecting him. Alternate translation: “my protector”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for God is my high tower (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
High towers are places that people can go to for shelter from their enemies. The psalmist speaks of God protecting him as if God were a strong, safe shelter. Alternate translation: “you have protected me like a high tower”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. This can be expressed in a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “He is the God who is faithful to his covenant”
Psalms 60
Psalm 060 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 60 is a psalm of war.
Special concepts in this chapter
Protection
God has preserved the land of Israel, and now he will give them victory over the countries of Moab and Edom.
Psalms 60:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Shushan Eduth (1)This probably tells what tune or musical style to use when singing the psalm. Alternate translation: “sing this psalm using the tune of ‘Shushan Eduth’” or “sing this using the Shushan Eduth style”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shushan Eduth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This means “Lily of the Promise.” Translators may either write the meaning or copy the Hebrew words. (See also: Copy or Borrow Words)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A michtam (1)The meaning of the word “michtam” is uncertain. You may use the word “psalm” instead. This can be written as: “This is a psalm that David wrote.” See how you translated this in Psalms 16:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Aram Naharaim & Aram Zobah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
“Aram of the two rivers … the Aramean nation of Zobah.” These are places.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joab (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to Joab and the army that he led. Alternate translation: “Joab and his army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twelve thousand Edomites (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12,000 Edomites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have cast us off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s rejecting people is spoken of as if he had thrown them away. Alternate translation: “you have rejected us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have broken through our defenses (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s allowing Israel’s enemies to break through their defenses is spoken of as God himself had done it. Alternate translation: “you have allowed our enemies to break through our defenses”
Psalms 60:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The psalmist continues speaking to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have made the land tremble; you have torn it apart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the disaster in his country as if it were an earthquake.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heal its fissures (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Making the people strong again is spoken of as repairing the fissures in the ground or walls.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fissures (1)large cracks in the ground or walls
Psalms 60:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have made your people see difficult things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “see” represents “experience” or “suffer.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: drink the wine of staggering (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being helpless is spoken of as staggering around, barely able to stand upright. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word staggering, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the wine that makes us stagger” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 60:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have set up a banner (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s guiding his people in battle is spoken of as if God were a human king or commander who had set up a banner for the army. Alternate translation: “you are like a king who sets up a banner” or “you command us in battle like a king who raises up a banner”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: banner (1)“battle flag.” This is a flag that a king or commander would raise up on a pole to show that the army should gather.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be displayed against those who carry the bow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated with an active clause. However some versions have different interpretations of this phrase. Alternate translation: “to display against those who carry the bow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be displayed against those who carry the bow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “those who carry the bow” refers to the enemy soldiers in battle. Alternate translation: “to display when he takes his army into battle against your enemies”
Psalms 60:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: “by your power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: answer me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Answering here represents responding to his request. Alternate translation: “respond to my request” or “answer my prayer”
Psalms 60:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ephraim also is my helmet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of the tribe of Ephraim as if it were his army. The helmet symbolizes equipment for war. Alternate translation: “Ephraim is like a helmet I have chosen” or “the tribe of Ephraim is my army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: helmet (1)a hard hat that soldiers wear to protect their heads from injury
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah is my scepter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God chose men from the tribe of Judah to be the kings of his people, and he speaks of that tribe as if it were his scepter. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Judah is like my scepter” or “Judah is the tribe through whom I rule my people”
Psalms 60:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Moab is my washbasin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of Moab being unimportant as if Moab were a washbasin or a lowly servant. Alternate translation: “Moab is like a bowl that I use for washing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over Edom I will throw my shoe (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God was probably speaking of taking ownership of Edom as if he were symbolically throwing his shoe onto that land to show that he owns it. However some versions have other interpretations. Alternate translation: “I take ownership of the land of Edom” or “I throw my shoe onto the land of Edom to show that it is mine” (See also: Symbolic Action)
Psalms 60:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But you, God, have you not rejected us? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The psalmist uses this question to express his sadness that it seems that God has rejected them. Alternate translation: “But God, it seems like you have rejected us.” or “God, you seem to have abandoned us.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You do not go into battle with our army (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army as if God were to go and fight with them. Alternate translation: “you do not help our army when we go into battle”
Psalms 60:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is futile (1)Alternate translation: “is worthless”
Psalms 60:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will triumph (1)Alternate translation: “will defeat our enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will trample down our enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army defeat their enemies as if God were to trample down the enemies. Alternate translation: “he will enable us to trample down our enemies” or “he will make us able to defeat our enemies”
Psalms 61
Psalm 061 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 61 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Vow
The author has vowed to praise God every day of his life because God has blessed him. (See: INVALID bible/kt/vow and bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 61:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This is a song about God’s faithfulness. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on a stringed instrument (1)Alternate translation: “people should play a stringed instrument with this song”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear my cry, God; attend to my prayer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These clauses have a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “God, listen to me and answer my prayer”
Psalms 61:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the writer speaks of God as if he were a high rock that he could climb for protection.
Psalms 61:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge under the shelter of your wings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Here there is a second metaphor that speaks of Yahweh’s protection as if he was a hen protecting her baby chicks under her wings. Alternate translation: “go to you for protection as a chick is safe under the wings of its mother”
Psalms 61:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have given me the inheritance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s blessings as if they were an inheritance that he has received. Alternate translation: “you have given to me the blessings”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who honor your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your name” means God himself. Alternate translation: “who honor you” or “who have an awesome respect for you”
Psalms 61:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will prolong & many generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses have similar meanings. The idea is repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will prolong the king’s life (1)Alternate translation: “You will extend the king’s life” or “You will cause the king’s life to last a long time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his years will be like many generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “years” refers to how long the king will live. Alternate translation: “he will live for many generations”
Psalms 61:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will remain before God forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “to remain before God” means to be in God’s presence or to be with God. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “God will be with him forever” or “God will be with the king forever”
Psalms 61:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will sing praise to your name forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” stands for God himself. Alternate translation: “I will always sing praise to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my vows (1)These refer to the promise to offer sacrifices to God every day.
Psalms 62
Psalm 062 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 62 is a psalm of deliverance. It expresses trust that God will save the psalmist from his enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and save, saved, safe, salvation)
Special concepts in this chapter
Trust
Although the psalmist’s enemies have attacked him when he was feeling weak, he trusts in God to deliver him. God is powerful and kind.
Psalms 62:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a song about God’s faithfulness. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeduthun (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
One of David’s chief musicians had this same name. This may refer to him. See how you translated this in Psalms 39:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my salvation comes from him (1)Alternate translation: “he is the one who rescues me” or “he is the one who saves me”
Psalms 62:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He alone is my rock and my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s ability to protect him as if God were a rock. Alternate translation: “He is the only one who can protect and rescue me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is my high tower (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s ability to protect him as if God were a high tower. Alternate translation: “he keeps me away from the grasp of my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not be greatly moved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing can ever move me”
Psalms 62:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all of you (1)Alternate translation: “my enemies” or “all my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long & will you attack a man & or a shaky fence? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
David uses a rhetorical question to express his frustration. No answer is expected. Alternate translation: “It seems like my enemies will never stop attacking me. I feel that I am as weak against you as a leaning wall or a broken-down fence.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: attack a man (1)Alternate translation: “attack me”
Psalms 62:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They consult with him only to (1)Alternate translation: “They intend to” or “They plan to”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: consult with him & bring him & bless him & curse him (1)In these verses, David is referring to himself by “him.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with their mouths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to their speech or their words.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to their thoughts.
Psalms 62:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hope is set on him (1)Alternate translation: “for I place my hope in him”
Psalms 62:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my high tower (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock and a high tower. Both of these metaphors show how God provides protection from one’s enemies. Here “salvation” means that God rescues the writer. See how you translated this in Psalms 62:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not be moved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing can move me”
Psalms 62:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the rock of my strength and my refuge are in God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock that keeps one safe from his enemies. He also speaks of God as if he were a shelter that provides protection. Alternate translation: “God always gives me strength and protection”
Psalms 62:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pour out your heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to telling God your inner feelings as if you were pouring out a liquid. Alternate translation: “give your deepest concerns to God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: refuge for us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “us” refers to David and the people he is speaking to.
Psalms 62:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: men of low standing & men of high standing are a lie (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This refers to men of all levels of wealth and importance. The phrases “are vanity” and “are a lie” have the same meaning. One cannot confidently trust in anyone. Alternate translation: “you cannot place your trust in men, no matter how important they are” (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: weighed together, they are lighter than nothing (1)If you put all of these kinds of men together on a scale, they would have no weight. This means that they have no real value to you.
Psalms 62:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oppression or robbery (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words have basically the same meaning. You cannot trust in money that you get by taking it from other people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for they will bear no fruit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of riches as if they were trees or vines that could bear fruit. Alternate translation: “for they will provide nothing good for you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not fix your heart on them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “fix your heart” is an idiom that means to desire something greatly. Alternate translation: “do not desire them”
Psalms 62:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has spoken once, twice have I heard this (1)This means that God has said this more than once.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: power belongs to God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God being characterized by power is spoken of as if power belonged to him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word power, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “God is powerful” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 62:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Also to you, Lord, belongs covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God being characterized by covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if covenant faithfulness belonged to him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “You, Lord, are also faithful to your covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for you pay back every person for what he has done (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s rewards as if he were paying a wage for work.
Psalms 63
Psalm 063 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 63 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
The author praises God for who he is and for having protected him.
Psalms 63:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: earnestly (1)sincerely
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul thirsts for you, and my flesh longs for you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize how greatly the writer desires to be with God. Alternate translation: “my whole being greatly desires to be with you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dry and weary land (1)Alternate translation: “hot, dry desert”
Psalms 63:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because your covenant faithfulness is better than life, my lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adverb and If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I value you being faithful to your covenant more than I value living, so my lips”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my lips will praise you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my lips” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will praise you”
Psalms 63:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will lift up my hands in your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “in your name” means “to you.” Alternate translation: “I will worship you and pray to you”
Psalms 63:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will be as if I ate a meal of marrow and fatness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the writer speaks of knowing and worshiping God as being more satisfying than eating a good meal. Alternate translation: “I will be happier than a person who eats a meal of fat and choice food”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with joyful lips my mouth will praise you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “with joyful lips my mouth” represents the whole person who will praise God joyfully. Alternate translation: “I will praise you joyfully”
Psalms 63:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I think about you on my bed & in the night hours (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses have the same meaning. The ideas are repeated to emphasize how much the writer thinks about God.
Psalms 63:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the shadow of your wings I rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were a bird protecting its young under his wings. Alternate translation: “I rejoice because you protect me”
Psalms 63:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I cling to you (1)Alternate translation: “I need you” or “I depend on you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your right hand supports me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the right hand is used as a symbol of strength and power. Alternate translation: “you support me” or “you lift me up”
Psalms 63:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will go down into the lowest parts of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means they will die and go to the place of the dead. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “will die and descend into the place of the dead” or “will die and go down into the place of the dead”
Psalms 63:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be given over to those whose hands use the sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the sword” represents death in battle, and “those whose hands use the sword” refers to enemies who kill them in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will cause them to die in battle” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will become food for the jackals (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “they” refers to the corpses of those who die in battle. Alternate translation: “jackals will eat their dead bodies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the jackals (1)“jackals” here are a kind of long-legged wild dog. They feed on carrion, game, and fruit.
Psalms 63:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king will (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David is speaking about himself. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “I, the king of Israel, will”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swears by him & proud of him (1)The word “him” refers to “God.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but the mouth of those who speak lies will be stopped up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “the mouth” represents the whole person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but God will silence the liars” or “but God will silence those who lie” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 64
Psalm 064 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 64 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Plotting of enemies
The author’s enemies have plotted against him but God has saved him. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 64:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a prayer for help. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: preserve (1)save
Psalms 64:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hide me from the secret plotting of evildoers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Hide” represents protecting, and “the secret plotting of evildoers represents” represents the harm that evildoers secretly plan to do to David. Alternate translation: “Protect me from the harm that evil doers secretly plan to do to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the commotion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “hide me” are understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “hide me from the commotion” or “protect me from the commotion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the commotion of the doers of iniquity (1)Here, commotion could mean: (1) a noisy disturbance. Alternate translation: “the noisy disturbance that the doers of iniquity make” or (2) a crowd that makes a noisy disturbance. Alternate translation: “the noisy crowd of doers of iniquity”
Psalms 64:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have sharpened their tongues like swords (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks of his enemies’ tongues as if they were as sharp as swords. Here “tongues” represents the harsh words that the enemies speak. Alternate translation: “The harsh things that they say hurt me like a sharp sword” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: arrows, bitter words (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his enemies’ bitter words as if they were arrows being shot at him. Alternate translation: “bitter words which pierce me like arrows”
Psalms 64:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who will see us? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The evildoers do not expect an answer to their question because they think no one will see them. Alternate translation: “No one will see what we are doing”
Psalms 64:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The inner thoughts and hearts of man are deep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of man’s “inner thoughts” and “hearts of man” as if they were a deep body of water that no one can explore all the way to the bottom.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: inner thoughts & hearts of man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these phrases refer to man’s private or inner thoughts.
Psalms 64:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But God will shoot them & with his arrows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s punishment of the evildoers as if God were shooting arrows at them.
Psalms 64:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will be made to stumble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s causing the evildoers’ plans to fail as if God were making them stumble in their paths. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will make them stumble” or “God will cause their plans to fail” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: since their own tongues are against them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “tongues” represents the words that they say. Alternate translation: “since the words that they say are against them”
Psalms 64:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what he has done (1)Alternate translation: “what God has done”
Psalms 64:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take refuge in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to him for protection”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the upright in heart will take pride in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “upright in heart” is an idiom that means godly or righteous. Alternate translation: “all the people who are godly will praise him”
Psalms 65
Psalm 065 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 65 is a psalm of praise to God.
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s power
God answered prayers and gave the people justice and hope. God created nature and controls it, sending rain so the grain and pastures grow well.
Psalms 65:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a song of praise. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For you, God in Zion, our praise waits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of praise as if it were a person who could act on its own. Alternate translation: “To you alone, God in Zion, we will offer our praise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our vows will be carried out to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we will do what we have promised you that we would do”
Psalms 65:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Iniquities prevail against us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David speaks about iniquity as if it were a person that is able to defeat or oppress. Alternate translation: “It is as if our own sins were defeating us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will forgive them (1)The word “them” refers to our “iniquities.”
Psalms 65:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whom you choose & your courts (1)The words “you” and “your” in this verse refer to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: live in your courts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This exaggeration expresses that the man is in the temple very frequently to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “worship often in your courts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The goodness of your house, your holy temple, will satisfy us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We will be (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here the word “we” refers to David and the people of Israel, but not to God, to whom he is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your house, your holy temple (1)Alternate translation: “your house, which is your holy temple”
Psalms 65:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In righteousness (1)Alternate translation: “Because you are righteous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who are (1)Alternate translation: “you are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of all the ends of the earth & across the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases have similar meanings. Alternate translation: “of all the people who live throughout the earth and across the sea”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of all the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people who live all over the earth.
Psalms 65:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who are belted with strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he wore his strength like a belt. Alternate translation: “showing that you are very powerful”
Psalms 65:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to create a vivid impression on the hearer or reader. Alternate translation: “the continuous roaring of the seas”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: roaring (1)a loud noise caused by the wind and waves
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the commotion of the peoples (1)This is also something that God makes quiet.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: commotion (1)loud noise
Psalms 65:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: evidence (1)proof or something that shows that another thing is true
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you make the east and the west rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “the east and the west” refers to the people who live all over the earth. Alternate translation: “you cause people everywhere to shout joyfully” (See also: Merism)
Psalms 65:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: help the earth (1)This refers to the soil of the earth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you greatly enrich it (1)Alternate translation: “you make the soil very good so that good things will grow in it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the river of God is full of water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the supply of water in the sky that God sends to water the earth and fill the streams. Alternate translation: “you fill the streams with water”
Psalms 65:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You & you & you & you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The writer is speaking to Yahweh, so these words are all singular.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its furrows (1)Alternate translation: “the earth’s furrows”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: furrows (1)A furrow is a long narrow trench made in the ground for planting seeds or for watering the field where grains have been planted.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ridges (1)edges
Psalms 65:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You & your (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The words “You” and “your” refer to Yahweh and so are singular.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You crown the year with your goodness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the “year” is given the human quality of wearing a crown. Alternate translation: “You have honored the year with a good harvest”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your wagon tracks overflow with abundance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh making the soil so good and fertile that it produces an abundant harvest is spoken of as if Yahweh were traveling through an empty land in a cart, leaving abundant food behind wherever he goes. Alternate translation: “everywhere you have been, you have left abundant food”
Psalms 65:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The pastures & drip with dew (1)There is so much dew in the pastures that they are said to drip with it. Alternate translation: “The pastures … are full of dew” or “Much dew drips in the pastures of the wilderness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hills are clothed with joy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the beauty of the hills as if they were joyful people, and of joy as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “the hills are like people wearing joy” or “the hills are like joyful people” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 65:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The pastures are clothed with flocks (1)The writer speaks of the pastures as being so covered with flocks that it is like the pastures are wearing a garment.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pastures (1)a large field where animals feed on the grass
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flocks (1)group of animals, such as sheep and goats
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they shout for joy, and they sing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The pastures, hills and valleys are so bountiful, that they seem to shout and sing for joy. Alternate translation: “they are like joyful singing people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they shout (1)The word “they” refers to the pastures and valleys.
Psalms 66
Psalm 066 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 66 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh saves
Just as God brought Israel through the wilderness, he took the author through hard times but saved him. The author will worship God by sacrificing animals to him. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 66:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a song of praise. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
A “joyful noise to God” represents singing and shouting praises to God. Alternate translation: “Let all the earth sing and shout joyfully to God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to all the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “everyone on earth”
Psalms 66:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sing out the glory of his name; make his praise glorious (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases have similar meanings and are used together to emphasize how wonderful God is. Alternate translation: “Sing about how wonderful God’s name is; sing wonderful praise about how great God is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the glory of his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s name here represents God himself. Alternate translation: “his glory”
Psalms 66:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How terrifying are your deeds (1)The works of God cause us to be in awe and terrified because we know he is powerful and holy.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By the greatness of your power (1)Alternate translation: “Because you have great power”
Psalms 66:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the earth will worship you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to all of the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “All the people on earth will worship you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will sing to your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your name” refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “they will praise and honor you”
Psalms 66:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he & his (1)These words refer to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is fearsome in his deeds toward the sons of mankind (1)Alternate translation: “he causes people to feel fear and wonder when they see his deeds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sons of mankind (1)Alternate translation: “humanity”
Psalms 66:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He & him (1)These words refer to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the crossing of the Red Sea.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they went (1)The word “they” refers to God’s people, the Israelites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we rejoiced (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “we” refers to the Israelites, their ancestors, David, and the people he is speaking to.
Psalms 66:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He & his (1)These words refer to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
These phrase “his eyes” refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “he sees”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let not the rebellious exalt themselves (1)Alternate translation: “let not the rebellious people exalt themselves” or “let not the rebellious people be proud”
Psalms 66:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give blessing to God & let the sound of his praise be heard (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses have similar meanings. The idea is repeated to emphasize the importance of praising God.
Psalms 66:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: us & our (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
These words refer to David and the people he is speaking to.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he does not permit our feet to slip (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s protection as preventing his people from slipping as they walk or falling off a cliff. Alternate translation: “he has not allowed us to fall into disaster”
Psalms 66:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You brought us into a net (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s punishment as if God had captured his people in a net.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a net (1)a trap for a bird or an animal
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you laid a heavy burden on our backs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of what the people have endured as having to carry heavy loads on their backs.
Psalms 66:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You made people ride over our heads (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a picture of being horribly defeated in battle. Alternate translation: “It is as if our enemies defeated us in battle and then drove their chariots over our fallen bodies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: went through fire and water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God tested them with natural disasters like fires and floods. Alternate translation: “we suffered like people who suffer from fires and floods” (See also: Merism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spacious place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the blessings that the people of Israel now have as if they had been brought into a wide open space where they are safe. Alternate translation: “open place where we are safe”
Psalms 66:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which my lips promised and my mouth spoke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “lips” and “mouth” refer to the words of promise that were spoken. Alternate translation: “which I promised”
Psalms 66:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: aroma of rams (1)Alternate translation: “smell of the smoke of sacrificed rams”
Psalms 66:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will declare what he has done for my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “soul” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will tell you what he has done for me”
Psalms 66:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I cried to him with my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “mouth” represents the whole person who cries out to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he was praised with my tongue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here “tongue” represents words or speech. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I praised him with my tongue” or “I praised him” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 66:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seen sin (1)Alternate translation: “loved sin” or “held iniquity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would not have listened to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “would not have listened” implies that God would not have answered his prayer. This can be made clear in the translation. Alternate translation: “would not have heard me call out to him” or “he would not have answered my prayer”
Psalms 66:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But God has truly heard; he has paid attention (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two clauses have similar meanings and are used together to emphasize that God has heard his prayer. Alternate translation: “But God has truly heard my prayer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the voice of my prayer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the author’s prayer is given the personal quality of having a voice. Alternate translation: “my prayer”
Psalms 66:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who has not turned away my prayer (1)Here “turned away’ represents ignoring his prayer. Alternate translation: “who has not ignored my prayer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or his covenant faithfulness from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “has not turned away” is understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated here. The idea of “his covenant faithfulness” can be translated with the phrase “being faithful to his covenant.” Alternate translation: “and has not turned away his covenant faithfulness from me” or “and has not stopped being faithful to his covenant with me” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 67
Psalm 067 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 67 is a worship psalm.
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
People all over the world should be praising God.
Psalms 67:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on stringed instruments (1)Alternate translation: “people should play stringed instruments with this song”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cause his face to shine on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on them. Alternate translation: “act favorably towards us”
Psalms 67:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your ways may be known on earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people may know your ways on earth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your salvation among all nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The writer desires for everyone to know that God has the power to save them. This can be made clear in the translation. Alternate translation: “and the people of all nations may know that you have the power to save them” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 67:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the nations & govern the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people who live in all the nations on the earth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with justice (1)Alternate translation: “fairly” or “justly”
Psalms 67:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the peoples praise you & let all the peoples praise you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The second clause intensifies the meaning of the first to emphasize how important it is to praise God.
Psalms 67:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The earth has yielded its harvest (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the writer speaks of “the earth” as if it has chosen to provide a harvest to the people. Alternate translation: “We have reaped a bountiful harvest from our crops”
Psalms 67:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the ends of the earth honor him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that people everywhere should honor God because of his blessings. Alternate translation: “I desire that all people everywhere on the earth may have an awesome respect for him”
Psalms 68
Psalm 068 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 68 is a worship psalm.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s greatness
God is exceedingly great. He takes care of the weak and helpless. He is glorious in his temple. (See: glory, glorious, glorify and temple, house, house of God)
No Common Theme
Scholars have found this psalm the most difficult to interpret. There does not appear to be any unity to this psalm.
Psalms 68:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let God arise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God beginning to act is spoke of as if he stands up. Alternate translation: “Let God begin to act”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let his enemies be scattered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let God chase away his enemies”
Psalms 68:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As smoke is driven away, so drive them away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s enemies are spoken of as if they are smoke that is easily blown away by the wind. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Drive them away as the wind blows away smoke” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as wax melts before the fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s enemies are spoken of as if they are wax that is easily melted by a fire. Alternate translation: “cause them to disappear as wax melts before a fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the wicked people in general.
Psalms 68:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the righteous people in general.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice and be happy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These means the same thing and emphasizes the amount of joy they feel.
Psalms 68:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to God. Alternate translation: “to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one who rides through the plains (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s presence among people is spoken of as if he rides on the earth in a horse or chariot.
Psalms 68:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A father of the fatherless (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as a compassionate God who acts like a father to orphans. Alternate translation: “One who acts like a father to children who have no parents”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a judge of the widows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as a merciful God who protects widows. Alternate translation: “a protector of widows”
Psalms 68:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God puts the lonely into families (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if he places lonely people into families. “God provides families for those who have no one to live with”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brings out the prisoners with singing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as the one who leads prisoners out of their confinement. Alternate translation: “God frees prisoners and makes them sing with happiness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the rebellious (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective refers to rebellious people and can be translated with either an adjective or a noun. Alternate translation: “rebellious people” or “people who rebel against him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a parched land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s punishment of the rebellious is spoken of as if he forces them to live in a hot desert land. Alternate translation: “a very hot and dry land”
Psalms 68:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
David begins to tell the story of God leading the Israelites through the desert to Mt. Sinai.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you went out & when you marched through (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases refer to the same event.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you went out before your people (1)Alternate translation: “you led your people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you marched through the wilderness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if he was a soldier marching ahead of the people of Israel.
Psalms 68:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the heavens also dropped rain & God’s presence (1)Alternate translation: “God caused it to rain”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the presence of God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This idiom here refers to God’s appearance before the Israelites. Alternate translation: “when God appeared to the Israelites”
Psalms 68:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you strengthened your inheritance when it was weary (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land of Israel is spoken of as if it was a person who could be weary, or could gain strength. Alternate translation: “you caused the land to produce good crops”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your inheritance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that God gave to the Israelites is spoken of as if it was an inheritance that a father passed on to his children. Alternate translation: “the land that you gave to us Israelites”
Psalms 68:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the poor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: “poor people”
Psalms 68:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who announced them & army (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The large number of people told the Lord’s message to others. They are spoken of as if there were a large army. Since this phrase is feminine, some versions translate it as, “the women who announced them … army.”
Psalms 68:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kings of armies flee, they flee (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The kings represent themselves and their entire armies. It is understood that they flee because they are defeated by Israel’s army. Alternate translation: “Kings and their armies flee from us because they are defeated” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (1)things that are taken from the defeated army and brought to the victorious army’s home.
Psalms 68:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: doves covered with silver & gold (1)This means that some of the plunder is very valuable because it is covered with precious metals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When some of you people stayed among the sheepfolds, why did you do this? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to rebuke the people who did not participate in the battle. Alternate translation: “Those who stayed among the sheepfolds should not have stayed; they should have gone to the battle.”
Psalms 68:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scattered kings there & snowed on Mount Zalmon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
There were so many dead kings and soldiers on the mountain that they are spoken of as if they were snow covering the mountain. Alternate translation: “defeated so many enemy kings and soldiers there that they were like snowflakes covering Mount Zalmon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scattered kings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “kings” refers to their armies as well. Alternate translation: “scattered the enemy kings and their armies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Mount Zalmon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain.
Psalms 68:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A mighty mountain is the & a high mountain is the (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrase have similar meanings and are used together to strengthen each other. Alternate translation: “a mighty and high mountain is the hill country of Bashan”
Psalms 68:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you look in envy & for the place he will live? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The high hill country of Bashan should not look in envy at the mountain which God desires for the place he will live.”
Psalms 68:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twenty thousand, thousands upon thousands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This is probably not meant to be an exact number, but to indicate a large number. Alternate translation: “many thousands”
Psalms 68:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ascended (1)To “ascend” is to move up, to go toward the sky.
Psalms 68:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daily bears our burdens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“carries our heavy loads every day.” The Lord’s care for his people is spoken of as if he was physically carrying their troubles as a burden.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God who is our salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The words “is our salvation” can be translated with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “the God who saves us”
Psalms 68:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will strike through the heads of his enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as a warrior who will kill his enemies by striking them in their heads in order to kill them. Alternate translation: “will kill his enemies by striking them in the head” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hairy scalps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It seems to have been the custom for soldiers not to cut their hair during the time of war. Alternate translation: “the long-haired skulls”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk in offenses against him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Offending God is spoken of as walking among the offenses. Alternate translation: “habitually offend him”
Psalms 68:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bring them back (1)The word “them” refers to God’s enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the depths of the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the most remote parts of the earth where people might try to escape from God as if they were the depths of the sea.
Psalms 68:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crush your enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The total destruction of Israel’s enemies is spoken of as if the Israelites had crushed them under their feet. Alternate translation: “totally defeat your enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dipping your foot in blood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The violence of from the destruction of the enemies is spoke of in very graphic form, as if the Israelites would be standing in the blood of their dead enemies. Alternate translation: “stepping in their blood”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tongues of your dogs may have their share (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The bloodshed from the battle against Israel’s enemies is spoken of as if it is so extensive that the dogs will lap up the flowing blood with their tongues.
Psalms 68:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: processions (1)A procession is a group of people walking together in an orderly manner as part of a ceremony.
Psalms 68:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: minstrels (1)people who play musical instruments
Psalms 68:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bless God in the assemblies; praise Yahweh, you who are from the fountain of Israel (1)It may be helpful to change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “You who are from the fountain of Israel, praise Yahweh and bless God in the assembly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the fountain of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “fountain” is a metaphor for the ability of the man Israel to be the ancestor of many people: as much water comes from a fountain, so Israel is the ancestor of many people. This also implies that the call is to those who serve God as the man Israel did. Alternate translation: “true descendants of Israel” or “all of you descendants from Israel” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 68:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their multitudes (1)“their group.” The word “their” refers to the leaders of Judah.
Psalms 68:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your God, Israel, has decreed your strength (1)Some versions understand the Hebrew text differently: “Summon your strength, God” or “Use your strength, God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your God, Israel, has decreed (1)Alternate translation: “People of Israel, your God has decreed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “us” refers to the writer and the people of Israel, but not to Yahweh, to whom he is speaking.
Psalms 68:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “us” refers to the writer and the people of Israel, but not to Yahweh, to whom he is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Reveal your power to us from your temple at Jerusalem (1)Alternate translation: “When you are present in the temple at Jerusalem, show us your power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Reveal your power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word power, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “strong.” Alternate translation: “Show us that you are strong”
Psalms 68:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wild beasts in the reeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Many scholars believe these wild beasts are a metaphor that refers to the people of Egypt. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt who are like wild beasts in the reeds” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the peoples, that multitude of bulls and calves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The peoples of other nations are spoken of as if they were a large group of cattle. Alternate translation: “the powerful nations, who are like herds of bulls”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter (1)to disperse or to cause something to spread quickly in different direction
Psalms 68:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Princes will come out of Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that these princes come from Egypt in order to offer gifts to God in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Then the leaders of Egypt will bring gifts to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Cush (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of Cush. Alternate translation: “The Cushites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reach out with her hands to God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a symbolic action that represents worship to God. Alternate translation: “lift up her hands to praise God”
Psalms 68:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you kingdoms of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “kingdoms” refers to the citizens of the kingdoms. Alternate translation: “you people who are citizens of kingdoms all over the world”
Psalms 68:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: To him who rides on the heaven of heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “Sing” is implied as the beginning of this verse. Here God is described as if he rides in a chariot in the sky. Alternate translation: “Sing to God who rides across the sky in his chariot” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he lifts up his voice with power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means he speaks powerfully. Alternate translation: “he shouts powerfully” or “he speaks loudly”
Psalms 68:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ascribe strength to God (1)Here, Ascribe means to give credit to someone. Alternate translation: “Strength belongs to God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his strength is in the skies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “powerful.” Alternate translation: “in the skies he also shows that he is powerful”
Psalms 68:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, you are fearsome in your holy place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Here the author speaks directly to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strength and power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically these same thing. They emphasize how much strength God provides to his people.
Psalms 69
Psalm 069 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 69 is a psalm of deliverance. The author prays to be saved from his enemies and for them to be punished. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and save, saved, safe, salvation)
Special concepts in this chapter
Deliverance
The author prays for God to rescue him from his enemies. They show him no mercy, and he asks God to show them no mercy. (See: mercy, merciful)
Psalms 69:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a prayer for help. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Shoshannim (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 45:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the waters have put my life in danger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes the troubles in his life as if he were drowning in a flood of water. Alternate translation: “for it feels like I am drowning in the waters”
Psalms 69:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I sink in deep mire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes the troubles in his life as if he were sinking in deep mud. Alternate translation: “For it feels like I am sinking in deep mud and will die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mire (1)thick mud
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no place to stand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
The writer uses a negative statement to stress how unstable and uncertain his condition is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have come into deep waters, where the floods flow over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes his problems as if he was drowning in a deep, raging river. Alternate translation: “t feels like I am in deep waters, and the floodwaters flow over me”
Psalms 69:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: weary (1)very tired
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eyes fail (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means the writer has cried so much that his eyes do not see well any longer. Alternate translation: “my eyes are swollen from tears”
Psalms 69:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: more than the hairs on my head (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration to express how many enemies the writer has. Alternate translation: “more than I can count, like the hairs on my head”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut me off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “kill me.”
Psalms 69:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my foolishness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word foolishness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “foolish.” Alternate translation: “the foolish things that I have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sins are not hidden from you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be expressed as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “you know all my sins”
Psalms 69:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let not those & let not those (1)Alternate translation: “Do not let those … do not let those”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let not those who hope in you be put to shame because of me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Please do not allow anyone to put those who wait for you to shame because of me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor because of me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Please do not allow anyone to bring dishonor on those who seek you because of me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who seek you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, seeking God could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: (1) “those who ask you for help” or (2) “those who worship and obey you”
Psalms 69:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For your sake (1)Alternate translation: “On your behalf” or “For you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have borne rebuke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The rebukes of the writer’s enemies are spoken of as if they are a heavy load that he has had to carry. Alternate translation: “I have endured the insults of my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shame has covered my face (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the shame that he feels as if it is a foul thing on his face that everyone can clearly see. Alternate translation: “I am thoroughly humiliated”
Psalms 69:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have become a stranger to my brothers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of himself as if he were not part of his own family. Alternate translation: “My brothers no longer know or accept me at all”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a stranger to my brothers & an alien to my mother’s children (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. They are repeated to stress his separation from his own family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an alien to my mother’s children (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is implied that “I have become” should be understood here. The writer speaks of himself as if he were not part of his own family. Alternate translation: “my brothers no longer know or trust me at all” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 69:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the zeal of your house has eaten me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of his zeal for God’s temple as if it was a wild animal that devours the writer. Alternate translation: “the zeal I have for your house consumes me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has eaten me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that the writer’s zeal for the temple takes over all of his thoughts and actions. Alternate translation: “completely controls all that I think and do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the rebukes & have fallen on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the rebukes of Gods’ enemies as if they were rocks that were thrown at the writer. Alternate translation: “those who rebuke you have also thrown their rebukes at me”
Psalms 69:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I wept and did not eat food (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The fact that the writer was fasting indicates that he was sad about the way people treated God’s temple. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they insulted me (1)Alternate translation: “my enemies rebuked me because of it”
Psalms 69:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I made sackcloth my clothing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Wearing rough, cheap clothing was a symbol of mourning over sin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I became the object of a proverb (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speak of himself as if he was the sad or foolish person in a proverb. Alternate translation: “I became the example of a sad person spoken of in their proverbs” or “they laugh at me”
Psalms 69:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who sit in the city gate (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “city gate” is associated with leadership of a town. Alternate translation: “The important people of the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am a song of drunkards (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of himself as if he was the person about whom the drunkards sing mocking songs. Alternate translation: “the drunkards of the city sing disgusting songs about me”
Psalms 69:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at a time that you will accept (1)Alternate translation: “in your accepted time” or “when you are willing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: answer me in the trustworthiness of your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “trustworthiness” and “salvation” can be stated as “faithfully” and “rescue.” Alternate translation: “rescue me because you faithfully love me, as you have promised to do”
Psalms 69:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pull me out & do not let me sink (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pull me out of the mire, and do not let me sink (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his danger from his enemies as if he was sinking into a pit of mud. “Do not allow me to sink anymore in the mud”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let me be taken away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “take away” refers to being removed from danger. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “take me away” or “rescue me” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rescued out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is understood that “let me be” is implied here. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “please rescue me out” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rescued out of the deep waters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his danger from his enemies as if he was drowning in deep water.
Psalms 69:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the floods of water overwhelm me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about his danger from his enemies as if flood waters were covering him completely.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the deep swallow me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the deep as if it was a deadly animal that was about to eat him. Alternate translation: “the deep waters swallow me up like a dangerous animal” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let the pit shut its mouth on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the “pit” is spoken of as if it has a mouth like a person and could eat the writer. Alternate translation: “Do not let the pit consume me” or “Do not let the pit of death close over me” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 69:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant faithfulness is good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “you are good and faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your mercies for me are many (1)Alternate translation: “you are very merciful to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idea of turning towards someone means to pay attention to them or help them. Alternate translation: “help me”
Psalms 69:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not hide your face from your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To hide one’s face means to refuse to hear or help someone. Alternate translation: “Please help your servant” or “Please help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in distress (1)Alternate translation: “in great trouble”
Psalms 69:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: redeem me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer asks God to redeem him as if the writer were a slave whose freedom God could purchase. Alternate translation: “free me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ransom me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer asks God to ransom him as if the writer were a captive whose release could be paid for with money. Alternate translation: “rescue me”
Psalms 69:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my rebuke, my shame, and my dishonor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
These abstract nouns can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “how people have rebuked me, shamed me, and dishonored me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my adversaries are all before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “before you” means that God sees and knows all about them. Alternate translation: “you know who all my enemies are”
Psalms 69:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: broken my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means a person is extremely sad. Alternate translation: “offended me deeply”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am full of heaviness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s great sadness is spoken of as if he was full of a heavy weight. Alternate translation: “I am heavy with sorrow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to take pity (1)to feel sorrow or sadness
Psalms 69:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They gave me poison for my food (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is probably figurative. The food that people gave to the writer was so bad that it tasted like poison. Alternate translation: “They gave me food that tasted like poison”
Psalms 69:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let their table before them become a snare & let it become a trap (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer would like for his enemies’ food to completely ruin them as if they were small animals caught in a snare or a trap. Alternate translation: “May their food ruin them like a snare … may it destroy them like a trap”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their table (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to food that was served on the tables, possibly at a feast. Alternate translation: “their own food” or “sacrificial feasts”
Psalms 69:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let their eyes be darkened (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of eyes that cannot see well as if they were darkened. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Please make them unable to see anything” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make their loins shake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Weak backs are spoken of as if they are shaking in weakness. Alternate translation: “cause their backs to be too weak for them to do anything”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their loins (1)Alternate translation: “their sides” or “their backs”
Psalms 69:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pour out your indignation on them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s demonstration of his anger is described as if he poured it out on his enemies like water.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: indignation (1)anger of a person who has suffered injustice
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fierceness of your anger (1)Alternate translation: “your burning anger” or “your strong anger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overtake them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s judgment on his enemies is described as if he ran after them and caught them.
Psalms 69:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be a desolation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This abstract noun can be stated as “abandoned.” Alternate translation: “become abandoned”
Psalms 69:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they persecuted the one (1)Alternate translation: “they persecuted the man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you struck down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here to be “struck down” refers to punishment. Alternate translation: “you punished”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those you have wounded (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here to be “wounded” refers to causing them to suffer. Alternate translation: “those you have caused to suffer”
Psalms 69:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Accuse them of having committed iniquity after iniquity (1)Alternate translation: “Keep making a record of all their sins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: iniquity after iniquity (1)Alternate translation: “very many sins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not let them come into your righteous victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To come into God’s victory is an idiom that means to receive a reward from him. Alternate translation: “do not let them receive your righteous reward”
Psalms 69:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be blotted out of (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “them” refers to the names of the enemies. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Wipe out their names in” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not be written down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is inferred that “let them” is understood. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “do not write down their names” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 69:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your salvation, God, set me up on high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with the verb “save.” Here “on high” refers to a place of safety.” Alternate translation: “God, save me and put me in a safe place” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 69:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the name of God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with thanksgiving (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This abstract noun can be stated with the verb “thank.” Alternate translation: “by thanking him”
Psalms 69:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: better than an ox or a bull (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is understood that the ox and the bull are to be offered to God as sacrifices. Alternate translation: “better than sacrificing an ox or sacrificing a bull”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a bull that has horns and hooves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish
This phrase distinguishes the full grown bulls from other younger cows. Alternate translation: “a bull that is full grown with horns and hooves”
Psalms 69:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The meek (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to meek people in general. Alternate translation: “Meek people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who seek after God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Seeking God could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: “you who ask God for help” or “you who think about God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your hearts live (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hearts” refer to the people. Here “live” is an idiom that means to be encouraged. Alternate translation: “may you be encouraged” (See also: Hypothetical Situations)
Psalms 69:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh hears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hears” means to respond. Alternate translation: “Yahweh answers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to needy people in general. Alternate translation: “needy people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his prisoners (1)Alternate translation: “those who have suffered for him”
Psalms 69:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let heaven and earth praise him & the seas (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here heaven and earth and the seas are spoken of as if they are people who are able to praise God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the seas and everything that moves in them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It is implied that “Let … praise him” should be understood here. Alternate translation: “let he seas and everything that moves in them praise him”
Psalms 69:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will save Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Zion” refers to the people in Zion. Alternate translation: “God will save the people of Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have it as a possession (1)The word “it” refers to the land of Judah.
Psalms 69:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who love his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “who love God”
Psalms 70
Psalm 070 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 70 is a psalm of deliverance. The psalmist asks God to deliver him from his enemies.
Special concepts in this chapter
Help
The author needs help and needs it immediately.
Psalm 40
This psalm is an almost exact duplicate of Psalm 40:13–17.
Psalms 70:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of David (1)This could mean: (1) David wrote the psalm or (2) the psalm is about David or (3) the psalm is in the style of David’s psalms.
Psalms 70:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who (1)Alternate translation: “the people who”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “kill me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be ashamed and humiliated (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may God put them to shame and bring disgrace upon them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them be turned back and brought to dishonor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may God turn them around and make them ashamed for what they have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To be stopped or thwarted is spoken of as being turned back from their attack. Alternate translation: “stopped”
Psalms 70:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who say, “Aha, aha.” (1)This is an expression of mocking laughter. You may replace “Aha, aha” with whatever laughing sounds like in your language. Alternate translation: “those who mock and laugh at me”
Psalms 70:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seek you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Seeking God could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: “ask you for help” or “think about you and obey you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice and be glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of gladness. Alternate translation: “rejoice greatly” or “be very glad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: love your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “love you because you saved them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: always say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This exaggeration emphasizes that it is important to praise God often.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May God be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let everyone praise God”
Psalms 70:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor and needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the words “poor” and “needy” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he is unable to help himself. Alternate translation: “very needy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hurry to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God as if he were running to the writer in order to help him. Alternate translation: “come quickly to help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are my help and you rescue me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Here the phrase “you rescue me” explains how God is his “help.” Alternate translation: “you help me by rescuing me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not delay (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “please come quickly”
Psalms 71
Psalm 071 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 71 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
God has helped the psalmist all his life. Now that he is old, his enemy thinks that God has abandoned him; but the psalmist trusts in God and will praise Yahweh with songs of praise. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Psalms 71:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This psalm is a prayer for help. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In you, Yahweh, I take refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “go to you, Yahweh, for protection”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let me never be put to shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how “do not let me be humiliated” is translated in Psalms 25:2. Alternate translation: “never let my enemies put me to shame”
Psalms 71:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make me safe in your righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) “make me safe because you always do what is right” or (2) “make me safe as I do what you want me to do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn your ear to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your ear” refers to God’s willingness to hear someone who prays to him. See how this is translated in Psalms 17:6. Alternate translation: “pay attention to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: save me (1)Alternate translation: “keep me safe”
Psalms 71:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be to me a rock for refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist requests that Yahweh make him as safe as he would be if he were hiding in a large rock or cliff where his enemies could not find him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rock & rock (1)These are hills or mountains, not rocks one can hold in one’s hand.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have given a command (1)Alternate translation: “you have commanded your angels”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are my rock and my fortress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist believes that Yahweh will protect him and make him as safe as if he were hiding on top of a large mountain or inside a man-made fortress.
Psalms 71:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) the word “hand” is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “from the power of the wicked, from the power of the unrighteous” or (2) “hand” refers to the person himself. Alternate translation: “from wicked people, from unrighteous … people” or “so that wicked people and unrighteous … people cannot harm me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
“wicked; rescue me out of the hand of the unrighteous.” You can make clear the understood information.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wicked & unrighteous & cruel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
These adjectives can be translated as noun phrases. Alternate translation: “wicked people … unrighteous people … cruel people”
Psalms 71:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are my hope (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hope” is a metonym for the one in whom the psalmist hopes. Alternate translation: “you are the one whom I confidently expect to help me”
Psalms 71:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By you I have been supported from the womb (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You have supported me from the womb” or “You have taken care of me ever since I came out of my mother’s womb”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are he (1)Alternate translation: “you are the one”
Psalms 71:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am an example to many people (1)Alternate translation: “Many people see how I live and want to live as I do”
Psalms 71:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My mouth will be filled with your praise & with your honor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The psalmist speaks of his desire to praise and honor Yahweh with the words he speaks as if his mouth were full of words the way it can be full of food. Alternate translation: “My mouth will be filled with words that praise you … that honor you” or “I will always praise you … will always honor you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your praise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “praise” refer to the words that he will use to praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: “words that tell people how great you are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your honor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “honor” refer to the words that he will use to honor Yahweh. Alternate translation: “words that cause people to honor you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the day (1)Alternate translation: “all day long” or “at all times”
Psalms 71:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not throw me away & do not abandon me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not throw me away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Do not force me to go away from you.” For God to reject him is spoken of as God forcing him to go away. See how this is translated in Psalms 51:11. Alternate translation: “do not reject me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not abandon me (1)Alternate translation: “do not leave me forever”
Psalms 71:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: watch for my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they are watching for an opportunity to take his life. The euphemism “to take a life” means to kill. Alternate translation: “watch for an opportunity to take my life” or “wait for an opportunity to kill me” (See also: Euphemism)
Psalms 71:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This can be translated to make explicit that they are talking about him. Alternate translation: “They say about me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pursue and take him (1)Alternate translation: “follow him when he runs away, and kill him”
Psalms 71:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not be far from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Because Yahweh has not yet answered the writer’s request, he speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were standing far away from the writer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hurry to help me (1)Alternate translation: “help me soon”
Psalms 71:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be put to shame and destroyed, those who are hostile to my life (1)Alternate translation: “Let those who are hostile to my life be put to shame and destroyed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them be put to shame and destroyed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Put them to shame and destroy them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are hostile to my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “my life” represent the person. The idiom “hostile to my life” means that these are people who try to harm him by accusing him of wrongdoing. Alternate translation: “those who accuse me of doing wrong” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them be covered with rebuke and dishonor, those who seek my hurt (1)Alternate translation: “let those who seek my hurt be covered with rebuke and dishonor”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let them be covered with rebuke and dishonor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The abstract nouns “rebuke” and “dishonor” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “may everyone rebuke them, and may no one honor them” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who seek my hurt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The noun “hurt” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “those who are looking for ways to harm me”
Psalms 71:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: more and more (1)Alternate translation: “more all the time” or “always more than I have before”
Psalms 71:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My mouth will tell about your righteousness and your salvation all the day, although I cannot understand it (1)Alternate translation: “I do not completely understand your righteousness and your salvation, but my mouth will tell about them all the day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My mouth will tell (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The mouth is synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will tell” or “I will speak with my mouth and tell”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word ****, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how righteous you are” or “all the good things you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how you have saved me” or “how you save people”
Psalms 71:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will come (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
This could mean: (1) “I will go to where people worship Yahweh” or (2) “I will go to my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh (1)This could mean: (1) “I will tell them of the mighty deeds the Lord Yahweh has done” or (2) “because the Lord Yahweh has given me strength to do mighty acts.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will make mention of (1)Alternate translation: “will talk about”
Psalms 71:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: taught me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information may be stated clearly. “taught me many things”
Psalms 71:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, do not forsake me (1)Alternate translation: “God, please do not forsake me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have been declaring your strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I have been telling how strong you are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the next generation (1)Alternate translation: “to those who are children today”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your power to everyone who is to come (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The omitted information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “and as I declare your power to everyone who is to come”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: everyone who is to come (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This exaggeration refers to everyone the writer can speak to. Alternate translation: “so as many people as I can tell will know”
Psalms 71:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your righteousness also, God, is very high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the good things God has done as though they were put together as a high building or a mountain.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who is like you? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no one like you!”
Psalms 71:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: revive (1)strengthen or make lively again
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the depths of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“The depths of the earth” here is a metaphor for where people go when they die. The psalmist had not already died, but in this exaggeration he speaks as if he had. Alternate translation: “when we are near death” (See also: Hyperbole)
Psalms 71:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May you increase & turn again and comfort (1)Some translations read, “You will increase … you will turn again and comfort.” Alternate translation: “I want you to increase … I want you to turn again and comfort”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn again and comfort me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This describes one action through two phrases. Alternate translation: “comfort me again”
Psalms 71:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to you I will sing praises with the harp, Holy One of Israel (1)Alternate translation: “to you, who is the Holy One of Israel, I will sing praises while I play the harp”
Psalms 71:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My lips will shout for joy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Lips” represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will shout for joy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even my soul, which you have redeemed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words the psalmist has omitted can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “and my soul, which you have redeemed, will sing praises”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “soul” refers to the whole person.
Psalms 71:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My tongue will also talk (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “tongue” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will also talk”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have been put to shame and are confused, those who sought my hurt (1)Alternate translation: “those who sought my hurt have been put to shame and are confused”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for they have been put to shame and are confused (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for God has put to shame and confused them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who sought my hurt (1)This refers to the enemies of the writer. (Psalms 71:10). See how “those who seek my hurt” is translated in Psalms 71:13.
Psalms 72
Psalm 072 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 72 is a psalm for the king when he begins to be the king. David wrote it as a blessing on his son, Solomon. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)
Special concepts in this chapter
Blessings for the king
May the king be honored throughout the world. May he help the poor. May there be prosperity while he is king.
Close of Book Two
The whole collection of Psalms has been divided into several “books.” This is the last psalm of the second book. It is attributed to Solomon, the son of David.
Psalms 72:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. Possible meanings for the header a psalm of Solomon are: (1) David wrote this psalm about Solomon (“the king’s son”) or (2) Solomon (who, as David’s son, was “the king’s son”) wrote this psalm as a prayer about himself or (3) another king wrote it about his son in the style of Solomon. People in those days would often speak of themselves as if they were someone else. However, it would be best to translate this as though the psalmist is speaking of someone else, not of himself. (See also: Parallelism and First, Second or Third Person)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give the king your righteous decrees, God, your righteousness to the king’s son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
This could mean: (1) “Give me, the king, your righteous decrees, God, your righteousness to my son” or (2) “Give me, the king, your righteous decrees, God, your righteousness to me, the king’s son.” People in those days would often speak of themselves as if they were someone else. However, it would be best to translate this as though the psalmist is speaking of someone else, not of himself.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give the king your righteous decrees (1)Alternate translation: “Enable the king to judge rightly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your righteousness to the king’s son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Here the word “righteousness” refers to making righteous decisions. Alternate translation: “give your righteousness to the king’s son” or “enable the king’s son to rule with righteousness”
Psalms 72:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May he judge (1)If David wrote this, he is talking about his son, “the king’s son,” he is speaking of the time when his son will be king. If Solomon wrote it, even though he is writing about himself, it would be best to translate as though he were writing about someone else. Either way, “May the king judge” is the best translation.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your people & your poor (1)The psalmist is speaking to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your poor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. The adjective “poor” refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “may he judge your poor people” (See also: Nominal Adjectives)
Psalms 72:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the mountains produce peace & may the hills produce righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist speaks of the people of Israel as if they were the mountains and hills on which they live. He speaks of the mountains and the hills as if they were the entire land of Israel, as if that land were a garden that produces fruit, and of peace and righteousness as if they are that fruit. Alternate translation: “May the people of the land live in peace … may they do everything in a righteous way” (See also: Synecdoche and Metaphor)
Psalms 72:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he & he (1)These refer to the one who will “judge” (Psalms 72:2).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: break in pieces the oppressor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the king defeating or punishing people who oppress others as if those people were objects that the king would break into pieces. Alternate translation: “punish the person who oppresses others”
Psalms 72:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: while the sun endures, and as long as the moon lasts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The sun and the moon are metonyms for the day and the night, which together are a merism for all time. Alternate translation: “forever, and without ending” (See also: Merism)
Psalms 72:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May he come down like rain on the mown grass (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The king will be good, and he will do good things for his people as if he were rain doing good for freshly cut grass.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May he come (1)Alternate translation: “I desire that he come”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like showers that water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
“May he come down like showers that water.” The king will be good, and he will do good things for his people as if he were rain doing good for the ground. (See also: Simile)
Psalms 72:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective “righteous” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his days (1)This could mean: (1) “while the king rules” or (2) “as long as the righteous person lives” or “as long as the righteous people live.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may there be an abundance of peace (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if peace were a physical object like food. An “abundance” is when there is much of something. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “abundance” and “peace.” Alternate translation: “may righteous people live peacefully” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: till the moon is no more (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“as long as the moon shines” or “forever”
Psalms 72:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May he have dominion (1)Alternate translation: “May the king have dominion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Both of these expressions are merisms and refer to the whole earth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from sea to sea (1)from the Dead Sea and the Sea of Kinnereth in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the River (1)“the Euphrates River,” which the Israelites would travel to on land by going north
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
as far as people could travel on land by different routes to the south. The Israelites spoke of the earth as if it were a flat surface with ends. (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 72:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lick the dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor for extreme humiliation. Alternate translation: “do everything they can so he will allow them to live”
Psalms 72:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tarshish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: render (1)pay
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: offer gifts (1)Alternate translation: “give gifts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Seba (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a country. It is not the same country as Sheba.
Psalms 72:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fall down before him (1)Alternate translation: “bow down before him” or “honor him as their king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “nations” represents the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people who live in every nation”
Psalms 72:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no other helper (1)Alternate translation: “no one else to help him”
Psalms 72:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has pity on the poor and needy (1)Alternate translation: “He wants to stop the poor and needy from suffering”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the poor and needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the nominal adjectives “poor” and “needy” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are unable to help themselves. Alternate translation: “those who are poor and those who are needy” (See also: Nominal Adjectives)
Psalms 72:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: redeems their lives (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “lives” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “redeems them” or “saves them” or “rescues them”
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Quote: oppression and violence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the needy suffer. These abstract nouns can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “those who oppress them and hurt them” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
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Quote: their blood is precious in his sight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “their blood” is a metonym for their well-being. The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “their well-being is very important to him” or “he wants them to live well”
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Quote: in his sight (1)See how this phrase is translated in Psalms 19:14.
Psalms 72:15
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Quote: May he live! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This saying was used to honor the king by expressing a desire to have him live a long time. Alternate translation: “May the king live a long time!” or “I desire that the king live a long time!”
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Quote: May the gold of Sheba be given to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May they give him the gold of Sheba” or “May he receive the gold of Sheba”
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Quote: all day long (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means “continually” and does not refer only to one day. Alternate translation: “continually” or “all the time”
Psalms 72:16
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Quote: abundance of grain (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
An “abundance” is when there is much of something. This abstract noun can be stated as “much” or “plenty” Alternate translation: “much grain” or “plenty of grain”
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Quote: crops (1)plants that people grow for food
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Quote: wave (1)Use the word for what long grass does when a gentle wind blows on it and it moves slowly back and forth.
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Quote: like Lebanon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“like the cedar trees in Lebanon.” These trees were beautiful and had wood that was good for building. The meaning of this can be made clear. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Quote: the people flourish in the cities like the grass of the field (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The prosperity of the people in the cities is spoken of as if they were grass that grows abundantly in the fields.
Psalms 72:17
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Quote: May his name endure forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This saying is used to honor God by expressing the desire for people to always remember him. Alternate translation: “May people always know about him” or “May people never forget who he is”
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Quote: his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his name” refers to God’s reputation. Alternate translation: “the king’s name” or “the king’s reputation” or “the king’s fame”
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Quote: as long as the sun (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “as long as the sun endures” or “as long as the sun shines”
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Quote: may people be blessed in him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may God cause him to do good things for people”
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Quote: call him blessed (1)Alternate translation: “recognize that God has blessed them”
Psalms 72:18
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Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
These verses are more than the end of this psalm. It is the closing statement for all of Book 2 of the Psalms, which starts at Psalm 42 and ends with Psalm 72.
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Quote: May Yahweh God, the God of Israel, be blessed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people bless Yahweh God, the God of Israel”
Psalms 72:19
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Quote: May his glorious name be blessed forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people bless his glorious name forever” or, treating “name” as a metonym for Yahweh himself, “May people forever know how glorious he is” (See also: Metonymy)
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Quote: his glorious name be blessed (1)Alternate translation: “he, who is glorious, be blessed”
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Quote: may the whole earth be filled with his glory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may his glory fill the whole earth” or “may he fill the whole earth with his glory”
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Quote: Amen and Amen (1)The word “Amen” is repeated to emphasize approval of what has been said. See how you translated this in Psalms 41:13. Alternate translation: “May it certainly be so”
Psalms 72:20
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Quote: The prayers of David son of Jesse are finished (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “David, the son of Jesse has finished his prayers” or “This is the last prayer of the David the son of Jesse”
Psalms 73
Psalm 073 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm. It explains the problem of wicked people who seem to prosper. (See: wise, wisdom and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Outline:
- Superscription: "A psalm of Asaph"
- verse 1 Affirmation that God is good to the righteous
- verses 2–12 The psalmist recounts his experience of seeing wicked people prosper and being envious of them
- verses 13–14 The psalmist recounts that he felt he had lived righteously in vain because the result was that he suffered daily
- verse 15 The psalmist decides not to speak his thoughts out loud
- verse 16 The psalmist struggles to understand why wicked people seem to prosper and he suffers
- verses 17-20 The psalmist goes to the sanctuary of God and understands what will happen to wicked people in the future
- verses 21-22 The psalmist admits he was wrong to think the way he did
- verses 23-26 The psalmist’s thoughts about the benefits of living righteously
- verses 27-28 The psalmist’s final thoughts
Special concepts in this chapter
Evil people
Sometimes it seems that wicked people have no problems and that they live an easy and problem free life. Despite this, wicked people will eventually perish (verses 18-19 and 27). In contrast, righteous people have the benefit of always having God’s presence with them during their life on earth (verse 23), God guiding them during their life on earth (verse 24a), and being with God in “glory” after they die. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)
Psalms by Asaph
There are twelve psalms attributed to Asaph; the first one is Psalm 50, which is in Book Two, and the other eleven (Psalm 73–83) are at the beginning of Book Three.
Psalms 73:1
A Psalm of Asaph
Quote: מִזְמ֗וֹר לְאָ֫סָ֥ף (1)This phrase is the superscription to this psalm. Format it in the way that you have decided to format all of the superscriptions in the book of Psalms.
Surely
Quote: אַ֤ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The author uses the word Surely to emphasize the truth of what follows. Use a natural form in your language for expressing this emphasis.
to Israel
Quote: לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל (1)Alternate translation: “to the people who belong to the nation of Isreal”
to those with a pure heart
Quote: לְבָרֵ֥י לֵבָֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the author speaks of the heart of righteous people as being pure by which he means that their hearts are not blemished by wrong and sinful thoughts in contrast to having a heart is impure because of sinful thoughts and motives and therefore morally dirty. What the author means by pure here is that the person’s heart is “morally pure.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the ones who think about and want what is pleasing to God” or “to those with a morally pure heart”
to those with a pure heart
Quote: לְבָרֵ֥י לֵבָֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In Jewish culture people considered the heart to be the center of a persons thoughts and feelings and here, the heart represents the intentions, thoughts and desires of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to those who think about and want what is pure” or “to those with a pure mind” or “to those with pure thoughts”
Psalms 73:2
my feet almost slipped; my steps almost were caused to slide out {from under me
Quote: כִּ֭מְעַט נָטָ֣יוּ רַגְלָ֑י כְּ֝אַ֗יִן שֻׁפְּכ֥וּ אֲשֻׁרָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, my feet and my steps represent the Psalmist himself and the phrases slipped and slide out refer to abandoning doing what pleases God and instead choosing to sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent metaphor or use a simile. Alternately, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I was tempted to stop obeying God. It was as if my feet almost slipped and as if my steps were almost caused to slide out from under me” or “I almost stopped trusting in God; I was almost guilty of sinning against him”
my feet almost slipped; my steps almost were caused to slide out {from under me
Quote: כִּ֭מְעַט נָטָ֣יוּ רַגְלָ֑י כְּ֝אַ֗יִן שֻׁפְּכ֥וּ אֲשֻׁרָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase my feet almost slipped and the phrase my steps almost were caused to slide out from under me mean basically the same thing. The Psalmist says the same thing twice for emphasis and poetic effect. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “my feet almost slipped” or “my feet almost slid out from under me”
my steps almost were caused to slide out {from under me
Quote: כְּ֝אַ֗יִן שֻׁפְּכ֥וּ אֲשֻׁרָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the following verse implies that the Psalmist caused his own steps to almost slide out from under him when he looked at the “prosperity of the wicked” and did not also immediately go into “God’s sanctuary” so that he could “understand” the final “fate” of the wicked (see Psalm 73:17). Alternate translation: “I almost caused my steps to slide out from under me”
Psalms 73:3
because
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Here, the word because indicates that what follows it in this verse is the reason for what precedes it in 73:2). Use a natural form for indicating this relationship. Alternate translation: “for”
I was envious of the arrogant when} I saw the prosperity of the wicked
Quote: קִ֭נֵּאתִי בַּֽהוֹלְלִ֑ים שְׁל֖וֹם רְשָׁעִ֣ים אֶרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, I was envious of the arrogant”
Psalms 71
Psalms 71:1
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Quote: אַ֤ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The author is using the word surely to emphasize what he says next. Use a natural form in your language to express this emphasis.
Psalms 73
Psalms 73:3
of the arrogant when} I saw the prosperity of the wicked
Quote: בַּֽהוֹלְלִ֑ים שְׁל֖וֹם רְשָׁעִ֣ים אֶרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The Psalmist is using the adjectives arrogant and wicked as nouns in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “of arrogant people when I saw the prosperity of wicked people” or “of the people who are arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the people who are wicked”
when} I saw the prosperity of the wicked
Quote: שְׁל֖וֹם רְשָׁעִ֣ים אֶרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of prosperity, you could express the same idea with a verb such as “prospered” as modeled by the UST, or you could express the idea in some other way that is natural in your language.
Psalms 73:4
ropes
Quote: חַרְצֻבּ֥וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word the ULT translates as ropes refers to ropes or “bonds” that constrain a person. Here, the author is speaking of struggles or pains as if they were ropes or “bonds” that constrain a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent expression or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “struggles” or “emotional pains” or “pains”
until their death
Quote: לְמוֹתָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word the ULT translates as until their death could refer to: (1) the time before the death of wicked people in which case you can use the ULT as a model. (2) the time at which wicked people die. Alternate translation: “in their death” or “at their death”
Psalms 73:5
They {are} free from the trouble of man
Quote: בַּעֲמַ֣ל אֱנ֣וֹשׁ אֵינֵ֑מוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trouble, you could express the same idea with a verb or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They do not have to experience difficult things like the rest of man” or “They do not suffer the way other men do”
man; and with {the rest of} man they are not afflicted
Quote: אֱנ֣וֹשׁ & וְעִם־אָ֝דָ֗ם לֹ֣א יְנֻגָּֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
In this verse, the word man is singular in form, but it refers to all human beings as a group (and includes both men and women). If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: “people … and with other people” or “other people … and they are not afflicted ike everyone else”
and with {the rest of} man they are not afflicted
Quote: וְעִם־אָ֝דָ֗ם לֹ֣א יְנֻגָּֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the context implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “and God does not afflict them like he does the rest of man” or “and God does not afflict them like he does everyone else”
Psalms 73:6
Therefore
Quote: לָ֭כֵן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the word Therefore introduces the result of 73:4-5. You can use a natural word or phrase in your language to express this relationship. Alternate translation: “As a result”
pride is a necklace for them
Quote: עֲנָקַ֣תְמוֹ גַאֲוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of pride as if it were a necklace that wicked people wear around their neck. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they wear pride like a necklace” or “pride is like a necklace which they flaunt”
pride is a necklace for them
Quote: עֲנָקַ֣תְמוֹ גַאֲוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of pride, you could express the same idea with an adverb or adjective or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they act pridefully for all to see like someone who wears a necklace that they want everyone to see” or “they unashamedly act proud in front of everyone like a person wearing a necklace that they want everyone to see”
a necklace for them
Quote: עֲנָקַ֣תְמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A necklace is a type of jewelry worn around the neck in order to adorn the body and make a person look more attractive. If your readers would not be familiar with necklaces, you could use the name of something similar in your area worn around the neck for the purpose of looking nice or you could use a more general term. Alternately, if you are using footnotes, you could make a footnote explaining what a necklace is. Alternate translation: “a neck ornament for them”
a garment of violence covers them
Quote: יַעֲטָף־שִׁ֝֗ית חָמָ֥ס לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of violence as it were a garment that people wear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “violence covers them like a garment” or “violence covers them like clothing”
a garment of violence covers them
Quote: יַעֲטָף־שִׁ֝֗ית חָמָ֥ס לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of violence, you could express the same idea with an adjective or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they are proud of their violent actions and display them openly, like a person who wears a garment for all to see”
Psalms 73:7
Their eyes bulge out from fatness
Quote: יָ֭צָא מֵחֵ֣לֶב עֵינֵ֑מוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “Their eyes bulge out from their fat faces”
the imaginations of {their} heart overflow
Quote: עָ֝בְר֗וּ מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת לֵבָֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of imaginations, you could express the same idea with a verb or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they are constantly imagining evil things in their hearts” or “they are constantly thinking about evil things in their hearts”
the imaginations of {their} heart overflow
Quote: עָ֝בְר֗וּ מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת לֵבָֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the author speaks of the heart of a wicked person as if it were a container that could overflow with evil imaginations (thoughts). If it would help your readers, you could express the meaning using an equivalent expression or you could express the meaning using plain language. Alternate translation: “their heart is constantly thinking of evil things to do” or “their heart is constantly imagining evil thoughts”
the imaginations of {their} heart overflow
Quote: עָ֝בְר֗וּ מַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת לֵבָֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is describing the mind of wicked people by association with their heart, which is where a persons thoughts and intentions were viewed as coming from in Jewish culture. If your readers would not understand this, you could use plain language or use the body part that your culture considers to be the source of human’s thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: “they constantly think of evil things to do” or “the imaginations of their inner being overflow”
Psalms 73:8
and speak with evil of oppression
Quote: וִידַבְּר֣וּ בְרָ֣ע עֹ֑שֶׁק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of evil and oppression, you could express these same ideas with an adverb or a verb or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and wickedly speak about oppressing people”
they speak from an elevated place
Quote: מִמָּר֥וֹם יְדַבֵּֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase they speak from an elevated place means “they speak arrogantly.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they speak arrogantly”
Psalms 73:9
They set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue goes through the earth
Quote: שַׁתּ֣וּ בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם פִּיהֶ֑ם וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם תִּֽהֲלַ֥ךְ בָּאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is describing the speech of wicked people by association with their mouth and their tongue, because their speech comes from their mouth and they speak with their tongue. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “”
They set their mouth in the heavens
Quote: שַׁתּ֣וּ בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם פִּיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word the ULT translates as in the heavens could be translated as: (1) in the heavens as modeled by the ULT in which case the author is describing the role or authority of God by association with the heavens. Alternate translation: “They talk with their mouth as if they are God who is in heaven” or “They talk as if they are in the position of God” (2) “against the heavens” in which case the author is describing God by association with the heavens. Alternate translation: “They set their mouth against the heavens” or “They set their mouth against God”
and their tongue goes through the earth
Quote: וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם תִּֽהֲלַ֥ךְ בָּאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of the tongue (words or speech) of wicked people as if it could go through the earth. What he means is that these wicked people go about talking wickedly (and bragging) as they live their daily lives on earth and proudly act as if they are not accountable to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they constantly talk wickedly with their tongues as if they rule the earth” or “and they walk to and fro talking wickedly”
Psalms 73:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his people turn to them (1)This could mean: (1) “God’s people love the wicked people” or (2) “the wicked people return to this place”
and waters of a full {cup} are drained by them
Quote: וּמֵ֥י מָ֝לֵ֗א יִמָּ֥צוּ לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, implies that God’s people did it. Alternate translation: “and they drain the waters of a full cup”
and waters of a full {cup} are drained by them
Quote: וּמֵ֥י מָ֝לֵ֗א יִמָּ֥צוּ לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of * as if they were *. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: abundant waters are drained out (1)This could mean: (1) “God’s people listen gladly to the words of the wicked people” or (2) “the wicked people have plenty of food to eat and wine to drink”
Psalms 73:11
How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High
Quote: אֵיכָ֥ה יָדַֽע־אֵ֑ל וְיֵ֖שׁ דֵּעָ֣ה בְעֶלְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase How does God know and the phrase is there knowledge in the Most High mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if repeating the same idea might confuse your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “How does God know?” or “Does God have knowledge?”
And they say
Quote: וְֽאָמְר֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word they could refer to: (1) wicked people. Alternate translation: “And wicked people say” or “And the wicked say” (2) people who are righteous and obey God. Alternate translation: “And righteous people say” or “And godly people say”
How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High
Quote: אֵיכָ֥ה יָדַֽע־אֵ֑ל וְיֵ֖שׁ דֵּעָ֣ה בְעֶלְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Here, wicked people are not asking for information, but are using the question form to express that they do not think God knows about the evil things they do and/or does not care about the evil things they do. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Surely God does not know what we are doing! Surely the Most High has no knowledge of it!” or “Surely God does not care about we are doing! Surely what we are doing does not matter to the Most High!”
How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High
Quote: אֵיכָ֥ה יָדַֽע־אֵ֑ל וְיֵ֖שׁ דֵּעָ֣ה בְעֶלְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
This portion of this verse is a quotation of what the wicked people said or thought to themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate this with quotation marks (as the ULT does) or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.
in the Most High
Quote: בְעֶלְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Here, Most High is a name for God. The ULT indicates that this phrase is a name for God by capitalizing it. Use a natural way in your language to indicate that this is a name or title for God.
Psalms 73:12
Behold
Quote: הִנֵּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The author is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use. Alternate translation: “See”
wicked
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The Psalmist is using the adjective wicked as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with a noun phrase. See how you translated the phrase the wicked in 73:3. Alternate translation: “wicked ones”
they are always at ease
Quote: וְשַׁלְוֵ֥י ע֝וֹלָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ease, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as comfortable or or carefree or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they are always comfortable” or “they are always carefree”
they increase in wealth
Quote: הִשְׂגּוּ־חָֽיִל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wealth, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “wealthy” or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they become increasingly wealthy”
Psalms 73:13
Surely
Quote: אַךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here, the author uses the word Surely to emphasize his strong thoughts and feelings about the certainty of what he states in the remainder of this verse. Use a natural form in your language for expressing this emphasis. (In 73:1 the author said that “God is good..to those with a pure heart” and later in this chapter the author says he was mistaken to think and the way he did in this verse so the word Surely does not mean that what follows the word Surely in this verse is true. In 73:2-14 the author is expressing his experience and thoughts during a particular period of time. In 73:1 and 73:17-28 the author gives his final conclusion.) Alternate translation: “Certainly”
I have kept my heart clean
Quote: זִכִּ֣יתִי לְבָבִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is describing his thoughts and intentions by association with his heart, which Jews viewed as the center of a person’s thoughts and intentions. The expression I have kept my heart clean means he has intentionally kept his thoughts and intentions morally pure (free from sin). If your readers would not understand this, you could use plain language or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “I have kept my thoughts pure”
and washed my hands in innocence
Quote: וָאֶרְחַ֖ץ בְּנִקָּי֣וֹן כַּפָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is describing his actions by association with his hands, which he would use to do the actions. The author is using the symbolic action of hand washing to declare his innocence. In that culture hand washing was a common practice that people did to publicly assert that they were innocent (See Deuteronomy 21:6 and Matthew 27:24). Here, the author is saying that he has washed his hands in innocence as a way to declare that he is guiltless. See how you translated the similar phrase in Psalm 26:6. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and kept my actions pure to show that I am innocent” or “and kept my actions free from sin”
Psalms 73:14
For I have been stricken all of the day, and punished every morning
Quote: וָאֱהִ֣י נָ֭גוּעַ כָּל־הַיּ֑וֹם וְ֝תוֹכַחְתִּ֗י לַבְּקָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For you have stricken me all of the day and punished me every morning” or “For you have afflicted me all of the day and punished me every morning”
all of the day
Quote: כָּל־הַיּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase all of the day is an idiom meaning “every day” or “constantly.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “constantly”
Psalms 73:15
If I had said, “I will recount such things,” Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children
Quote: אִם־אָ֭מַרְתִּי אֲסַפְּרָ֥ה כְמ֑וֹ הִנֵּ֤ה ד֭וֹר בָּנֶ֣יךָ בָגָֽדְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
The author is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell his readers what would have happened if he had said the things he was thinking out loud. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a situation that could happen. Alternate translation: “If I had said, 'I will recount such things,’ then I would have betrayed the generation of your children.”
Behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The author is using the term Behold to emphasize what he is about to say. Use an exclamation that would communicate that meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “Certainly”
your children
Quote: בָּנֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of God’s people (God’s spiritual children) as if they were his biological children. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “your followers” or “the people who obey you”
Psalms 73:16
in my eyes
Quote: בְעֵינָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the author’s eyes represent his evaluation or estimation as he tried to understand why wicked people seemed to prosper and he suffered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to me” or “to think about”
Psalms 73:17
the sanctuaries of God
Quote: מִקְדְּשֵׁי־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Here, the plural word sanctuaries could: (1) be a plural of intensity (referring to the Jerusalem temple) in which case the plural is intensifying the meaning. Alternate translation: “the great sanctuary of God” or “the great temple of God” (2) refer to the precincts of the Jerusalem temple. Alternate translation: “the precincts of the temple of God” or “the precincts of God’s temple”
then} I discerned their end
Quote: אָ֝בִ֗ינָה לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם (1)Alternate translation: “then I understood their fate” or “then I understood what will happen to those who are wicked”
Psalms 73:18
Surely
Quote: אַ֣ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
See how you translated the word Surely in 73:1 where it is used with the same meaning.
you set them in slippery places
Quote: בַּ֭חֲלָקוֹת תָּשִׁ֣ית לָ֑מוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of the fact that God does not allow wicked people to have a secure future as if God had set them in slippery places. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you do not give them a good future”
Surely you set them in slippery places
Quote: אַ֣ךְ בַּ֭חֲלָקוֹת תָּשִׁ֣ית לָ֑מוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word you refers to God and the word them refers to wicked people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Surely, you God, set wicked people in slippery places”
you make them fall to destruction
Quote: הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗ם לְמַשּׁוּאֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you cause them to be destroyed”
Psalms 73:19
How
Quote: אֵ֤יךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The author is using the term How to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation.
they are {brought
Quote: הָי֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the context implies that “God” does it. Alternate translation: “God brings them”
they are {brought} to desolation as in a moment
Quote: הָי֣וּ לְשַׁמָּ֣ה כְרָ֑גַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of desolation, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will destroy them as in a moment” or “they will be suddenly destroyed”
They come to an end
Quote: סָ֥פוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase as in a moment means “suddenly” or “all at once.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “all at once”
They come to an end, they perish
Quote: סָ֥פוּ תַ֝֗מּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The author is using the phrases They come to an end and they perish together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “They come to an end” or “They perish”
They come to an end, they perish, by terrors
Quote: סָ֥פוּ תַ֝֗מּוּ מִן־בַּלָּהֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of terrors, you could express the same idea with an adjective, as modeled by the UST, or in some other way that is natural in your language.
Psalms 73:20
Like a dream after {one} awakes; Lord, when you rouse {yourself}, you will despise their image
Quote: כַּחֲל֥וֹם מֵהָקִ֑יץ אֲ֝דֹנָי בָּעִ֤יר ׀ צַלְמָ֬ם תִּבְזֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author is comparing the short and temporary duration of a dream, which is over after a person awakes, to the fact that God will despise wicked people when he rouses himself to action and judges them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the basis of this comparison or express this meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “They will disappear as quickly as a dream disappears when a person awakes in the morning; Lord, when you act, you will cause them to disappear”
their image
Quote: צַלְמָ֬ם (1)Alternate translation: “their form”
Psalms 73:21
When my heart was embittered, and I was pierced in my kidneys
Quote: כִּ֭י יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ לְבָבִ֑י וְ֝כִלְיוֹתַ֗י אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The clause When my heart was embittered and the clause I was pierced in my kidneys mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “When my heart was embittered, yes, when I was pierced in my kidneys”
my heart was embittered
Quote: יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ לְבָבִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is describing his inner being (and the thoughts he had) by association with his heart. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or you could express the meaning in plain language as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “I was embittered” or “I was embittered within”
and I was pierced in my kidneys
Quote: וְ֝כִלְיוֹתַ֗י אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is describing his feelings by association with his emotions. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or you could express the meaning in plain language as modeled by the UST.
Psalms 73:22
and I was not knowing
Quote: וְלֹ֣א אֵדָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase I was not knowing means “I was without knowledge” or “I was ignorant.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and I was without knowledge” or “and I was ignorant”
I was an animal with you
Quote: בְּ֝הֵמ֗וֹת הָיִ֥יתִי עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of his prior stupid and ignorant thinking and action toward God as if he had been behaving like an animal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I acted like an animal toward you” or “I acted and thought like an animal before you” or “I acted like a fool toward you”
with you
Quote: עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word you refers to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “with you God”
Psalms 73:23
you hold {me} by my right hand
Quote: אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ בְּיַד־יְמִינִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of God’s continual presence with him as if God were continually holding his right hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are constantly with me” or “your are constantly with me. It is as if you are holding me by my right hand”
Psalms 73:25
Whom have I in heaven {but you
Quote: מִי־לִ֥י בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, author is implying the words “but you?” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the ULT. Alternate translation: “Whom have I in heaven but you?”
Whom have I in heaven {but you
Quote: מִי־לִ֥י בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is not asking for information, but is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “There is no one I have in heaven but you!”
And besides you {there is} nothing on the earth I desire
Quote: וְ֝עִמְּךָ֗ לֹא־חָפַ֥צְתִּי בָאָֽרֶץ (1)Alternate translation: “And with you I desire nothing on the earth”
Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart fail
Quote: כָּלָ֥ה שְׁאֵרִ֗י וּלְבָ֫בִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is referring to his entire body as if it were his flesh and he is referring to his mind and/or spirit (specifically the morale of his mind and/or spirit) as if his mind and/or spirit were his heart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “I may become physically and emotionally weak” or “My body and my mind may fail” or “My body and my spirit may fail”
My flesh and my heart fail, but} God {is} the rock of my heart and my portion forever
Quote: כָּלָ֥ה שְׁאֵרִ֗י וּלְבָ֫בִ֥י צוּר־לְבָבִ֥י וְחֶלְקִ֗י אֱלֹהִ֥ים לְעוֹלָֽם (1)Alternate translation: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart forever”
but} God {is} the rock of my heart and my portion forever
Quote: צוּר־לְבָבִ֥י וְחֶלְקִ֗י אֱלֹהִ֥ים לְעוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of God as if God were a rock. The term rock is associated with strength here so by calling God the rock of his heart he means that God is the “strength” of his heart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but God, you are like a rock for my heart and you are my portion forever” or “but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”
Psalms 73:27
behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
The author is using the term behold to bring attention to and emphasize the certainty of what he is about to say. Use an exclamation that would communicate that meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “indeed”
you destroy every one being unfaithful to you
Quote: הִ֝צְמַ֗תָּה כָּל־זוֹנֶ֥ה מִמֶּֽךָּ (1)Alternate translation: “you will destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you”
Psalms 73:28
But {for} me, the closeness of God for me {is} good
Quote: וַאֲנִ֤י ׀ קִֽרֲבַ֥ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים לִ֫י־ט֥וֹב (1)Alternate translation: “But for me, God’s companionship is my greatest good” or “But for me, God’s presence is my good"
the closeness of God for me {is} good
Quote: קִֽרֲבַ֥ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים לִ֫י־ט֥וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of closeness, you could express the same idea with an adjective or a verbal phrase, or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “being close to God is good for me” or “being near to God is good for me”
I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge
Quote: שַׁתִּ֤י ׀ בַּאדֹנָ֣י יְהֹוִ֣ה מַחְסִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of Yahweh as if he were a physical place that a person could go to for safety (a refuge). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Like a person runs to a shelter to keep them safe when they are in danger, so I have chosen to trust you to keep me safe”
I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge
Quote: שַׁתִּ֤י ׀ בַּאדֹנָ֣י יְהֹוִ֣ה מַחְסִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of refuge you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase, or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I trust the Lord Yahweh to protect me”
in order to recount all your works
Quote: לְ֝סַפֵּ֗ר כָּל־מַלְאֲכוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal
The phrase in order that marks recount all your works as the goal or purpose for which the author made the Lord Yahweh his refuge. Use a natural way in your language for indicating that this is the goal or purpose.
in order to recount all your works
Quote: לְ֝סַפֵּ֗ר כָּל־מַלְאֲכוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Alternate translation: “that I might make known to people all your works” or “that I may declare all your deeds”
all your works
Quote: כָּל־מַלְאֲכוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of works, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase, or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all you have done”
Psalms 74
Psalm 074 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 74 is a psalm of deliverance. The people have been completely conquered and they pray for God to deliver them. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s power
The enemies have destroyed God’s temple and are insulting the people. God is powerful. He made everything and he chose Israel for his people. He should avenge himself on these enemies that have burnt his temple. (See: temple, house, house of God and people of God and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)
Superscription
This psalm is called “A Maskil of Asaph.” The word “Maskil” in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 74:1
A Maskil
Quote: מַשְׂכִּ֗יל (1)See how you translated the word Maskil in Psalms 32:1.
A Maskil of Asaph
Quote: מַשְׂכִּ֗יל לְאָ֫סָ֥ף (1)This phrase is the superscription to this psalm. Format it in the way that you have decided to format all of the superscriptions in the book of Psalms.
Why God, have you rejected {us} forever? Why} does your nose smoke against the sheep of your pasture
Quote: לָמָ֣ה אֱ֭לֹהִים זָנַ֣חְתָּ לָנֶ֑צַח יֶעְשַׁ֥ן אַ֝פְּךָ֗ בְּצֹ֣אן מַרְעִיתֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is not asking for information, but is using the question form to express his strong feelings and to express that he does not fully understand why God is delaying acting on behalf of his covenant people the Israelites. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way as modeled by the UST.
God, have you rejected {us} forever? Why
Quote: לָמָ֣ה אֱ֭לֹהִים זָנַ֣חְתָּ לָנֶ֑צַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says forever here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “God, why have you rejected us for so long?” or “God, why have you rejected us for such a long time?”
Why … does your nose smoke against the sheep of your pasture
Quote: יֶעְשַׁ֥ן אַ֝פְּךָ֗ בְּצֹ֣אן מַרְעִיתֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking as if God’s nose or anger could literally smoke. He means that God is very angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “Why are you angry with the sheep of your pasture?” or “Why do you act with anger against the sheep of your pasture?”
against the sheep of your pasture
Quote: בְּצֹ֣אן מַרְעִיתֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of God as if he were a shepherd and he speaks about the people of Israel as if they were sheep that belong to God (live in his pasture). If it would help your readers, you could express the meaning using plain language or you could use a simile as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “your people” or “your very own people”
Psalms 74:2
which} you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance
Quote: גָּ֭אַלְתָּ שֵׁ֣בֶט נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “your congregation which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance”
the tribe of your inheritance
Quote: שֵׁ֣בֶט נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase the tribe of your inheritance means “the tribe which is your inheritance.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the tribe which is your inheritance”
which} you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance
Quote: גָּ֭אַלְתָּ שֵׁ֣בֶט נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of inheritance, you could express the same idea with a verb or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which you have redeemed to be the tribe which you possess” or “which you have redeemed to be the tribe which belongs to you” or “the people whom you have made your very own”
This Mount Zion, where you have dwelt
Quote: הַר־צִ֝יּ֗וֹן זֶ֤ה ׀ שָׁכַ֬נְתָּ בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Remember this Mount Zion where you have dwelt”
This Mount Zion, where you have dwelt
Quote: הַר־צִ֝יּ֗וֹן זֶ֤ה ׀ שָׁכַ֬נְתָּ בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is describing the city of Jerusalem, and probably also the temple, by association with Mount Zion. (Mount Zion was located in Jerusalem and was the location of the temple which had been destroyed before the author wrote this psalm.) If your readers would not understand this, you could use plain language as modeled by the UST.
Psalms 74:3
Lift up your feet to the perpetual ruins
Quote: הָרִ֣ימָה פְ֭עָמֶיךָ לְמַשֻּׁא֣וֹת נֶ֑צַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author speaks of God as if he were a person with feet which he could Lift up and come and see the ruined temple in Jerusalem. The phrase Lift up your feet is probably also indicating that the author wants God to not only take notice of the ruins of the Temple but also to take notice quickly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. “Come to the perpetual ruins” or “Come and see the perpetual ruins” or “Please do not delay any longer. Please pay attention to these perpetual ruins”
to the perpetual ruins
Quote: לְמַשֻּׁא֣וֹת נֶ֑צַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says perpetual here as an overstatement for emphasis. He is describing the Temple ruins as if they were perpetual but he means that they have been there for a long time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “to these seemingly perpetual ruins” or “to these seemingly never-ending ruins”
in the sanctuary
Quote: בַּקֹּֽדֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word sanctuary refers to the Temple in Jerusalem that had been destroyed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST.
Psalms 74:4
Your adversaries have roared
Quote: שָׁאֲג֣וּ צֹ֭רְרֶיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking of God’s adversaries as if they were lions that had roared in the middle of God’s Temple (meeting place). The phrase Your adversaries roared could mean: (1) that God’s adversaries spoke or shouted loudly about their victory or with a loud cry of victory. Alternate translation: “Your adversaries have shouted victoriously” (2) That God’s adversaries boasted. Alternate translation: “Your adversaries have boasted” or “Your enemies have bragged”
in the middle of your meeting place
Quote: בְּקֶ֣רֶב מוֹעֲדֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase meeting place refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the middle of your Temple”
they have set up their signs as signs
Quote: שָׂ֖מוּ אוֹתֹתָ֣ם אֹתֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The phrase they have set up their signs as signs could mean: (1) that God’s adversaries had set up their military banners as signs in the Temple. They probably set these banners up as a sign of their victory. Alternate translation: “they have set up their military banners as signs” or “they have set up their banners as signs” or “they have set up their banners as a sign of their conquest” (2) that God’s adversaries had set up items of worship and symbols related to their false religion. Alternate translation: “they have set up symbols and items for their pagan worship” or “they have set up idolatrous symbols and items of false worship”
Psalms 74:5
It is perceived like one bringing on high, axes against a forest of trees
Quote: יִ֭וָּדַע כְּמֵבִ֣יא לְמָ֑עְלָה בִּֽסֲבָךְ־עֵ֝֗ץ קַרְדֻּמּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that when the Babylonian army invaded Jerusalem and chopped up the woodwork in the Temple they resembled men using their axes to chop down trees in the forest. If it would be helpful in your language you could express this meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “They hacked to pieces all the Temple woodwork with their axes”
It is perceived like one bringing on high, axes against a forest of trees
Quote: יִ֭וָּדַע כְּמֵבִ֣יא לְמָ֑עְלָה בִּֽסֲבָךְ־עֵ֝֗ץ קַרְדֻּמּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the context implies that it was the author or the author and all the Jewish people who saw this event happen who did it. Alternate translation: “When we saw men hacking to pieces the woodwork in the Temple it seemed like those men were like men in the forest who chop down trees with their axes” or “When I saw men hacking to pieces the woodwork in the Temple it seemed as if those men were like men in the forest who chop down trees with their axes””
Psalms 74:6
And now, with axe and hammers, they break down all its engravings
Quote: וְ֭עַתָּה פִּתּוּחֶ֣יהָ יָּ֑חַד בְּכַשִּׁ֥יל וְ֝כֵֽילַפֹּ֗ת יַהֲלֹמֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo
The author uses the phrases And now and they break down to describe the events in this verse as if they were in the process of happening even though he and his readers knew that these events had already happened. The author is describing these events as if they were in the process of happening in order to express them in a way that emotionally impacts his readers. Because it is explained throughout this psalm that these events had already happened, you do not need to explain that here unless you choose to put this information in a footnote.
they break down all its engravings
Quote: פִּתּוּחֶ֣יהָ יָּ֑חַד & יַהֲלֹמֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase its engravings could refer to (1) the carved wood in the Jerusalem temple that was overlaid with gold. Alternate translation: “they break down all the carved wood in the Temple” (2) the engraved metal that overlaid the wood in the Temple. Alternate translation: “they tear off all the engraved gold in the Temple” or “they strip off all the engraved gold from the woodwork in the Temple”
they break down all its engravings
Quote: פִּתּוּחֶ֣יהָ יָּ֑חַד & יַהֲלֹמֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, they refers to the adversaries mentioned in Psalm 74:4. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your adversaries break down all its engravings”
with axe
Quote: בְּכַשִּׁ֥יל (1)The word the ULT translates as axe could refer to: (1) an axe as modeled by the ULT. (2) a hatchet. Alternate translation: “with hatchet”
and hammers
Quote: וְ֝כֵֽילַפֹּ֗ת (1)The word the ULT translates as hammers could refer to: (1) hammers as modeled by the ULT. (2) crowbars. Alternate translation: “and crowbars”
Psalms 74:7
They have set your sanctuary on fire to the ground; they have profaned the dwelling place of your name
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ בָ֭אֵשׁ מִקְדָּשֶׁ֑ךָ לָ֝אָ֗רֶץ חִלְּל֥וּ מִֽשְׁכַּן־שְׁמֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, They and they both refer to the “adversaries” mentioned in Psalm 74:4. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Your adversaries have set your sanctuary on fire to the ground; they have profaned the dwelling place of your name”
your sanctuary
Quote: מִקְדָּשֶׁ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the word sanctuary refers to the temple in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your temple”
They have set your sanctuary on fire to the ground; they have profaned the dwelling place of your name
Quote: שִׁלְח֣וּ בָ֭אֵשׁ מִקְדָּשֶׁ֑ךָ לָ֝אָ֗רֶץ חִלְּל֥וּ מִֽשְׁכַּן־שְׁמֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word the ULT translates as to the ground could describe: (1) the first part of this verse. Alternate translation: “They have burned your sanctuary to the ground; they have profaned the dwelling place of your name” (2) the second part of this verse. Alternate translation: “They have burned your sanctuary; they have profaned the dwelling place of your name by bringing it to the ground”
the dwelling place of your name
Quote: מִֽשְׁכַּן־שְׁמֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase the dwelling place of your name could be: (1) describing God himself (God’s presence) by association with his name. Alternate translation: “the place where you dwell on earth” or “the place where you dwell” (2) describing what name the Jerusalem Temple is called by. Alternate translation: “the place called by your name”
Psalms 74:8
They said in their hearts
Quote: אָמְר֣וּ בְ֭לִבָּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, both occurrences of the word They refer to God’s adversaries mentioned in Psalms 74:4. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Your adversaries said in their hearts”
They said in their hearts
Quote: אָמְר֣וּ בְ֭לִבָּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hearts represents the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “They said within themselves” or “They thought to themselves”
all of the meeting places of God
Quote: כָל־מוֹעֲדֵי־אֵ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Here, the phrase meeting places could: (1) refer to places where Yahweh, the true God was worshiped. Alternate translation: “all of the places where people gathered to worship God” (2) be a special use of the plural in which the plural form is being used with a singular meaning to refer to God’s temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: See how you translated the phrase “meeting place” in 74:4.
Psalms 74:9
We do not see signs for us
Quote: אֽוֹתֹתֵ֗ינוּ לֹ֥א רָ֫אִ֥ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase signs for us could refer to: (1) signs that God’s prophets gave. Alternate translation: “We do not see any prophetic signs for us” or “We do not see any signs given to us from a prophet” (2) the military banners and symbols used by the Israelite army which represented the Israelite army. Alternate translation: “We no longer see any of our military banners” (3) the Jewish festivals and religious observances which were the outward signs of their religion. Alternate translation: “We no longer see any signs of our religion” or “All our sacred observances are gone” or “All our sacred symbols are gone”
Psalms 74:10
Until when, God, will the adversary reproach
Quote: עַד־מָתַ֣י אֱ֭לֹהִים יְחָ֣רֶף צָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the object of the reproach of the adversary could be: (1) God. Alternate translation: “Until when God will the adversary reproach you?” or “Until when God will the adversary reproach your name?” (2) the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “Until when God will the adversary reproach us?” or “Until when God will the adversary reproach your people?”
Will the enemy treat your name with contempt forever
Quote: יְנָ֘אֵ֤ץ אוֹיֵ֖ב שִׁמְךָ֣ לָנֶֽצַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of contempt, you could express the same idea with an adverb or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Will the enemy speak disrespectfully about your name forever?”
Will the enemy treat your name with contempt forever
Quote: יְנָ֘אֵ֤ץ אוֹיֵ֖ב שִׁמְךָ֣ לָנֶֽצַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, God’s name represents God himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will the enemy treat you with contempt forever” or “Will the enemy speak about you with contempt forever”
Psalms 74:11
Why do you withdraw your hand, your right hand
Quote: לָ֤מָּה תָשִׁ֣יב יָ֭דְךָ וִֽימִינֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, God’s hand is associated with action and the phrase right hand further describes the first mention of God’s hand and describes God’s hand as being his right hand which was associated with power in that culture. The psalmist is asking God to powerfully intervene on behalf of his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why do you refuse to intervene and help us with your great strength?” or “Why do you refuse to intervene and help us with your great power?”
Take it} from within the fold {of your garment and} destroy {them
Quote: מִקֶּ֖רֶב חֵֽיקְךָ֣ כַלֵּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist is speaking as if God literally had a hand tucked within the fold of a garment. He means that it feels as if God is choosing not to take action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning with a simile, with an equivalent expression from your culture, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Your inaction feels like you have your hand within the fold of your garment. Please take action and destroy our enemies”
Psalms 74:12
my king
Quote: מַלְכִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Though the psalmist refers to God as my king here, it is likely that he is expressing that God is the king of every person who belongs to the nation of Israel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST.
from ancient times
Quote: מִקֶּ֑דֶם (1)See how you translated the phrase ancient times in 74:2.
working acts of salvation
Quote: פֹּעֵ֥ל יְ֝שׁוּע֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save,” or in some other way that is natural. Alternate translation: “doing many mighty things to save your people”
Psalms 74:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You divided & in the waters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Asaph is probably speaking of the time God brought Israel out of Egypt, divided the Sea of Reeds, led Israel through it on dry land, then drowned Pharaoh’s army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You divided the sea by your strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph is speaking of God as if God had a physical body. “You are so strong you were able to make dry land in the middle of the sea.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sea (1)Alternate translation: “the great water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you smashed the heads of the sea monsters in the waters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph is probably speaking of Pharaoh and his army as if they were sea monsters. If possible, translate these words literally. Alternate translation: “when you killed Pharaoh’s army, it was as if you smashed the heads of sea monsters in the waters”
Psalms 74:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: leviathan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Leviathan is a sea monster. It represents a cruel enemy.
Psalms 74:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You broke open springs and streams (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh causing springs and streams to flow out of the ground as if he broke open the ground so that they could flow. Alternate translation: “You caused springs and streams to flow out of the ground”
Psalms 74:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the borders of the earth (1)Alternate translation: “the boundaries of the land and the sea”
Psalms 74:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Asaph is pleading for God’s help.
See how you translated the phrase “the enemy” in 74:3. (This is a TWL so you can delete but make sure the ULT and UST reads the same.)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“Pay attention to.” See how this is translated in Psalms 74:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the enemy hurled insults at you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of insulting words as if they were physical objects, like stones, which the enemy was throwing at Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the enemy insulted you many times”
Psalms 74:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the life of your dove (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of himself as if he were a dove, a defenseless bird. This phrase may also be a metaphor for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “me, your dove”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dove (1)A small, defenseless bird often kept as a pet.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a wild animal (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This phrase may be a metaphor for the enemies of Israel. Alternate translation: “a savage enemy that is like a wild animal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not forget forever the life of your oppressed people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
“Do not continue forever to do nothing to help your oppressed people.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Come soon to help your oppressed people”
Psalms 74:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dark regions of the land are full of places of violence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of “regions” as if they were containers in which one could put “places of violence.” Alternate translation: “violent people do evil deeds in dark places in the land wherever they can”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dark regions of the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “dark” is probably a metaphor for a place where bad things happen or for the lands to which the Israelites had been sent in exile, but these words should be translated literally if possible.
Psalms 74:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let the oppressed be turned back in shame (1)Alternate translation: “Do not let wicked people defeat the oppressed and make them ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the oppressed (1)These are people who are treated cruelly by powerful people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the poor and oppressed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “poor” and “oppressed” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh saves many who need his help. See how these words are translated in Psalms 35:10.
Psalms 74:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: defend your own honor (1)Alternate translation: “show everyone that you are right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (1)“Pay attention to.” God has not forgotten how fools insult him, but he does not seem to be thinking about it. See how this is translated in verse Psalms 2.
Psalms 74:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the voice of your adversaries (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “voice” is a metonym for the words people use when they speak. Alternate translation: “what your adversaries are saying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or the uproar of those who continually defy you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The psalmist speaks of the words of those who defy God as if they were the loud sound of animals or non-living objects like water or the wind. Alternate translation: “and pay attention to the loud and meaningless words of those who continually defy you” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: defy (1)boldly oppose
Psalms 75
Psalm 075 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 75 is a wisdom psalm; teaching what will happen to evil people. (See: wise, wisdom and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Punishment
God has warned the evil people that they will be punished. He will strengthen the good people. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best)
Psalms 75:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
The people of God are speaking in 75:1, and God speaks in 75:2–3. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to Al Tashheth (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 57:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of Asaph (1)“This is a psalm that Asaph wrote.” See how this is translated in Psalms Psalm 53.
Psalms 75:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the inhabitants (1)Alternate translation: “all the people who live on it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make steady the earth’s pillars (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“keep the earth from being destroyed” or Alternate translation: “keep my people safe”
Psalms 75:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I said to the arrogant & and to the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The words “the arrogant” and “the wicked” are nominal adjectives that can be translated with nouns. The verb for the second phrase may be supplied from the first. Alternate translation: “I said to the arrogant people … and I said to the wicked people” (See also: Ellipsis)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I said (1)This could mean: (1) God is speaking or (2) Asaph is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not be arrogant & Do not lift (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The speaker is speaking to many wicked people, so these forms are plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not lift up the horn (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of wicked people as if they were animals with horns on their heads, stretching their necks and holding their heads high to frighten other animals. Alternate translation: “Do not be confident” or “Do not boast about how strong you are”
Psalms 75:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not lift up your & do not speak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The speaker is speaking to many wicked people, so these forms are plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not lift up your horn to the heights (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of wicked people as if they were animals with horns on their heads, stretching their necks and holding their heads as high as they can to frighten other animals. Alternate translation: “Be especially sure not to boast that you are greater than God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with an insolent neck (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Asaph speaks of wicked people who defy or challenge God as if they were animals with horns on their heads, stretching their necks and holding their heads high to frighten other animals. Alternate translation: “arrogantly” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 75:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is not from the east & that lifting up comes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Asaph speaks of the one who lifts up as if he were the action of lifting up. He also speaks of God giving strength and honor to a person as if God were physically lifting that person up. Alternate translation: “The one who will lift you up will not be someone who comes from the east” or “The one who will make you strong and have people honor you will not be someone who comes from the east”
Psalms 75:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Asaph speaks about God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brings down and he lifts up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The objects of the verbs can be stated clearly: “he brings some people down and he lifts other people up.” The words “brings down” and “raises up” are metaphors for God making people powerful and taking away their power. Alternate translation: “he makes one man king in place of another man” or “he takes away one man’s power and gives power to another man” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 75:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a cup of foaming wine & mixed with spices (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
When Yahweh punishes the people they will be like people who have drunk strong wine and become ill.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: foaming wine (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The foam is a metaphor for the power of the wine to make people drunk, Alternate translation: “strong wine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spices (1)dried leaves or ground seeds
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Quote: pours it out (1)pours it from a large container into the cups that the people will drink from
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Quote: drink it to the last drop (1)Alternate translation: “drink every drop of it”
Psalms 75:10
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Quote: He says (1)God says
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Quote: cut off all the horns of (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The horns of an animal are a metaphor for the power of a person. Alternate translation: “take away all power from”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the horns of the righteous will be raised up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The horns of an animal are a metaphor for the power of a person. This can be translated as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: “I will raise up the horns of the righteous” or “I will make the righteous powerful” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 76
Psalm 076 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 76 is a worship psalm.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s greatness
God is great. He has conquered all the nations surrounding Israel. Everyone should bring him gifts.
Psalms 76:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on stringed instruments (1)Alternate translation: “people should play stringed instruments with this song.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of Asaph (1)“This is a psalm that Asaph wrote” See how this is translated in Psalms 53:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made himself known in Judah (1)Alternate translation: “caused the people of Judah to know who he is” or “made himself famous in Judah”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his name is great in Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “his name” are a metonym for his reputation. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel consider him good and powerful”
Psalms 76:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his dwelling place (1)Alternate translation: “the place where he has chosen to live”
Psalms 76:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There he broke the arrows of the bow, the shield, the sword, and the other weapons of war (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These words are probably a metaphor for God causing the people of Judah to live in peace without being afraid of enemies making war on them, but the words should be translated literally.
Psalms 76:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Asaph speaks of God as if God was a soldier returning from a mountain after winning a great battle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You shine brightly and reveal your glory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The second phrase strengthens the first phrase in that Yahweh’s glory relates to Yahweh shining brightly.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You shine brightly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The words “shine brightly” are a metaphor for being great. Alternate translation: “You show how extremely great you are”
Psalms 76:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The bravehearted were plundered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your people killed the brave soldiers of their enemies and then took all their possessions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fell asleep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here “fell asleep” is a euphemism for died. Alternate translation: “died” or “fell down dead”
Psalms 76:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: At your rebuke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, rebuke refers to saying something in an angry or critical way. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebuke, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “When you rebuked them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fell asleep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This phrase is a polite way to say that they died. Alternate translation: “died” or “fell down dead”
Psalms 76:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who can stand in your sight when you are angry? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can stand in your sight when you are angry.” or “You can destroy anyone at whom you are angry.”
Psalms 76:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you made your judgment heard (1)Alternate translation: “you pronounced judgment” or “you announced how you were going to punish wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth was (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the earth” is a metonym for the people living on the earth. Alternate translation: “the people of the earth were”
Psalms 76:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: execute judgment (1)Alternate translation: “carry out judgment” or “punish wicked people”
Psalms 76:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely your angry judgment (1)Alternate translation: “It is certain that your angry judgment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your angry judgment against humanity will bring you praise (1)This could mean: (1) “people will praise you because you are angry at the wicked and judge them” or (2) “people who are angry with you will do things that cause people to praise you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you gird yourself with what is left of your anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as something that he can tie around himself like a belt. Alternate translation: “you tie your remaining anger around you like a belt”
Psalms 76:11
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Quote: him who is to be feared (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh, whom they should fear”
Psalms 76:12
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Quote: He cuts off the spirit of the princes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “He cuts off the spirit” is an idiom that means He breaks the spirit or He humbles. Alternate translation: “He humbles the princes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is feared by the kings of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the kings of the earth fear him”
Psalms 77
Psalm 077 General Notes
Type of psalm
The author felt abandoned by God. This is a psalm of lament. (See: lament, lamentation)
Special concepts in this chapter
Lament
God used to be close to the psalmist, but now it seems that God has completely abandoned him. Long ago, God took care of Israel and brought the people safely through the sea.
Psalms 77:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jeduthun (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
One of David’s chief musicians had this same name. This may refer to him. See how you translated this in Psalms 39:1.
Psalms 77:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I stretched my hands out (1)Alternate translation: “I prayed with my arms extended”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My soul refused to be comforted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The “soul” represents the person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I would not allow anyone to try to comfort me” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 77:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I thought of God as I groaned; I thought about him as I grew faint (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as I grew faint (1)Alternate translation: “as my spirit grew faint” or “as my spirit was overwhelmed”
Psalms 77:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
After speaking about God, Asaph speaks to God in verse 4 and then returns to speaking about God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You held my eyes open (1)Alternate translation: “I said to God, ‘You held my eyes open.’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: held my eyes open (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Open eyes is a metonym for being unable to sleep. Alternate translation: “kept me from sleeping”
Psalms 77:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the days of old, about times long past (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
If necessary, “days of old” and “times long past” can be combined. Alternate translation: “about things that happened a very long time ago”
Psalms 77:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I called to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom for remembering. Alternate translation: “I remembered”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what had happened (1)Another possible meaning is “what was happening.”
Psalms 77:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will the Lord reject me forever? Will he never again show me favor? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases express feeling rejection from the Lord.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: show me favor (1)Alternate translation: “do things that show that he is pleased with me”
Psalms 77:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Because Asaph was not sure of the answer to these questions, they are probably literal questions and should be translated literally.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Was his covenant faithfulness gone forever? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Asaph speaks of Yahweh no longer acting faithfully to his covenant as if Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness had gone away. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Has he stopped being faithful to his covenant forever?”
Psalms 77:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Had God forgotten to be gracious? Had his anger shut off his compassion? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These are two expressions stating similar concept of God not showing compassion.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Had his anger shut off his compassion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph speaks of anger as if it were a person shutting a door to keep another person, compassion, from coming out, Alternate translation: “Had God stopped showing us compassion because he was angry with us” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
Psalms 77:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I said (1)This could mean: (1) the psalmist was speaking to himself or (2) the psalmist was speaking to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the changing of the right hand of the Most High toward us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The “right hand” is a metonym for power, authority or strength. Alternate translation: “the Most High no longer uses his power to help us”
Psalms 77:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer begins to speak to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“remember” See how this is translated in Psalms 74:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your wonderful deeds of old (1)Alternate translation: “the wonderful things you did long ago”
Psalms 77:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will ponder all your deeds and will reflect on them. (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases express the concept of meditating on what Yahweh has done.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ponder (1)think deeply about
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reflect on them (1)Alternate translation: “think of what they mean”
Psalms 77:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what god compares to our great God? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “no god compares to our great God.”
Psalms 77:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: revealed your strength among the peoples (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “shown people from many people groups how strong you are”
Psalms 77:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave your people victory & the descendants (1)Alternate translation: “gave us, your people, victory … us who are the descendants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave your people victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word victory, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “caused your people to be victorious”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the descendants of Jacob and Joseph (1)This refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Psalms 77:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The waters saw you & they were afraid & the depths trembled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph speaks of the water as if it were a person who saw something that terrified him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the waters saw you, and they were afraid; the depths trembled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
“water” and “depth” refers to large bodies of water such as the sea or ocean.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: depths (1)deepest waters
Psalms 77:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The clouds poured down water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph speaks of the clouds as if they were people pouring water out of containers. Alternate translation: “Much rain fell” or “It rained very hard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your arrows flew about (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor that describes lightning as God’s arrows. Alternate translation: “the lightning you made flashed like arrows”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flew (1)Use your language’s word for what an arrow does after someone shoots it.
Psalms 77:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thunderous voice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This is personification, referring to the thunder as the voice of God. Alternate translation: “voice, which was as loud as thunder” or “very loud voice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lightning lit up the world (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that the lightning lit up everything the writer could see. Alternate translation: “lightning lit up everything as far as you could see”
Psalms 77:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your path & your way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your footprints (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph is speaking of Yahweh as if Yahweh was a person with feet. While this is personification, it should be translated literally, if possible.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your footprints were not seen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one saw your footprints”
Psalms 77:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You led your people like a flock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile compares God’s people to a flock of animals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the hand of (1)The phrase “by the hand of” here means “by the action of” or “through the action of.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hand” is synechdoche for the whole person.
Psalms 78
Psalm 078 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 78 is a wisdom psalm using Israel’s history. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel’s complaining
Although God did one miracle after the other, the people of Israel still complained and failed to believe Yahweh. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)
Superscription
This is called a “Maschil.” The word in the original language has caused scholars to have various opinions about its meaning. Some say it means to instruct, while others say that the word is referring to the skill used in creating the psalm. Still others think it means that meditation should be used in reading this psalm.
Psalms 78:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear my teaching (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The noun “teaching” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “Hear what I teach” or “Hear me as I teach you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “mouth” represents the person. Alternate translation: “my words”
Psalms 78:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: open my mouth in parables (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “open my mouth” means to speak. Alternate translation: “speak in parables”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sing about (1)“tell.” See how “pours out” is translated in Psalms 19:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hidden things (1)If your language has a word for sayings that are purposely difficult to understand, you might use it here.
Psalms 78:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We will not keep them from their descendants (1)This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “We will certainly tell our descendants about them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the praiseworthy deeds of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the things we praise Yahweh for”
Psalms 78:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he established (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh established”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covenant decrees (1)Other possible meanings are “testimonies” or “laws.”
Psalms 78:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer speaks of the “children” of Psalms 78:5–6.
Psalms 78:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Ephraimites & day of battle (1)This is possibly a metaphor for not keeping the covenant (verse 10), but it is best to translate literally.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Ephraimites (1)Alternate translation: “The Ephraimite soldiers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were armed with bows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The soldiers probably also had arrows. Alternate translation: “had bows and arrows for weapons”
Psalms 78:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: land of Zoan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This refers to the area around the city of Zoan, which was in Egypt.
Psalms 78:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He split (1)Alternate translation: “God split”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: enough to fill the depths of the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is probably hyperbole. Alternate translation: “more water than they could possibly drink”
Psalms 78:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: streams (1)small rivers
Psalms 78:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They challenged God (1)They wanted God to prove that he could do what he said he would do before they would believe him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their hearts (1)Alternate translation: “with their whole hearts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to satisfy their appetites (1)Alternate translation: “so they could eat as much as they desired”
Psalms 78:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They spoke (1)the Israelites spoke
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can God really lay out a table for us in the wilderness? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We do not believe that God can really lay out a table for us in the wilderness!” or “God, prove to us that you can really lay out a table for us in the wilderness!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay out a table (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “lay out a table” means to prepare a table for a meal. Here the word “table” is a metonym for the food on the table. Alternate translation: “provide us with food” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 78:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: waters gushed out (1)much water came out quickly
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But can he give bread also? Will he provide meat for his people? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people are laughing at God to insult him with these questions. Alternate translation: “But we will not believe that he can give us bread also or provide meat for his people until we see him do it.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bread & meat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
food from plants or food from animals. Though this is a merism for all kinds of food, it is best to translate it literally if possible.
Psalms 78:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his fire burned against Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s anger as if it were a fire, and of Yahweh acting in anger against Jacob as if that fire burned Jacob. Alternate translation: “his anger was like a fire that burned Jacob”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jacob (1)This refers to the nation of Israel
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his anger attacked Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of Yahweh punishing Israel when he was angry as if his anger were a person who attacked Israel. Alternate translation: “because he was angry, he attacked Israel”
Psalms 78:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not trust in his salvation (1)Alternate translation: “did not trust him to save them”
Psalms 78:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he commanded the skies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph speaks of the skies as if they were a person who could hear and obey God’s commands. Alternate translation: “he spoke to the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: skies (1)This could mean: (1) “sky” or (2) “clouds.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: opened the doors of the sky (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of the sky as if it were a storeroom with doors. Alternate translation: “opened the sky as if it were a storeroom”
Psalms 78:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He rained down manna for them to eat, and gave them the grain from heaven (1)These two lines speak of the same event.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He rained down manna (1)Alternate translation: “He caused manna to fall from the sky like rain”
Psalms 78:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bread of angels (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the manna that God provided for the people. The word “bread” represents food in general. Alternate translation: “the same kind of food that angels eat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: food in abundance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “abundant food” or “a large amount of food”
Psalms 78:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He caused (1)Alternate translation: “God caused”
Psalms 78:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He rained down meat on them like dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh causing birds to fall from the sky as if the birds were rain that Yahweh caused to fall. He compares the large amount of birds to dust. Alternate translation: “He caused meat to fall from the sky like rain, and there was so much of it that it covered the ground like dust” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: meat (1)birds
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as numerous as the sands of the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
No one can count the grains of sand. There were more birds than anyone could count, but this is an exaggeration: there were probably not literally the same number of birds as grains of sand.
Psalms 78:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: craved (1)strongly desired
Psalms 78:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then (1)while the food was still in their mouths (Psalms 78:31)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God’s anger attacked them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“God was angry and attacked them.” See how “his anger attacked Israel” is translated in Psalms 78:21.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a euphemism that means he caused them to die. Alternate translation: “killed”
Psalms 78:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not believe his wonderful deeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “deeds” is a metonym for God, who did the deeds. What they did not believe can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “did not believe that he would take care of them even though he had done such wonderful deeds” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 78:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut short their days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here the word “days” refers to a lifetime. The idiom “to cut short … days” means to cause someone to die before they have lived a long life. Alternate translation: “killed them while they were still young”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their years were filled with terror (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of years as if they were containers. Alternate translation: “year after year they were afraid all the time”
Psalms 78:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to seek him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
to ask him what they needed to do so he would protect them
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: afflicted them, they would & they would return and look (1)These are different people from those whose days God “cut short.” When some of them died, others would “start to seek” God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would return (1)Alternate translation: “would repent” or “would be truly sorry for their sins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: look earnestly (1)Alternate translation: “look urgently” or “look as best they could”
Psalms 78:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The tells of what the Israelites did.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (1)“remember.” See how this is translated in Psalms 20:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God was their rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks about God as if he were a hill or mountain where people could go to be safe from their enemies. Alternate translation: “God was the one who protected them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their rescuer (1)Alternate translation: “the one who rescued them”
Psalms 78:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flatter him (1)Alternate translation: “tell him he was wonderful when they did not believe it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with their mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “mouth” is a metonym for the words they spoke using their mouths. Alternate translation: “by saying what they said”
Psalms 78:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their hearts were not firmly fixed on him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “hearts” is a metonym for their thoughts. To be loyal to him is spoken of as being solidly attached to him. Alternate translation: “their thoughts were not focused on him” or “they were not loyal to him”
Psalms 78:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forgave their iniquity (1)Alternate translation: “forgave them even though they had done evil deeds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: held back his anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of God’s anger as if it were an angry person whom God held onto to keep him from attacking the one who had made him angry. Alternate translation: “did not punish them even though he was angry with them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not stir up all his wrath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of God’s wrath as if it were a sleeping person whom God allowed to sleep and did not awaken. Alternate translation: “did not allow himself to become fully angry with them”
Psalms 78:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“remembered.” See how “call to mind” is translated in Psalms 20:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were made of flesh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “flesh,” which is weak and then dies, is a metonym for human weakness and death. Alternate translation: “the Israelites were weak and would someday die”
Psalms 78:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the barren regions (1)Alternate translation: “places where nothing grows”
Psalms 78:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they challenged God (1)They wanted God to prove that he could do what he said he would do before they would believe him. See how you translated this in Psalms 78:18.
Psalms 78:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer speaks of how God had rescued the Israelites.
Psalms 78:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zoan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a city in Egypt
Psalms 78:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer describes what God did.
Psalms 78:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swarms of flies (1)so many flies that it looked like a cloud
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that devoured them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The flies made the Egyptians almost as unhappy as they would have if they had eaten the Egyptians. (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overran their land (1)Alternate translation: “went everywhere in their land”
Psalms 78:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave their crops to the grasshopper and their labor to the locust (1)Alternate translation: “allowed the grasshoppers to eat all their crops and allowed the locusts to eat everything they had worked hard to produce”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grasshopper (1)a plant-eating insect with long legs used for jumping
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He gave their crops to the grasshopper (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of the crops as a gift that God gave to the grasshoppers. Alternate translation: “He allowed the grasshopper to eat their crops”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their labor to the locust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“he gave their labor to the locust.” Asaph speaks of the people’s labor as if it were a gift that God gave to the grasshoppers. The word “labor” is a metonym for the crops that their labor had produced. Alternate translation: “he allowed the locusts to eat the crops they had worked so hard to produce” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 78:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sycamore (1)a tree that gives fruit
Psalms 78:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lightning bolts (1)lightning that makes loud thunder
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He rained hail (1)Alternate translation: “He brought hail” or “He caused hail to fall”
Psalms 78:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The fierceness of his anger lashed out against them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph speaks of God’s fierceness as if it were a person who could attack another person. Alternate translation: “He was angry with them, so he suddenly and fiercely attacked them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The fierceness of his anger (1)Alternate translation: “His fierce anger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lashed out against them (1)Alternate translation: “attacked them when they were not expecting anything to happen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He sent wrath, fury, and trouble like agents who bring disaster (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Asaph speaks of wrath, fury, and trouble as though they are people God can send to do his work for him. Alternate translation: “He was so angry that he wanted to harm the Egyptians, so he made trouble for them and brought them to disaster” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fury (1)anger that makes someone want to harm others
Psalms 78:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He leveled a path for his anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of anger as if it were a person who could walk Yahweh getting ready to punish the people as if he were making a smooth road for a person to walk on. Alternate translation: “He was so angry that he did everything he could to harm them” or “It was as if his anger was an army and he made a smooth road for it to march on” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he did not spare them from death (1)Alternate translation: “he did not keep the Egyptians from dying” or “he did not permit the Egyptians to live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave them over to the plague (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of the plague as if it were a person who was going to harm the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “he made them all very ill with the plague” (See also: Personification)
Psalms 78:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the firstborn of their strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase refers to the firstborn males of each family. Alternate translation: “the firstborn males”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the tents of Ham (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “tents” is a metonym for families. The word “Ham” refers to Egypt by the name of their ancestor. Alternate translation: “among the families of Egypt”
Psalms 78:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like sheep & like a flock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks about the Israelites as if they were sheep. This means God cared for and protected the people like a shepherd does his sheep.
Psalms 78:53
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overwhelmed (1)completely covered
Psalms 78:54
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his right hand acquired (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “right hand” are a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “he won for himself using his own power”
Psalms 78:55
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: assigned them their inheritance (1)This could mean: (1) God assigned the Israelites their inheritance in the land in which the other nations had once lived or (2) God assigned to the nations he had driven out an inheritance somewhere else. “gave them land that would always be theirs”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their tents (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) he settled Israel in their own tents in the land or (2) he settled Israel in the tents from which he had driven the other nations. Most of these “tents” were actually houses, both when the other nations lived in them and when the Israelites lived in them. Alternate translation: “in their homes”
Psalms 78:56
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: challenged and defied (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean almost the same thing. The writer uses them both to emphasize that the Israelites did not believe that God would either provide for them or punish evil as he had said he would.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: challenged (1)They wanted God to prove that he could do what he said he would do before they would believe him. See how you translated this idea in Psalms 78:18.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: defied (1)refused to obey
Psalms 78:57
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were unfaithful and acted treacherously (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These words mean almost the same thing. The writer uses them both to emphasize that the Israelites did not do for God what they had said they would do.
Psalms 78:58
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made him angry with their high places and provoked him to jealous anger with their idols (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are in parallel and have similar meanings.
Psalms 78:61
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He allowed his strength to be captured and gave his glory into the enemy’s hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Asaph speaks of God’s strength and glory as if they were physical objects that people could capture and hold. The words “strength” and “glory” are probably mentonyms for the ark of the covenant. The word “hand” is a metonym for the enemy’s power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He allowed his enemies to capture the glorious ark of his covenant; he simply gave it to them so they could do whatever they wanted with it” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 78:62
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He handed his people over to the sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of God’s people as if they were a small object God would give as a gift, and of the sword, a metonym for death in war, as if it were a person who could receive a gift. Alternate translation: “He allowed people to kill all his people in war” (See also: Personification and Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he was angry with his heritage (1)Alternate translation: “he was angry with the people he had said would be his forever”
Psalms 78:63
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Fire devoured their young men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “The enemy used fire to kill all their young men” or (2) “Their young men died quickly in battle like a fire burns dry grass.” Do not communicate that these people used guns.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: devoured (1)To “devour” is to eat everything very quickly.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wedding (1)the celebration when people marry
Psalms 78:64
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their priests fell by the sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “sword” represents soldiers who fought with swords. The phrase “fell by the sword” is an idiom that means to die in battle. Alternate translation: “Their priests died in battle” or “Enemies killed their priests with swords” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their widows could not weep (1)This could mean: (1) someone forced the widows not to weep or (2) so many priests died that there was no time for proper funerals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: widows (1)women whose husbands have died
Psalms 78:65
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Lord awakened as one from sleep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Lord not acting for a period of time is spoken of as if he were asleep, and his beginning to act is spoken of as if he awakened. Alternate translation: “the Lord began to act as if he had awakened from sleep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a warrior who shouts because of wine (1)This could mean: (1) like a warrior who had drunk too much wine and has become angry because he was awakened and so wants to fight or (2) like a warrior who drank much wine but is now able to think and fight well because he has slept.
Psalms 78:67
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tent of Joseph (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “tent” is a metonym for a family. In this phrase it refers to the descendants of Joseph. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joseph & Ephraim (1)Ephraim was Joseph’s son.
Psalms 78:68
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah & Mount Zion (1)Mount Zion was in the land where the tribe of Judah lived.
Psalms 78:69
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He built his sanctuary like the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile could mean: (1) Yahweh has made his sanctuary as high as the heavens. Alternate translation: “He built his sanctuary high, like the heavens” or (2) Yahweh has made his sanctuary as permanent as the heavens. Alternate translation: “He built his sanctuary to last permanently, like the heavens last forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous line. The writer compares the permanence of Yahweh’s sanctuary to the permanence of the earth. Alternate translation: “He built his sanctuary to last permanently, like the earth lasts permanently” (See also: Simile)
Psalms 78:70
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the sheepfolds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“from where he was working in the sheepfolds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sheepfolds (1)spaces with walls around them where sheep are kept safe
Psalms 78:71
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be shepherd of Jacob, his people, and of Israel, his heritage (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “shepherd” is a metaphor for one who leads and protects other people. Alternate translation: “to lead and protect the descendants of Jacob, his people, and of Israel, his heritage”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his heritage (1)“the ones he had chosen to be his forever” See how this is translated in Psalms 78:62.
Psalms 78:72
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David shepherded them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “shepherded” is a metaphor for leading and protecting. Alternate translation: “David led them and protected them”
Psalms 79
Psalm 079 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 79 is a deliverance psalm and a prayer for revenge against their enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)
Special concepts in this chapter
Destruction
Jerusalem has been destroyed and its people killed. God should destroy these enemy nations who do not pray to him.
Psalms 79:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your inheritance (1)“the land that was to be yours forever” See how this is translated in Psalms 68:9.
Psalms 79:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have shed their blood like water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “blood” is a metonym for innocent life. To shed blood is to kill innocent people. Most people saw water every day, so for blood to be as common as water, many innocent people would have to die. Alternate translation: “They have killed so many innocent people that the blood is everywhere, like water after it rains” (See also: Simile)
Psalms 79:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have become a reproach for our neighbors, mocking and derision to those who are around us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “reproach,” “mocking,” and “derision” are metonyms for those whom others reproach, mock, and deride. Alternate translation: “We have become people whom our neighbors reproach; those around us mock and deride us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We have become (1)The pronoun “We” refers to God’s people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: derision (1)strong laughter to shame a person
Psalms 79:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will your jealous anger burn like fire? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It seems as though your jealous anger will never stop burning like fire.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will your jealous anger burn (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “angry.” Alternate translation: “will you be jealous and angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: burn like fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile compares the expression of God’s anger to a fire that destroys things. Alternate translation: “destroy us” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 79:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
General Information:
These two pairs of phrases each share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pour out your wrath on the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of God’s wrath as if it were a liquid. Alternate translation: “Since you are angry, punish the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not call upon your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person’s power and authority. Alternate translation: “do not belong to you” or “do not ask you to help them”
Psalms 79:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have devoured Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “Jacob” is a mentonym for his descendants, the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “they have completely destroyed the people of Israel”
Psalms 79:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not hold the sins of our forefathers against us (1)Alternate translation: “Do not continue to remember the sins of our forefathers and punish us for them” or “Forgive us for the sins of our forefathers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we are very low (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the people being weak and discouraged as if they were in a low position. Alternate translation: “we are very weak” or “we are very discouraged”
Psalms 79:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God of our salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “salvation” can be translated with the verb “save”: “God who saves us.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the sake of the glory of your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for his reputation, for what people know about him. Alternate translation: “so that people will know about your glory”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your name’s sake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s name here represents his whole being and the honor that he deserves. Alternate translation: “so that people will honor you” or “for your own sake”
Psalms 79:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The nations should not be able to say, ‘Where is their God?’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where is their God? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This taunt can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Their God cannot do anything!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the blood of your servants that was shed be avenged on the nations before our eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
To shed blood is a metonym for killing innocent people. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Avenge your innocent servants whom the nations killed where we can see you do it” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before our eyes (1)Alternate translation: “in our sight” or “while we are present”
Psalms 79:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the groans of the prisoners come before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of the sound made by prisoners in pain and sorrow as if it were a person who appears before a king. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully to the groans of the prisoners and help them” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: children of death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to people who are condemned to death. Alternate translation: “those who are condemned to die”
Psalms 79:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pay back & the insults & Lord (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of the evil deeds that the neighboring countries did against Israel as “insults,” and as if they were physical items. He asks the Lord to count those deeds, and for every one that the neighboring countries committed, he asks the Lord to have someone do seven evil deeds to the neighboring countries.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pay back (1)Alternate translation: “Return” or “Give back”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into the laps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
onto their knees and thighs as they are sitting. This is a metaphor for “directly and personally.”
Psalms 79:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we your people and sheep of your pasture will give you thanks (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “sheep” is a metaphor for helpless people whom a shepherd protects and leads. Alternate translation: “we who are your people, whom you protect and lead, will thank you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tell your praises to all generations (1)Alternate translation: “make sure that all generations to come know all the good things you have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your praises (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the things that people will praise them the Lord for. Alternate translation: “continue to praise you for the things that you have done”
Psalms 80
Psalm 080 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 80 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
Israel’s enemies threaten them. The psalmist asks Yahweh to look down with joy on them, then they will be saved. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The author uses an extended metaphor of Israel as a vine planted by God which is being uprooted. (See: Metaphor)
Psalms 80:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)“This is for the director of music to use in worship” See how this is translated in Psalms 4:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to the Shoshannim (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 45:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shepherd of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph is referring to God as the one who leads and protects Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who lead Joseph like a flock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “Joseph” refers to the nation of Israel. Asaph speaks of the people as if they were a flock of sheep that Yahweh, who is the shepherd, leads. Alternate translation: “you who lead the descendants of Joseph as though they were a flock of sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joseph (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Joseph represents the nation of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you who sit above the cherubim (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “you who sit on your throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shine on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph speaks of God as if he were the sun, giving light, a metaphor for moral goodness. Alternate translation: “give us light” or “show us the right way to live”
Psalms 80:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stir up your power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “stir up” means to “put into action.”
Psalms 80:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make your face shine on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on them. Alternate translation: “act favorably towards us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and we will be saved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “and please save us” or “so that you can save us”
Psalms 80:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your people (1)Israel
Psalms 80:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in great quantities (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The words “bread of tears” and “tears to drink” are metaphors for continual sadness. Alternate translation: “You have made sure that they are very sad all the time” (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 80:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make your face shine on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on them. See how you translated this in Psalms 80:3. Alternate translation: “act favorably towards us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will be saved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will save us”
Psalms 80:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You brought a vine out of Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asaph compares the nation of Israel to a vine made ready to transplant. Alternate translation: “You brought us, like a vine, out of Egypt” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you drove out nations and transplanted it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of his people as if they were a plant that Yahweh was transplanting. Alternate translation: “you drove out nations from their land and gave it to us, the vine, and planted us there”
Psalms 80:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You cleared the land for it (1)Alternate translation: “You cleared the land for the vine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it took root (1)Alternate translation: “the vine took root” or “the vine began to grow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: filled the land (1)Alternate translation: “its branches covered the land”
Psalms 80:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The mountains were covered with its shade, the cedars of God by its branches (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Its shade covered the mountains, its branches the cedars of God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the cedars of God by its branches (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
“and the cedars of God were covered by its branches,” which copies the verb from the previous sentence. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and its branches covered the cedars of God” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cedars of God (1)This could mean: (1) “the highest cedar trees,” the cedar trees that grew on the “mountains” in the land of Lebanon north of Israel, or (2) “God’s own cedar trees.”
Psalms 80:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sea (1)the Mediterranean Sea to the west of Israel
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shoots (1)the parts of new plants that are just starting to grow above the ground
Psalms 80:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its walls (1)walls of stone, not of wood
Psalms 80:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: boars (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
wild pigs that ruin gardens and farms and attack people. If your readers do not know what these are, use the word for a wild animal that ruins gardens and farms and attacks people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forest (1)land where there are many trees
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beasts (1)wild animals of any kind
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: field (1)land where there are many plants but no trees
Psalms 80:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Asaph finishes speaking of Israel in their land as if Israel were a grapevine in a vineyard.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer wants God to turn back in order to help them. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Turn back to us” or “Come and help us again”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take notice (1)Alternate translation: “look at”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this vine (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer continues comparing the nation of Israel to the vine.
Psalms 80:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is the root that your right hand planted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The right hand represents the Yahweh’s power and control. Alternate translation: “This is the root that you, Yahweh, planted”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shoot (1)the part of a new plant that is just starting to grow above the ground. See how you translated this in Psalms 80:11.
Psalms 80:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: down; they perish because of your rebuke (1)This could mean: (1) “down; your people perish because of your rebuke.” or (2) “down. May your enemies perish because of your rebuke!”
Psalms 80:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to Yahweh’s power and control.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the man of your right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
the nation of Israel, which Yahweh has chosen as his people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
When a man in Israel wanted to honor another man, he would have that other man stand at his right side, close to his right hand.
Psalms 80:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will not turn away from you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “turn away” is a metaphor for rejecting someone. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “we will not stop worshiping and obeying you” or “we will always worship and obey you”
Psalms 80:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shine on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on them. See how you translated this in Psalms 80:3. Alternate translation: “act favorably towards us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will be saved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will save us”
Psalms 81
Psalm 081 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 81 is a wisdom psalm. It is meant to be sung at “new moon” and “full moon” ceremonies. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Obedience
If Israel would obey and worship God, he would destroy their enemies.
Psalms 81:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A psalm of Asaph (1)A psalm that Asaph wrote.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship;”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to the Gittith (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 8:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God our strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “strong.” Alternate translation: “God who causes us to be strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Jacob” represents all of his descendants. Alternate translation: “the God of Israel, the nation of Jacob’s descendants”
Psalms 81:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: play the tambourine, the pleasant lyre with the harp (1)These are musical instruments.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tambourine (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken
Psalms 81:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the new moon (1)This is the beginning of the lunar month.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the day of the full moon (1)This is the middle of the lunar month.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when our feast day begins (1)Alternate translation: “and on the days when our feasts begin”
Psalms 81:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For it (1)Here “it” refers to the feast day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a decree given by the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the God of Jacob decreed it” or “the God of Jacob commanded it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Jacob” represents all of his descendants. Alternate translation: “the God of Israel, the nation of Jacob’s descendants”
Psalms 81:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: issued it as a regulation (1)Alternate translation: “gave it as a law”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Joseph (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Joseph” represents all of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when he went against the land of Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the historical events in Egypt when the people of Israel were enslaved and God rescued them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt”
Psalms 81:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Here God begins speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: removed the burden from his shoulder (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “the burden from his shoulder” represents the forced labor the Israelites had to do as slaves in Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his hands were freed from holding the basket (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “holding the basket” represents the forced labor the Israelites had to do as slaves in Egypt.
Psalms 81:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In your distress (1)Alternate translation: “In your great suffering”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I answered you from a dark thundercloud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When God came to the Israelites, he hid the fullness of his presence and glory in a dark and threatening cloud.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I tested you at the waters of Meribah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
God tested the children of Israel to see if they would trust him to supply water in the desert of Meribah.
Psalms 81:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Yahweh reminds the people what he said while they were in the desert.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for I will warn you (1)Alternate translation: “because I am giving you a warning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Israelites” or “people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if you would only listen to me! (1)Alternate translation: “how I wish you would listen to me” or “but you must start listening to me!”
Psalms 81:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God taking care of all the needs of the people is spoken of as if he were a mother bird feeding her baby birds.
Psalms 81:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Now Yahweh tells what actually happened after he warned the people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to my words (1)Alternate translation: “to what I said” or “to me”
Psalms 81:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So I gave them over to their own stubborn way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God allowing the people to remain stubborn is spoken of as if God were giving them over to an enemy to let the enemy harm them. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I let them be stubborn”
Psalms 81:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oh, that my people would walk in my paths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God wanting the people to obey him is spoken of as if he wanted the people to walk on his paths or roads. Alternate translation: “I wish that they would obey my laws”
Psalms 81:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn my hand against (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “I would destroy” or “I would defeat”
Psalms 81:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who hate Yahweh & before him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “who hate me … before me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cringe in fear (1)Alternate translation: “bow down in fear” or “fall down in fear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they be humiliated forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I would humiliate them forever” or “I will punish them forever”
Psalms 81:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would feed Israel with the finest wheat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God causing the best wheat to grow in Israel is spoken of as if he would literally feed the wheat to the people. Alternate translation: “I would allow the Israelites to eat the finest wheat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: feed Israel & satisfy you (1)Both “Israel” and “you” refer to the Israelites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: honey out of the rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to wild honey. Bees would build hives in the holes in rocks and make the honey there.
Psalms 82
Psalm 082 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 82 is a psalm of judgment against the leaders of the other nations. (See: judge, judgment)
Special concepts in this chapter
Favoritism
The leaders of the nations need to protect the poor and needy and not to favor the evil rich people. (See: favor, favorable, favoritism and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metonymy
The leaders of the nations are represented by their gods. (See: Metonymy and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)
Psalms 82:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the divine assembly (1)Alternate translation: “the heavenly council” or “the meeting in heaven”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he renders judgment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“he gives judgment.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “he judges”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gods (1)This could mean: (1) these are other spiritual beings who dwell in heaven. Alternate translation: “the divine beings” or “the heavenly judges” or (2) these are human judges that God has appointed. Either way, it does not mean they are gods like Yahweh is god. It means God has given them great power and authority. Alternate translation: “the rulers”
Psalms 82:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will you judge unjustly and show favoritism to the wicked? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the gods for not judging people fairly.
Psalms 82:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor & fatherless & afflicted & destitute (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
These words are nominal adjectives. They can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “those who are poor … those who are fatherless … those who are afflicted … those who are destitute”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: maintain the rights of the (1)Alternate translation: “do what is right for the”
Psalms 82:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor & needy & wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
These are all nominal adjectives. They can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “those who are poor … those who are needy … those who are wicked”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take them out of the hand of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “stop the wicked people from harming them”
Psalms 82:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They neither (1)This could mean: (1) “they” refers to the gods or (2) “they” refers to the wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they wander around in the darkness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Doing what is evil is spoken of as if they were walking in a very dark place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the foundations of the earth crumble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The gods corrupting the moral order that Yahweh established is spoken of as if the gods were shaking the earth and making it fall apart.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crumble (1)fall apart
Psalms 82:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are gods, and all of you sons of the Most High (1)Here “gods” refers to the same group as in Psalms 82:1. Whether this refers to spiritual beings or human beings, they are not gods like Yahweh is God, and they are not literally his sons. By calling them “gods” and “sons of the Most High,” Yahweh is acknowledging that he has given them great power and authority.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sons of the Most High (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is speaking about himself as “the Most High.”
Psalms 82:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nevertheless you (1)Alternate translation: “However you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and fall (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of speaking of a person dying.
Psalms 82:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer is speaking again.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: judge the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “earth” represents the people. Alternate translation: “judge the people of the earth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for you have an inheritance in all the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“for all the nations are your inheritance.” Yahweh taking all the people as his own and ruling over them is spoken of as if the nations were a possession that he inherited. Alternate translation: “for you rule over all the people of every nation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people of the nations.
Psalms 83
Psalm 083 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 83 is a deliverance psalm. It is a prayer for deliverance from the many nations allied against Israel. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Destruction
God should destroy these enemy nations like he destroyed Israel’s enemies during the time of the Judges.
Psalms 83:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: remain unmoved (1)Alternate translation: “do nothing to help us”
Psalms 83:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look, your enemies are making a commotion (1)Here “making a commotion” means they are rioting and rebelling. Alternate translation: “Look, your enemies are rebelling against you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who hate you have raised their heads (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “raised their heads” is way of saying they are rebelling against God. Alternate translation: “those who hate you are defying you”
Psalms 83:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your protected ones (1)“those whom you protect.” This refers to the Israelites.
Psalms 83:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the name of Israel will no longer be remembered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents a reputation or the memory of someone. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever remember the Israelites existed” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 83:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They schemed together with one strategy (1)Alternate translation: “Your enemies have agreed together with one plan”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they made an alliance against you (1)Alternate translation: “they have joined together against you”
Psalms 83:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the tents of Edom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of Edom who lived in tents.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hagrites (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group that lived on the east side of the Jordan River.
Psalms 83:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gebal, Ammon, Amalek & Philistia (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These all represent the people of each area or tribe. Alternate translation: “the people of Gebal, the Ammonites, the Amalekites … the Philistines”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gebal (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a region south of the Dead Sea.
Psalms 83:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Assyria (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the people of Assyria. Alternate translation: “the people of Assyria”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have become an arm for the descendants of Lot (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arm” is a metonym that represents “help.” Alternate translation: “they have become a help for the descendants of Lot” or “they are helping the descendants of Lot”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the descendants of Lot (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the people of the nations of Moab and Ammon. You can make clear the understood information.
Psalms 83:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do to them as you did to Midian & Sisera and to Jabin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer is asking God to defeat Israel’s enemies as he has done in the past.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did to Midian (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “did to the Midianites”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sisera & Jabin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men. Jabin was king of Hazor. Sisera was the commander of Jabin’s army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Kishon River (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a river in northern Israel.
Psalms 83:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Endor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town in northern Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: became like manure for the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means the bodies of Sisera and Jabin were not buried but were left to rot.
Psalms 83:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oreb & Zeeb & Zebah & Zalmunna (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are all names of kings.
Psalms 83:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They said (1)Here “They” refers to Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah and Zalmunna.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pastures of God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about the land of Israel as if it were land for sheep to graze and God were the shepherd watching over it.
Psalms 83:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
General Information:
The writer uses similes to describe God’s total destruction of Israel’s enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make them like the whirling dust, like chaff before the wind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Both statements speak of God destroying his enemies as if he were a strong wind easily blowing them away. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 83:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like the fire that burns the forest, and like the flame that sets the mountains on fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Both statements speak of God’s punishment as if it were a fire, and the enemies of God are things that burn in the fire. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 83:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Chase them with your strong wind, and terrify them with your windstorm (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Both statements ask God to destroy the enemies with storms. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 83:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Fill their faces with shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “faces” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Make them very ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they might seek your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents God’s power. God’s enemies acknowledging that God is powerful is spoken of as if they are seeking to find Yahweh. Alternate translation: “they might acknowledge that you are powerful” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seek your name (1)This could mean: (1) God’s enemies admit that God is powerful or (2) God’s enemies are asking God for help or (3) God’s enemies start to worship and obey him.
Psalms 83:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they be put to shame and be terrified forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Make them ashamed and terrified forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may they perish in disgrace (1)Alternate translation: “may they die while they are ashamed”
Psalms 83:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they will know (1)This can also be stated as the writer making a request to God. Alternate translation: “Cause them to know”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are the Most High over all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God ruling over everything in the earth is spoken of as if he were elevated higher than everything else. Alternate translation: “are supreme, and you rule all things on the earth”
Psalms 84
Psalm 084 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 84 is a worship psalm.
Special concepts in this chapter
Obedience
God blesses all who want to obey him. Praising God in his temple is better than anything else. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and temple, house, house of God)
Similarity to Psalm 42–43
There are many similarities between these psalms and some scholars suggest they were written by the same people.
Psalms 84:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to the Gittith (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 8:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How lovely (1)Alternate translation: “How beautiful”
Psalms 84:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I long for the courts of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “I really want to be in the courts of Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the courts of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “courts” represent the temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my desire for it has made me exhausted (1)Alternate translation: “my desire has exhausted me” or “I am tired because I want it so much”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart and all of my being call out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I call out with all of my being”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the living God (1)This means God is living and he also has the power to cause other things to live.
Psalms 84:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sparrow & swallow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
These are types of birds.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: found her a house (1)Alternate translation: “found her a home” or “made her a home”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the swallow a nest (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Here the words “has found” or “has made” are understood. Alternate translation: “the swallow has found a nest” or “the swallow has made a nest”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where she may lay her young (1)Alternate translation: “where she may lay her eggs and care for her babies”
Psalms 84:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they who live in your house (1)This could mean: (1) “they” refers to the priests who permanently serve at the temple or (2) “they” refers to people in general who come and worship at the temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise you continually (1)Alternate translation: “keep praising you again and again”
Psalms 84:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed is the man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Here “man” refers to people in general. (See also: When Masculine Words Include Women)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose strength is in you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if strength was actually found in him. Alternate translation: “whom you strengthen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in whose heart are the highways up to Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This expression is about heart-felt desire. Alternate translation: “Who love to go up to Zion” or “Who earnestly wish go up to Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: highways (1)roads built higher than the surrounding ground
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: up to Zion (1)The temple was in Jerusalem on the top of the highest hill, called Mount Zion.
Psalms 84:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Valley of Tears (1)This refers to a dry, arid place. Some Bible versions have “the Valley of Baca.” The word “Baca” means “weeping.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The early rains (1)This means the rain that falls in autumn before the cold season. This is during the months of October and November on Western calendars.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blessings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “blessings” is a metonym for the pools of water that make people who live in dry lands happy. Alternate translation: “pools of water that make them happy”
Psalms 84:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They go from strength to strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of saying they get stronger.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They go (1)Here “They” refers to those who strongly desire to go to the temple to worship God.
Psalms 84:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, watch over our shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The king who protects his people is spoken of as if he were a shield. Alternate translation: “God, watch over our king”
Psalms 84:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For one day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This can be stated with the understood information. Alternate translation: “I would rather be in your courts for one day than to be somewhere else for a thousand days”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a thousand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be a doorkeeper (1)Alternate translation: “be a guard at the door” or “stand at the door”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “wicked people” or “those who are wicked”
Psalms 84:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For Yahweh God is our sun and shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh who guides and protects his people is spoken of as if he were the sun and a shield. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh God guides us like the light from the sun, and he protects us like a shield”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh will give grace and glory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “grace” and “glory” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be kind to us and honor us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who walk in integrity (1)The way a person conducts their lives or behaves is spoken of as if the person were walking. Alternate translation: “who live honestly” or “who are honest”
Psalms 84:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blessed is the man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Here “man” means people in general. Alternate translation: “blessed are those” (See also: When Masculine Words Include Women)
Psalms 85
Psalm 085 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 85 is a worship psalm.
Special concepts in this chapter
Blessings
God has given so many blessings. If the people stop their sinning, then the land will be filled by the glory of God and his blessings. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and glory, glorious, glorify)
Group Prayer
Note how this psalm uses the plural to show that it is a group praying.
Psalms 85:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have showed favor to your land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “land” represents the nation and people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: well-being (1)This refers to a person being happy, healthy and prosperous.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Jacob” represents Jacob’s descendents, the Israelites.
Psalms 85:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have covered all their sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sin that is forgiven is spoken of as if it were covered so that it can not be seen. Alternate translation: “you have deliberately forgotten their sin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their sin (1)This writer thought of himself as belonging to God’s people. Alternate translation: “our sin”
Psalms 85:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have withdrawn all your wrath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God no longer punishing the Israelites is spoken of as if wrath were an object that Yahweh could take away from the Israelites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have turned back from your hot anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God no longer being angry with the Israelites is spoken of as if anger were a fire that God from which God turned away.
Psalms 85:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God of our salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “God who saves us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let go of your displeasure with us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asking God to stop being angry with the Israelites is spoken of as if displeasure were an object the writer wants God to let go of.
Psalms 85:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you be angry with us forever? Will you remain angry throughout future generations? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that he is requesting God to stop being angry with them. These rhetorical questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Please do not stay angry at us forever.”
Psalms 85:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you not revive us again? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to emphasize his request to God to make the people of Israel prosper and happy again. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Please make us prosper again.”
Psalms 85:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Show us your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If the sentence is rearranged, the ideas in If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word covenant faithfulness, you could express the same idea with the phrase “faithful to your covenant.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grant us your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This is how the writer wants God to show his faithfulness to his people. If the sentence is rearranged, the ideas in If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “and save us” or “by saving us”
Psalms 85:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make peace with his people (1)Alternate translation: “have a peaceful relationship with his people” or “bring peace to his people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yet they must not turn again to foolish ways (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person changing the way he behaves is spoken of as if he were physically turning to a different direction. Alternate translation: “Yet they must not start doing foolish things again”
Psalms 85:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely his salvation is near to those (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God being ready to save someone is spoken of as if salvation were an object that God has placed near someone. Alternate translation: “Surely God is ready to save those”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then glory will remain in our land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “glory” represents God’s presence. Alternate translation: “then his glorious presence will remain in our land”
Psalms 85:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness have met together (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” are spoken of as if they were persons who meet together. This could mean: (1) God has been faithful because of his covenant and has done what he promised to do. Alternate translation: “God has been faithful to his covenant and has proven that he is worthy of people trusting him” or (2) God has been faithful because of his covenant and the people have responded by being faithful to him. Alternate translation: “God has been faithful to his covenant and people have responded by trusting him” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have met together & have kissed each other (1)Most likely the speaker is describing a time in the future when God causes the people to prosper again. Alternate translation: “will meet together … will kiss each other”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: righteousness and peace have kissed each other (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This could mean: (1) the people will do what is right and God will cause the people to live in peace or (2) God will do what is right and will cause the people to live in peace. Either way righteousness and peace are abstract nouns and are spoken of as if they were persons who kiss each other. (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kissed each other (1)This was a common way for friends to greet each other.
Psalms 85:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Trustworthiness springs up from the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people on earth being faithful to God is spoken of as if trustworthiness were a plant growing out of the ground. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “loyal.” Alternate translation: “Here on earth, we will be loyal to God” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: righteousness looks down from the sky (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “righteousness” is an abstract noun, and it is spoken of as a person looking down as God does. Alternate translation: “God will look on us from heaven and will act justly towards us” (See also: Personification)
Psalms 85:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Righteousness will go before him and make a way for his footsteps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
God doing what is right everywhere he goes is spoken of as if righteousness were a person who goes ahead of God and prepares a path for God to walk.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his footsteps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “footsteps” represents where God walks.
Psalms 86
Psalm 086 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 86 is a deliverance psalm. He is praying for deliverance from his many enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
God has blessed the psalmist and is so loving to him. He has been one of God’s servants. Now he needs God to save him. (See: bless, blessed, blessing and love, beloved and save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 86:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor and needy (1)Alternate translation: “weak and needy”
Psalms 86:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: save your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David refers to himself as “your servant,” that is, God’s servant. Alternate translation: “save me, your servant”
Psalms 86:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all day long (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration. David cries out continually, but not literally at all times from dawn to dusk. Alternate translation: “continually”
Psalms 86:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Make your servant glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
David refers to himself as “your servant,” that is, God’s servant. Alternate translation: “Make me, your servant” or “Make me”
Psalms 86:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the day of my trouble (1)Alternate translation: “During my times of difficulty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I call on you (1)Alternate translation: “I pray to you”
Psalms 86:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: among the gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer is not acknowledging these other gods exist. He is referring to false gods that people from other nations worship.
Psalms 86:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the nations” represent the people. Alternate translation: “The people from all nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will honor your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “They will honor you”
Psalms 86:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wonderful things (1)Alternate translation: “very good things that amaze me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you only are God (1)Alternate translation: “you are the only God”
Psalms 86:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Teach me your ways, Yahweh. Then I will walk in your truth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who obeys what God wants is spoken of as if he were walking on God’s way or road. Alternate translation: “Teach me your truth, Yahweh. Then I will obey what you say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Unite my heart to reverence you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s thoughts, emotions, and motives. Asking God to cause a person to respect him completely is spoken of as if the person’s heart were in many pieces and that God unites them together. Alternate translation: “Cause me to respect you sincerely with all my heart” or “Cause me to respect you sincerely” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 86:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will praise you with my whole heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s thoughts, emotions, and motives. Alternate translation: “I will praise you completely and sincerely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will glorify your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will glorify you”
Psalms 86:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For great is your covenant faithfulness toward me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “For you are very faithful to me because of your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have rescued my life from the depths of Sheol (1)This does not mean God brought him back to life after he died. It means God saved him when he was about to die.
Psalms 86:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the arrogant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “arrogant people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have risen up against me (1)Alternate translation: “are coming together to harm me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seek my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of saying they want to kill him.
Psalms 86:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and abundant in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God constantly being faithful and trustworthy is spoken of as if faithfulness and trustworthiness were objects of which God has a large quantity. The two abstract nouns can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “always faithful to your covenant and very worthy of people trusting you” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 86:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn toward me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asking God to consider him is spoken of as if he wanted God to turn and look at him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give your strength to your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “strengthen your servant” or “make your servant strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant & the son of your servant woman (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer is speaking about himself in the third person.
Psalms 86:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be put to shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will be ashamed”
Psalms 87
Psalm 087 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 87 is a psalm about Jerusalem.
Special concepts in this chapter
Pride
People will be proud to have been born in Jerusalem.
Psalms about Jerusalem
Psalm 46, 48, and 76 are part of a group of psalms that celebrate Jerusalem.
Psalms 87:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 87:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gates of Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “gates of Zion” represents the entire city of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “city of Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the tents of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The people lived in tents while they wandered in the desert. Here the writer uses “tents of Jacob” to represent where the Israelites live now. Alternate translation: “any of the other dwelling places of the Israelites”
Psalms 87:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Glorious things are said of you, city of God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
The writer speaks to the city of Jerusalem as if it were listening to him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You people in Jerusalem, other people say wonderful things about your city” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 87:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I mention (1)“I tell about.” Here “I” refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rahab and Babylon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Rahab” is a poetic way of referring to Egypt. Both “Rahab” and “Babylon” represent the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt and Babylon” (See also: How to Translate Names)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to my followers (1)Alternate translation: “to those who worship me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This one was born there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“This one” refers to the people from the nations that the writer mentions. Although they were not physically born in Zion, those who follow God are natives of Jerusalem spiritually.
Psalms 87:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Of Zion it will be said (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will say about Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Each of these was born in her (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People from other nations that worship Yahweh are spoken of as if they were born in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “It is as though all of these people were born in Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in her (1)It was common to refer to cities as “her.” Alternate translation: “in Jerusalem” or “in Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Most High himself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
The writer uses the reflexive pronoun “himself” to emphasize that it is the Most High who is doing this.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will establish her (1)Alternate translation: “will make Jerusalem strong”
Psalms 87:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh writes in the census book of the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh acknowledging that the people from other nations belong to him is spoken of as if he were a king writing down the names of the people who live in his city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This one was born there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“This one” refers to the people from the nations that the writer mentions. Although they were not physically born in Zion, those who follow God are natives of Jerusalem spiritually. See how you translated this in Psalms 87:4.
Psalms 87:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All my fountains are in you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jerusalem being a place where people receive all their blessings is spoken of as if Jerusalem were a spring that provided water to the people.
Psalms 88
Psalm 088 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 88 is a psalm of deliverance from sickness. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Abandon
Ever since he was a child, the psalmist has been sick, and now all his friends have abandoned him. If he dies he cannot testify about God’s healing.
Psalms 88:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A song, a psalm of the sons of Korah (1)Alternate translation: “This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “this is for the director of music to use in worship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set to the Mahalath Leannoth style (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate
This may refer to a style of music.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heman (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God of my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you are the one who saves me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: day and night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The writer uses these words with opposite meanings to say that he cries out continually.
Psalms 88:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For I am filled with troubles (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of himself as if he were a container and troubles are the contents that fill the container. Alternate translation: “For I am very troubled”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life has reached Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “life” represents the writer. And “Sheol” represents death. The writer speaks about himself possibly dying soon as if Sheol were a place and he has arrived at that place. Alternate translation: “I am about to die” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 88:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: People treat me like those who go down into the pit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “pit” means the same as “Sheol.” The phrase “go down into the pit” represents dying. Alternate translation: “people treat me like I have already died”
Psalms 88:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am abandoned among the dead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People treating the writer as if he were already dead is spoken of as if he were a corpse that they left unburied. Alternate translation: I am left alone as if I were dead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like the dead who lie in the grave (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer feeling like people and God have abandoned him speaks about himself as if he were already a dead person lying in a grave.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dead who lie (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The nominal adjective “the dead” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “a dead person who lies” or “dead people who lie”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: about whom you care no more (1)Alternate translation: “who no longer receive your care” or “people you have stopped caring about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are cut off from your power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God no longer using his power to help dead people is spoken of as if God literally cut him off or removed him from his power. Alternate translation: “you no longer use your power to help them”
Psalms 88:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You place me in the lowest part of the pit, in the dark and deep places (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer feeling like God has abandoned him speaks about himself as if God has put the him in the deepest and darkest grave.
Psalms 88:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your wrath lies heavy on me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about God being very angry with the writer as if God’s wrath were a heavy object lying on top of the writer. Alternate translation: “I feel your great anger” or “I feel how very angry you are with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all your waves crash over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about God being very angry with the writer as if God’s anger were large waves rising up from the sea then landing on the writer.
Psalms 88:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my acquaintances (1)Alternate translation: “those who know me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have made me a shocking sight to them (1)Alternate translation: “You have made me a disgusting sight to them” or “Because of you, they are shocked when they see me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am hemmed in (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer’s physical condition that makes him repulsive to his friends is spoken of as if he were in closed into a confining space. Alternate translation: “It is as though I were in a prison” or “I am trapped”
Psalms 88:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eyes grow weary from trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “eyes” represents a person’s ability to see. For his eyes to grow weary from trouble is a way of saying that he his troubles cause him to cry so much that it is hard for him to see. (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I spread out my hands to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“I lift up my hands to you.” This is an action that shows that he totally depends on God.
Psalms 88:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you do wonders for the dead? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to emphasize that if God lets him die then God will no longer be able to do wonderful things for him. Alternate translation: “You do not do wonders for dead people.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will those who have died rise and praise you? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to emphasize that if God lets him die then he will not be able to praise God any longer. Alternate translation: “You know that those who have died will not stand up and praise you.”
Psalms 88:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will your covenant faithfulness be proclaimed in the grave, your loyalty in the place of the dead? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both questions mean the same thing. The writer uses questions to emphasize that a dead person is not able to praise God’s faithfulness. The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “loyalty” can be translated as adjectives. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Nobody will proclaim your covenant faithfulness or loyalty from the grave.” or “Nobody will proclaim from the grave that you are faithful to your covenant and loyal to your people” (See also: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the grave & the place of the dead (1)These represent the place where people go after they die.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your loyalty in the place of the dead? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Will your loyalty be proclaimed in the place of the dead?” or “Those who are dead will not proclaim your loyalty.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
Psalms 88:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the darkness & the place of forgetfulness (1)These represent the place where people go after they die.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will your wonderful deeds be known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the place of forgetfulness? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both questions mean the same thing. The writer uses questions to emphasize that those who are dead are not able to experience or proclaim the great things God does. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will not talk about your wonderful deeds and righteousness in the dark place of the forgotten dead.” (See also: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or your righteousness in the place of forgetfulness? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This can be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Will your righteousness be known in the place of forgetfulness?” or “Those who are in the place of forgetfulness will not know about the righteous things you do.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
Psalms 88:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my prayer comes before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer praying to Yahweh is spoken of as if the prayer itself goes to speak with Yahweh.
Psalms 88:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you hide your face from me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the writer feeling like God has rejected or abandoned him as if God were hiding his face or physically turning away from the writer.
Psalms 88:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your angry actions have passed over me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of God punishing the writer as if God’s actions are a large wave rising out of the sea that fall on and crush the writer. Alternate translation: “It is as if your angry actions crush me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your terrifying deeds have annihilated me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This exaggeration speaks about God punishing the writer as if God has completely destroyed the writer. Alternate translation: “the terrifying things you do have destroyed me” or “the terrifying things you do have almost destroyed me”
Psalms 88:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They surround me like water all the day long (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares God’s “angry actions” and “terrifying deeds” to a flood of water. Alternate translation: “All day long they threaten to destroy me like a flood”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They (1)The word “They” refers to God’s “angry actions” and “terrifying deeds” from the previous verse.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have all encircled me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God’s “angry actions” and “terrifying deeds” as if they were enemies who were trying to capture and kill him. Alternate translation: “they have surrounded me like enemy soldiers”
Psalms 88:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every friend and acquaintance (1)Alternate translation: “every person I love and know”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My only acquaintance is the darkness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks about darkness as if it were a person that could be friends with someone else. The writer is emphasizing that he feels completely alone. Alternate translation: “Everywhere I go it is dark”
Psalms 89
Psalm 089 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 89 is a worship and a deliverance psalm. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s promises
God is mighty and has promised David an eternal kingdom. But now that kingdom is being destroyed. (See: promise, promised and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)
Parallelism
This psalm exhibits the kind of parallelism where the second line often emphasizes the first line. (See: Parallelism)
Psalms 89:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ethan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the writer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: acts of covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “faithful acts” or “loving acts”
Psalms 89:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Covenant faithfulness has been established forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God always doing what he promised to do is spoken of as if his faithfulness were a building that God has built and made firm. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will always be faithful because of your covenant with us” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your truthfulness you have established in the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God always doing what he promised to do is spoken of as if his faithfulness were a building that God has built and made firm.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the heavens (1)This could mean: (1) this refers to God’s dwelling place. This would mean God rules from heaven and he always does what he promises or (2) this refers to the sky. This would mean that God’s promises are as constant and permanent as the sky .
Psalms 89:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have made a covenant with my chosen one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You can make explicit that “chosen one” refers to David. Alternate translation: “I made a promise to David, the one I chose”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have made (1)Yahweh is speaking in 89:3–4.
Psalms 89:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will establish your descendants forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh always causing one of David’s descendants to be king is spoken of as if David’s descendants are a building that Yahweh will build and make firm.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will establish your throne through all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” represents the power to rule as king. The psalmist speaks of God promising that one of David’s descendants will always rule as king as if God will build David’s throne and make it firm. Alternate translation: “I will make sure that one of your descendants will rule as king over every generation of my people” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 89:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The heavens praise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heavens” represents those who are in heaven.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise your wonders, Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “praise you, Yahweh, because of the wonderful things you do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your truthfulness is praised in the assembly of the holy ones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word truthfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “you always do what you promise to do.” This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The assembly of the holy ones praises you because you always do what you promise to do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the assembly of the holy ones (1)This refers to the angels in heaven.
Psalms 89:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of the gods is like Yahweh? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both questions mean the same thing. The writer is using question to emphasize that there in no one in heaven like Yahweh. (See also: Rhetorical Question)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sons of the gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “sons of” means having the characteristics of. This is a way of referring to other spiritual beings that live in heaven. Alternate translation: “angels” or “divine beings”
Psalms 89:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is a God who is greatly honored in the council of the holy ones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The council of the holy ones greatly honors God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the council of the holy ones (1)Alternate translation: “the gathering of heavenly beings” or “the gathering of angels”
Psalms 89:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who is strong like you, Yahweh? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer asks the question to emphasize there is no one as strong as Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your truthfulness surrounds you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh always dong what he promises to do is spoken of as if his truthfulness were a cloak or garment that wraps around him.
Psalms 89:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You rule the raging sea (1)Alternate translation: “You control the raging sea”
Psalms 89:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You crushed Rahab as one who is killed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “Rahab” here refers to a monster of the sea. (See also: How to Translate Names)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your strong arm (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arm” represents power. Alternate translation: “with your great power”
Psalms 89:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the north and the south (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The writer uses the words “north” and “south” together to mean that God created everything everywhere.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Tabor is a mountain southwest of the sea of Galilee and Hermon is a mountain northeast of the sea of Galilee. The writer describes these mountains as if they were persons who could rejoice. Alternate translation: “It is as if Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon were rejoicing in your name” (See also: How to Translate Names)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “in you”
Psalms 89:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have a mighty arm and a strong hand, and your right hand is high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “mighty arm,” “strong hand,” and “right hand” all represent God’s power.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right hand is high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To raise the right hand high into the air is a gesture that indicates power.
Psalms 89:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God ruling as king and doing what is right and just is spoken of as if God’s throne were a building, and righteousness and justice were its foundation.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The throne represents God’s rule as king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness come before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God always being faithful and doing what he promises to do is spoken of as if covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness come and meet with God. The abstract nouns can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “You are always faithful to your covenant and are worthy of people trusting you”
Psalms 89:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who worship you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word “worship” implies shouting and blowing horns. These were common acts of worship during Israelite festivals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they walk (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here people living their lives is spoken of as if they were walking. Alternate translation: “they live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the light of your face (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on them. Alternate translation: “knowing that you act favorably towards them”
Psalms 89:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents the person. Alternate translation: “in you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your righteousness they exalt you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “they exalt you because you always do what is right”
Psalms 89:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are their majestic strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “You make them wonderfully strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are their (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “their” refers to the Israelites. The writer would have included himself as a member of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “You are our”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we are victorious (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “we” refers to the writer and the Israelites but not to Yahweh, to whom he speaks.
Psalms 89:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For our shield belongs to Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The king who protects his people and whom Yahweh chose is spoken of as if he were a shield that belongs to Yahweh.
Psalms 89:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
General Information:
The writer assumes that the reader knows the history of how David became the chosen king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have set a crown on a mighty one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To place a crown on a person’s head is a sign of making him king. Alternate translation: “I have made a mighty man king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set a crown on a mighty one (1)Some Bible translations have “given strength to a mighty one” or “helped a mighty one.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have raised up one chosen from among the people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “raised up” means appointed. It is implied that God chose this person to be king. Alternate translation: “I have chosen one from among the people to be king” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 89:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my holy oil have I anointed him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here to pour oil on someone’s head is a sign that God is appointing the person to be king.
Psalms 89:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My hand will support him; my arm will strengthen him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” and “arm” both means the power and control of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will support him and make him strong” (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 89:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son of wickedness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The writer refers to those who have the nature or character of wickedness as “sons of wickedness.” Alternate translation: “wicked person”
Psalms 89:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking about David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My truth and my covenant faithfulness will be with him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God always being loyal and doing what he promises for David is spoken of as if truth and faithfulness were objects that would be with David. The abstract nouns “truth” and “faithfulness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “I will always be truthful with him and I will always act faithfully towards him” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by my name he will be victorious (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents God’ power. Alternate translation: “I, God, will cause him to be victorious”
Psalms 89:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will place his hand over the sea and his right hand over the rivers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” and “right hand” represent power and authority. Here “the sea” seems to refer to the Mediterranean Sea west of Israel, and “rivers” refers to the Euphrates river in the east. This means David will have authority over everything from the sea to the river. Alternate translation: “I will give him authority over everything from the Mediterranean sea to the Euphrates river” (See also: Merism)
Psalms 89:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
This has a quotation within a quotation. It can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “He will say that I am his Father, his God, and the rock of his salvation.” (See also: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the rock of my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh protecting and saving David is spoken of as if Yahweh were a high rock that David could stand on top of for protection from enemies.
Psalms 89:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking about David.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I also will place him as my firstborn son (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh giving David special rank and privileges over all other people is spoken of as if David would be Yahweh’s firstborn son.
Psalms 89:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will extend my covenant faithfulness to him forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh speaks of continuing to act faithfully towards David is spoken of as if Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness were an object that he extends or makes longer. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “I will continue to act faithfully towards him forever” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 89:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his throne as enduring as the skies above (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Someone from David’s family always ruling as king is spoken of as if his throne would last as long as the sky will last.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” represents the power to rule as king.
Psalms 89:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his children (1)Alternate translation: “David’s descendants”
Psalms 89:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: punish their rebellion with a rod (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God punishing David’s descendants is spoken of as if he would hit them with a rod. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebellion, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “punish them for rebelling against me” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their iniquity with blows (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God punishing David’s descendants is spoken of as if God would literally hit them. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “I will punish them because they sinned against me” (See also: Ellipsis)
Psalms 89:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not remove my steadfast love from him or be unfaithful to my promise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will always love David, and I will do what I promised to him”
Psalms 89:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of my lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “lips” represent the whole mouth and the person speaking. Alternate translation: “what I said”
Psalms 89:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his throne as long as the sun before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “will continue” are understood. Alternate translation: “his throne will continue as long as the sun before me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” represents the power to rule as king. God is promising that one of David’s descendants will always be king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as long as the sun before me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
God compares David’s rule as king to the sun to emphasize that someone from David’s descendants will always rule as king.
Psalms 89:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It will be established forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here “It” stands for David’s throne or power to rule as king. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will cause it to last forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forever like the moon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
God compares David’s rule as king to the moon to emphasize that someone from David’s descendants will always rule as king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the moon, the faithful witness in the sky (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The moon is spoken of as if it were a person who witnesses God making this promise to David. Alternate translation: “the moon, which is like a faithful witness in the sky”
Psalms 89:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have refused and rejected (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “the king” are understood. Alternate translation: “you have refused and rejected the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your anointed king (1)Alternate translation: “with the king you chose”
Psalms 89:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have renounced the covenant (1)Alternate translation: “You have rejected the covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have desecrated his crown on the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To push down into the ground or dust is a sign of great humiliation. Alternate translation: “You have defiled his crown on the ground” or “You have caused his crown to fall into the dirt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his crown (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the king’s power as king and his right to rule.
Psalms 89:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have broken down all his walls. You have ruined his strongholds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that God allowed enemies to destroy the defenses at Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “You have allowed enemies to break down his walls and ruin his strongholds in Jerusalem”
Psalms 89:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to his neighbors (1)Here “neighbors” means people of nearby nations.
Psalms 89:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raised the right hand of his enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “right hand” represents power. To “raise the right hand” means that Yahweh has made his enemies strong enough to defeat God’s chosen king. (See also: Symbolic Action)
Psalms 89:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn back the edge of his sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sword” represents the king’s power in battle. To turn the sword back represents making the king unable to win in battle. (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the edge of his sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “edge” represents the whole sword. Alternate translation: “his sword”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have not made him stand when in battle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “stand” represents being victorious in battle. Alternate translation: “You have not helped him to be victorious in battle”
Psalms 89:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have brought down his throne to the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “throne” represents the power to rule as king. Alternate translation: “you, Yahweh, have ended his reign as king”
Psalms 89:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have shortened the days of his youth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of saying God made the king seem old even while he was still young. Alternate translation: “Even while he is young you have made him weak like an old man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covered him with shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh completely humiliating the king is spoken of as if shame were a garment that God used to cover the king.
Psalms 89:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long, Yahweh? Will you hide yourself, forever? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that he does not want God to continue to refuse the king. Alternate translation: “Please, Yahweh, do not refuse to help the king forever.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you hide yourself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God not helping the king is spoken of as if God were hiding from him. Alternate translation: “Will you refuse to help the king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will your anger burn like fire? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to emphasize that he does not want God to remain angry. Alternate translation: “Please do not continue being angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your anger burn like fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
God being very angry is spoken of as if his anger were a hot fire.
Psalms 89:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for what uselessness you have created all the children of mankind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word uselessness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “uselessly.” Alternate translation: “that you have created all people to die uselessly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the children of mankind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
This refers to humans in general. Alternate translation: “humans” or “people”
Psalms 89:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can live and not die, or rescue his own life from the hand of Sheol? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that all people will die. Alternate translation: “No one can live forever or bring himself back to life after dying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rescue his own life from the hand of Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. The writer speaks of Sheol as if it were a person who has power over those who die. This could mean: (1) a person cannot bring himself back to life after dying or (2) a person cannot keep himself from dying. (See also: Personification)
Psalms 89:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord, where are your former acts of covenant faithfulness that you swore to David in your truthfulness? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to request the Lord to be faithful to his covenant with David. Alternate translation: “Lord, be faithful to your covenant with David as you have been in the past”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your former acts of covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “acts” and “faithfulness” can be translated with a verb and an adverb. Alternate translation: “the things that you did before that showed that you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 89:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The writer asks Yahweh to bring this up in his memory. Alternate translation: “Remember” or “Consider”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mocking directed against your servants (1)Here “your servants” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “how they mock us, your servants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how I bear in my heart so many insults from the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “I endure so many insults from the people of the nations” or “I suffer because the people from the nations insult me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “nations” represents the people of the nations.
Psalms 89:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your enemies hurl insults (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The enemies shouting insults at the king is spoken of as if insults were an object that the enemies throw violently at the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they mock the footsteps of your anointed one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “footsteps” represents where the king goes. Alternate translation: “they mock your anointed one wherever he goes”
Psalms 89:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is more than the end of this psalm. It is the closing statement for all of Book 3 of the Psalms, which starts at Psalm 73 and ends with Psalm 89.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed be Yahweh forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people praise Yahweh forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amen and Amen (1)The word “Amen” is repeated to emphasize approval of what has been said. See how you translated this in Psalms 41:13.
Psalms 90
Psalm 090 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm is a wisdom psalm. God is eternal but a human’s life is short. (See: wise, wisdom and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)
Special concepts in this chapter
Life’s shortness
Because life is so short, people need to spend it as God wants them to spend it.
Psalms 90:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lord, you have been our refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God protecting his people is spoken of as if God were a refuge or shelter. Alternate translation: “Lord, you have been like a shelter for us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throughout all generations (1)Alternate translation: “always”
Psalms 90:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Before the mountains were formed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Before you formed the mountains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were formed (1)Alternate translation: “were created” or “were shaped”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the world (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents everything that is in the world.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from everlasting to everlasting (1)This phrase represents all time past, present, and future.
Psalms 90:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You return man to dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that just as God created the first man, Adam, from the soil, God will cause people’s bodies to turn back into soil after they die. Alternate translation: “You return people to dust when they die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: return man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here “man” means people in general.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Return, you descendants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “to dust” or “to soil” are understood. Alternate translation: “Return to dust, you descendants” or “Return to soil, you descendants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you descendants of mankind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a way of referring to humans in general. Alternate translation: “you humans” or “you people”
Psalms 90:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer means that a long period of time seems like a short period of time to God. Alternate translation: “You consider a thousand years the same as one day in the past, or as a few short hours in the night” or “Even a thousand years is not a long time to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a thousand years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your sight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “to you”
Psalms 90:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You sweep them away as with a flood and they sleep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God causing people to die suddenly is spoken of as if he swept them away with a broom. This sweeping is also spoken of as if it were a flood that carried people away. Alternate translation: “Lord, you destroy the people as with a flood and they die” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they sleep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of speaking of people dying.
Psalms 90:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it blooms and grows up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these phrases refer to how the grass grows. Alternate translation: “it begins to grow and develop”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it withers and dries up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both of these phrases refer to how the grass dies. Alternate translation: “it fades and dries up”
Psalms 90:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we are consumed in your anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God destroying people in his anger is spoken of as if God’s anger were a fire that completely burns up the people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You destroy us in your anger” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your wrath we are terrified (1)Alternate translation: “when you are angry we are greatly afraid”
Psalms 90:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have set our iniquities before you, our hidden sins in the light of your presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God considering people’s sins is spoken of as if sins were an objects he could place in front of himself and look at them. Alternate translation: “You see every sinful thing we do, even the sinful things we do in secret”
Psalms 90:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Our life passes away under your wrath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
The word “because” can be used to make clear that God’s wrath causes human life to end. Alternate translation: “Our lives come to an end because of your wrath”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a sigh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares human life to a sigh to emphasize that life is very brief.
Psalms 90:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seventy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“70”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eighty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“80”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even our best years are marked by trouble and sorrow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Even in our best years we experience trouble and sorrow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we fly away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of referring to people dying. Alternate translation: “we die”
Psalms 90:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who knows the intensity of your anger, and your wrath that is equal to the fear of you? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to emphasize that no one has fully experienced God anger. Therefore no one truly reveres God and fears his anger when people sin. Alternate translation: “No one knows the intensity of your anger. Therefore no one fears your wrath when they sin.”
Psalms 90:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn back, Yahweh! How long will it be? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Asking Yahweh to no longer be angry is spoken of as if the writer wants God to turn physically away from his anger. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, please do not be angry any longer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will it be? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to state that he wants God to stop being angry.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have pity on your servants (1)Here “your servants” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Be merciful to us, your servants”
Psalms 90:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Satisfy us in the morning (1)Alternate translation: “Satisfy us every morning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “by being faithful because of your covenant with us”
Psalms 90:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in proportion to the days you afflicted us and to the years we have experienced trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases mean the same thing. The writer is asking Yahweh to make them happy for the same amount of time he punished them. Alternate translation: “for the same amount of time that you afflicted us and caused us to suffer”
Psalms 90:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let your servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “your servants” refer to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Let us, your servants” or “Let us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let our children (1)Here “children” means children and descendants.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: see your majesty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word majesty, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “great things.” Alternate translation: “see the great things you do”
Psalms 90:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the favor of the Lord our God be ours (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “be kind.” Alternate translation: “May the Lord our God be kind to us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prosper the work of our hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “cause us to be successful”
Psalms 91
Psalm 091 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 91 is a wisdom psalm. Those who depend on God are protected by him. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Fear
No matter what dangers befall a person, they do not need to fear. God is protecting them from all harm.
Psalms 91:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He who lives & will stay & of the Almighty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Because “live” and “stay” mean almost the same thing, as do “shelter” and “shadow,” which are both metaphors for protection, you may need to combine the two lines into one. Alternate translation: “The Most High, the Almighty, will care for all those who live where he can protect them” (See also: Doublet)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who lives in the shelter of the Most High (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “shelter” is a metaphor for protection. Alternate translation: “who lives where the Most High protects him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Most High (1)The words “the Most High” refer to Yahweh. See how this is translated in Psalms 18:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will stay in the shadow of the Almighty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “shadow” here is a metaphor for protection. Alternate translation: “will stay where the Almighty can protect him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Almighty (1)the one who has power and control over everything. See how this was translated in Psalms 68:14
Psalms 91:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will say of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “I will say about Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my refuge and my fortress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A “refuge” is any place a person can go and have someone or something protect him. A “fortress” is something that people make so they can protect themselves and their property. Asaph uses them here as metaphors for protection. Alternate translation: “the one to whom I can go and he will protect me”
Psalms 91:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he will rescue you from the snare of the hunter and from the deadly plague (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words that have been left out can be put in. Alternate translation: “For God will rescue you from the snare of the hunter and he will rescue you from the plagues that can kill”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the snare of the hunter (1)Alternate translation: “from the snare that the hunter has set to catch you”
Psalms 91:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will cover you with his wings, and under his wings you will find refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s protection is here referred to as “wings” which a bird uses to cover its’ young from danger. “Cover you with his wings” and “under his wings” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “He will keep you safe and protect you” (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His trustworthiness is a shield and protection (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s trustworthiness is here referred to as a “shield” which can protect people who rely on him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “trust.” Alternate translation: “You can trust him to protect you” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: protection (1)No one knows for sure what this word means. This could mean: (1) a small shield strapped to the forearm that soldiers used to defend themselves against arrows and swords or (2) a wall of stones set in a circle inside which soldiers could hide and shoot arrows.
Psalms 91:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: terror in the night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist speaks of “terror” as if it were a spirit or fierce animal that could attack at night and so terrify people. Alternate translation: “things attacking you at night”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the night & by day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
These two phrases taken together refer to all possible times of night and day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the arrow that flies by day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Arrow” here is a metonym for the people who shoot the arrows. Alternate translation: “people attacking you with arrows during the day”
Psalms 91:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or of the plague that roams (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks of illness as if it were a person who went about at night killing other people. Alternate translation: “You will not be afraid of dying from illness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: roams (1)goes wherever he wants to go at any time
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the darkness & at noontime (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
These two phrases taken together refer to all possible times of night and day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: disease (1)an illness that makes many people ill at the same time
Psalms 91:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand (1)“Many people may fall all around you.” If translating the exact numbers confuses the readers, you may omit them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will not reach you (1)Alternate translation: “the evil will not harm you”
Psalms 91:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will only observe and see (1)Alternate translation: “You yourself will not suffer, but you will watch carefully, and you will see”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the punishment of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word punishment, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “how God punishes the wicked”
Psalms 91:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is my refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh protecting him as if Yahweh were a safe place for him to find protection from his enemies. Alternate translation: “Yahweh protects me, like a person finds protection in a place of refuge”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Make the Most High your refuge also (1)“You should make the Most High your refuge also.” The psalmist stops speaking to God and speaks to the reader.
Psalms 91:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No evil will overtake you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of a person experiencing bad or evil things as if evil were a person who overtakes another person. Alternate translation: “Nothing evil will happen to you” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no affliction will come near your home (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks of people who afflict others as though they were the harm they cause. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to harm your family” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 91:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he will direct (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh will command”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in all your ways (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the way a person lives his life as if it were a path down which the person walked. Alternate translation: “in everything you do” or “at all times”
Psalms 91:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will lift you (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s angels will lift you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will not hit your foot on a stone (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The angels will protect not only the reader’s foot but the rest of his body as well. The words “not … hit your foot on a stone” is an exaggerated metonym to say that not even small bad things will happen. This should probably not be taken as a promise that no bad things will ever happen again. Alternate translation: “you will not even hit your foot on a stone” or “not even the smallest bad thing will happen to you” (See also: Synecdoche and Metonymy)
Psalms 91:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You will crush lions and adders under your feet; you will trample on young lions and serpents (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Where “hit your foot on a stone” is a minor problem, lions and snake are examples of great dangers. The psalmist speaks of lions and snakes as if they were small enough to be crushed under a person’s foot. Alternate translation: “You will be able kill lions and adders as if they were small animals you could crush under your feet”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: adders (1)types of poisonous snake.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trample (1)crush by walking heavily on
Psalms 91:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because he is devoted to me (1)Alternate translation: “Because he loves me”
Psalms 91:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will be with him in trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I will be with him when he is in trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give him victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word victory, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “I will cause him to be victorious” or “I will enable him to defeat his enemies”
Psalms 91:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will satisfy him with the length of his days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “the length of his days” here refers to the duration of his life. It may imply a long life. Alternate translation: “I will satisfy him by giving him a long life” or “I will make him happy by letting him live a very long time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and show him my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“and I will show him my salvation.” The psalmist speaks of the work God does to save people as if it were a physical object. Alternate translation: “I will save him so that he knows I am the one who saved him”
Psalms 92
Psalm 092 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 92 is a psalm of praise for God’s kindness and faithfulness. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)
Special concepts in this chapter
Justice
God causes evil people to be destroyed and good people to be happy and useful, even after they grow old. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 92:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to sing praises to your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “your name” are a metonym for “you.” Alternate translation: “to sing praises to you”
Psalms 92:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: proclaim your covenant faithfulness in the morning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “faithful.” Alternate translation: “proclaim in the morning that you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your truthfulness every night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word truthfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “true.” Alternate translation: “proclaim every night that everything you say is true” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 92:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: glad (1)happy
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: through your deeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract noun phrase “your deeds” can be translated with the relative clause “what you have done.” Alternate translation: “by what you have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the deeds of your hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract noun phrase “the deeds of your hands” can be translated with the relative clause “what your hands have done.” The word “hands” is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “What you have done” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your deeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract noun phrase “your deeds” can be translated with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what you have done”
Psalms 92:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your thoughts are very deep (1)Alternate translation: “We cannot understand what you plan to do until you do it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your thoughts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract noun phrase “your thoughts” can be translated with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “What you think” or “What you plan”
Psalms 92:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brutish (1)animal-like
Psalms 92:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When the wicked sprout like the grass (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This compares evil people to grass, which grows quickly and in many places. Alternate translation: “When evil people appear quickly and seem to be everywhere, like grass”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are doomed to eternal destruction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has decided that he will destroy them completely”
Psalms 92:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Indeed, look at your enemies, Yahweh (1)Many texts do not have these words.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will perish (1)Alternate translation: “They will die” or “You will kill them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All those who do evil will be scattered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will scatter all those who do evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be scattered (1)Many texts read, “have been scattered.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be scattered (1)Alternate translation: “driven away”
Psalms 92:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have lifted up my horn like the horn of the wild ox (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist speaks of God as if he had made him as strong as a wild animal. Here his “horn” represents his strength. Alternate translation: “You have made me as strong as a wild ox” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am anointed with fresh oil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings are that the oil that God has put on the psalmist is a metaphor for God: (1) making him happy “you have made me very happy” or (2) making him strong, “you have made me strong” or (3) enabling him to defeat his enemies, “you have enabled me to defeat my enemies.”
Psalms 92:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard of the doom of my evil foes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “eyes” and “ears” are synecdoches for the person who sees and hears. The lines may be combined. Alternate translation: “I have seen and heard of the defeat of my evil enemies”
Psalms 92:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The righteous will flourish like the palm tree (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Possible meanings are that righteous people will be like a healthy palm tree because they will: (1) be strong or (2) live for long time.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Possible meanings are that righteous people will be like a healthy cedar tree growing in the land of Lebanon because: (1) they will be strong or (2) people will honor them.
Psalms 92:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are planted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has planted them” or “Yahweh takes care of them as if they were trees he had planted” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the house of Yahweh & in the courts of our God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of people who truly worship God as if they were trees growing in Yahweh’s house.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they flourish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of righteous people as if they were healthy trees. Alternate translation: “they are growing well” or “they are very strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the courts of our God (1)in the courtyard of the temple in Jerusalem.
Psalms 92:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They bear fruit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of righteous people as if they were trees that produce food. Alternate translation: “They please God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they stay fresh and green (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of righteous people as if they were trees. Alternate translation: “they remain strong and healthy” or “they always do what pleases God”
Psalms 92:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to proclaim that (1)These words continue the thought begun by the words “they stay fresh and green” in (Psalms 92:14). This could mean: (1) “they stay fresh and green, so that they can proclaim” or (2) “they stay fresh and green. This shows that.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Yahweh is the one who protects me.” The psalmist speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock that would protect him. See how this is translated in Psalms 18:2.
Psalms 93
Psalm 093 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 93 is a worship psalm about the power of Yahweh.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s power
Yahweh is all powerful; He even controls the ocean.
Psalms 93:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is robed in majesty; Yahweh has clothed and girded himself with strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh’s strength and majesty as if they were things Yahweh wears. Alternate translation: “he shows everyone that he is a powerful king” or “his majesty is there for all to see, like the robe a king wears; everything about Yahweh shows that he is strong and he is ready to do great work” (See also: Simile)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: majesty (1)the power of a king and the way a king acts
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: girded himself (1)put on a belt—a band of leather or another material that a person wears around his waist—to prepare for work or battle
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The world is firmly established (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You have firmly established the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it cannot be moved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever move it”
Psalms 93:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your throne is established from ancient times (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You established your throne in ancient times”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are from everlasting (1)Alternate translation: “you have always existed”
Psalms 93:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oceans & oceans’ (1)Some versions read “floods … floods’.” The word often refers to a river (See: “the River” in Psalms 72:8), but “oceans … oceans’” has been chosen here because oceans, not rivers, have “waves” that “crash and roar.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have lifted up their voice; the oceans’ waves crash and roar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks of the ocean as if it were a person who could speak. Alternate translation: “have made a mighty noise because their waves crash and roar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: roar (1)make a long, loud sound.
Psalms 93:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Above the crashing of many waves, the mighty breakers of the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrase “the mighty breakers of the sea” means basically the same thing as “many waves” and emphasizes how great these waves are. Alternate translation: “Above the crashing of all of the very great waves of the sea”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: breakers (1)large waves coming to land
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of where God lives as if it were high above the earth. Alternate translation: “in heaven”
Psalms 93:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: solemn (1)very serious
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are very trustworthy (1)Alternate translation: “always stay the same” or “never change”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: holiness adorns your house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh’s house as if it were a woman wearing beautiful clothing or jewelry and of Yahweh’s holiness as the beautiful clothing or jewelry. Alternate translation: “your house is beautiful because you are holy” or “your holiness makes your house beautiful the way beautiful clothes and jewelry make a woman more beautiful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: adorns (1)makes beautiful
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your house (1)This refers to the temple in Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the length of your days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to the duration of God’s life. Since God lives forever, it can also be translated as forever. Alternate translation: “for as long as you live” or “forever”
Psalms 94
Psalm 094 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 94 is a prayer requesting that evil people be punished. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Special concepts in this chapter
Justice
Evil people expect God to ignore their injustices. But God knows what they are doing and will punish them for their evil deeds. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and INVALID bible/kt/works)
Psalms 94:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shine over us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “shine” is a metaphor for God revealing himself. Alternate translation: “show yourself” or “reveal your glory”
Psalms 94:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rise up, judge of the earth, give to the proud what they deserve (1)Alternate translation: “Come, judge of the earth, and punish the proud”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rise up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist speaks of starting to do something as getting up. If your language has a word for beginning to act, use it here. Alternate translation: “Take action” or “Do something”
Psalms 94:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will the wicked, Yahweh, how long will the wicked rejoice? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The psalmist repeats the question to show that he is unhappy with how long Yahweh has allowed the wicked to rejoice. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have waited too long Yahweh; you have waited too long to stop the wicked from rejoicing.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will the wicked rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Why the wicked rejoice can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “will the wicked rejoice because you never punish them for the evil deeds they do”
Psalms 94:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They pour out (1)Alternate translation: “All those who do evil pour out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They pour out their arrogant words (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist writes of the wicked speaking as if their words were a liquid being poured out.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all those who do evil boast (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The translation can make explicit that these people boast about their evil actions. Alternate translation: “all those who do evil boast about their evil deeds”
Psalms 94:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: afflict the nation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “nation” refers to the people of the nation. Alternate translation: “afflict the people of the nation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They crush (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of powerful people treating powerless people badly as if it were crushing them or breaking them in pieces. See how “break in pieces” is translated in Psalms 72:4. Alternate translation: “They completely destroy” or “They greatly harm”
Psalms 94:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the widow (1)Alternate translation: “women whose husbands have died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fatherless (1)Alternate translation: “children without fathers”
Psalms 94:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of Jacob does not take notice of it (1)Alternate translation: “the God of Israel does not see what we do”
Psalms 94:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
The writer now instructs the wicked people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when will you ever learn? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes the anger of the writer with the wicked people he is speaking to. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “stop your foolish ways!” or “learn from your mistakes!”
Psalms 94:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He who made the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements or commands. Alternate translation: “God made ears, so he can hear. God made eyes, so he can see.” or “God made ears, so stop acting as if he does not hear. God made eyes, so stop acting as if he does not see.”
Psalms 94:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He who disciplines the nations, does he not correct? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. It is implied that Yahweh corrects his people. Alternate translation: “You know that Yahweh corrects the nations, so you can be sure that he will correct his people!” or “he will punish his people!” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does he not correct (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. This could mean: (1) God corrects. Alternate translation: “he corrects” or (2) God punishes. “he punishes”
Psalms 94:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that they are vapor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the thoughts of men are compared to vapor or steam that disappears into the air. This metaphor shows how unimportant and useless they are.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vapor (1)“mist.” See how this word is translated in Psalms 39:11
Psalms 94:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Now the writer again talks to Yahweh.
Psalms 94:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until a pit is dug for the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh’s punishing the wicked as if Yahweh were trapping an animal in a pit. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until you dig a pit for the wicked” or “until you destroy the wicked” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 94:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his inheritance (1)Alternate translation: “those whom he has chosen to be with him forever”
Psalms 94:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: judgment will again be righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist speaks of those who judge as if they were the decisions they make. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “judges will again judge righteously” or “judges will again make righteous decisions” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the upright in heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective phrase “upright in heart” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “those whose hearts are right with God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will follow it (1)Alternate translation: “will want the judges to judge righteously”
Psalms 94:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who will rise up to defend me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the wicked? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will defend me against the evildoers. No one will help me fight against the wicked.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective “wicked” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
Psalms 94:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Unless Yahweh had been my help & silence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is a hypothetical situation. Yahweh did help him, so he was not lying in the place of silence.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Unless Yahweh had been my help (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word help, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “If Yahweh had not helped me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would soon be lying down in the place of silence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here “would be lying down” refers to “death” and “in the place of silence” refers to the grave.” Alternate translation: “in a short time, I would be dead, lying in a silent grave”
Psalms 94:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, held me up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “You, Yahweh, held me up because you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 94:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When cares within me are many, your consolations make me happy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The psalmist speaks of care as if he could count separate cares. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word consolations, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “console” or “comfort.” Alternate translation: “When I have been worried about many things, you have comforted me and made me happy”
Psalms 94:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can a throne of destruction be allied with you, one who creates injustice by statute? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to make a point. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A wicked ruler who makes unjust laws is not your friend”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a throne of destruction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the metonym “throne” refers to a king or ruler. Alternate translation: “a wicked ruler” or “corrupt judge”
Psalms 94:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: conspire (1)secretly plan with a person something harmful or illegal
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take the life of (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to kill someone.
Psalms 94:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh has been my high tower (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “tower” is a metaphor for protection. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has protected me from my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has been the rock of my refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of having God protect him as if God were a place where the psalmist could go to be safe. See how “rock” and “refuge” are translated in Psalms 62:7. Alternate translation: “I have asked God to protect me, and he has kept me safe by his power”
Psalms 94:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will bring on them their own iniquity (1)This could mean: (1) “will do to them the evil things they have done to others” or (2) “will punish them for all the evil things he has done to others.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cut them off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means “kill them.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their own wickedness (1)This could mean: (1) “while they are doing wicked things” or (2) “because they have done wicked things.”
Psalms 95
Psalm 095 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 95 is the first in a series of six worship psalms (Psalms 95–100).
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s care
God made everything and takes good care of people. People should not be stubborn like the Israelites were in the days of Moses. The Israelites with Moses wandered in the desert for forty years.
Psalms 95:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the rock of our salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were a mountain the people could climb so they would be safe. See how “rock” and “of my salvation” are translated in Psalms 18:46. Alternate translation: “the rock where we can go and God will save us”
Psalms 95:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: enter his presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if he is telling the readers to go into the throne room of a king. Alternate translation: “go to where he is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with thanksgiving (1)Alternate translation: “thanking him as we enter his presence”
Psalms 95:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: superior to all gods (1)Possible meanings are that Yahweh is a great king: (1) “who rules over all other gods,” or (2) “who is much better than all gods.”
Psalms 95:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In his hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means “in his control” or “he is responsible for.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: depths (1)deep places
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heights (1)high places
Psalms 95:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his hands formed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “hands” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “he himself formed”
Psalms 95:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kneel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
put both knees on the ground, often to show submission
Psalms 95:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the people of his pasture (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “pasture” is a metonym for the food that animals eat in the pasture, which in turn is a synecdoche for everything that Yahweh provides for his people. Alternate translation: “we are the people whose needs he meets” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pasture (1)an area where animals find grass to eat
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sheep of his hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “hand” here refers to how Yahweh protects his people the way a shepherd protects his sheep. Alternate translation: “the people whom he protects like a shepherd protects his sheep”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Today—oh, that you would hear his voice! (1)“Oh, that you would hear his voice today!” The psalmist purposely interrupts what he is saying.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hear his voice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his voice” represents God speaking or what he says. Alternate translation: “listen to God speak” or “hear what God says”
Psalms 95:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Now the writer writes the words that Yahweh spoke.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: harden your heart (1)Alternate translation: “become stubborn”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Meribah, & Massah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are places in the desert that Moses named because the Israelites rebelled against God. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 95:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tested me & tried me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These two phrases are both metaphors for the people seeing how much evil they could do before Yahweh would punish them. The phrases say basically the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “tested me” or “wanted to see if they could do evil things without my punishing them … tested whether I would continue to be patient with them” (See also: Doublet)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my deeds (1)Alternate translation: “the amazing things I had done”
Psalms 95:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: forty years (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“40 years”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that generation (1)Alternate translation: “all of those people” or “that entire generation of people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wander astray (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of the people as if they were sheep, which will go wherever they want to and not stay near their shepherd. Alternate translation: “move away from me” or “go their own way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they have not known my ways (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s commands are spoken of as if they were paths on which the people should walk. The people not obeying Yahweh’s commands is spoken of as if they did not know these paths. Alternate translation: “they have not obeyed my commands”
Psalms 95:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my resting place (1)Alternate translation: “the place where I would have allowed them to rest”
Psalms 96
Psalm 096 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 96 is one of six worship psalms (Psalms 95–100).
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh, the king
Yahweh is king over all the earth and is worthy of all praise.
Psalms 96:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a new song (1)a song no one has ever sung before
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “all you people who live on the earth”
Psalms 96:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bless his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “bless Yahweh” or “do what makes Yahweh happy” See how “may his glorious name be blessed” is translated in Psalms 72:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: announce his salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” Alternate translation: “announce that he has saved us” or “tell people that he is the one who saves”
Psalms 96:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Declare his glory among the nations (1)Alternate translation: “Tell all the people in every nation about his great glory”
Psalms 96:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is great and is to be praised greatly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is great. Praise him greatly” or “Yahweh is great, and people should praise him greatly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is to be feared above all other gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Fear him above all other gods”
Psalms 96:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in his presence (1)Alternate translation: “where he is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Splendor and majesty are in his presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king. Alternate translation: “Everyone knows of his splendor and majesty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “strength” and “beauty” are metonyms for the ark of the covenant decrees, which is found in the sanctuary. Alternate translation: “It is his sanctuary that contains the ark of the covenant decrees”
Psalms 96:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ascribe to Yahweh & ascribe praise to Yahweh for his glory and strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
This can be restated to removed the abstract nouns “praise,” “glory,” and “strength.” See how these words are translated in Psalms 29:1. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh … praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong”
Psalms 96:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give to Yahweh the glory that his name deserves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word glory, you could express the same idea with a verb or adjective. See how these words are translated in Psalms 29:2. Alternate translation: “Honor Yahweh just as his name deserves” or “Proclaim that Yahweh is glorious just as his name deserves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his name deserves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: “he deserves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his courts (1)the temple courtyard where the priests sacrificed animals to Yahweh
Psalms 96:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bow down to Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: “Bow down to worship Yahweh” (See also: Symbolic Action)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the splendor of holiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “splendor” and “holiness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “because he is gloriously beautiful and holy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tremble (1)to shake because of fear
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “earth” represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people of the earth”
Psalms 96:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The world also is established (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “He also established the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it cannot be shaken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “nothing can shake it”
Psalms 96:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This could mean: (1) the heavens and the earth are spoken of as if they have emotions like people. Alternate translation: “Let it be as if the heavens are glad and the earth rejoices” or (2) “the heavens” and “the earth” are metonyms for those who dwell in those places. Alternate translation: “Let those who live in the heavens be glad and let those who live on the earth rejoice” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that which fills it shout with joy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that this refers to all the creatures living in the sea. They are spoken of as if they should shout with joy like people might do. Alternate translation: “the sea creatures shout joyfully” (See also: Personification)
Psalms 96:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the fields rejoice and all that is in them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“Let the fields and all that is in them rejoice.” The psalmist speaks as if “the fields” and the animals that live in them have emotions like people. Alternate translation: “Let it be as if the fields themselves and all the animals that live in them are rejoicing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let all the trees in the forest shout for joy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy. Alternate translation: “let it be as if all the trees in the forest shout for joy”
Psalms 96:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world & and the peoples (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The three phrase have similar meanings; the last two phases are used to strengthen the first.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to judge & will judge (1)Another possible meaning is “to rule … will rule.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will judge the world with righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the world” is a metonym for all the people in the world. See how these words are translated in Psalms 9:8. Alternate translation: “He will judge all the people of the world righteously”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the peoples with his faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “he will judge” are understood. Alternate translation: “he will judge the peoples with his faithfulness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with his faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “fairly, according to what he knows is true” or (2) Alternate translation: “using the same standard for all people”
Psalms 97
Psalm 097 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 97 is one of six worship psalms (Psalms 95–100)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s authority
All people who worship idols are disgraced because Yahweh rules over all the world.
Psalms 97:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The earth and the coastlands are said to have emotions like people. Alternate translation: “Rejoice and be glad every person on the earth and near the seas”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: coastlands (1)This could mean: (1) “lands near the seas” or (2) “islands.”
Psalms 97:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Clouds and darkness surround him (1)Alternate translation: “We cannot see him; it is as if he were sitting in the dark with clouds all around him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “throne” is a metonym for the deeds and words of the one who sits on it. The psalmist speaks as if righteousness and justice were physical objects that made the throne secure. Alternate translation: “He is righteous and just in everything he does” or “He is able to rule because he rules righteously and justly” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the foundation of his throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the foundation of his throne” refers to how Yahweh rules his kingdom.
Psalms 97:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Fire goes before him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks as if fire were a person walking before King Yahweh and telling people that the king was coming.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: consumes his adversaries (1)Alternate translation: “burns up his enemies”
Psalms 97:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth sees and trembles (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the earth as if it were a person who sees what Yahweh does and trembles in fear. Alternate translation: “like a person, the earth sees and trembles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trembles (1)shakes with fear
Psalms 97:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The mountains melt like wax before Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer speaks of the mountains crumbling before Yahweh as if they were wax that was exposed to a fire. Alternate translation: “The mountains are unable to stand as Yahweh comes near” or “The mountains crumble in Yahweh’s presence”
Psalms 97:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The skies declare his justice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This could mean: (1) the psalmist speaks as if the skies are Yahweh’s messengers who declare that Yahweh is just. Alternate translation: “Everyone can see that God is just, the same way that everyone can see the skies” or (2) the skies refer to the beings that live in the heavens. Alternate translation: “All those who live in heaven declare that Yahweh is just” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 97:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zion heard & the towns of Judah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people who live in these lands. Alternate translation: “The people of Zion heard … the people of Judah”
Psalms 97:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are most high above all (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if those who were strong enough to rule were the physically higher than others. Alternate translation: “rule over all the people who live on” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are exalted far (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if those who were strong enough to rule were the physically higher than others. Alternate translation: “You are high, far”
Psalms 97:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he takes them out of the hand of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents power. Yahweh rescuing people from the power of wicked people is spoken of as if he took them out of their hands. Alternate translation: “he rescues them from the power of the wicked” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 97:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Light is sown for & and gladness for (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “Yahweh sows light for those who do right, and he sows gladness for those with honest hearts” (See also: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Light is sown for the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “sown” is a metaphor for actions with future results. “Light” is a metaphor for good things. Alternate translation: “Yahweh plans for good things to happen to the righteous in the future”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective “righteous” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gladness for those with honest hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “is sown” are understood. The word “sown” is a metaphor for actions with future results. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word gladness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “happy.” Alternate translation: “gladness is sown for those with honest hearts” or “Yahweh plans for people with honest hearts to be happy in the future” (See also: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those with honest hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The heart is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “honest people”
Psalms 97:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse has a command followed by the reason for the command. If your language requires the reason to precede the command: “Because of what Yahweh has done for you, you righteous people, be glad and give thanks when you remember his holiness.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be glad in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means to be glad because of what Yahweh has done. Alternate translation: “Be glad because of what Yahweh has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when you remember his holiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “when you remember how holy he is” or (2) “to his holy name,” a metonym for “to him.”
Psalms 98
Psalm 098 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 98 is one of six worship psalms (Psalms 95–100).
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
Everyone and every thing should sing praises to Yahweh because he is worthy of all praise.
Psalms 98:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a new song (1)a song no one has ever sung before. See how this is translated in Psalms 96:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his right hand and his holy arm have (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “right hand” and “holy arm” refer to Yahweh’s strength. Together they emphasize how great his strength is. Alternate translation: “his very great power has” (See also: Doublet)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right hand (1)the more powerful and skilled hand
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: holy arm (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arm” is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “the power that is his alone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have given him victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word ****, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “have enabled him to be victorious over his enemies” or “has enabled him to defeat his enemies”
Psalms 98:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made known his salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” Alternate translation: “showed people that he saves his people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: showed his justice to all the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “just.” The word “nations” is a metonym for “the people who live in all the nations.” Alternate translation: “showed the people who live in all the nations that he is just”
Psalms 98:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: calls to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“remembers.” See how “call to mind” is translated in Psalms 20:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the ends of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “people from all over the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will see the victory of our God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word victory, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “defeat.” Alternate translation: “will see our God defeat his enemies”
Psalms 98:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “all people in the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: burst into song (1)Alternate translation: “suddenly begin singing happily”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sing for joy (1)Alternate translation: “sing because you are happy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sing praises (1)Alternate translation: “sing praises to God”
Psalms 98:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: melodious (1)delightful or pleasing musical sound
Psalms 98:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the horn (1)an animal horn used as a musical instrument
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make a joyful noise (1)“raise a shout.” See how “shout” is translated in Psalms 47:1.
Psalms 98:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the sea shout and everything in it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks as if the sea were a person who could shout to God. Alternate translation: “Let it be as if the sea and everything in it were shouting”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the world and those who live in it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The psalmist speaks as if the world were a person. Alternate translation: “and let it be as if the world and those who live in it were shouting” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the world (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “the people in the world”
Psalms 98:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the mountains shout for joy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks as if the rivers and mountains were people who could clap and shout. Alternate translation: “Let it be as though the rivers are clapping their hands and mountains were shouting for joy”
Psalms 98:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the nations with fairness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “he will judge the nations with fairness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for “the people who live in the nations.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with fairness (1)Alternate translation: “honestly” or “using the same standard for everyone”
Psalms 99
Psalm 099 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 99 is one of six worship psalms (Psalms 95–100).
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s justice
God is just and fair. Moses, Aaron and Samuel each prayed to him and obeyed him and he answered their prayers. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)
Psalms 99:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of all nations. Alternate translation: “the people of all nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tremble (1)shake with fear
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He sits enthroned above the cherubim (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “He sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: quakes (1)shakes
Psalms 99:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is great in Zion; he is exalted above all the nations (1)Alternate translation: “Not only is Yahweh great in Zion, he is exalted above all the nations” or “Not only does Yahweh rule in Zion, he rules over all the nations”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is exalted above all the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people in all the nations exalt him” or “people in all nations praise him greatly” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 99:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them praise your great and awesome name (1)Here the author shifts from speaking about God, to speaking to God. After this phrase though, he shifts back to speaking about God.
Psalms 99:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he loves justice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “what is just.” Alternate translation: “he loves doing what is just”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have established fairness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, fairness is a metonym for the laws that are fair. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fairness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The laws you have established are fair” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 99:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: worship at his footstool (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word “footstool” likely refers to the ark of the covenant, which the biblical writers often spoke of as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. The translation can make explicit that the people are to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “worship Yahweh at his footstool” or “worship Yahweh before his throne in the temple”
Psalms 99:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: solemn (1)important, given seriously
Psalms 99:8
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Quote: You answered them (1)Alternate translation: “You answered your people”
Psalms 99:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his holy hill (1)Alternate translation: “Mount Zion”
Psalms 100
Psalm 10 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 100 is the last of six worship psalms (Psalms 95–100).
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s care for his creation
God made mankind and takes good care of people.
Psalms 100:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Shout joyfully to Yahweh (1)“Raise a shout to Yahweh.” See how “shout” is translated in Psalms 47:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to all the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “everyone on the earth”
Psalms 100:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come before his presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if he is telling the readers to go into the throne room of a king. Alternate translation: “go to where he is with joyful singing” or “he can hear you, so sing joyfully”
Psalms 100:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sheep of his pasture (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s people are like his sheep. Alternate translation: “the people God provides for and protects”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pasture (1)a grassy area for feeding animals
Psalms 100:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with thanksgiving (1)Alternate translation: “while thanking him” or “while giving thanks to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bless his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “bless Yahweh” or “do what makes Yahweh happy” See how “may his glorious name be blessed” is translated in Psalms 72:19.
Psalms 100:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “he is faithful to his covenant forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his truthfulness through all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word truthfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “his truthfulness endures through all generations” or “he is truthful through all generations” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: through all generations (1)“generation after generation.” See how this is translated in Psalms 89:4.
Psalms 101
Psalm 11 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 101 is a psalm asking God’s help in living as a person should.
Special concepts in this chapter
Encouragement
The psalmist wanted to encourage all the good people in the land restrain all the evil people. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 101:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will sing of covenant faithfulness and justice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “justice” can be translated with adjectives. Alternate translation: “I will sing that you are faithful to your covenant and that you are just”
Psalms 101:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will walk in the way of integrity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks about “living” as if it were “walking.” Alternate translation: “I will live in a way that is honest and right” or “I will live a life full of integrity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will walk with integrity within my house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks about “living” as if it were walking.” Also, David speaks of overseeing his house with integrity, as if integrity were a physical object residing in his house. Alternate translation: “I will oversee my house with integrity”
Psalms 101:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not put wrongdoing before my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word ****, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. The idiom, “put evil before my eyes,” means to approve of it. Alternate translation: “I will not approve of anyone doing anything that is wrong in my presence” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will not cling to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David describes “evil” as if it were something unable to cling to him. This means that he would avoid evil things and people doing evil things. Alternate translation: “I will completely avoid evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cling (1)hold on to something or someone very tightly
Psalms 101:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to evil (1)Alternate translation: “to anything that is evil”
Psalms 101:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a proud demeanor and an arrogant attitude (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how prideful such people are.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a proud demeanor (1)“a proud outward appearance.”” This refers to a person being so proud that anyone who looks at him can see how proud he is.
Psalms 101:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will look to the faithful of the land to sit at my side (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that David would allow those people to be around him and live with him. Alternate translation: “I will allow the faithful of the land to live with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the faithful (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the people who are faithful to God. Alternate translation: “the faithful people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk in the way of integrity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks about “living” as if it were “walking.” Alternate translation: “live in a way that is honest and right” or “live lives full of integrity”
Psalms 101:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Deceitful people will not & liars will not (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same idea and are used together to emphasize how David will not tolerate deceitful people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: liars will not be welcome (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will not welcome liars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my eyes” refers to David himself. Alternate translation: “before me” or “in my presence”
Psalms 101:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Morning by morning (1)Alternate translation: “Every day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “the wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the city of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David is referring to the city that he is in as “the city of Yahweh.” This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “from this city, which is Yahweh’s city”
Psalms 102
Psalm 12 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 102 is a psalm of deliverance from sickness. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Salvation
The author does not want to die young. He also wants to see Jerusalem saved. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 102:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the afflicted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to a man who is afflicted. Alternate translation: “the afflicted man”
Psalms 102:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my days pass away like smoke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “my days” refers to the author’s life and the idea of “smoke” is something that quickly disappears. Alternate translation: “my life passes away quickly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bones burn like fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the author refers to his “body” as his “bones.” Alternate translation: “my body feels like it is burning” (See also: Simile)
Psalms 102:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart is crushed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the author refers to himself as his “heart.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am in despair” (See also: Active or Passive)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like grass that has withered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This is another way to describe his despair. Alternate translation: “I feel like I am drying up like withered grass”
Psalms 102:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am like a pelican of the wilderness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
He compares his loneliness to that of a pelican, which is often seem alone instead of with other birds. Alternate translation: “I am lonely and despised like a pelican in the wilderness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a pelican (1)a large fish-eating bird
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have become like an owl in the ruins (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The author continues to describe loneliness by comparing himself to an owl in abandoned ruins. Alternate translation: “I have become alone like an owl in abandoned ruins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an owl (1)This is a bird that is awake at night. Alternate translation: “a night bird”
Psalms 102:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I lie awake like a solitary bird (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares himself to a bird to emphasize his feeling of loneliness.
Psalms 102:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I eat ashes like bread (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
David would have sat in ashes as an act of mourning, therefore ashes would have fallen on his food. Alternate translation: “I eat ashes like I eat bread” or “As I mourn, ashes fall on the bread that I eat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mix my drink with tears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
David did not purposefully mix his drink with tears; rather his tear would have fallen into his cup while he mourned and wept. Alternate translation: “my tears fall into the cup that I drink”
Psalms 102:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have lifted me up to throw me down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God has not literally lifted and thrown David’s body to the ground; rather David says this to describe what he is feeling and experiencing. Alternate translation: “it is like you have lifted me up to throw me down”
Psalms 102:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My days are like a shadow that fades (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
David compares his time left to live on earth to a fading shadow. Alternate translation: “My time to remain alive is short like an evening shadow that will soon be gone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have withered like grass (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
As David’s body becomes weak and he is nearing the end of his life, he compares himself to withering grass. Alternate translation: “my body has become weak like withered grass”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: withered (1)dry and wrinkled
Psalms 102:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your fame is for all generations (1)Alternate translation: “you will be recognized for all generations to come”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fame (1)being known by many people
Psalms 102:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have mercy on Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Zion” refers to the people who live in Zion. Alternate translation: “have mercy on the people of Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: upon her (1)The word “her” refers to Zion.
Psalms 102:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hold her stones dear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The “stones” refer to the stones that were part of the city walls before they were destroyed. Alternate translation: “still love the stones that were formerly in the city walls”
Psalms 102:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “your name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will honor your glory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The people will honor Yahweh because of his glory. Here Yahweh is referred to by his glory. Alternate translation: “will honor you because you are glorious”
Psalms 102:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will appear in his glory (1)Alternate translation: “will be seen as glorious” or “people will see his glory”
Psalms 102:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the destitute (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to destitute people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will not reject their prayer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will accept their prayers”
Psalms 102:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This will be written for future generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will write this for future generations”
Psalms 102:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he has looked down from the holy heights; from heaven Yahweh has viewed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meaning and are used together for emphasize how God looks down from heaven.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the holy heights (1)Alternate translation: “his holy place high above the earth”
Psalms 102:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who were condemned to death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom the authorities had sentenced to die”
Psalms 102:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: proclaim the name of Yahweh in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning and emphasize the idea of praising the name of Yahweh.
Psalms 102:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: taken away my strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David describes God causing him to become weak as if his strength were a physical item that could be taken away from him. Alternate translation: “has caused me to become weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my days (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “days” here refers to his life. Alternate translation: “my life”
Psalms 102:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not take me away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David is asking God to not let him die. Alternate translation: “do not take me away from the earth” or “do not let me die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are here throughout all generations (1)Alternate translation: “you are present throughout all generations”
Psalms 102:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will all grow old (1)The word “they” refers to “the earth” and “the heavens.”
Psalms 102:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your years will have no end (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes the length of time that God is alive as his “years.” This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “you will live forever” (See also: Double Negatives)
Psalms 102:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will live on (1)Alternate translation: “will continue to live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: live in your presence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes the descendants being protected by Yahweh as being in his presence. Alternate translation: “be protected as they live in your presence”
Psalms 103
Psalm 13 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 103 is the first in a series of five psalms of praise to God. (Psalm 103–107)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s grace
God is good to us by forgiving our sins and not punishing us as much as we deserve. His loving-kindness goes on from generation to generation. (See: grace, gracious and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Psalms 103:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I give praise to Yahweh with all my life, and with all that is within me, I give praise to his holy name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how much he will praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will praise Yahweh with all that I am”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give praise to his holy name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to praising Yahweh’s name as Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all that is within me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“all of me” or “all that I am.” David uses this phrase to refer to himself and to emphasize his devotion to Yahweh.
Psalms 103:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your & you (1)David is speaking to himself, so he uses the words “your” and “you” to refer to himself. Many translations express this with “my” and “me” as the UST does.
Psalms 103:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your & you (1)David is speaking to himself, so he uses the words “your” and “you” to refer to himself. Many translations express this with “my” and “me” as the UST does.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He redeems your life from destruction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means that Yahweh keeps him alive. Alternate translation: “He saves me from dying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he crowns you with covenant faithfulness and acts of tender mercy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here blessing someone and treating them with great honor is described as if it were placing a crown on that person’s head. The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “mercy” can be translated with adverbs. Alternate translation: “he blesses you by acting faithfully and mercifully towards you” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 103:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He satisfies your life with good things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “your life” refers to “you,” but it emphasizes that Yahweh gives blessings throughout life. Alternate translation: “He satisfies you with good things through your life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your youth is renewed like the eagle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Having your “youth renewed” means to feel young again. Here David compares this feeling of youth to the swiftness and strength of an eagle. Alternate translation: “you feel young and are strong like an eagle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your youth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “youth” refers to the strength one had as a young adult.
Psalms 103:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does acts of justice for (1)Alternate translation: “causes justice to happen to”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all who are oppressed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Who is doing the oppressing can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “all who are oppressed by men”
Psalms 103:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his deeds to the descendants of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “he made known” are understood from the previous phrase. They may be repeated here. Alternate translation: “he made known his deeds to the descendants of Israel”
Psalms 103:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has great covenant loyalty (1)Alternate translation: “is full of mercy and love”
Psalms 103:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will not always discipline; he is not always angry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first.
Psalms 103:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He does not deal with us & or repay us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel and emphasize that God does not punish us as we deserve. Alternate translation: “He does not repay us with the punishment we deserve for our sins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: deal with us (1)Alternate translation: “punish us”
Psalms 103:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For as the skies are high & toward those who honor him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The simile compares the great distance between heaven and earth to the greatness of God’s love for his people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so great is his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “so he is very faithful to his covenant”
Psalms 103:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As far as the east & removed the guilt of our sins from us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The distance between east and west is so far that it cannot be measured. In this simile, that distance is being compared to how far God moves our guilt away from us.
Psalms 103:13
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Quote: As a father has compassion & on those who honor him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the author compares a father’s compassion for his children to Yahweh’s compassion for those who honor him.
Psalms 103:14
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Quote: how we are formed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what our bodies are like” or “how he formed our bodies”
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Quote: he knows that we are dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Yahweh created Adam the first man he created him from dust. Alternate translation: “he remembers that he created us from dust”
Psalms 103:15
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Quote: As for man, his days are like grass (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
In this simile, the length of man’s life is being compared to the short length of time that grass grows before it dies. Alternate translation: “The length of man’s life is short like that of grass”
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Quote: he flourishes like a flower in a field (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
In this simile, how man grows over time is compared to how a flower grows.
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Quote: flourishes (1)To “flourish” is to grow well or be healthy.
Psalms 103:16
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Quote: The wind blows over it, and it disappears & where it once grew (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These phrases continue to talk about flowers and grass. They compare how flowers and grass die to how man dies. Alternate translation: “The wind blows over the flowers and grass and they disappear, and no one can tell where they once grew—it is the same way with man”
Psalms 103:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh is (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is faithful to his covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is from everlasting to everlasting (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This means that Yahweh’s love continues forever. Alternate translation: “will continue forever”
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Quote: their descendants (1)Alternate translation: “the descendants of those who honor him”
Psalms 103:18
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Quote: They keep his covenant and remember to obey his instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings.
Psalms 103:19
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Quote: Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh’s reign as king is referred to as his “throne.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken his seat in the heavens where he rules as king”
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Quote: has established (1)Alternate translation: “has made”
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Quote: his kingdom rules (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh is referred to by “his kingdom” to emphasize his authority as king. Alternate translation: “he rules”
Psalms 103:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: carry out his will (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom meaning to “do his will.” Alternate translation: “do his will”
Psalms 103:22
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Quote: in all the places where he reigns (1)Alternate translation: “praise him in all the places where he reigns”
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Quote: with all my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase means that he will praise Yahweh wholeheartedly and is used to emphasize his devotion to him. Alternate translation: “with all of me” or “with all my soul”
Psalms 104
Psalm 14 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 104 is the second in the series of five psalms of praise to God. (Psalm 103–107)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s creation
God has created everything good on earth, in the sky and in the sea.
Psalms 104:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. This psalm is a song of praise. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase means that he will praise Yahweh wholeheartedly and is used to emphasize his devotion to him. Alternate translation: “with all of me” or “with all my soul”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are clothed with splendor and majesty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “splendor” and “majesty” have similar meanings and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh’s glory. They are described as clothing Yahweh like a garment. Alternate translation: “you have splendor and majesty all around you” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 104:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You cover yourself with light as with a garment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh is described as being covered with light as if the light were a garment around him. Alternate translation: “You are covered in light”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you spread out the heavens like a tent curtain (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here God is described as spreading out the heavens like someone spreads out a tent when setting it up. Alternate translation: “you spread out the heavens like someone sets up a tent”
Psalms 104:3
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Quote: You lay the beams of your chambers on the clouds (1)“You build your upper rooms in the heavens.” This is referring to his house is so tall that the upper floor extends into the clouds.
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Quote: you make the clouds your chariot (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the clouds are described as carrying Yahweh as if they were a chariot. Alternate translation: “you make the clouds carry you like a chariot”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you walk on the wings of the wind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the blowing of the wind is described as wings on which Yahweh walks. Alternate translation: “you walk upon the wind”
Psalms 104:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He makes the winds his messengers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This could mean: (1) he causes the wind to be able to carry a message like a messenger, “He makes the winds to be like his messengers” or (2) “He makes his messengers swift like the wind” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flames of fire his servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This could mean: (1) “he causes flames of fire to be like his servants.” He causes fire to serve him like a servant would or (2) “he makes his servants to be like flames of fire”and (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flames of fire his servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This can be stated with the implied information from the previous line. Alternate translation: “He makes the flames of fire his servants”
Psalms 104:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He laid the foundations of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the phrase “laid the foundations” means “created.” Alternate translation: “He created the whole earth”
Psalms 104:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You covered the earth with water like a garment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here the water that covered the earth is being compared to how a large garment is able to completely cover something. Alternate translation: “You completely covered the earth with water”
Psalms 104:7
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Quote: Your rebuke made the waters & they fled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize how God spoke and the waters went away.
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Quote: recede (1)move back, go down
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Quote: they fled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the psalmist speaks about the waters receding as if they fled like an animal after hearing Yahweh’s voice. The word “fled” means to run away quickly. Alternate translation: “rushed away”
Psalms 104:8
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Quote: The mountains rose, and the valleys spread out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the psalmist speaks of God causing the mountains and valleys to move and change as if they chose to move themselves. They are described this way to emphasize God’s power.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for them (1)The word “them” refers to the waters.
Psalms 104:9
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Quote: a boundary for them that they will not cross (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the psalmist speaks of God causing the waters not to cross the boundary that he created for them as if the waters themselves chose not to cross it. They are described this way to emphasize God’s authority over them. Alternate translation: “a boundary for them that they cannot cross”
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Quote: boundary (1)border
Psalms 104:10
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Quote: streams (1)small rivers
Psalms 104:11
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Quote: the wild donkeys quench their thirst (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly that they quench their thirst by drinking the water. Alternate translation: “the wild donkeys drink the water to quench their thirst”
Psalms 104:12
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Quote: riverbanks (1)the ground at the edges of a river
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Quote: they sing among the branches (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes birds chirping as if they were singing. Alternate translation: “they chirp among the tree branches”
Psalms 104:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He waters the mountains from his water chambers in the sky (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means that God causes it to rain. The waters are described as residing in chambers in the sky. Alternate translation: “He waters the mountains by causing the rains to fall from the sky”
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Quote: the fruit of his labor (1)Alternate translation: “the many good things that you create”
Psalms 104:14
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Quote: and plants for man to cultivate (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “he makes” and “grow” are understood from the previous phrase, and can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “and he makes the plants grow for man to cultivate”
Psalms 104:16
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Quote: The trees of Yahweh get plenty of rain (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh provides plenty of rain for his trees”
Psalms 104:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There the birds make their nests (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They makes their nests in the cedars. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “The birds make their nests in the cedars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stork (1)This is a type of bird. Alternate translation: “bird”
Psalms 104:18
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Quote: hyraxes (1)I hyrax is a small animal that looks like a large rodent. Alternate translation: “rock badger”
Psalms 104:19
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Quote: seasons (1)This word refers to different weather changes through the year. Some places have rainy season and dry season, while others have spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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Quote: the sun knows its time (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here David describes the sun as if it knows what time of day it is. Alternate translation: “he made the sun to set when it is time”
Psalms 104:20
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Quote: You make (1)“Yahweh, you make.” Here the authors switches from speaking about Yahweh to speaking to him.
Psalms 104:21
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Quote: prey (1)an animal that is food for another animal
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Quote: and seek their food from God (1)Alternate translation: “but they rely on God to provide their food”
Psalms 104:22
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Quote: retreat (1)go back to their dens
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Quote: dens (1)the homes of some mammals and small animals
Psalms 104:24
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Quote: overflows with your works (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes the amount of things that Yahweh had created as if they were a liquid overflowing out of a container. Alternate translation: “is filled with your work”
Psalms 104:25
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Quote: deep and wide (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
“it is very deep and very wide.” The depth and width of the sea emphasizes how large it is.
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Quote: teeming with innumerable creatures (1)Alternate translation: “having in them more creatures than anyone could count”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: innumerable (1)more than anyone can count
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Quote: both small and great (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This means creatures of all sizes.
Psalms 104:26
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Quote: The ships travel there (1)Alternate translation: “The ships travel on the sea”
Psalms 104:27
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Quote: All these (1)Alternate translation: “All these creatures”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give them their food on time (1)Alternate translation: “give them their food when they need it”
Psalms 104:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When you give to them, they gather (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to state that it is food that is given. Alternate translation: “When you give food to them, they gather it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gather (1)collect
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Quote: when you open your hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This describes Yahweh as opening his hand to give food to the creatures. Alternate translation: “when you open your hand to feed them”
Psalms 104:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hide your face (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that Yahweh does not look at them or pay attention to them. Alternate translation: “when you do not look upon them” or “when you ignore them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: return to dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that their bodies decay and are and become soil again. Alternate translation: “their bodies decay and return to the ground”
Psalms 104:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When you send out your Spirit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to his Spirit being sent to give life to creatures.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are created (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
It is Yahweh’s spirit that created them.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you renew the countryside (1)Alternate translation: “you cause the land to be full of new life”
Psalms 104:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my thoughts be sweet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
He is comparing his thoughts to something that tastes sweet. Alternate translation: “my thoughts be pleasing”
Psalms 104:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vanish (1)disappear
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the wicked be no more (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The phrase “the wicked” refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “may wicked people disappear”
Psalms 105
Psalm 15 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 105 is the third in a series of five psalms of praise to God. (Psalm 103–107)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s protection
God protected Abraham and Jacob. He worked throughout Israel’s history to bring Israel into the Promised Land. (See: Promised Land)
Psalms 105:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call on his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “call on him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations”
Psalms 105:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Boast in his holy name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Boast in Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “the heart” represents the person who seeks Yahweh. Alternate translation: “let the people who seek Yahweh rejoice”
Psalms 105:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Seek Yahweh and his strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “seek Yahweh’s strength” means to ask him to strengthen you. Alternate translation: “Seek Yahweh and ask him to give you his strength”
Psalms 105:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Recall (1)remember and think about
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his miracles and (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The word “recall” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “recall his miracles and”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the decrees from his mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “mouth” refers to the things that he spoke. Alternate translation: “the decrees that he has spoken”
Psalms 105:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you descendants of Abraham & you people of Jacob (1)The author is speaking to the Israelites, calling them these names.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abraham his servant (1)Alternate translation: “Abraham, Yahweh’s servant”
Psalms 105:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He keeps in mind & the word that he commanded (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings and are used together for emphasis. The word “word” refers to the covenant. Alternate translation: “He keeps in mind his covenant forever, the promise he made” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keeps in mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to remember and think about something. Alternate translation: “remembers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a thousand generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 generations”
Psalms 105:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He calls to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “call to mind” means to remember something. Alternate translation: “he remembers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the covenant that he made with Abraham & his oath to Isaac (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases “the covenant” and “the oath” refer to the same promise that Yahweh made to his people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his oath to Isaac (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “that he made” are undestood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: “his oath that he made to Isaac” or “his oath that he gave to Isaac”
Psalms 105:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The psalmist is writing about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when they were only few in number (1)The word “they” refers to the Israelites.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were strangers in the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that “the land” refers to Canaan. Alternate translation: “were foreigners in the land of Canaan”
Psalms 105:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They went from (1)Alternate translation: “They continued to wander”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from nation to nation and from one kingdom to another (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings and are used together for emphasis.
Psalms 105:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The psalmist is writing about Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for their sakes (1)“for their own well-being.” This is referring to Israel.
Psalms 105:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not touch my anointed ones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Here “touch” means to harm, it’s an exaggeration Yahweh used to strengthen his warning to not harm his people. Alternate translation: “Do not harm the people I have anointed”
Psalms 105:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He called for (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“He sent.” This means that caused a famine to happen in the land.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the whole supply of bread (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “the whole supply of food”
Psalms 105:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He sent a man ahead of them; Joseph (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to state that he sent him ahead of them to Egypt. Alternate translation: “He sent a man ahead of them to Egypt; he sent Joseph who”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Joseph was sold as a servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave”
Psalms 105:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shackles (1)metal restraints used to fasten a prisoner’s wrists or ankles together
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His feet were bound by shackles; on his neck was put an iron collar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
These statements can be restated as active. Alternate translation: “The Egyptians bound his feet in shackles; they put an iron collar around his neck. (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 105:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The word of Yahweh tested him (1)Alternate translation: “The message of Yahweh tested him”
Psalms 105:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king sent servants to release him; the ruler of the people set him free (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that the king set Joseph free.
Psalms 105:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Israel came into Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “Israel” refers to Jacob. Jacob also brought his family with him. Alternate translation: “Then Israel and his family came into Egypt”
Psalms 105:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh made his people fruitful (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the increase of Israel as if they were a plant that produced a lot of fruit. “God increased the number of his people greatly”
Psalms 105:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to hate his people, to mistreat his servants (1)Alternate translation: “to hate his people and to mistreat his servants”
Psalms 105:27
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Quote: They performed his signs among the Egyptians & his wonders in the land of Ham (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning. Alternate translation: “Moses and Aaron performed God’s miracles in Egypt among the descendants of Ham”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his wonders in the land of Ham (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “they performed” are understood fromt the previous phrase. They may be repeated here. Alternate translation: “and they performed his wonders in the land of Ham”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of Ham (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Ham was an ancestor of the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the land of Ham’s descendants”
Psalms 105:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made that land dark (1)Alternate translation: “made the sky dark”
Psalms 105:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: frogs (1)a small jumping reptile
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even in the rooms of their rulers (1)Alternate translation: “they were even in the rooms of their rulers”
Psalms 105:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The psalmist continues to describe Yahweh’s judgment on Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swarms (1)large flying groups
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gnats (1)small flying insects like flies but smaller
Psalms 105:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hail (1)ice that falls from the sky like rain
Psalms 105:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He destroyed & he broke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God caused the hail, rain, and lightning to ruin the vines and trees. Alternate translation: “He caused it to destroy … and to break”
Psalms 105:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so many locusts (1)Alternate translation: “there were so many locusts”
Psalms 105:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The locusts ate up all of the vegetation & They ate up all the crops of the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrase have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “The insects ate all the plants and all the crops in the land”
Psalms 105:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He killed every firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Here the second phrase about the “firstfruits” is used to describe the “firstborn” in the first phrase. Alternate translation: “He killed every firstborn in their land, which were the firstfruits of all their strength” or “Then Yahweh killed the oldest son in every house of the people of Egypt” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 105:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He brought the Israelites out with silver and gold (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When the Israelites left Egypt they took silver and gold with them. Alternate translation: “He brought the Isrealites out of Egypt with silver and gold in their possession”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none of his tribes stumbled on the way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
No one was left behind. This can be stated positively Alternate translation: “all of his tribes was able to make the journey”
Psalms 105:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Egypt was glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Egypt” refers to the people who live in Egypt. Alternate translation: The people of Egypt were glad
Psalms 105:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He spread a cloud for a covering (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the psalmist describes Yahweh placing a cloud in the sky as if he were spreading out a garment. The cloud was a “covering” to protect them from the sun. Alternate translation: “He placed a cloud in the sky to protect them from the sun and heat” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made a fire to light up the night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh placed a pillar of fire in the sky to give light during the night. Alternate translation: “placed a fire it the sky to light up the night”
Psalms 105:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brought quail (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to make clear that quail are small birds Yahweh sent for them to eat. Alternate translation: “Yahweh sent small birds to eat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with bread from heaven (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh caused manna, a type of bread, to fall from the sky. Alternate translation: “with bread that fell from the sky”
Psalms 105:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they flowed (1)Alternate translation: “the waters flowed”
Psalms 105:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to remember. Alternate translation: “remembered”
Psalms 105:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He led his people out & his chosen with shouts of triumph (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that God’s people were joyful when he led them out of Egypt. The people were shouting joyfully. Alternate translation: “He led his chosen people out with shouts of joy and triumph”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his chosen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “chosen” refers to Yahweh’s chosen people. Alternate translation: “his chosen people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shouts of triumph (1)the sound that people make when they are shouting with joy because they have defeated their enemies
Psalms 105:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep his statutes and obey his laws (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. “To keep” his statutes means to obey them. Alternate translation: “obey his laws and statutes”
Psalms 106
Psalm 16 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 106 is the fourth in a series of five psalms of praise to God. (Psalm 103–107)
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel’s sin
Although Israel continually sinned in the desert, God still took them to the Promised Land. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Promised Land)
Psalms 106:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “for he remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 106:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can recount the mighty acts of Yahweh & deeds? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author asks this question to praise God and does not expect an answer. Alternate translation: “No one can recount the mighty acts of Yahweh … deeds.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praiseworthy deeds (1)Alternate translation: “deeds that are worthy of praise”
Psalms 106:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call me to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “call to mind” means to remember something. Alternate translation: “remember me”
Psalms 106:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of your chosen (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The word “chosen” refers to Yahweh’s chosen people. Alternate translation: “of your chosen people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice in the gladness & and glory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
These are things that David says he will do, along with “seeing the prosperity of your chosen.” The words “I will” may be repeated here. Alternate translation: “I will rejoice in the gladness … and I will glory”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gladness (1)joy, delight
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: glory with your inheritance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the phrase “your inheritance” refers to the Isrealites, who are Yahweh’s chosen people. Here “glory” means “to boast about” something; in this case they are boasting about Yahweh. Alternate translation: “boast of your greatness with your people” or “boast with your people about you”
Psalms 106:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: did not appreciate your marvelous deeds (1)Alternate translation: “were not grateful for the marvelous deed you did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they ignored your many acts of covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “they ignored the many things that you did because you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the sea & the Sea of Reeds (1)These two phrases refer to the same sea. The second is the name of the sea.
Psalms 106:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nevertheless, he (1)Alternate translation: “Even though what I have just said is true, he”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for his name’s sake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “for the sake of his own reputation”
Psalms 106:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: through the depths, as through a wilderness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here David compares the way that Yahweh led the Isrealites through the Sea of Reeds to the way people can be led across the dry ground of a wilderness. “The depths” refers the riverbed that appeared after Yahweh parted the waters. Alternate translation: “through the Seas of Reeds on dry ground” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 106:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He saved them from the hand & and he rescued them from the hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize that Yahweh saved them from their enemies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of those who hated them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “the power of those who hated them” or “the control of those who hated them”
Psalms 106:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covered their adversaries (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to talk about them drowning. Alternate translation: “drowned their enemies”
Psalms 106:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they believed his words (1)Here the word “they” refers to “their ancestors” and the word “his” refers to “Yahweh.”
Psalms 106:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they did not wait for his instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they did things without waiting to find out what Yahweh wanted them to go. Alternate translation: “they did things without first waiting for Yahweh’s instructions”
Psalms 106:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: insatiable cravings (1)Alternate translation: “cravings that could not be satisfied”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they challenged God (1)Alternate translation: “They rebelled against God”
Psalms 106:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but he sent a horrible disease (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks about Yahweh causing the people to be afflicted by a disease as if Yahweh sent a disease to them in the same way that someone sends a person or a messenger. Alternate translation: “but he caused them to suffer from a horrible disease”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a horrible disease (1)a disease that caused people to slowly become weak and caused some of them to die
Psalms 106:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the camp (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the Israelites’ camp in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “In the camp in the wilderness”
Psalms 106:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The earth opened and swallowed up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here how the ground opens up and buries the people is being compared to how a creature swallows something. Alternate translation: “The earth opened and buried”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dathan (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was an official who rebelled against Moses.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covered the followers of Abiram (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The followers of Abiram were also buried when the earth opened and buried Dathan. Alternate translation: “it also covered the followers of Abiram” or “it also buried the followers of Abiram”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Abiram (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was an official who rebelled against Moses.
Psalms 106:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Fire broke out among them; the fire consumed the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same things and are written together to emphasize how the wicked people were killed by the fire.
Psalms 106:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They made a calf at Horeb and worshiped a cast metal figure (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This information can be reordered so that it is clear that the calf was the cast metal figure. Alternate translation: “At Horeb, they made a cast metal figure of a calf and worshiped it”
Psalms 106:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They traded the glory of God for the image of a bull (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that instead of worshiping God they worshiped the image of the bull. Alternate translation: “They traded worshiping the glory of God to worship the image of a bull”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the glory of God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here God is referred to by his glory. Alternate translation: “their glorious God” or “God who is glorious”
Psalms 106:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of Ham (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
This refers to the land where Ham’s descendants lived. Alternate translation: “the land where Ham’s descendant live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mighty acts (1)Alternate translation: “awesome things”
Psalms 106:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stood in the breach before him, to turn away his anger from destroying them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks about Moses persuading Yahweh not to destroy the Israelites as intervening with him in the breach. Alternate translation: “stood between Yahweh and the Israelites and begged Yahweh to not destroy them”
Psalms 106:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his promise (1)This refers to Yahweh’s promise that he would allow them to take the land of Canaan as their possession.
Psalms 106:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grumbled (1)complained
Psalms 106:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raised his hand (1)The word “his” refers to Yahweh. Also, it was custom to raise a hand when swearing an oath.
Psalms 106:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter their descendants & in foreign lands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “and that he would make their descendants live in foreign lands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scatter (1)This means to disperse or spread out something.
Psalms 106:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sacrifices offered to the dead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sacrifices that they offered to the dead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the dead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
“The dead” refers to the idols and gods that the Israelites were worshiping. Alternate translation: “to gods who are dead” or “to lifeless gods”
Psalms 106:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a plague broke out (1)Alternate translation: “a plague spread”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: provoked him to anger (1)Alternate translation: “angered him”
Psalms 106:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Phinehas rose to intervene (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Phinehas intervened among the people, punishing them for their sin. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Then Phinehas rose to intervene among the people because of their sin”
Psalms 106:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It was counted to him as a righteous deed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People credited it to him as a righteous deed”
Psalms 106:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Meribah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: suffered because of them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Moses suffered because of the peoples’ sin. Here the word “them” is a pronoun for the people and a metonym referring to their sin. Alternate translation: “suffered because of their actions”
Psalms 106:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but they mingled with the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Hey David speaks of the people intermarrying with the women from other nations as “mingling” with them. Alternate translation: “but they mixed in marriage with the other nations”
Psalms 106:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which became a snare to them (1)The idols became a snare to them.
Psalms 106:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and of their daughters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
The phrase “shedding blood” is a descriptive euphemism used for “killing.” Alternate translation: “They shed innocent blood when they killed their sons and daughters”
Psalms 106:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were defiled by their deeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their deeds defiled them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their actions they were like prostitutes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David compares their unfaithfulness to Yahweh to the unfaithfulness of a prostitute. Alternate translation: “they were as unfaithful to Yahweh as prostitutes”
Psalms 106:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So Yahweh was angry with his people & he despised his own people (1)Alternate translation: “So Yahweh was angry with his people and despised them”
Psalms 106:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He gave them into the hand of the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “God allowed the nations to take control of them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who hated them (1)Alternate translation: “people who hated them”
Psalms 106:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were brought into subjection to their authority (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their enemies caused them to be subject to their authority”
Psalms 106:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were brought low by their own sin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the phrase “brought low” means to be destroyed. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their sin ruined them” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 106:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Nevertheless, he (1)“Even though what I have just said is true, he.” See how you translated this in Psalms 106:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their distress (1)Alternate translation: “their affliction” or “their suffering”
Psalms 106:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “call to mind” means to remember something. Alternate translation: “remembered”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He & relented because of his steadfast love (1)Alternate translation: “He … decided that because he still loved them very much he would not punish them”
Psalms 106:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their conquerers (1)“their captors.” This refers to the Isrealites’ enemies who had taken them captive.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to have pity on them (1)Alternate translation: “to be compassionate on them”
Psalms 106:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Here 106:48 is more than the end of this psalm. It is the closing statement for all of Book 4 of the Psalms, which starts at Psalm 90 and ends with Psalm 106.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to your holy name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh is referred to by his “holy name.” Alternate translation: “to you”
Psalms 106:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people praise Yahweh the God of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from everlasting to everlasting (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This refers to two extremes and means for all time. See how you translated this in Psalms 41:13. Alternate translation: “for all eternity”
Psalms 107
Psalm 17 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 107 is the last in a series of five psalms of praise to God (Psalm 103–107).
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
The psalmist praises Yahweh for saving people lost in the desert, in prison, sick, in a storm at sea, homeless and oppressed. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation and INVALID bible/other/oppress)
Psalms 107:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “he remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 107:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the redeemed of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
“The redeemed” refers to the people whom Yahweh has saved. Alternate translation: “those whom Yahweh has saved”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: speak out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to tell others about something. Alternate translation: “tell about what Yahweh has done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of the enemy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the power of the enemy”
Psalms 107:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the east & and from the south (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here the four directions are given to emphasize that he gather them from everywhere. Alternate translation: “from every direction” or “from every part of the world”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This describes the places that Yahweh gather his people from. Alternate translation: “he has gathered them from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south”
Psalms 107:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They wandered (1)Alternate translation: “Some people wandered”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on a desert road (1)Alternate translation: “on a road that was in the desert”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in which to live (1)Alternate translation: “that they could live in”
Psalms 107:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they called out to Yahweh in their trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they are praying to Yahweh so that he will help them. Alternate translation: “Then they prayed to Yahweh to help them in their trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their distress (1)Alternate translation: “their difficulties” or “their afflictions”
Psalms 107:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh that people would praise Yahweh for his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here the word “Oh” is used to convey a strong desire for people to praise Yahweh. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Let people praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” or “People should praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for humanity (1)Alternate translation: “for all people”
Psalms 107:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he satisfies the longings of those who are thirsty (1)Alternate translation: “For he gives water to those who desire it—to those who are thirsty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the desires of those who are hungry he fills up with good things (1)Alternate translation: “to those who are very hungry and desire food, he give them good things to eat”
Psalms 107:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Some sat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that these are people that Yahweh has rescued. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also rescued people who sat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in darkness and in gloom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both “darkness” and “gloom” have basically the same meaning and are used to emphasize how dark the prison was. Alternate translation: “in complete darkness”
Psalms 107:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they had rebelled against God’s word & rejected the instruction of the Most High (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases have similar meanings and emphasize how much they had rebelled again God, which is why they had been imprisoned.
Psalms 107:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He humbled their hearts through hardship (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the heart represents a person, but specifically his will. Alternate translation: “He humbled them by allowing them to suffer hardship”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hardship (1)This could mean: (1) “trouble” or (2) “hard labor.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they stumbled and there was no one to help them up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “stumbled” refers to times when these people got into very difficult situations. Alternate translation: “they got into trouble and there was no one to help them out of it”
Psalms 107:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they called out to Yahweh in their trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they are praying to Yahweh so that he will help them. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:6. Alternate translation: “Then they prayed to Yahweh to help them in their trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their distress (1)“difficulties” or “afflictions.” See how you translated this in Psalms 107:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brought (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes Yahweh saving them from their distress as if their distress were a physical place that he was bringing them out of. Alternate translation: “he saved”
Psalms 107:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He brought them (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh brought those in prison”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: darkness and gloom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Both “darkness” and “gloom” have basically the same meaning and are used to emphasize how dark the prison was. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:10. Alternate translation: “complete darkness”
Psalms 107:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh that people would praise Yahweh for his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here the word “Oh” is used to convey a strong desire for people to praise Yahweh. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:8. Alternate translation: “Let people praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” or “People should praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 107:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he (1)Alternate translation: “because he”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he has broken the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases describe Yahweh freeing his people from prison and are used to emphasize that Yahweh truly freed them. Alternate translation: “He freed his people from prison” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Psalms 107:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were foolish in their rebellious ways (1)Alternate translation: “They were foolish in the way they rebelled against Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and afflicted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“and they suffered.” Specifically they were afflicted by becoming sick. Alternate translation: “and they became sick”
Psalms 107:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they came close to the gates of death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the act of “dying” is described as a place, “the gates of death” Alternate translation: “they almost died”
Psalms 107:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they called out to Yahweh in their trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they are praying to Yahweh so that he will help them. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:6. Alternate translation: “Then they prayed to Yahweh to help them in their trouble”
Psalms 107:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He sent his word and healed them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here David describes Yahweh speaking as sending his words as if they were a messenger. This could mean: (1) “He commanded for them to be healed and they were healed” or (2) “He encouraged them and healed them”
Psalms 107:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh that people would praise Yahweh for his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here the word “Oh” is used to convey a strong desire for people to praise Yahweh. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:8. Alternate translation: “Let people praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” or “People should praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 107:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of thanksgiving (1)Alternate translation: “that show that they are thankful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in singing (1)Alternate translation: “by singing about them”
Psalms 107:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and do business overseas (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They would sail to places and buy and sell things with the people there. Alternate translation: “selling things in cities far away”
Psalms 107:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he commanded and aroused the windstorm that stirs up the seas (1)Alternate translation: “he commanded the wind and caused it become a great windstorm that stirred up the sea”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: windstorm (1)a strong wind, like the wind that accompanies a strong rain storm
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that stirs up the seas (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes the winds causing the waves to become high as if the wind was an object fiercely stirring something. Alternate translation: “that caused the waves of the sea to become very high”
Psalms 107:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They reached up to the sky; they went down to the depths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This describes the ships rising and falling with the waves. The extremes of rising to the sky and falling to the depths are an exaggeration to express how horrible the windstorm was and how large the waves were. Alternate translation: “their ships would rise very high on the waves and then they would fall very low between the waves”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their lives melted away in distress (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom describes the sailors’ great fear. Alternate translation: “The men were terrified and greatly distressed”
Psalms 107:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were at their wits’ end (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “at their wit’s end” means that they did not know what to do. Alternate translation: “and they did not know what to do” or “they had no idea what to do”
Psalms 107:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they called out to Yahweh in their trouble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that they are praying to Yahweh so that he will help them. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:6. Alternate translation: “Then they prayed to Yahweh to help them in their trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then they (1)The word “they” refers to the sailors.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brought them (1)Alternate translation: “he guided them”
Psalms 107:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He calmed the storm (1)Alternate translation: “He made the wind stop”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the waves were stilled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he made the waves still”
Psalms 107:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their desired harbor (1)Alternate translation: “to the harbor where they wanted to go”
Psalms 107:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh that people would praise Yahweh for his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Here the word “Oh” is used to convey a strong desire for people to praise Yahweh. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated this in Psalms 107:8. Alternate translation: “Let people praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” or “People should praise Yahweh because he is faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 107:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise him in the council of the elders (1)“when the elders sit together.” The elders sat together to discuss issues in the community and to make decisions for the community.
Psalms 107:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He turns (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes”
Psalms 107:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of the wickedness of its people (1)Alternate translation: “because the people that live there are wicked”
Psalms 107:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He turns the wilderness into a pool of water and dry land into springs of water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases have similar meaning and emphasize how Yahweh makes water appear in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “He make springs and lakes in land that used to be desert”
Psalms 107:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He settles the hungry there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The word “there” refers to the places where Yahweh made springs and lakes appear. Also, the phrase “the hungry” refers to people who are hungry. Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes people who are hungry live there”
Psalms 107:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to plant vineyards (1)Alternate translation: “to plant vineyards in”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and to bring in an abundant harvest (1)Alternate translation: “so that they can produce a plentiful harvest”
Psalms 107:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so they are very numerous (1)Alternate translation: “so that their people are very numerous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He does not let their cattle decrease in number (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “He keeps their cattle very numerous”
Psalms 107:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They (1)The word “They” refers to the people who were hungry that Yahweh had settled in the land. This sentence describes how they were before Yahweh settled them in the land.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were diminished and brought low (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their leaders diminished their number and brought them low”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were diminished (1)Alternate translation: “became fewer in number”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brought low (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to be humiliated. Alternate translation: “humiliated”
Psalms 107:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pours contempt on (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of Yahweh showing contempt for the leaders as if contempt were a liquid he poured out on them. Alternate translation: “shows contempt for”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the leaders (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“the nobles.” This refers to the leaders who oppressed the people. Alternate translation: “the leaders who oppressed them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where there are no roads (1)Alternate translation: “where people never go”
Psalms 107:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But he (1)Alternate translation: “But Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to needy people. Alternate translation: “needy people” or “poor people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cares for his families like a flock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here David compares how Yahweh cares for his people to how a shepherd cares for his sheep. This could mean: (1) “makes the number of people in their families increase like flocks” or (2) “takes care of them like a shepherd cares for his sheep”
Psalms 107:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The upright (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people who live in an upright way. Alternate translation: “Upright people” or “People who do what is right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all wickedness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here wicked people are referred to as “wickedness.” Alternate translation: “all wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shuts its mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to not say anything in response. Alternate translation: “has nothing to say against Yahweh in reply”
Psalms 107:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take note of these things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to think about these things. Alternate translation: “think about these things” or “remember these things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: meditate on Yahweh’s acts of covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “meditate on the things that Yahweh has done that show that he is faithful to his covenant”
Psalms 108
Psalm 18 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 108 is a psalm of war.
Special concepts in this chapter
Victory
God promised success to the psalmist, but Yahweh failed to help him conquer the country of Edom. He needed God to give him victory over Edom.
Psalms 108:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart is fixed, God (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David is referring to himself by his heart. Also, the word “fixed” means to trust completely. Alternate translation: “My heart is fixed on you, God” or “I am trusting completely in you, God” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will sing praises also with my honored heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here David is represented by his “heart.” David refers to himself as having the honor of praising God. Alternate translation: “You honor me by allowing me to sing praises to you”
Psalms 108:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wake up, lute and harp (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here David describes playing his instruments as waking them up from sleep. Alternate translation: “I will praise you by playing the lute and the harp”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will wake up the dawn (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here David is describing the dawn waking up like a person waking up in the morning. Alternate translation: “I will be praising you when the dawn comes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dawn (1)when the sun rises
Psalms 108:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant faithfulness is great above the heavens; and your trustworthiness reaches to the skies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings. They speak of the greatness of Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness as if they were objects that were tall enough to reach up to the sky. The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “For your covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness are greater than the distance between heaven and earth” or “For you are more faithful to your covenant and more worthy of people trusting you than the sky is higher than the earth” (See also: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 108:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Be exalted, God, above the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist is asking God to show that he is exalted. Being exalted above the heavens represents being great. Alternate translation: “God, show that you are exalted above the heavens” or “God, show that you are great in the heavens”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may your glory be exalted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh is referred to by his “glory.” Alternate translation: “may you be exalted”
Psalms 108:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: So that those you love may be rescued (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: Because those you love need rescuing” or “Rescue those you love”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Yahweh’s “right hand” refers to his power. Alternate translation: “by your power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: answer me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Answering here represents responding to his request. Alternate translation: “respond to my request” or “answer my prayer”
Psalms 108:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is the same as Psalms 60:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has spoken in his holiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes God speaking something because he is holy as speaking “in his holiness,” as if his holiness were something that he was physically inside of. Alternate translation: “God, because he is holy, has said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will divide Shechem and apportion out the Valley of Succoth (1)Here God is speaking about dividing the land of Shechem and the Valley of Succoth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: apportion (1)to divide into portions
Psalms 108:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is the same as Psalms 60:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ephraim also is my helmet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of the tribe of Ephraim as if it were his army. The helmet symbolizes equipment for war. Alternate translation: “Ephraim is like a helmet I have chosen” or “The tribe of Ephraim is my army”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: helmet (1)a hard hat that soldiers wear to protect their heads from injury
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah is my scepter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God chose men from the tribe of Judah to be the kings of his people, and he speaks of that tribe as if it were his scepter. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Judah is like my scepter” or “Judah is the tribe through whom I rule my people”
Psalms 108:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is the same as Psalms 60:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Moab is my washbasin (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of Moab being unimportant as if Moab were a washbasin or a lowly servant. Alternate translation: “Moab is like a bowl that I use for washing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over Edom I will throw my shoe (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God was probably speaking of taking ownership of Edom as if he were symbolically throwing his shoe onto that land to show that he owns it. However some versions have other interpretations. Alternate translation: “I take ownership of the land of Edom” or “I throw my shoe onto the land of Edom to show that it is mine” (See also: Symbolic Action)
Psalms 108:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is the same as Psalms 60:9.
Psalms 108:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is almost the same as Psalms 60:10.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, have you not rejected us? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The psalmist uses this question to express his sadness that it seems that God has rejected them. Alternate translation: “It seems like you have rejected us!” or “God, you seem to have abandoned us!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You do not go into battle with our army (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army as if God were to go and fight with them. Alternate translation: “you do not help our army when we go into battle”
Psalms 108:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is the same as Psalms 60:11.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is futile (1)Alternate translation: “is worthless”
Psalms 108:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is the same as Psalms 60:12.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will triumph (1)Alternate translation: “will defeat our enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will trample down our enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army defeat their enemies as if God were to trample down the enemies. Alternate translation: “he will enable us to trample down our enemies” or “he will make us able to defeat our enemies.
Psalms 109
Psalm 19 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 109 is a psalm of vengeance against an enemy who has lied about him. (See: avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)
Special concepts in this chapter
Enemies destroyed
This enemy lied about the psalmist. So he asked God to completely destroy his enemy and his enemy’s family.
Psalms 109:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
Psalms 109:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the wicked and deceitful (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The words “wicked” and “deceitful” refer to people. They have similar meanings and emphasize how bad these people are. Alternate translation: “For wicked and deceitful men” (See also: Doublet)
Psalms 109:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In return for my love (1)Alternate translation: “Although I loved them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love (1)Alternate translation: “my love for them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they accuse me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “they” refers to the people who are wicked and deceitful. You may need to make explicit that those who accuse the psalmist do so falsely. Alternate translation: “they accuse me falsely” or “they slander me”
Psalms 109:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Appoint a wicked man & appoint an accuser (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel and the phrases “a wicked man” and “an accuser” refer to the same person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at his right hand (1)Alternate translation: “at my enemy’s right hand”
Psalms 109:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he is judged, may he be found guilty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When he is on trial, may the judge find him guilty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may his prayer be considered sinful (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “consider his prayer sinful”
Psalms 109:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May his days be few (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “his days” refers to the length of his life. Alternate translation: “May he not live a long time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his office (1)Alternate translation: “his position of authority”
Psalms 109:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: handouts (1)food or money given to beggars
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their ruined home (1)Alternate translation: “their destroyed homes”
Psalms 109:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the creditor (1)someone who lends money to another person but expects that the person will pay the money back
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (1)steal by force
Psalms 109:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May his children be cut off; may their name be blotted out (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize his children being destroyed.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May his children be cut off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Cause his children to be cut off” or “Cause his children to die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may their name be blotted out in the next generation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the idea of there being no one to carry on the family name is spoke of as “their name being blotted out.” Alternate translation: “may there be no one to carry on his name”
Psalms 109:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May his ancestors’ sins be mentioned to Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May you remember the sins of his ancestors, Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may the sin of his mother not be forgotten (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May you not forget the sins that his mother committed”
Psalms 109:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May their guilt always be before Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks about Yahweh thinking about their guilt as if their guilt is something physically present before him. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh continually think about their sins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may Yahweh cut off their memory from the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David uses the word “earth” to refer to all the people that live on the earth. Also, the phrase “their memory” refers to people remembering them after they have died. Alternate translation: “may Yahweh make it so that no one on earth remembers them”
Psalms 109:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: this man never bothered to show any covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to him showing covenant faithfulness to people. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “this man never bothered to show any covenant faithfulness to people” or “this man never did anything to show that he was faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the oppressed, the needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to oppressed and needy people. Alternate translation: “oppressed people, needy people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the disheartened (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people who are disheartened. Alternate translation: “disheartened people” or “people who have lost hope”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to death (1)“until they died.” This means that he harassed them until they died.
Psalms 109:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may it come back upon him (1)Alternate translation: “may his curses come upon him”
Psalms 109:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He clothed himself with cursing as his garment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of the wicked person’s behavior as if it were his clothing. Alternate translation: “He cursed other people as often as he wore clothing” or “He cursed people all the time”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as his garment (1)Alternate translation: “as if they were his clothing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his curse came into his inner being like water, like oil into his bones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings are: (1) He spoke curses so often that they became a part of his identity. “the curses that he speaks are part of who he is” or (2) the curse that he spoke happened to him. “his whole being was cursed by the curse he spoke”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to how a person drinks water. Alternate translation: “like water a person drinks”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like oil into his bones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to how oil soaks into bones when rubbed on the skin. Alternate translation: “like olive oil soaks into a person’s bones when it is rubbed on his skin”
Psalms 109:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May his curses be to him like the clothes he wears to cover himself (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People wore their clothes everyday. David speaks of a wicked person always being cursed as if his curses always covered him as his clothing does. Alternate translation: “Let his curses be on him every day like the garment he wears”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like the belt he always wears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “may his curses be to him” are understood from the previous phrase. They may be repeated here. Alternate translation: “may his curses be to him like the belt he always wears” or “and let his curses always be on him like the belt he always wears”
Psalms 109:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May this be the reward (1)Alternate translation: “May these curses be the reward”
Psalms 109:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: deal kindly with me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is a request for Yahweh to treat him kindly. Alternate translation: “treat me kindly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your name’s sake (1)Alternate translation: “the sake of your reputation”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because your covenant faithfulness is good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Because you are good and are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 109:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: oppressed and needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words have similar meanings and emphasize that he is unable to help himself.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart is wounded within me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of being in great despair as his heart being wounded. Alternate translation: “I am full of grief and despair”
Psalms 109:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am fading away like the shadow & like a locust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David feels like he is going to die soon and describes this feeling by comparing himself to a fading shadow and to how the wind blows away locust. Alternate translation: “I feel like I am about to die, like an evening shadow that will soon disappear, like a locust is easily blown away by the wind”
Psalms 109:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My knees are weak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he is weak and it is difficult for him to stand. Alternate translation: “I have difficulty standing” or “My body is weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from fasting (1)Alternate translation: “because I am not eating any food”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am turning to skin and bones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he has lost a lot of weight. Alternate translation: “my body has become very thin”
Psalms 109:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am disdained by my accusers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My accusers ridicule me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shake their heads (1)This is an act of disapproval.
Psalms 109:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: save me by your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “save me because you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 109:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they know (1)The word “they” refers to David’s accusers and the people who say bad things about him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have done this (1)Alternate translation: “have saved me”
Psalms 109:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Though they curse me (1)The word “they” refers to the people who accuse David and say bad things about him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may they be put to shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may they be ashamed” or “let them be ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but may your servant rejoice (1)“but may I, your servant, rejoice” or “I am your servant, let me rejoice.” David uses the phrase “your servant” to refer to himself.
Psalms 109:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May my adversaries be clothed & may they wear (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrase have them same meaning and are used together for emphasize how greatly he wishes for them to be ashamed.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be clothed with shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David speaks of them being ashamed as if were clothing they wore. Alternate translation: “be very ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may they wear their shame like a robe (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
David speaks of them being ashamed as if it were a robe that they wore. Alternate translation: “may their shame cover them just like their robe is wrapped around them”
Psalms 109:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With my mouth I give (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he will speak. Alternate translation: “I will speak and give”
Psalms 109:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will stand at the right hand of the one who is needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he will help and defend the poor person. Alternate translation: “will defend the one who is needy”
Psalms 110
Psalm 110 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 110 is a psalm honoring the king as he becomes king and also a prophecy about Christ. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah)
Special concepts in this chapter
King
The king will be able to conquer his enemies. Christ is seen as both high priest and king. (See: high priest, chief priests)
Psalms 110:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sit at my right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “my right hand” refers to the place of honor. Alternate translation: “Sit at the place of honor which I have for you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make your enemies your footstool (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here David describes Yahweh placing his master’s enemies under his power and control as putting them under his feet like a footstool. Alternate translation: “put your enemies under your power”
Psalms 110:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh will hold out the scepter of your strength (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David speaks of Yahweh extending the area that the king rules as holding out his scepter. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will extend the area over which you powerfully rule”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rule among your enemies (1)“King, rule among your enemies.” This is spoken to the king as a command.
Psalms 110:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of their own free will (1)“by their own choice.” This means that they will chose to follow the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the day of your power (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the day that the king will lead his armies into battle. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “on the day that you lead your armies into battle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the womb of the dawn & like the dew (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
David describes the dew as a baby to whom the dawn gives birth. Alternate translation: “in the morning … like the dew”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the womb of the dawn your youth will be to you like the dew (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David is telling the king that he will have youthful strength each morning by comparing it to how the dew appears early each morning. Alternate translation: “each morning you will be filled with youthful strength to sustain you just like each morning the dew appears to water and sustain the earth”
Psalms 110:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are (1)Yahweh is speaking to the lord, the one David calls “my master” in Psalms 110:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not change (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he will not change what he has said. Alternate translation: “will not change his mind” or “will not change what he has said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: after the manner of Melchizedek (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The idea of being priest is understood from the previous phrase. It can be stated clearly here. Alternate translation: “after the manner that Melchizedek was priest” or “in the same way that Melchizedek was priest”
Psalms 110:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord is at your right hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
When the lord goes to battle, Yahweh stands at his right hand in order to help him. Alternate translation: “The Lord helps you in battle” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Lord (1)The word “Lord” refers to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will kill (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “He” refers to Yahweh. He will cause the kings to be defeated and die, but he will allow the king’s armies to kill the enemy kings. Alternate translation: “He will cause the kings to die” or “He will allow your armies to kill the kings”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kings (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to his enemies. Alternate translation: “enemy kings”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on the day of his anger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here David speaks of the day when Yahweh will become angry and defeat the kings as “the day of his anger.” Alternate translation: “on the day of judgment when his patience turns to anger”
Psalms 110:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will fill the battlegrounds with dead bodies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that Yahweh will cause this to happen, not that he will personally kill all of the people who die on the battleground. Alternate translation: “he will cause the battlegrounds to be filled with death bodies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will kill the leaders in many countries (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This means that Yahweh will cause this to happen, not that he will personally kill the leaders. Alternate translation: “he will cause the leaders in many countries to be killed” or “he will allow the leaders in many countries to die”
Psalms 110:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will drink of the brook along the road (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The king only stops briefly for a drink and then he continues the pursuit of his enemies. Alternate translation: “As he pursues his enemies, he will only stop to drink quickly from a brook”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the brook (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This means the he will drink water from the brook. A brook is a small stream. Alternate translation: “he will drink water from the brook”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and then (1)Alternate translation: “and so” or “therefore”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will lift his head (1)This could mean: (1) the king lifts up his own head or (2) Yahweh lifts up the head of the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will lift his head up high after victory (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
People raised their heads when they are victorious, confident, and joyful. Alternate translation: “he will confidently lift his head after victory” or “he will be victorious”
Psalms 111
Psalm 111 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 111 is a psalm of praise to God for his miracles and care. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s character
God is great. He has given his people food and a land always keeps his promises to his people. (See: promise, promised and people of God)
Psalms 111:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my whole heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “heart” represents the person’s entire inner being and emotions. Alternate translation: “with all that I am”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the assembly of the upright, in their gathering (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean that same thing and may be combined if necessary. Alternate translation: “in the gathering of upright people”
Psalms 111:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eagerly awaited by all those who desire them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The word “them” refers to the “works of Yahweh.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all those who desire the works of Yahweh eagerly await them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eagerly awaited (1)This could mean: (1) “sought after” or (2) “studied.”
Psalms 111:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that will be remembered (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that people will always remember”
Psalms 111:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember”
Psalms 111:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his powerful works (1)Alternate translation: “his works that demonstrated his power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the inheritance of the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the land that belonged to the nations in Canaan as if it were their inheritance. Alternate translation: “the land that belonged to other nations”
Psalms 111:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The works of his hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hands” refers to Yahweh, himself. Alternate translation: “The works that he does”
Psalms 111:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are established forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This means that Yahweh’s instructions are unchangeable and will last forever. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He has established them forever” or “They will last forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be observed faithfully and properly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This could mean: (1) Yahweh has given his instructions in a faithful and proper manner or (2) his people are to observe Yahweh’s instructions in a faithful and proper manner. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for his people to observe them faithfully and properly”
Psalms 111:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: holy and awesome is his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” refers to Yahweh, himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is holy and awesome”
Psalms 111:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the beginning of wisdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “wisdom” can be translated as “wise.” Alternate translation: “the first step to becoming wise” or “the most important thing to become wise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who carry out his instructions (1)Alternate translation: “those who obey his instructions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His praise endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “praise” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “People will praise him forever”
Psalms 112
Psalm 112 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm teaching the value of a righteous life. (See: wise, wisdom and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)
Special concepts in this chapter
Righteous people
The righteous people will be well-known for their generosity and they will not have to worry about bad news because God is taking care of them.
Psalms 112:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: greatly delights (1)Alternate translation: “takes great pleasure”
Psalms 112:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the descendants of the godly man will be blessed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless the descendants of the godly man”
Psalms 112:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wealth and riches are in his house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” represents the family. The words “Wealth” and “riches” mean basically the same thing and indicate an abundance of wealth. Alternate translation: “His family is very wealthy” (See also: Doublet)
Psalms 112:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Light shines in the darkness for the godly person (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of God blessing the godly person in difficult times as if it were a light shining in darkness. Alternate translation: “The blessings that a godly person receives from God are like a light that shines in the darkness”
Psalms 112:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lends money (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “lends his money to other people”
Psalms 112:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he will never be moved (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
he will not be troubled or overwhelmed by circumstances for his trust is in Yahweh? If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For nothing will ever move him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the righteous person will be remembered forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will remember the righteous person forever”
Psalms 112:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His heart is tranquil (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“His heart is supported.” Here the word “heart” refers to the person. This could mean: (1) “He is at peace” or (2) “He is confident”
Psalms 112:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his righteousness endures forever (1)“his righteous deeds will endure forever.” See how you translated this in Psalms 112:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will be exalted with honor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will exalt him by giving him honor”
Psalms 112:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will see this (1)“will see that things go well for the godly person.” The word “this” refers to everything good that the writer has described in the previous verses about the godly person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will grind his teeth in rage (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The grinding of teeth is an expression of extreme anger. See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 35:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: melt away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the wicked person’s eventual death as if that person were something, such as ice, that can melt. Alternate translation: “eventually die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the desire of the wicked people will perish (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, desire could mean: (1) the emotional desire that wicked people have. Alternate translation: “the things that wicked people want to do will never happen” or (2) it is a metonym for the things that wicked people have desired. Alternate translation: “wicked people will lose the things that they desired”
Psalms 113
Psalm 113 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 113 is a psalm of praise to God for his goodness. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
God helps the poor and gives children to the wife who cannot conceive children.
Psalms 113:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh, himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh”
Psalms 113:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From the rising of the sun to its setting (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This phrase refers to the directions east, where the sun rises, and west, where the sun sets. The writer uses these two extremes to represent everywhere on earth. See how you translated this in Psalms 50:1. Alternate translation: “Everywhere on earth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh’s name should be praised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh, himself. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people should praise Yahweh” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 113:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his glory reaches above the skies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The glory of God is spoken of as if it was very high. Alternate translation: “his glory is higher than the skies” or “his glory is enormously great”
Psalms 113:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is like Yahweh our God, who has his seat on high (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the first part of a rhetorical question that the writer asks to emphasize that there is no one like Yahweh. It may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no one like Yahweh our God, who has his seat on high”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who has his seat on high (1)Alternate translation: “who is enthroned on high” or “who rules in the highest position”
Psalms 113:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who looks down at the sky and at the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the second part of a rhetorical question that the writer asks to emphasize that there is no one like Yahweh. It may be translated as a statement that begins a new sentence. Alternate translation: “There is no one like Yahweh our God, who looks down at the sky and at the earth.”
Psalms 113:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He raises up the poor & from the ash heap (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel. The writer speaks of Yahweh helping and honoring people who are poor as if Yahweh caused them to stand up from sitting in dirt and ashes. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of the dirt & from the ash heap (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Sitting in dirt and ashes represents either poverty or despair.
Psalms 113:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that he may seat him with princes, with the princes of his people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Here the second phrase clarifies that the first phrase refers to the princes of Yahweh’s people. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh may seat him next to rulers of his people”
Psalms 113:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He gives a home to the barren woman of the house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “home” refers to the children that live in a home. Alternate translation: “He gives children to the woman who had none”
Psalms 114
Psalm 114 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 114 is a psalm of praise to God for his miracles in bringing the people of Israel to the promised land. (See: miracle, wonder, sign and Promised Land)
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
The psalmist praised God for opening up the Red Sea for the people to cross, for providing the earthquake that stopped the Jordan River so the people could cross and providing water from a rock for the people to drink.
Psalms 114:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When Israel left Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people who spoke a foreign language (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines are parallel, with “Israel” and “the house of Jacob” meaning the same thing and “Egypt” and “that foreign people” referring to the same people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Jacob from a people who spoke a foreign language (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” here represents the family or descendents. The verb may be supplied to this phrase. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob left people who spoke a language that the descendants of Jacob did not understand” (See also: Ellipsis)
Psalms 114:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Judah became his holy place, Israel his kingdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Possible meanings for Judah and Israel are: (1) they refer to the land. Alternate translation: “The land of Judah became Yahweh’s holy place, the land of Israel became his kingdom” or (2) they are metonyms for the people of Judah and Israel. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah became those among whom Yahweh lived, the people of Israel became those over whom he ruled” (See also: Ellipsis)
Psalms 114:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The sea looked and fled (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the Sea of Reeds as if it were a person who fled away as Yahweh led the people of Israel through on dry ground. Alternate translation: “It was as though the sea looked and fled”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Jordan turned back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the Jordan River as if it were a person who retreated as Yahweh led the people of Israel through on dry ground. Alternate translation: “it was as though the Jordan retreated”
Psalms 114:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The mountains skipped like rams, the hills skipped like lambs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the mountains and hills as if they are alive. He is probably speaking of an earthquake when he describes their fear at the presence of Yahweh as if they were jumping like rams and lambs. Alternate translation: “It was as if the mountains shook like jumping rams and the hills shook like jumping lambs” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 114:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
General Information:
Verses 5–6 contain four rhetorical questions. The expected answer to each question is found in verse 7, “because of the presence of the Lord.”
Psalms 114:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: skip like rams & skip like lambs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of the mountains and hills as if they are alive. He is probably speaking of an earthquake when he describes their fear at the presence of Yahweh as if they were jumping like rams and lambs. See how you translated similar phrases in Psalms 114:4. Alternate translation: “shake like jumping rams … shake like jumping lambs” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 114:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tremble, earth, before the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The last two phrases are parallel. The verb may be supplied in the second line. Alternate translation: “Tremble, earth, before the Lord, tremble at the presence of the God of Jacob” (See also: Ellipsis)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Tremble, earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This could mean: (1) the writer is speaking to the earth as if it were a person and commands it to tremble with fear before God or (2) the word “earth” is a metonym for those who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “Tremble, everyone one earth” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 114:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He turned the rock into a pool of water, the hard rock into a spring of water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases are parallel. The writer describes Yahweh causing water to flow from the rock as if he turned the rock into water. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hard rock into a spring of water (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “He turned the hard rock into a spring of water”
Psalms 115
Psalm 115 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 115 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s power
God is in heaven and is able to do whatever he wants. Idols can not do anything. Therefore, people and priests should trust God for their protection. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and priest, priesthood and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Psalms 115:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Not to us, Yahweh, not to us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The writer repeats the phrase “Not to us” in order to emphasize that they are not worthy to receive the honor that is due only to Yahweh. If necessary, a verbal phrase may be supplied here. Alternate translation: “Do not bring honor to us, Yahweh” (See also: Ellipsis)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to us (1)The word “us” refers to the people of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but to your name bring honor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh, himself. Alternate translation: “but bring honor to yourself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your covenant faithfulness and for your trustworthiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because you are faithful to your covenant and you are worthy of people trusting you”
Psalms 115:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question emphasizes that there should be no reason for the nations to say what they say. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The people of the nations should not be able to say, ‘Where is their God?’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where is their God? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people of other nations use this question to mock the people of Israel and to express that they do not see Yahweh helping them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your God is not here to help you.”
Psalms 115:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the work of men’s hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hands” represents the people who made the idols. Alternate translation: “things which men have made”
Psalms 115:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those idols have mouths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The idols do not have real mouths, eyes, ears, or noses. Rather, people made them with the likeness of mouths, eyes, ears, and noses. The writer is emphasizing that these idols are not really alive. You can make clear the implied information. Alternate translation: “People have given mouths to those idols”
Psalms 115:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those idols have hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The idols do not have real hands, feet, or mouths. Rather, people made them with the likeness of hands, feet, and mouths. The writer is emphasizing that these idols are not really alive. You can make this implicit information clear. Alternate translation: “People have given hands to those idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but do not feel (1)Alternate translation: “but those hands do not feel”
Psalms 115:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who make them are like them, as is everyone who trusts in them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Those who make and worship idols become lifeless and powerless, just like those idols. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Those who make them become lifeless like they are, as does everyone who trusts in them”
Psalms 115:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel, trust in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “Israel” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “People of Israel, trust in Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your help and shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh as if he were a shield because he protects his people as a shield would protect them from harm. Alternate translation: “the one who helps you and protects you”
Psalms 115:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: House of Aaron (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “House” represents the family or descendants. This phrase refers to the priests, who were descendants of Aaron. Alternate translation: “Descendants of Aaron” or “Priests”
Psalms 115:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: takes notice of us (1)Alternate translation: “has paid attention to us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the family of Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of Israel, who are descendants of Jacob, who also called Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the family of Aaron (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the priests, who are descendants of Aaron. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Aaron” or “the priests”
Psalms 115:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: both young and old (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
“both small and great.” Possible meanings are that this refers: (1) to social status or (2) to age. In either case, the two extremes represent every person, regardless of age or social status.
Psalms 115:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May Yahweh increase your numbers more and more (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer is speaking of the number of children that the people of Israel would have. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh increase the number of your children more and more”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: yours and your descendants’ (1)“both your children and your descendants’ children.” The writer clarifies that his request for more children applies not only to the present generation, but to their descendants, as well.
Psalms 115:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May you be blessed by Yahweh, who made heaven and earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh, who made heaven and earth, bless you”
Psalms 115:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth he has given to mankind (1)This does not mean that the earth does not belong to Yahweh, but that has given the earth to mankind as a dwelling place.
Psalms 115:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The dead (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective “dead” may be translated with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “People who are dead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nor do any who go down into silence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This parallel phrase has a similar meaning to phrase before it. The verb may be supplied from that previous phrase to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “nor do any who go down into silence praise Yahweh” (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nor do any who go down into silence (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the grave or the place of the dead as a place of silence where no one can speak. This is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “nor do any who go to the place of the dead” (See also: Euphemism)
Psalms 115:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But we (1)The word “we” refers to the people of Israel who are still alive.
Psalms 116
Psalm 116 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 116 is a psalm of praise for saving the psalmist’s life. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Special concepts in this chapter
Healing
The author was very sick and expected to die but God healed him. So he will pay his vow and sacrifice an offering of thanks. (See: INVALID bible/kt/vow)
Psalms 116:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he hears my voice and my pleas for mercy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “voice” represents the person who is speaking. The abstract nouns “pleas” and “mercy” can be stated as “plead” and “merciful.” Alternate translation: “he hears me when I plead for him to be merciful to me” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 116:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The cords of death surrounded me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of death as if it were a person who could capture him and bind him with ropes. See how you translated this in Psalms 18:4. Alternate translation: “I felt like I was about to die” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the snares of Sheol confronted me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of “Sheol,” the place of the dead, as if it were a person who could trap him with snares. Alternate translation: “I felt as if I were ready to enter the grave” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 116:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called on the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “called out to Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rescue my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “life” represents the person. Alternate translation: “rescue me” or “keep me from dying”
Psalms 116:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the naive (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to people who are inexperienced or who cannot care for themselves. The adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “those who are naive” or “those who are helpless”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was brought low (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of being humbled as in being in a lower position. Alternate translation: “I was helpless”
Psalms 116:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My soul can return to its resting place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of having peace and confidence as if it were a place where his soul can rest. The word “soul” represents the person. Alternate translation: “I can rest in peace again” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 116:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you rescued my life from death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “you” refers to Yahweh. The word “life” represents the person. Alternate translation: “you have saved me from death” or “you have kept me from dying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eyes from tears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verbal phrase may be supplied from the previous phrase to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “you have rescued my eyes from tears” or “you have kept me from crying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my feet from stumbling (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The verbal phrase may be supplied from the previous phrase to make the meaning clear. The feet here represent the person. Stumbling here probably represents being killed by his enemies. Alternate translation: “you have rescued me from stumbling” or “you have kept me from being killed by my enemies” (See also: Metaphor and Ellipsis)
Psalms 116:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land of the living (1)“in this world where people are alive.” This is in contrast to the place of the dead.
Psalms 116:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am greatly afflicted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I suffer greatly” or “People afflict me very much”
Psalms 116:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In my confusion I said (1)Alternate translation: “I said too quickly” or “I said without considering”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All men are liars (1)Alternate translation: “Every person is a liar” or “All people are liars”
Psalms 116:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How can I repay Yahweh & to me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer asks this leading question to introduce how he will respond to what Yahweh has done for him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is how I will repay Yahweh … to me.”
Psalms 116:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will raise the cup of salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is probably a reference to a drink offering, which was a sacrifice that involved pouring wine on the altar, and which the writer will offer in response to Yahweh saving him. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I will present a drink offering to Yahweh because he saved me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call on the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “call on Yahweh”
Psalms 116:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his faithful ones (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “Precious” here does not imply that Yahweh values the death of his saints, but that the death of his saints is costly to him and grieves him. Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh considers the death of his saints to be a costly thing” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 116:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the son of your servant woman (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is likely a reference to the writer’s mother and indicates that she faithfully worshiped Yahweh. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “as my mother was”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have taken away my bonds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of being in danger of dying as if he had been chained in prison. Alternate translation: “you have saved me from death”
Psalms 116:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sacrifice of thanksgiving (1)Alternate translation: “a sacrifice to express my thankfulness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will call on the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “will call on Yahweh”
Psalms 116:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will fulfill & all his people (1)See how you translated Psalms 116:14.
Psalms 116:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the courts of Yahweh’s house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” refers to Yahweh’s temple. Alternate translation: “in the courtyards of Yahweh’s temple”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your midst, Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks to Jerusalem as though it were a person. Alternate translation: “in Jerusalem” (See also: Apostrophe)
Psalms 117
Psalm 117 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 117 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
Everyone should praise God for his love and unending faithfulness. (See: love, beloved and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)
Psalms 117:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 117:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For his (1)Alternate translation: “Because his”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his covenant faithfulness is great toward us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “he does great things for us because he is faithful to his covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the trustworthiness of Yahweh endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with an adjective or a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “Yahweh remains trustworthy forever” or “Yahweh will forever be worthy of people trusting him”
Psalms 118
Psalm 118 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 118 is a psalm of war and is about Christ. (See: Christ, Messiah)
Special concepts in this chapter
Rejected stone
The author praised Yahweh for his rescuing him. God enabled him to overpower his enemies. The new Testament, and even Jesus himself, saw the rejected stone as a reference to the Messiah’s rejection by the Jewish leaders. (See: Christ, Messiah)
Psalms 118:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good (1)Alternate translation: “Thank Yahweh because of the good things he does”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “he remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 118:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let Israel say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “Israel” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Let the people of Israel say”
Psalms 118:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the house of Aaron say (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” represents the family and descendants of a person. This phrase refers to the priests, who were descendants of Aaron. Alternate translation: “Let the descendants of Aaron say” or “Let the priests say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated this in Psalms 118:1–2. Alternate translation: “He remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 118:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the loyal followers of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “those who fear Yahweh” or “those who worship Yahweh”
Psalms 118:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set me free (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh saving him from distress as if Yahweh had taken him from a place of confinement to a wide open space where he could move about freely.
Psalms 118:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what can man do to me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is nothing that man can do to hurt him since Yahweh is with him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “people cannot do anything to harm me.”
Psalms 118:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is on my side as my helper (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To be on one’s side is an idiomatic expression that indicates that that person approves of and will help another. Alternate translation: “Yahweh approves of me and will help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will look in triumph on those who hate me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that Yahweh is the one who will defeat the writer’s enemies, while the writer looks on. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “I will see Yahweh defeating all those who hate me”
Psalms 118:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to take shelter in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if he were a shelter, a place where people can be protected. Alternate translation: “to seek protection from Yahweh”
Psalms 118:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to take refuge in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This verse is parallel to the one preceding it. God is spoken of as if he were a refuge, a place where people can be protected. Alternate translation: “to seek protection from Yahweh”
Psalms 118:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “nations” represents the armies of those nations. The writer uses hyperbole to emphasize the great number of armies that surrounded him. Alternate translation: “The armies of many nations” (See also: Hyperbole)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in Yahweh’s name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “by Yahweh’s power”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I cut them off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of defeating the enemy armies as if he were cutting them off like a person would cut a branch off of a plant. Alternate translation: “I defeated them”
Psalms 118:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They surrounded me like bees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares the enemy armies to a swarm of bees. Alternate translation: “They surrounded me like a swarm of bees would surround a person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they disappeared as quickly as fire among thorns (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Just like dry thorns burn out quickly, the attack of the enemy armies was quickly over. Alternate translation: “their attack lasted only a short time, as a fire that consumes thorns quickly dies”
Psalms 118:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to knock me down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the enemy armies trying to defeat him as if they were trying to push him down onto the ground. Alternate translation: “in order to defeat me”
Psalms 118:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is my strength and joy (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh gives me strength and joy”
Psalms 118:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The joyful shout of victory is heard in the tents of the righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People hear the joyful shout of victory in the tents of the righteous” or “The righteous shout joyfully for victory in their tents”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the right hand of Yahweh conquers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has conquered by his great strength”
Psalms 118:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The right hand of Yahweh is exalted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here, to raise one’s hand is a gesture of victory. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has exalted his right hand” or “Yahweh has raised his right hand in victory” (See also: Active or Passive)
Psalms 118:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not die, but live (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The writer states the same idea both negatively and positively to emphasize that he will certainly live.
Psalms 118:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh has punished me (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh has disciplined me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has not handed me over to death (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of death as if it were a person under whose power Yahweh could place the writer. Alternate translation: “he has not allowed me to die” or “he has not allowed my enemies to kill me” (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 118:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Open to me the gates of righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“Open to me the gates through which the righteous people enter.” This is a reference to the gates of the temple, and the writer is addressing the gatekeepers. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Open for me the temple gates”
Psalms 118:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gate of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “the gate that leads to Yahweh’s presence” or “Yahweh’s gate”
Psalms 118:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give thanks to you (1)Here the writer begins to speak to Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have become my salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “salvation” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “you have saved me”
Psalms 118:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs
This is likely a proverb that the writer has used to describe either the king or the nation of Israel. That which others have considered worthless, Yahweh has made to be the most important.
Psalms 118:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is marvelous in our eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) “it is a marvelous thing for us to see” or (2) “we consider it to be a marvelous thing.”
Psalms 118:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice and be glad (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of joy. Alternate translation: “be very glad”
Psalms 118:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh (1)Here the priests begin to address the king.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he who comes in the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “the one who comes in the power of the Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we bless you from the house of Yahweh (1)Here the priests address the people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the house of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “house” refers to the temple. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s temple”
Psalms 118:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has given us light (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh blessing his people as if Yahweh were shining a light on them. Alternate translation: “he has blessed us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bind the sacrifice with cords (1)Alternate translation: “tie the sacrifice with rope”
Psalms 118:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are my God (1)Here the writer begins to speak again and addresses Yahweh directly.
Psalms 118:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation that should be translated with whatever exclamation of emphasis you have in your language to make it sound natural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give thanks to Yahweh; for he is good (1)“thank Yahweh because of the good things he does.” See how you translated this in Psalms 118:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated this in Psalms 118:1–2. Alternate translation: “he remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 119
Psalm 119 General Notes
Formatting in this chapter
This is an alphabetic psalm with twenty-two groups of eight verses each all beginning with the same letter of the alphabet in the alphabetical order of the Hebrew alphabet.
Type of psalm
Psalm 119 is a wisdom psalm about the Law of God. (See: wise, wisdom and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
The Law
The author loved the law of God and was blessed by obeying it. (See: love, beloved and bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 119:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed are those (1)Alternate translation: “How good it is for those”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those whose ways are blameless (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How a person behaves is spoken of as “ways” or “paths.” Alternate translation: “those whose behavior is blameless” or “those whom no one can blame for doing wrong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who walk in the law of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The way a person lives or behaves is spoken of as walking. Alternate translation: “who live according to the law of Yahweh” or “who obey the law of Yahweh.” This phrase clarifies the meaning of “whose ways are blameless”
Psalms 119:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who seek him with all their heart (1)To “seek” God means to want to know him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all their heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means intensely or sincerely. Alternate translation: “with all their being” or “with everything in them” or “sincerely”
Psalms 119:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
Most of this psalm is addressed to God, and the words “you” and “your” almost always refer to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They do no wrong (1)They do not disobey Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they walk in his ways (1)Here their behavior is spoken of as “walking,” and the way God wants them to behave is spoken of as “his ways.” Alternate translation: “they behave as Yahweh wants them to”
Psalms 119:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep your instructions (1)Alternate translation: “obey all the things that you have declared that we should do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: carefully observe them (1)This is to carefully know and understand the commandments and to obey those commandments.
Psalms 119:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would be firmly established (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of being established in God’s commandments as if no one could physically make him move.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: observance of your statutes (1)Alternate translation: “in obeying your statutes”
Psalms 119:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would not be put to shame (1)The writer does not want to be ashamed when he is in God’s presence.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all your commandments (1)Alternate translation: “all that you have commanded us”
Psalms 119:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an upright heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“a sincere heart.” A person who is sincere will do what is right. The heart refers to the center of emotions in a person. See how you translated “uprightness” in Psalms 25:21. (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 119:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your statutes (1)“Statutes” refers to God’s laws or commands.
Psalms 119:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How can a young person keep his path pure? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question is used to introduce a new value to the word of God. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is how a young person can keep his path pure”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep his path pure (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer compares living according to God’s law as a path kept clear of obstructions.
Psalms 119:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With my whole heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. The heart refers to all of one’s emotions, feelings, desires, and will. Alternate translation: “with all my being” or “with everything in me” or “sincerely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let me stray from your commandments (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here to disobey God’s commandments is described as straying off a path. Alternate translation: “Do not let me disobey your commandments”
Psalms 119:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have stored up your word in my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I have put your words in my heart.” This is a metaphor that means “I have memorized your word.” The heart is pictured as a container that can hold what people think.
Psalms 119:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: more than in all riches (1)Alternate translation: “more than all the wealth”
Psalms 119:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will meditate & and pay attention (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These are parallel thoughts that have similar meanings, which are repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: meditate on your instructions (1)Alternate translation: “think carefully about what you have instructed us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pay attention (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to thinking clearly about what is being discussed. Alternate translation: “give careful thought”
Psalms 119:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I delight (1)to take pleasure
Psalms 119:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)The writer called himself “your servant” to show his humility.
Psalms 119:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Open my eyes so that I may see (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of gaining understanding, knowledge and wisdom as being able to see. Alternate translation: Help me to understand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: marvelous things in your law (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of insight into the law as objects to marvel at.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your law (1)Alternate translation: “in your instructions” or “in your commands”
Psalms 119:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am a foreigner in the land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) the writers speaks of his short life on earth as if he were a foreigner who would not stay long in the land. Alternate translation: “I am like a foreigner living a short time in the land” or (2) the writer’s ignorance of God’s law as if he were a foreigner who did not know the laws of the land. Alternate translation: “I am ignorant like a foreigner in the land”
Psalms 119:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My desires are crushed by the longing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his desires being very strong as if they were in pain. Alternate translation: “My inner being strongly desires to know” or “My soul aches because I want so much to know”
Psalms 119:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who are cursed (1)This could mean: (1) God will curse them or (2) they deserve God’s punishment. Alternate translation: “who deserve your punishment”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who wander from your commandments (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of disobeying God’s commandments as if they were a path that can be wandered off from. Alternate translation: “who go away from the path of your commandments” or “who disobey your commandments”
Psalms 119:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Spare me from (1)Alternate translation: “Keep me from” or “Rescue me from”
Psalms 119:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Though rulers plot and slander me (1)Alternate translation: “Though rulers make plans to harm me and say bad things about me”
Psalms 119:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your covenant decrees are my delight (1)Alternate translation: “Your covenant decrees make me very happy.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are my counselors (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
God’s decrees are spoken of as if they were people. Alternate translation: “they are like wise counselors to me” or “they give me wise counsel”
Psalms 119:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My life clings to the dust (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Possible meanings are that: (1) he thought that he would die soon, or (2) he lay in the dust because he was very sad, or (3) he realized that he desired the worthless things of the earth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give me life by your word (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Here “life” refers to purpose and significance, not just biological life.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by your word (1)Alternate translation: “according to your promise”
Psalms 119:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my ways (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
What a person does or how he behaves is spoken of as if it were a road or way. Alternate translation: “what I have done”
Psalms 119:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wondrous teachings (1)Alternate translation: “amazing teachings”
Psalms 119:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with grief (1)Alternate translation: “because I am so sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Strengthen me (1)“Make me strong.” This may refer to physical strength or spiritual strength.
Psalms 119:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn from me the path of deceit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “path” here refers to a way of behaving. Alternate translation: “Keep me from following the path of deceit” or “Prevent me from being deceptive”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: deceit (1)This could mean: (1) “lying” or (2) “believing lies” or “following lies.”
Psalms 119:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the way of faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
How a person behaves or acts is spoken as if it were a road or way. Alternate translation: “to be faithful to you”
Psalms 119:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I cling to your covenant decrees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Holding tightly to them refers to being committed to obeying them. Alternate translation: “I hold tightly to your covenant decrees” or “I am committed to obeying your covenant decrees”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covenant decrees (1)This refers to the law of Moses.
Psalms 119:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will run in the path of your commandments (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of being focused or committed to obeying God’s commands as if one is running on a path. Alternate translation: “I will be committed to obey your commands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you enlarge my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. This could mean: (1) “you help me gain greater understanding of your commands” or (2) “you give me greater desire to obey your commands”
Psalms 119:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your statutes (1)This is another way of describing the law of Moses.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the end (1)This could mean: (1) “completely” or (2) “to the end of my life” or (3) “to the end of time.”
Psalms 119:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep your law (1)Alternate translation: “obey your law”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will observe it with all my heart (1)Alternate translation: “I will surely observe your law” or “I am completely committed to doing what it says”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “with all my being” or “with everything in me” or “sincerely”
Psalms 119:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Guide me in the path of your commandments (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Guide me according to your commandments” or “Teach me to obey your commandments.” God’s commandments are compared to a path that a person walks in obedience to God.
Psalms 119:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Direct my heart toward (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. The “heart” here refers to the will, desires, and choices that directs one’s life. Alternate translation: “Make me want”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant decrees (1)“to obey your covenant decrees.” This is referring to obeying the law of Moses.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: unrighteous gain (1)“the desire for riches.” This is referring to wealth gained by illegal methods or wrongdoing towards others.
Psalms 119:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor that refers to one desiring things that have no eternal value.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: revive me in your ways (1)Alternate translation: “make me able to live as you wish me to live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: revive me (1)Alternate translation: “make my life strong” or “give me strength”
Psalms 119:38
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Carry out for your servant your promise that you made to those who honor you (1)Alternate translation: “Do for your servant what you promised to do for those who honor you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The writer referred to himself as God’s servant to show his humility. Alternate translation: “me, your servant”
Psalms 119:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I dread (1)Alternate translation: “I am very afraid of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your righteous judgments are good (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
God judges rightly and his decisions are good. Alternate translation: “Your judgments are righteous and good”
Psalms 119:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (1)This refers to being aware of the situation. The focus is on knowledge or understanding, rather than just observing.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have longed for your instructions (1)This could mean: (1) “I want very much to know your instructions” or (2) “I want very much to obey what you teach us to do.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: revive me in your righteousness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “righteousness” is an abstract noun and refers to being righteous. Alternate translation: “revive me because you are righteous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: revive me (1)This could mean: (1) “Keep me alive” or (2) “Make me strong.”
Psalms 119:41
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You may make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “give me your salvation” or “save me”
Psalms 119:42
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a reply (1)Alternate translation: “an answer” or “a response”
Psalms 119:43
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not take the word of truth from my mouth (1)Here the writer is represented by his “mouth.” This could mean: (1) “never prevent me from speaking the message about the truth” or (2) “never prevent me from speaking the true message.”
Psalms 119:44
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will observe (1)Alternate translation: “I will obey”
Psalms 119:45
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will walk securely (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To walk securely is to live one’s life securely. Alternate translation: “I will live securely in God” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I seek your instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “seek” is to perceive, or gain understanding of God’s instructions as if one can see them.
Psalms 119:46
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: solemn commands before kings (1)Alternate translation: “serious commands to kings” or “instructions to kings”
Psalms 119:47
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I delight in your commandments (1)This could mean: (1) “I find delight in studying your commandments” or (2) “I am delighted that I have the opportunity to study your commandments.”
Psalms 119:48
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lift up my hands to (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to honor, cherish or respect God’s commandments.
Psalms 119:49
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call to mind your promise (1)“Remember your promise.” See how you translated this in Psalms 20:3
Psalms 119:50
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is my comfort in my affliction: that your promise has kept me alive (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-sentences
This clause can be restructured. Alternate translation: “The reason for my comfort is that your promise has kept me alive in my affliction”
Psalms 119:51
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The proud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “The proud people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scoffed at (1)to mock someone or something that is looked down on, doubted, or not honored
Psalms 119:52
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from ancient times (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a reference to when the decrees, the Law, were given to Moses many years before.
Psalms 119:53
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hot anger has taken hold of me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Anger is expressed as if it is a person that can grab another person. Alternate translation: “I have become very angry” (See also: Personification)
Psalms 119:54
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your statutes have been my songs (1)Alternate translation: “I have used your statutes as lyrics to my music” or “I have created songs from your statutes”
Psalms 119:55
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I think about your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “I think about you, Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I keep your law (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to obey the law. Alternate translation: “I obey your law”
Psalms 119:56
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my practice (1)Alternate translation: “my habit”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have observed your instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom which means to follow or to obey those instructions. Alternate translation: “I have obeyed your instructions”
Psalms 119:57
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is my portion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means Yahweh is all he wants. Just as the Levites did not receive vast territories of land for the Lord was to be their portion so the writer claims Yahweh as the satisfier of his needs.
Psalms 119:59
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned my feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “feet” represent the whole person. To repent and choose to obey God’s laws is like turning one’s feet on a path to head in another direction. Alternate translation: “changed my direction” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 119:60
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hurry and do not delay (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The writer expresses the same idea both positively and negatively in order to emphasize the urgency with which he obeys Yahweh’s commands.
Psalms 119:61
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The cords of the wicked have ensnared me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In this metaphor, wicked or evil people tried to cause the writer to sin like a hunter seeking to catch an animal with a trap. Alternate translation: “My enemies have tried to catch me”
Psalms 119:63
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am a companion of all who honor you (1)Alternate translation: “I am a friend of all who honor you”
Psalms 119:64
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The earth, Yahweh, is full of your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People everywhere in the world being able to see evidence of Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if his covenant faithfulness filled the earth. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word covenant faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 33:5. Alternate translation: “People everywhere on earth can see that you, Yahweh, are faithful to your covenant” or “Throughout the earth, there is evidence that you, Yahweh, are faithful to your covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 119:65
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “to me, your servant” or “to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by means of your word (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. “Your word” refers to the promises Yahweh has made to the writer. Alternate translation: “as you have promised”
Psalms 119:66
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Teach me proper discernment and understanding, for I have believed in your commandments (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-sentences
Some languages may require change in logical progression. Alternate translation: “Since I have believed in your commandments, teach me proper discernment and understanding” (See also: Writing Styles)
Psalms 119:67
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Before I was afflicted (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Before you afflicted me” or “Before you punished me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I went astray (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Disobeying God is spoken of as if the person walked on the wrong path. Alternate translation: “I disobeyed you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I observe your word (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “word” represents commandments. Alternate translation: “I obey your commandments”
Psalms 119:69
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The arrogant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “Arrogant people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: smeared me with lies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People telling many lies about a person is spoken of as if they made the person dirty by spreading lies over him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my whole heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s will. Alternate translation: “with complete commitment” or “completely”
Psalms 119:70
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their hearts are hardened (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hearts” represents the people’s wills. A person being stubborn is spoken of as if their hearts or wills were hard like a rock. Alternate translation: “They are stubborn” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 119:72
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Instruction from your mouth is (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “mouth” represents what God says. Alternate translation: “The instructions you have spoken are” or “Your instructions are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: than thousands of pieces of gold and silver (1)This can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: “than a large amount of money” or “than great wealth”
Psalms 119:73
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hands have made and fashioned me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God creating a person is spoken of as if God used his hands to shape the person the way someone may shape clay into an object.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” represents God’s power or action. Alternate translation: “You”
Psalms 119:74
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because I find hope in your word (1)Alternate translation: “because I trust what you say” or “I confidently believe what you say”
Psalms 119:75
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in faithfulness you afflicted me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
God promises to reward the righteous and punish wrongdoers, so he is faithful to do what he says he will. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “you punished me because you are faithful”
Psalms 119:76
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let your covenant faithfulness comfort me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Comfort me by showing me that you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “me, your servant” or “me”
Psalms 119:78
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the proud be put to shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Put the proud to shame” or “Cause those who are proud to be ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the proud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “proud people” or “those who are proud”
Psalms 119:79
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turn to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People returning in friendship to the writer is spoken of as if they physically turn towards him. Alternate translation: “come to me” or “unite with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who know your covenant decrees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
This could mean: (1) this further describes those who honor God or (2) this indicates the purpose for those who honor God to return to the writer. Alternate translation: “so that they may learn your covenant decrees”
Psalms 119:80
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May my heart be blameless (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents a person’s thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “May I be blameless”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I may not be put to shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I may not be ashamed”
Psalms 119:81
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hope in your word (1)Alternate translation: “I confidently trust in what you say”
Psalms 119:82
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eyes long to see your promise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I wait and wait for you to do what you promised to do”
Psalms 119:83
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have become like a wineskin in the smoke (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A wineskin is ruined when it hangs for a long time in a smoke-filled place. The writer compares himself to a wineskin that has been ruined by smoke to emphasize that he feels useless.
Psalms 119:84
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long must your servant endure this; when will you judge those who persecute me? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses a question to request God to punish those who persecute him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Please do not make wait any longer. Punish those who persecute me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: must your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer refers to himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “must I, your servant” or “must I”
Psalms 119:85
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The proud have dug pits for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The proud are seeking to capture the writer or cause him to do wrong. This is spoken of as if they were hunters digging holes to trap the writer like an animal.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The proud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “Proud people” or “Those who are proud”
Psalms 119:87
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They have almost made an end to me on earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of speaking about someone killing someone else. Alternate translation: “They have almost killed me”
Psalms 119:88
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By your steadfast love (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“According to your steadfast love.” The phrase “steadfast love” or “faithfulness” can be stated as an adverb. Alternate translation: “because you faithfully love me”
Psalms 119:89
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your word stands forever (1)Alternate translation: “what you have said will be true forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your word is established firmly in heaven (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks about what God has said as if it were an object that stands firmly upright. Alternate translation: “what you have said will be true in heaven forever”
Psalms 119:90
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“for all future generations.” This is an idiom that means “forever.”
Psalms 119:91
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all things are your servants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
All created things are spoken of as if they were persons who can serve God. Alternate translation: “all things serve you” or “all things obey your commands”
Psalms 119:93
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will never forget (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will always remember”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for through them you have kept me alive (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the writer obeys God’s instructions. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “for you have kept me alive because I obey them”
Psalms 119:94
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for I seek your instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Trying hard to obey God’s instructions is spoken of as if instructions were an object for which a person must search.
Psalms 119:95
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will seek to understand (1)Alternate translation: “I will try hard to understand”
Psalms 119:96
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: everything has its limits (1)Alternate translation: “all things have an end”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but your commandments are broad, beyond limits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s commandments always being true and perfect is spoken of as if God’s commandments were an object that is so wide that it never ends. Alternate translation: “but your commandments are without limits” or “but your commandments are eternal”
Psalms 119:98
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your commandments are always with me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Constantly thinking about God’s commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were an object that the writer keeps with him always.
Psalms 119:101
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have kept my feet back from every evil path (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Avoiding doing what is evil is spoken of as if it were avoiding walking on paths that are evil. Alternate translation: “I have avoided doing what is evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kept my feet (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “feet” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “kept myself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: observe your word (1)Alternate translation: “obey your word” or “observe your commands”
Psalms 119:102
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not turned aside from your righteous decrees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Continuing to obey God’s righteous decrees is spoken of as if the writer has not physically turned away from the righteous decrees. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I always obey your righteous decrees” (See also: Litotes)
Psalms 119:103
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How sweet are your words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer delighting in what God says is spoken of as if God’s words were food that tasted sweet to the writer. Alternate translation: “Your words are good and delightful!”
Psalms 119:104
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I gain discernment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word discernment, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I learn to discern what is right”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: therefore I hate every false way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Evil behavior is spoken of as if it were a false way or road.
Psalms 119:105
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases have similar meanings. They speak about God telling a person how to live as if the person were walking on a path and God’s words were a light that helps the person see where to go. Alternate translation: “Your words tell me how to live my life” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your word (1)Here “word” represents all that God communicates to people.
Psalms 119:107
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as you have promised in your word (1)Alternate translation: “as you have promised to do”
Psalms 119:108
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: freewill offerings of my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his prayer as if it were a sacrifice that he is offering to God. Alternate translation: “my prayer as a sacrifice to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “mouth” represents the whole person.
Psalms 119:109
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My life is always in my hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means the writer’s life is always in danger. Alternate translation: “My enemies are often trying to kill me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I do not forget your law (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I always remember your laws”
Psalms 119:110
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wicked have set a snare for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Wicked people trying to capture and kill the writer is spoken of as if they were hunters setting a trap to catch an animal.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “Wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not strayed from your instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Not disobeying God’s instructions is spoken of as if the writer has not walked away from God’s instructions. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I obey your instructions” (See also: Litotes)
Psalms 119:111
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I claim your covenant decrees as my heritage forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer always cherishing and obeying God’s decrees is spoken of as if the decrees are land or a possession that the writer will inherit. Alternate translation: “Your laws will belong to me forever” or “Your covenant decrees are like a heritage I will keep forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are the joy of my heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “heart” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “they make me joyful” or “I delight in them”
Psalms 119:112
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart is set on obeying (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” represents the writer’s will. The phrase “heart is set” is an idiom. It is a way of saying the writer is determined. Alternate translation: “I am determined to obey” (See also: Idiom)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the very end (1)This could mean: (1) “every one of them” (2) “to the very end of my life” or (3) “to the very end of time”
Psalms 119:113
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who have a double mind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who is not sincere and not fully committed to obeying God is spoken of as if the person has two minds. Alternate translation: “who are not completely committed to obeying you” or “who are insincere”
Psalms 119:114
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hiding place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God making the writer safe is spoken of as if God were a place where the writer could go and hide.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God protecting the writer is spoken of as if God were the writer’s shield.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hope in your word (1)Here “wait” means to wait expectantly. This has the idea of hope and trust. Alternate translation: “I trust in your word”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your word (1)Here “word” represents what God communicates to people.
Psalms 119:116
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sustain me by your word (1)Alternate translation: “Give me strength as you said you would” or “Enable me to be strong as you promised”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and not be ashamed of my hope (1)Here “my hope” represents the writer’s trust in God and his promises. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “Do not disappoint me” or “Do not cause me shame by not doing what you promised to do”
Psalms 119:117
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Support me (1)Alternate translation: “Help me” or “Strengthen me”
Psalms 119:118
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those people are deceptive and unreliable (1)This could mean: (1) “those people lie and no one can trust them” or (2) “those people make deceitful plans but they will fail”
Psalms 119:119
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Slag is the waste or undesired leftovers in the process of refining gold or other metals. Yahweh removes the wicked people as if they were trash.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like slag (1)Alternate translation: “like trash” or “like waste”
Psalms 119:120
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My body trembles in fear of you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “body” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I shake because I fear you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am afraid of your righteous decrees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the writer is afraid of God’s righteous decrees because the writer knows that God punishes those who disobey his decrees. You can make the full meaning of this statement explicit.
Psalms 119:121
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not abandon me to my oppressors (1)Alternate translation: “do not allow people to oppress me”
Psalms 119:122
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Guarantee the welfare of your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer speaks about himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “Guarantee my welfare” or “Help and protect me, your servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the proud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are proud” or “proud people”
Psalms 119:123
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eyes grow tired as I wait (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I grow tired because I wait and wait”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your salvation and for your righteous word (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “for you to save me as you promised to do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your righteous word (1)Alternate translation: “your righteous promise”
Psalms 119:124
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Show your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer speaks about himself as “your servant.” Alternate translation: “Show me” or “Show me, your servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adverb or adjective. Alternate translation: “that you faithfully love me” or “that you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 119:125
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give me understanding (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “enable me to understand what you want me to know”
Psalms 119:126
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is time for Yahweh to act (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The writer is speaking to Yahweh in the third person. This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “It is time for you to act, Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: people have broken your law (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Here “have broken” means “disobeyed.” This is a way of saying the people have disobeyed God’s law.
Psalms 119:128
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I carefully follow all your instructions (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person carefully obeying all of God’s instructions is spoken of as if as if the instructions were leading a person and that person follows behind. Alternate translation: I carefully obey all of your instructions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: every path of falsehood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People doing what is evil is spoken of as if they are walking on the wrong path. Alternate translation: “all the bad ways some people live”
Psalms 119:130
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The unfolding of your words gives light (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s words as if those words were fabric that is folded, and of the person who explains Yahweh’s words as if they are unfolding that fabric. Alternate translation: “The explanation of your words gives light” or “When someone explains your words, they give light”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The unfolding of your words gives light (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s words giving wisdom to a person as if his words were shining a light on them. Alternate translation: “The explanation of your words gives people wisdom”
Psalms 119:131
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I open my mouth and pant, for I long for your commandments (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his desire for Yahweh’s commandments as if he were a dog panting for water. Alternate translation: “I earnestly long for your commandments”
Psalms 119:132
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To turn towards someone means to pay attention to that person. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: love your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “love you”
Psalms 119:133
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Direct my footsteps (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “footsteps” represents the writer as he is walking. He speaks of the way he lives, or his conduct, as if he were walking on a path. Alternate translation: “Direct me” or “Teach me how to live” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not let any sin rule me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks of sin as if it were a person who has authority over him. This could mean: (1) “do not let me habitually commit any sin” or (2) “do not let sinful men rule me”
Psalms 119:134
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Redeem me from human oppression (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “oppression” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “Save me from people who oppress others”
Psalms 119:135
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let your face shine on your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards him as if Yahweh’s face shone a light on him. Alternate translation: “Act favorably towards your servant”
Psalms 119:136
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Streams of tears (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of his many tears as if they were streams of water. Alternate translation: “Many tears”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: observe your law (1)Alternate translation: “obey your law”
Psalms 119:138
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covenant decrees (1)Other possible meanings are “testimonies” or “laws.” See how you translated this in Psalms 78:5.
Psalms 119:139
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Anger has destroyed me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. The phrase is an exaggeration for “I am extremely angry.” (See also: Hyperbole)
Psalms 119:140
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has been tested very much (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have tested your word many times”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant loves (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The writer speaks of himself as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “I, your servant, love” or “I love”
Psalms 119:141
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am & despised (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People despise me”
Psalms 119:143
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: distress and anguish have found me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks of distress and anguish as if they were people. Alternate translation: “I have become distressed and anguished” or “my body and my mind are suffering”
Psalms 119:145
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my whole heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The psalmist speaks of his whole being as if it were only his heart. Alternate translation: “completely”
Psalms 119:146
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covenant decrees (1)Other possible meanings are “testimonies” or “laws.”See how you translated this in Psalms 78:5.
Psalms 119:147
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dawn of the morning (1)Alternate translation: “before the sun first appears”
Psalms 119:148
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eyes are open before the night watches change (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. In Hebrew culture, the night was usually divided into three “watches” or periods. Alternate translation: “I am awake all night”
Psalms 119:149
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “because you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 119:150
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are far from your law (1)Alternate translation: “they have strayed from your law” or “they do not pay any attention to your laws”
Psalms 119:151
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all your commandments are trustworthy (1)Alternate translation: “I can trust your commandments”
Psalms 119:152
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covenant decrees (1)Other possible meanings are “testimonies” or “laws.” See how you translated this in Psalms 78:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set them in place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh’s commands as if they were posts set in the ground. Alternate translation: “given them for people to obey”
Psalms 119:153
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look on my affliction (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of affliction as if it were an object that people could see. Alternate translation: “Look at how much I am suffering”
Psalms 119:154
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Plead my cause (1)Alternate translation: “Defend me against those who accuse me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: keep me (1)Alternate translation: “protect my life” or “give me life”
Psalms 119:155
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Salvation is far from the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God not saving a person is spoken of as if salvation were far from the person. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word Salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” Alternate translation: “You will certainly not save the wicked” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 119:156
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Great are your merciful actions (1)Here “great” means “many.” Alternate translation: “You have shown mercy to people many times” or “You have done many merciful things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as you always do (1)Another possible meaning is “because you do what is just.”
Psalms 119:157
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My persecutors (1)Alternate translation: “Those who persecute me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not turned from (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. “I have not stopped obeying” or “I have not stopped believing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: covenant decrees (1)Other possible meanings are “testimonies” or “laws.” See how this is translated in Psalms 78:5.
Psalms 119:158
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the treacherous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective “treacherous” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “treacherous people” or “those who betray me” or “my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not keep (1)Alternate translation: “do not obey”
Psalms 119:159
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (1)Alternate translation: “Look at me so you can see”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “because you are faithful to your covenant”
Psalms 119:160
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The essence of your word is truth (1)Alternate translation: “Your word is completely true” or “Your word can be trusted”
Psalms 119:161
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart stands in awe of your word (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The psalmist speaks of the heart as if it could be amazed. The heart is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am amazed at your word” (See also: Personification)
Psalms 119:162
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: plunder (1)This could mean: (1) things that soldiers and robbers take from those they have defeated in battle or (2) things of great value or “treasure.”
Psalms 119:163
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hate and despise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean almost the same thing. Alternate translation: “hate very strongly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: falsehood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Possible meanings are this is a metonym for: (1) “people who lie” or (2) “the false words that people say.”
Psalms 119:165
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nothing makes them stumble (1)This could mean: (1) “nothing makes them do wrong” or (2) “nothing causes them trouble.”
Psalms 119:167
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I observe your solemn commands (1)Alternate translation: “I obey your solemn commands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: solemn commands (1)Other possible meanings are “testimonies” or “laws.” See how you translated this in Psalms 119:2.
Psalms 119:168
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I keep your instructions (1)Alternate translation: “I obey your instructions”
Psalms 119:169
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give me understanding into your word (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the ability to understand as if it were a solid object. Alternate translation: “help me understand your word”
Psalms 119:170
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May my plea come before you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the words he says in prayer as if they were people who want to speak to a king. Alternate translation: “May you hear my prayer”
Psalms 119:171
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May my lips pour out praise (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of his lips as if they were a container and his praise a liquid that could be poured out. Here the word “lips” is a synecdoche which represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I desire to praise you much” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 119:172
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my tongue sing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of his tongue either: (1) as if it were a person or (2) as a synecdoche for his whole being. Alternate translation: “me sing” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 119:173
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your hand help me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “Please help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have chosen (1)Alternate translation: “have chosen to obey”
Psalms 119:174
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your rescue (1)Alternate translation: “you to rescue me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your law is my delight (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word delight, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. “I very much enjoy obeying your law”
Psalms 119:175
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may your righteous decrees help me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh’s decrees as if they were a person who could help him. Alternate translation: “may I listen to your righteous decrees and so become wise and strong”
Psalms 119:176
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have wandered off like a lost sheep (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist compares his disobedience to Yahweh to a sheep that has wandered away from the flock. Alternate translation: “I have left your way like a sheep that has left its flock”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: seek your servant (1)Alternate translation: “because I am your servant, come and search for me”
Psalms 120
Psalm 120 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 120 is a psalm of deliverance from liars. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Tongue of Deceit
The author uses the phrase “tongue of deceit” to refer to someone who speaks deceitfully. Tongue here is figurative, referring to the act of speaking. Deceit is an abstract noun. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of “deceit”, you could express the same idea with an adjective.
Important Figures of Speech
Metonymy
In this chapter, the author often uses the phrase “My life” to refer to himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly.
Psalms 120:1
in my distress
Quote: בַּצָּרָ֣תָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of distress, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “When I was troubled”
Psalms 120:2
Rescue my life
Quote: הַצִּ֣ילָה נַ֭פְשִׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please rescue my life”
Psalms 120:2,6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: נַ֭פְשִׁי & נַ֭פְשִׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See the general notes for how to translate my life. Alternate translation: “me … I”
Psalms 120:2-3
from a lip of falsehood, from a tongue of deceit
Quote: מִשְּׂפַת־שֶׁ֑קֶר מִלָּשׁ֥וֹן רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author is using lips and tongue to represent speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from people speaking falsehood and from people speaking deceit”
Psalms 120:2
from a lip of falsehood, from a tongue of deceit
Quote: מִשְּׂפַת־שֶׁ֑קֶר מִלָּשׁ֥וֹן רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “from lips of falsehood and from a long of deceit” or “from a mouth of deceit”
Psalms 120:2,3
from a lip of falsehood, from a tongue of deceit … tongue of deceit
Quote: מִשְּׂפַת־שֶׁ֑קֶר & מִלָּשׁ֥וֹן רְמִיָּֽה & לָשׁ֥וֹן רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the words falsehood and deceit, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “false lips … deceitful tongue … deceitful tongue”
Psalms 120:3
What will he give to you, and what will he add to you, tongue of deceit
Quote: מַה־יִּתֵּ֣ן לְ֭ךָ וּמַה־יֹּסִ֥יף לָ֗ךְ לָשׁ֥וֹן רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The author is using the question form to challenge his enemies. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “He will certainly give something to you, and he will surely add something to you, tongue of deceit!”
What will he give to you, and what will he add to you
Quote: מַה־יִּתֵּ֣ן לְ֭ךָ וּמַה־יֹּסִ֥יף לָ֗ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the words give and add are referring to when Yahweh would punish a person. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “What will he give to you in order to punish you, and what will he add to you in order to punish you”
will he give … will he add
Quote: יִּתֵּ֣ן & יֹּסִ֥יף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to Yahweh. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give … Yahweh will add”
Psalms 120:4
Sharpened arrows of a warrior, along with burning coals of a broom tree
Quote: חִצֵּ֣י גִבּ֣וֹר שְׁנוּנִ֑ים עִ֝֗ם גַּחֲלֵ֥י רְתָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author speaks of Yahweh severely punishing liars as if Yahweh were shooting them with arrows and throwing hot coals at them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “He will punish you, and it will be as if a warrior shot you with sharp arrows and threw hot coals onto you”
Sharpened arrows of a warrior
Quote: חִצֵּ֣י גִבּ֣וֹר שְׁנוּנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the author implies that “the warriors” did it. Alternate translation: “Arrows of a warrior that he sharpened”
arrows of a warrior
Quote: חִצֵּ֣י גִבּ֣וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The author is answering the question which he raises in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “He will add to you arrows of a warrior”
of a broom tree
Quote: רְתָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A broom tree is a tree that existed in the desert around where the author lived. Your language and culture may have a term for this kind of tree that you can use in your translation. Otherwise, you can use a general word for tree in your language.
Psalms 120:5
for
Quote: כִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
If the connection between this statement and the previous one is not clear, you may want to use a connecting word to show how this statement relates to what came before it. Use a natural form in your language for connecting this statement to the previous one. Alternate translation: “because”
I sojourned in Meshech, I dwelled among the tents of Kedar
Quote: גַ֣רְתִּי מֶ֑שֶׁךְ שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי עִֽם־אָהֳלֵ֥י קֵדָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the author is using the places called Meshech and Kedar to mean places where the people are hostile to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I sojourned in a dangerous place; I dwelled among the tents of a hostile people”
I sojourned in Meshech, I dwelled among the tents of Kedar
Quote: גַ֣רְתִּי מֶ֑שֶׁךְ שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי עִֽם־אָהֳלֵ֥י קֵדָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The author is referring to being very far away from the city of Jerusalem by naming a region far away to the north and a region far away to the far south. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I lived very far away from Jerusalem”
I sojourned in Meshech, I dwelled among the tents of Kedar
Quote: גַ֣רְתִּי מֶ֑שֶׁךְ שָׁ֝כַ֗נְתִּי עִֽם־אָהֳלֵ֥י קֵדָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the phrase tents of Kedar to mean the people that live in Kedar. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who live in Kedar”
Psalms 120:7
but when I speak
Quote: וְכִ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, speak is referring to when the author speaks to those who hate peace about being for peace. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “but when I speak about being for peace”
they {are
Quote: הֵ֝֗מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to those who hate peace. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “those who hate peace”
Psalms 121
Psalm 121 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 121 is usually considered a worship a worship psalm.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Merism
In this Psalm, the author speaks about the entirety of something by speaking about components of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly by speaking about the entire thing.
Possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Multiple speakers
Verses one and two are spoken by one person, while verses 3 until the end of the Psalm are spoken by another person. Make sure this is clear to your readers.
Psalms 121:1
I lift up my eyes
Quote: אֶשָּׂ֣א עֵ֭ינַי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, to lift up your eyes is an idiom that means to look upwards. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I gaze up”
to the mountains
Quote: אֶל־הֶהָרִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
During the time that the author lived, many people considered mountains to be the place where gods dwelt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the mountains, where people say that gods dwell”
From where does my help come
Quote: מֵ֝אַ֗יִן יָבֹ֥א עֶזְרִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author speaks of help as if it were a person that could come from somewhere. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who will help me?”
Psalms 121:2
who made heaven and earth
Quote: עֹ֝שֵׂ֗ה שָׁמַ֥יִם וָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The author is referring to everything that Yahweh made by naming its components. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “maker of everything”
Psalms 121:3
May he not appoint your foot for slipping
Quote: אַל־יִתֵּ֣ן לַמּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Here, the author switches from first person to second person. Many experts suggest that there is a different person that begins speaking from here to the end of the verse, and that he is speaking to the author. This will be indicated by calling him the “second speaker”. If it would be helpful to your readers, you can indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Another person said to me, “May he not appoint your foot for slipping”
May he not appoint your foot for slipping. May the one who protects you not slumber
Quote: אַל־יִתֵּ֣ן לַמּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑ךָ אַל־יָ֝נ֗וּם שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
The second speaker is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the positive meaning. Alternate translation: “May he surely make your feet sturdy. May the one who protects you stay awake to guard you”
May he not appoint your foot for slipping
Quote: אַל־יִתֵּ֣ן לַמּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The second speaker is using the phrase appoint your foot for slipping to mean to make someone vulnerable of to a bad thing happening to them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May he not make you vulnerable to harm”
Psalms 121:3-4
May the one who protects you not slumber … Behold, the one who guards Israel will never slumber and will never sleep
Quote: אַל־יָ֝נ֗וּם שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ & הִנֵּ֣ה לֹֽא־יָ֭נוּם וְלֹ֣א יִישָׁ֑ן שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗ר יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The second speaker is using the words slumber and sleep to mean to stop protecting someone. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May the one who protects you not stop protecting you. Behold, the one who guards Israel will never cease guarding the city”
Psalms 121:4
Behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The second speaker is using the term behold to focus the first speaker‘s attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to this:”
will never slumber and will never sleep
Quote: לֹֽא־יָ֭נוּם וְלֹ֣א יִישָׁ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Translate them according to the decisions your team has made regarding translating parallelism in Hebrew poetry. See the book introduction for more information. Alternate translation: “will never slumber nor will he ever sleep” or “will never sleep”
Psalms 121:5-6
Yahweh is your shade … The sun will not harm you daily, nor the moon during the night
Quote: יְהוָ֥ה צִ֝לְּךָ֗ & יוֹמָ֗ם הַשֶּׁ֥מֶשׁ לֹֽא־יַכֶּ֗כָּה וְיָרֵ֥חַ בַּלָּֽיְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor
The second speaker is using the phrase Yahweh is your shade to mean that Yahweh will protect you like shade protects you from the sun when it is shining on a hot day. The harm that comes from the sun and moon is referring to bad things that might happen to the author during the day or night. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like shade … Things will not harm you during the day as when the sun harms a person. Likewise, things will not harm you at night as when the moon harms people”
Psalms 121:5
at your right hand
Quote: עַל־יַ֥ד יְמִינֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, at your right hand is an idiom that means near to you. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “near you”
Psalms 121:6
The sun will not harm you daily, nor the moon during the night
Quote: יוֹמָ֗ם הַשֶּׁ֥מֶשׁ לֹֽא־יַכֶּ֗כָּה וְיָרֵ֥חַ בַּלָּֽיְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The second speaker is referring to the whole day by naming its components. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is to protect you from harm at all times of the day, whether from the sun during the day or from the moon during the night”
The sun will not harm you daily, nor the moon during the night
Quote: יוֹמָ֗ם הַשֶּׁ֥מֶשׁ לֹֽא־יַכֶּ֗כָּה וְיָרֵ֥חַ בַּלָּֽיְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The second speaker is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “The sun will not harm you daily, nor will the moon harm you during the night”
Psalms 121:8
will protect your going and your coming
Quote: יִשְׁמָר־צֵאתְךָ֥ וּבוֹאֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The second speaker is referring to wherever the author goes by naming its components. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will protect you wherever you go”
Psalms 122
Psalm 122 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
Type of Psalm
Psalm 122 is one of the Psalms called Psalms of ascent, and is about the city of Jerusalem.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metonymy
In this Psalm, the phrase "house of Yahweh" is used to talk about the temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly.
Apostrophe
Many times in this Psalm, the author speaks directly to the city of Jerusalem even though it is not a person and cannot hear. He refers to Jerusalem in both the second and third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as if he were speaking directly to the people about Jerusalem.
Psalms 122:1
when they said
Quote: בְּאֹמְרִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to other people who worship Yahweh. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “when Yahweh‘s people said”
the house of Yahweh
Quote: בֵּ֖ית יְהוָ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See the discussion about the phrase house of Yahweh in the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “to the temple of Yahweh”
Let us go to
Quote: נֵלֵֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The speaker is using the pronoun us to refer to themselves and the author, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.
Psalms 122:2
our feet are standing
Quote: עֹ֭מְדוֹת הָי֣וּ רַגְלֵ֑ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author is using our feet to represent the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we are standing”
Jerusalem, … within your gates
Quote: בִּ֝שְׁעָרַ֗יִךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author is using within your gates to represent that he is inside of the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “within you, Jerusalem ”
Jerusalem, … within your gates
Quote: בִּ֝שְׁעָרַ֗יִךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
See the discussion about the word Jerusalem in the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “in the gates of the city of Jerusalem”
Psalms 122:3
bound together
Quote: שֶׁחֻבְּרָה־לָּ֥הּ יַחְדָּֽו (1)The meaning of the second part of this verse is debated by experts. It could mean (1) that the city is build well in order to protect those who live in the city. Alternate translation: “bound together firmly” or (2) that the city is compact, and that the buildings are built close together. Alternate translation: “that is compact together”
which is built
Quote: הַבְּנוּיָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the author implies that people did it. Alternate translation: “which people built”
Psalms 122:4
because of} the testimony to Israel to give thanks to the name of Yahweh
Quote: עֵד֣וּת לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לְ֝הֹד֗וֹת לְשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal
Here, to marks give thanks to the name of Yahweh as the goal or purpose of the testimony to Israel. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose.
to the name of Yahweh
Quote: לְשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase the name of Yahweh means Yahweh himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh”
Psalms 122:5
thrones of judgment remained
Quote: יָשְׁב֣וּ כִסְא֣וֹת לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “thrones remained, on which kings judged people”
thrones of the house of David
Quote: כִּ֝סְא֗וֹת לְבֵ֣ית דָּוִֽיד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the phrase house of David to mean David‘s descendants who were kings after him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “thrones of David‘s descendants”
Psalms 122:6
for the peace of Jerusalem
Quote: שְׁל֣וֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe the city of Jerusalem having peace from outside attackers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this instead. Alternate translation: “that Jerusalem would have peace”
Psalms 122:6-8
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem … May there be peace within your walls, peace within your fortresses … May there be peace within you
Quote: שַׁ֭אֲלוּ שְׁל֣וֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם & יְהִֽי־שָׁל֥וֹם בְּחֵילֵ֑ךְ שַׁ֝לְוָ֗ה בְּאַרְמְנוֹתָֽיִךְ & שָׁל֣וֹם בָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May those who in the city of Jerusalem live peacefully … May people live peacefully within your walls, peacefully within your fortresses … May people live peacefully within you”
Psalms 122:6
of Jerusalem
Quote: יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using Jerusalem to represent the people who live in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who live in Jerusalem”
Psalms 122:7
May there be peace within your walls, peace within your fortresses
Quote: יְהִֽי־שָׁל֥וֹם בְּחֵילֵ֑ךְ & שַׁ֝לְוָ֗ה בְּאַרְמְנוֹתָֽיִךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Here, your and you are referring to Jerusalem. See the discussion about the word Jerusalem in the [chapter introduction (../122/intro.md) Alternate translation: “May peace be within the walls of Jerusalem … May there be peace in Jerusalem‘s fortresses”
Psalms 122:8
my brothers
Quote: אַחַ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term brothers to mean his fellow Israelites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my fellow Israelites”
Psalms 123
Psalm 123 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 123 is a psalm asking for deliverance from the contempt of proud people. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Trust
Just as a servant trusts his master to protect him, so the author is trusting God to stop proud people from insulting him. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Psalms 123:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
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Quote: I lift up my eyes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the author refers to his eyes because that is the part of the body used for seeing. Alternate translation: “I look to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: enthroned (1)sitting on a throne and ruling as king
Psalms 123:2
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Quote: as the eyes of servants & as the eyes of a maid & so our eyes look (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These three phrases have similar meanings. The third phrase, about the Israelites, is being compared to how the servants and maids look to their masters and mistresses for help. In each case “eyes” refers to the whole person. (See also: Synecdoche)
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Quote: master’s hand & mistress’s hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to the provision for needs. Alternate translation: “master’s provision … mistress’s provision”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: maid (1)servant girl
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Quote: mistress (1)woman who has authority over servant girls
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Quote: has mercy on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mercy, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “act mercifully toward us”
Psalms 123:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have mercy on us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mercy, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 123:2. Alternate translation: “act mercifully toward us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we are filled with humiliation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here humiliation is spoken of as if it were something that could be fill up a person. “we are very disgraced”
Psalms 123:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: We are more than full (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that the amount is excessive, in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “We have had too much”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the scoffing & and with the contempt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
There two phrases have very similar meanings and are used together to emphasize how much they have been mocked by the people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scoffing (1)Alternate translation: “mocking” or “insults”
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Quote: the insolent (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the insolent people. Alternate translation: “rude and arrogant people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the proud (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the proud people. Alternate translation: “the people who are proud”
Psalms 124
Psalm 124 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 124 is a psalm of praise for God’s delivering the Israelites from their enemy’s attack. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh saves
God saved the Israelites from their enemy who wanted to completely destroy them. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 124:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: song of ascents (1)This could mean: (1) “song people sang while going up to Jerusalem for a celebration” or (2) “song people sang while going up the steps into the temple” or (3) “song whose words are like steps.” See how you translated this in Psalms 120:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: “If Yahweh had not been on our side (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the beginning of a hypothetical statement about something that did not actually happen.
Psalms 124:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the continuation of a hypothetical statement about something that did not actually happen.
Psalms 124:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then they would have swallowed us up alive (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the end of a hypothetical statement that begins with the words “If Yahweh had not been on our side” in Psalms 124:1 and continues with the words “if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side when men rose up against us” in Psalms 124:2. It describes a result that did not happen because Yahweh was actually on their side. “They were not able to swallow us up alive because Yahweh was on our side.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swallowed us up alive (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor describes how the Israelites could have died to how a fierce animal would attack a smaller animal to eat. Alternate translation: “killed us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their anger raged against us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “their anger” refers to the enemies who were angry. Alternate translation: “they were very angry with us”
Psalms 124:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
In these two verses the author compares the enemies of Israel to a flood of water.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The water would have swept us away; the torrent would have overwhelmed us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the end of a hypothetical statement that begins with the words “If Yahweh had not been on our side” in Psalms 124:1 and continues with the words “if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side when men rose up against us” in Psalms 124:2. It describes a result that did not happen because Yahweh was actually on their side. “The water did not sweep us away, and the torrent did not overwhelm us because Yahweh was on our side”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The water would have swept us away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the enemies of the writer are spoken of as if they were a flood of water. Alternate translation: “Our enemies would have easily defeated us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the torrent would have overwhelmed us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the enemies of the writer are spoken of as if they were a flood of water that would have drowned the Israelites. Alternate translation: “our enemies would have overwhelmed us”
Psalms 124:5
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Quote: Then the raging waters would have drowned us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the end of a hypothetical statement that begins with the words “If Yahweh had not been on our side” in Psalms 124:1 and continues with the words “if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side when men rose up against us” in Psalms 124:2. It describes a result that did not happen because Yahweh was actually on their side. “The raging waters did not drown us because Yahweh was on our side”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the raging waters would have drowned us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the enemies of the writer are spoken of as if they were a raging river that would have drowned the Israelites. Alternate translation: “our enemies would have destroyed us”
Psalms 124:6
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Quote: torn by their teeth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The enemies are spoken of as if they were wild animals that would destroy the Israelites by eating them. Alternate translation: “destroyed as if we were eaten by wild animals”
Psalms 124:7
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Quote: escaped like a bird out of the snare of the fowlers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer describes his escape from the enemies as if he was a bird that had escaped from the snare of the hunters. Alternate translation: “escaped from our enemies as a bird escapes from the trap that hunters have set”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: snare (1)a small trap of string or wire made for catching small animals or birds
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Quote: the snare has been broken (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The plot of the enemies to catch the writer failed as if it was a snare that had broken.
Psalms 125
Psalm 125 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 125 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s protection
God protects good people. He will not allow the evil people to rule over the good people because they might make them do evil. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 125:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who trust in Yahweh are like Mount Zion, unshakable, forever enduring (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People who trust in Yahweh are spoken of as if they were Mount Zion. Mountains are unable to be moved.
Psalms 125:2
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Quote: As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Yahweh surrounds his people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh’s protection is spoken of as if he was the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. Jerusalem was surrounded by several mountains, which protected it from attack. Alternate translation: “As the hills that surround Jerusalem protect it, so Yahweh protects his people”
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Quote: now and forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Here, this phrase means “always.”
Psalms 125:3
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Quote: The scepter of wickedness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the scepter of wickedness represents the rule of wicked people. Alternate translation: “Wicked people” or “Wicked rulers”
Psalms 125:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do good, Yahweh (1)This is a request. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, please do good things” or “Yahweh, I beg you to do good things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are upright in their hearts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, “hearts” refers to their desires. Alternate translation: “desire to do the right”
Psalms 125:5
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Quote: turn aside (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Refusing to obey Yahweh is spoken of as turning away from a good path. Alternate translation: “leave good and go”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their crooked ways (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here wicked ways are spoken of as if they were a path that is not straight. Alternate translation: “their wicked ways”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lead them away (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People are lead away in order to punish them. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “lead them away to punish them”
Psalms 126
Psalm 126 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 126 is a psalm of praise for Yahweh bringing captives home.
Special concepts in this chapter
Sorrow and joy
People may have sorrow now; but later it will turn into joy. (See: joy, joyful, rejoice, glad)
Psalms 126:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: restored the fortunes of Zion (1)Alternate translation: “made Zion prosperous again”
Psalms 126:2
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Quote: our mouths were filled with laughter (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Laughing is spoken of as if their mouths were a container and their laughter was in it. It can be made clear that this laughter was a response to their joy. Alternate translation: “we laughed for joy” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our tongues with singing (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verbs “were filled” can be stated clearly. Singing is spoken of as if their tongues were containers and singing was in them. Alternate translation: “our tongues were filled with singing” or “we sang songs of joy” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they said among the nations (1)“the people of the nations said among themselves.” The pronoun is used before introducing what it references. This is very unusual.
Psalms 126:3
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Quote: Yahweh did great things for us; how glad we were! (1)Alternate translation: “How glad we were, because Yahweh did these great things for us!”
Psalms 126:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who sow in tears (1)Alternate translation: “Those who weep as they sow”
Psalms 127
Psalm 127 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 127 is a wisdom psalm. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Blessings
God wants his people to have rest. It is a blessing to have many children. (See: INVALID bible/other/rest and bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 127:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: song of ascents (1)This could mean: (1) “song people sang while going up to Jerusalem for a celebration” or (2) “song people sang while going up the steps into the temple” or (3) “song whose words are like steps.” See how you translated this in Psalms 120:1
Psalms 127:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to rise up early, to come home late (1)A person who works hard often has to wake up earlier in the morning and return home late at night.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eat the bread of hard work (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Bread often represents the food a person needs every day in order to live. Alternate translation: “work hard for your daily needs” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 127:3
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Quote: heritage (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
property that a person can inherit from his ancestors. Children normally receive an inheritance from their parents. Inheritance goes from parents to children. This passage uses parents inheriting children from Yahweh as a metaphor for Yahweh being the only one who can give children.
Psalms 127:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Arrows are very important to a warrior because they protect him in battle. Children are spoken of as if they are a warrior’s arrow. Alternate translation: “Having many children will help to protect you”
Psalms 127:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his quiver full of them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A quiver is a container for arrows. Having many children is spoken of as if the children were arrows in a quiver. Alternate translation: “a home full of children” or “many children”
Psalms 128
Psalm 128 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 128 is a wisdom psalm. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Respect
Those people who respect God will live well and have many children. (See: INVALID bible/kt/life)
Psalms 128:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Blessed is everyone who honors Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This phrase occurs in the passive voice to avoid implying that Yahweh is obligated to bless those who honor him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless everyone who honors him”
Psalms 128:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What your hands provide (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
A man can be referred to by his hands because that is the part of the body he works with. Alternate translation: “What you provide” or “What you work for”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will be blessed and prosper (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “be blessed” and “prosper” share similar meanings and emphasize God’s favor. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you and prosper you” or “Yahweh will make you blessed and prosperous”
Psalms 128:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a fruitful vine in your house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The wife is spoke of as a vine producing a lot of fruit. This implies that children are like fruit and the wife will have many children. Alternate translation: “very productive and give you many children”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your children will be like olive plants (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Children are compared to olive plants because of the way they grow to surround something. Children will surround the table and make it full. Alternate translation: “you will have many children who will grow and prosper”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: around your table (1)This refers to the place where a family gathers to eat. Often, all those who eat a man’s table are under his authority or control.
Psalms 128:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the man will be blessed who honors Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated as an active verb. “Yahweh will bless the man who honors him”
Psalms 128:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the days of your life (1)Alternate translation: “throughout your lifetime”
Psalms 128:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May peace be on Israel (1)Alternate translation: “May Israel have peace”
Psalms 129
Psalm 129 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 129 is a psalm of deliverance from Israel’s many enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh saves
Israel’s enemies have always persecuted them but God has saved them from their enemies. He prays that this enemy will be destroyed with no one to wish them well. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 129:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 129:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The plowers plowed on my back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The cuts from a whipping are spoken of as the plow of a plowman. A farmer plowed deep lines into a field. Alternate translation: “My enemies have cut me deeply on my back”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they made their furrows long (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a continuation of the plowing metaphor. The “furrow” is the line the farmer plowed. Alternate translation: “they made their cuts long”
Psalms 129:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has cut the ropes of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Israel is spoken of as being bound by evil people. Alternate translation: “he has freed us from our enemies”
Psalms 129:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they all be put to shame and turned back (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Yahweh is not explicitly mentioned as the one who does these things. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh shame them and defeat them” (See also: Idiom)
Psalms 129:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May they be like the grass on the housetops that withers before it grows up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist speaks of his enemies dying and being few in number. He compares them to the little bit of grass that grows on the roof of a house and withers and is not enough to cut or bundle. Alternate translation: “May they die and may there be few of them”
Psalms 129:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that cannot fill & together (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These words finish the simile that begins in (Psalms 129:6). The psalmist speaks of his enemies dying and being few in number. He compares them to the little bit of grass that grows on the roof of a house and withers and is not enough to cut or bundle. “May they be like the grass, which cannot fill … together”
Psalms 129:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the blessing of Yahweh be on you (1)Alternate translation: “Yahweh bless you”
Psalms 130
Psalm 130 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 130 is a psalm of praise that God forgives sins. (See: forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Special concepts in this chapter
Forgive
God forgives sin and helps the sinner. So Israel should trust in God for his forgiveness. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Psalms 130:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Out of the depths I (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author’s sadness is spoken of as if it were a container. His sadness comes from the bottom of the container. Sadness is often spoken of as being a container that fills from the top to the bottom. Alternate translation: “Because I am very sad, I”
Psalms 130:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let your ears be attentive (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The ears represent Yahweh, but because the author knows that Yahweh hears everything, he is really asking for Yahweh to respond. Alternate translation: “please listen” or “please respond”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to my pleas for mercy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word mercy, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “merciful.” Alternate translation: “to my pleas and be merciful to me”
Psalms 130:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who could stand? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The speaker uses this question to express the futility of thinking that anyone could stand in this situation. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one could stand.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who could stand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Stand” often represents escaping or surviving when someone attacks. In this case, it would be to escape from being punished. Alternate translation: “no one could escape from your punishment” or “no one could survive your punishment”
Psalms 130:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“My soul” represents the psalmist. Alternate translation: “I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My soul waits (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist is spoken of as if he were waiting on something with expectation. Alternate translation: “I hope” or “I trust” or “I desire for something”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My soul waits & more than watchmen wait for the morning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist speaks of his desire for the Lord to help him as being greater than the desire that those who work all night have for the morning to come.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: watchmen (1)These are men who guard towns or fields against enemies or robbers. Here it refers to men who have to stay awake at night doing this.
Psalms 130:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel, hope in Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a man. Alternate translation: “You people of Israel, hope in Yahweh”
Psalms 130:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who will redeem Israel from all his sins (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a man. Alternate translation: “who will redeem the people of Israel from all their sins”
Psalms 131
Psalm 131 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 131 is a wisdom psalm teaching trust in Yahweh. (See: wise, wisdom and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)
Special concepts in this chapter
Trust
This psalm focuses on the concept of trust. A quiet trust in Yahweh is best.
Psalms 131:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: song of ascents (1)This could mean: (1) “song people sang while going up to Jerusalem for a celebration” or (2) “song people sang while going up the steps into the temple” or (3) “song whose words are like steps.” See how you translated this in Psalms 120:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart is not proud or my eyes haughty (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The heart and the eyes represent the person. Alternate translation: “I am not proud or haughty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I do not have great hopes for myself (1)Possible meanings are “I do not expect to do great things” or “I do not think I am great.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: things that are beyond me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Things that are too hard for a person to understand are spoken of as if they are beyond the person or too far away from the person to be able to reach them. Alternate translation: “things that are too hard to understand”
Psalms 131:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have stilled and quieted my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The soul represents the person or his emotions. Being calm and peaceful is spoken of has having making one’s soul still and quiet. Alternate translation: “I am calm and peaceful” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul within me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The soul represents the person or his emotions. Alternate translation: “I”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a weaned child with his mother (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of himself being content and resting as if he were a young child that no longer demands breast milk from his mother. Alternate translation: “content like a young child that no longer cries for breast milk but rests in his mother’s arms” or “content and resting”
Psalms 132
Psalm 132 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 132 is a royal psalm praising David. It might have been sung when David brought the ark to Jerusalem.
Special concepts in this chapter
Ark
The Ark had been moved from one place to another several times. David wanted to make a permanent home for it. God had promised David that his son would be king after him. (See: promise, promised)
Psalms 132:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for David’s sake (1)Alternate translation: “because of what happened to David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (1)Alternate translation: “remember” or “think about”
Psalms 132:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Mighty One of Jacob (1)This refers to God.
Psalms 132:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He said (1)Alternate translation: “King David said”
Psalms 132:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not give sleep to my eyes or rest to my eyelids (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sleep and rest are spoken of as if they are things that can be given. Here eyes and eyelids represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to rest” or “I will not sleep or close my eyes and rest” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 132:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: until I find a place for Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Building a place for Yahweh is spoken of as finding a place for him. Alternate translation: “until I build a place for Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Mighty One of Jacob (1)This refers to God.
Psalms 132:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we heard about it in Ephrathah (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “it” probably refers to where God’s sacred chest was. The phrase “in Ephrathah” probably refers to where they were when they heard about it. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “we who were in Ephrathah heard about where the sacred chest was” or “we in Ephrathah heard that the holy box was in Jaar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fields of Jaar (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Jaar is probably another name for the city of Kiriath Jearim. This probably refers to the fields surrounding the city.
Psalms 132:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will worship at his footstool (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Worshiping God at the covenant box is spoken of as bowing at the feet of the king who is sitting on his throne. This communicates humility and submission to God. Alternate translation: “we will go to God’s covenant box and worship him as king”
Psalms 132:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Arise, Yahweh, to your resting place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The verb “come” can be stated clearly. “Arise, Yahweh, and come to your resting place”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your resting place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place God chose for people to worship him is spoken of as if it were a place where he rests or lives eternally. Alternate translation: “the place where you stay” or “your tabernacle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you and the ark of your strength! (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This could mean: (1) “come to the ark of your strength” or (2) “come, and make the ark of your strength come.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ark of your strength (1)Alternate translation: “the ark that shows your great power”
Psalms 132:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your priests be clothed with integrity (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Integrity is spoken of as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “May people recognize that your priests have integrity” or “I want people see how your priests always do what is right”
Psalms 132:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For your servant David’s sake (1)“Because of what happened to your servant David.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Psalms 132:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not turn away from your anointed king (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “turning away” means to reject someone. Alternate translation: “do not abandon the king that you anointed”
Psalms 132:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will place one of your descendants on your throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Making a king’s descendant become king in his place is spoken of as placing him on that king’s throne. AT “I will cause one of your descendants to rule Israel in your place”
Psalms 132:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sit on your throne (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Ruling as king is spoken of as sitting on the throne. Alternate translation: “rule as king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your sons (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “your sons” represents the descendants of David that would become king. Alternate translation: “your descendants”
Psalms 132:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
General Information:
“He”, “my” and “I” refer to Yahweh and “her” refers to Zion.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zion & her (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author writes as though the city of Zion were a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has desired her for his seat (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Yahweh has desired Zion for Yahweh’s seat.” Here, seat could mean: (1) his throne where he would rule, or (2) the place where he would stay.
Psalms 132:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: her (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author writes as though the city of Zion (Psalms 132:13) were a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my resting place (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place God chose for people to worship him is spoken of as if it were a place where he rests or lives eternally. Alternate translation: “the place where I stay” or “my tabernacle”
Psalms 132:15
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationGod continues to speak about the city of Zion as if Zion was a woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will abundantly bless her (1)Alternate translation: “will abundantly bless Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will satisfy her poor with bread (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Here “poor” refers to the poor people in Zion and “bread” probably represents food in general. Alternate translation: “will satisfy the poor people in Zion with food” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 132:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will clothe her priests with salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Salvation is spoken of as if it is clothing. This could mean: (1) “I will cause the priests to behave in a manner worthy of ones whom I have saved” or (2) “I will save her priests”
Psalms 132:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will make a horn to sprout for David (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of a powerful descendant of David as if he was the powerful horn of an animal. Alternate translation: “I will make a descendant of David become king after him” or “I will cause David to have a descendant who will be a powerful king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set up a lamp for my anointed one (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God speaks of causing David’s descendants to continue to rule as king as if they were a lamp that would continue to shine. Alternate translation: “I will cause my anointed one’s descendants to continue to rule as king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my anointed one (1)Alternate translation: “my chosen king” or “the king I have chosen”
Psalms 132:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will clothe his enemies with shame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Shame is spoken of as if it was clothing. This shame would result from losing in war. Alternate translation: “I will cause his enemies to be ashamed” or “I will cause his enemies to be defeated and ashamed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his crown will shine (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The crown represents his rule, and greatness is spoken of as shining. Alternate translation: “he will be a great king” or “his greatness will shine” (See also: Metaphor)
Psalms 133
Psalm 133 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 133 is a wisdom psalm about harmony. (See: wise, wisdom)
Special concepts in this chapter
Harmony
Harmony between relatives is refreshing and brings a blessings from God. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 133:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: song of ascents (1)This could mean: (1) “song people sang while going up to Jerusalem for a celebration” or (2) “song people sang while going up the steps into the temple” or (3) “song whose words are like steps.” See how you translated this in Psalms 120:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behold (1)This word is used to stress the importance of the statement that follows.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for brothers to live together (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The relationships among fellow God’s people is spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate translation: “for God’s people to live together peacefully as brothers”
Psalms 133:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It is like fine oil on the head (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The goodness of unity among God’s people is spoken of as if it were like the fine oil that was poured on Aaron’s head. Alternate translation: “This unity is precious like the oil that was poured on Aaron’s head”
Psalms 133:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like the dew of Hermon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The goodness of unity among God’s people is spoken of as it if it were refreshing like dew. Alternate translation: “refreshing like the dew of Hermon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hermon (1)This is a mountain in Israel that has snow on its peak year-round.
Psalms 134
Psalm 134 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 134 is a temple psalm. (See: temple, house, house of God)
Special concepts in this chapter
Watchmen
The watchmen who work at night should praise God. Then he will bless them. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 134:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all you servants of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “all you who serve Yahweh”
Psalms 134:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Lift up your hands (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is how people prayed or praised God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the holy place (1)This could mean: (1) “to the temple” or (2) “to the holy place in the temple.”
Psalms 134:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heaven and earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The phrase “heaven and earth” here represents all things. Alternate translation: “everything in heaven and earth”
Psalms 135
Psalm 135 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 135 is a worship psalm focusing on worshiping God because his greatness.
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
The people, priests and their helpers should praise God because he is so great. He defeated the Egyptians and led his people to the promise land. Idols have no power. (See: priest, priesthood and Promised Land)
Psalms 135:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh’s name represents him. “Praise Yahweh” or “Praise him”
Psalms 135:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stand in Yahweh’s house (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents serving Yahweh in his temple.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our God (1)These words refer to Yahweh (Psalms 135:1).
Psalms 135:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for it is pleasant to do so (1)Alternate translation: “because we get pleasure from praising his name”
Psalms 135:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh has chosen Jacob (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Jacob” here refers to his descendants, the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has chosen Jacob’s descendants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Israel as his possession (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The beginning of the sentence can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “he has chosen Israel to be his possession”
Psalms 135:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that our Lord is above all gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I know that our Lord is above all gods.” Being greater than something is spoken of as being above it. Alternate translation: “that our Lord is greater than all gods”
Psalms 135:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bringing the wind out of his storehouse (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A storehouse is a place where things are kept for future use. This imagery shows God’s power to control the wind. Alternate translation: “causing the wind to blow by his power”
Psalms 135:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: signs and wonders (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and refer to the miraculous troubles that God had caused in Egypt.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into your midst, Egypt (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
The psalmist speaks as if the people of Egypt were listening to him. Alternate translation: “among you people of Egypt” or “among the people of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against Pharaoh (1)Alternate translation: “to punish Pharaoh”
Psalms 135:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sihon & Og (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of two men.
Psalms 135:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He gave us their land as an inheritance (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s gift of the land to the Israelites is spoken of as if it were inheritance from father to son. Alternate translation: “He gave us their land to have forever” or “He gave us their land to be ours forever”
Psalms 135:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
His name here represents his fame or reputation. Alternate translation: “Your fame” or “Your reputation”
Psalms 135:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who make them are like them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Being ignorant and powerless is spoken of as being like idols, which cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe. Alternate translation: “Those who make them are stupid and powerless like their idols”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as is everyone who trusts in them (1)Alternate translation: “and so are those who trust in the idols”
Psalms 135:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he who lives in Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God is spoken of as if he lived in Jerusalem because the temple where the Israelites worshiped him was there. Alternate translation: “he whose temple is in Jerusalem”
Psalms 136
Psalm 136 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 136 is a worship psalm. It was written to be sung by two parts of the choir. One part would sing the first part of each of the lines and then the other part of the choir would sing the repeated refrain.
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel blessed
God has blessed Israel throughout its history and taken care of the needy people. (See: bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 136:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation that should be translated with whatever exclamation of emphasis you have in your language to make it sound natural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “because he remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 136:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of gods (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
the God who is greater than the gods that other people worship
Psalms 136:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by wisdom (1)That is, because he is wise.
Psalms 136:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spread out the earth above the waters (1)The ancient Israelites thought that the earth’s dry land was on top of the sea. Alternate translation: “placed the earth over the waters”
Psalms 136:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: great lights (1)This is a reference to the sources of light for the earth, especially the sun and the moon. Alternate translation: “the sun and the moon and the stars”
Psalms 136:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to rule by day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The sun is spoken of as if it were a king. Alternate translation: “to mark the time of day” (See also: Personification)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for his covenant faithfulness endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. See how you translated this in Psalms 136:1. Alternate translation: “because he remains faithful to his covenant forever”
Psalms 136:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to rule by night (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The moon, and stars are spoken of as if they were kings. Alternate translation: “to mark the time of night” (See also: Personification)
Psalms 136:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from among them (1)Alternate translation: “from among the people of Egypt”
Psalms 136:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with a strong hand and a raised arm (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “hand” and “arm” represent power. Alternate translation: “with great power”
Psalms 136:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the Sea of Reeds (1)The soldiers of Pharaoh drowned in the Sea of Reeds.
Psalms 136:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: overthrew Pharaoh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here defeat is spoken of as if it were tipping someone over. Alternate translation: “defeated Pharaoh” or “defeated the king of Egypt”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pharaoh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
That is, the army of Pharaoh.
Psalms 136:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Sihon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a man’s name
Psalms 136:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Og (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a man’s name
Psalms 136:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called us to mind (1)Alternate translation: “thought about us”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: helped us in our humiliation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The condition of feeling shame is spoken of as if it were a place that the Israelites had been in. This is a reference to the many times when the Israelites’ enemies had defeated them in battle and shamed them. Alternate translation: “cared when we were shamed”
Psalms 136:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has given us victory over our enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing people to be victorious and defeat their enemies is spoken of as giving them victory, as if victory were an object that can be given. Alternate translation: “has made us victorious over our enemies” or “has made us able to defeat our enemies”
Psalms 136:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the God of heaven (1)Alternate translation: “the God who lives in heaven” or “the God whom the heavenly beings worship”
Psalms 137
Psalm 137 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 137 is a psalm of mourning and vengeance. (See: avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance)
Special concepts in this chapter
Songs of Zion
The captives are told to sing songs of Zion there in Babylon but they felt too unhappy to want to sing. The army from Babylon was cruel when it destroyed Jerusalem and the people of Edom encouraged them to destroy Jerusalem. They prayed that God will be cruel to the people of Edom and Babylon.
Psalms 137:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By the rivers of Babylon (1)Alternate translation: “Next to one of the rivers near Babylon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we sat & wept & we thought (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The writer does not include the readers.
Psalms 137:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we hung (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The writer does not include the readers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: On the poplars there (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Poplar trees do not grow in Israel. “Poplars” may here stand for all the trees in Babylon. Alternate translation: “On the trees in Babylon”
Psalms 137:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our captors required songs from us (1)Alternate translation: “our captors required us to sing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: required us to be happy (1)Alternate translation: “made us pretend to be happy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one of the songs of Zion (1)This probably refers to songs that the Israelites had used in worship at the temple in Jerusalem.
Psalms 137:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If I ignore the memory of you, Jerusalem (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks as if Jerusalem is listening to him. Alternate translation: “If I act as if I did not remember you, Jerusalem” or “If I try to forget you, Jerusalem” (See also: Apostrophe)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: right hand (1)the hand most people use most often
Psalms 137:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call to mind (1)Alternate translation: “Remember” or “Think about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Call to mind, Yahweh, what the Edomites did (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here remembering what the Edomites did represents punishing them for what they did. Alternate translation: “Punish the Edomites, Yahweh, for what they did”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the day Jerusalem fell (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Jerusalem being captured by an enemy army is spoken of as if it had fallen. Who captured Jerusalem can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the day Jerusalem was captured” or “the day the Babylonian army entered Jerusalem”
Psalms 137:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
General Information:
The psalmist addresses the people of Babylon as if they were there listening to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Daughter of Babylon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents the city of Babylon and its people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may the person be blessed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may God bless the person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pays you back for what you have done to us (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of someone doing to others what they have done as if were payment. Alternate translation: “does to you what you did to us”
Psalms 137:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dashes your little ones against a rock (1)Alternate translation: “smashes your babies’ heads against rocks”
Psalms 138
Psalm 138 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
Answered prayers
God answers prayers and he protects the psalmist from his enemies.
Psalms 138:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give you thanks with my whole heart (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The heart here represents the emotions. Doing something sincerely or completely is spoken of as doing it with all one’s heart. Alternate translation: “I will sincerely thank you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before the gods (1)This could mean: (1) “in spite of the false idols that exist” or (2) “before the heavenly assembly,” which means “in the knowledge of the angels in heaven.”
Psalms 138:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will bow down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Bowing down is a symbolic action that represents worship and giving honor. Alternate translation: “I will worship you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give thanks to your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “give thanks to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your covenant faithfulness and for your trustworthiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because you are faithful to your covenant and you are worthy of people trusting you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your word (1)Alternate translation: “what you have said” or “your commands and promises”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “yourself” or (2) “your fame.”
Psalms 138:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This expression stands for God himself. Alternate translation: “you”
Psalms 138:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is high, yet he cares for the lowly (1)Yahweh is above all creation in power, position, and authority. Yet his interest is in those who are humble in spirit, servants to all. This is a simple contrast.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the proud he knows from far off (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This expression probably means that God is not faithful to those who are proud.
Psalms 138:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: walk (1)live, exist
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the middle of danger (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being in danger is spoken of as being in a physical place.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will reach out with your hand against the anger of my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if he will strike the enemies with his hand.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: anger of my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “angry.” Alternate translation: “my enemies, who are angry”
Psalms 138:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, endures forever (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “you, Yahweh, remain faithful to your covenant forever”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the ones whom your hands have made (1)This expression probably refers to the nation of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your hands have made (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God is spoken of as if he had physically used hands to create. Alternate translation: “you have created”
Psalms 139
Psalm 139 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 139 is a psalm of praise.
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s care
God created the psalmist in his mother’s womb and has taken care of him all of his life. No matter where he goes, God is always with him.
Psalms 139:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)Alternate translation: “This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have examined (1)Alternate translation: “have tested”
Psalms 139:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I sit down and when I get up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The psalmist uses these two actions to represent everything he does. Alternate translation: “everything I do” or “everything about me”
Psalms 139:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my path and my lying down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “path” stands for one’s behavior. “My path and my lying down” together represent everything about the psalmist. (See also: Merism)
Psalms 139:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: before there is a word on my tongue (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “word on the tongue” represents speech. Alternate translation: “before I say anything”
Psalms 139:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Behind me and before me you surround me (1)This expression refers to God’s presence everywhere.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: place your hand upon me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This expression refers to guidance and help. Alternate translation: “you guide and help me”
Psalms 139:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: too much for me (1)Alternate translation: “too much for me to understand”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is too high, and I cannot reach it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being high and out of reach is an expression, in this case, about some knowledge that human beings cannot have. Alternate translation: “it is too difficult to understand”
Psalms 139:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where can I go from your Spirit? & Where can I flee from your presence? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These two questions are in parallel. The psalmist says that he cannot go away from God’s presence. Alternate translation: “I cannot escape from your Spirit.” (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 139:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I make my bed in Sheol (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Making one’s bed” refers to staying somewhere. Alternate translation: “even if I stay in Sheol”
Psalms 139:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If I fly away on the wings of the morning and go to live in the uttermost parts across the sea (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author uses exaggeration to explain that wherever he is, God is there too. (See also: Hypothetical Situations)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If I fly away on the wings of the morning (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In the ancient near east, the sun was often imagined as if it had wings which enabled it to fly across the sky. Alternate translation: “If the sun could carry me with itself across the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the uttermost parts across the sea (1)Alternate translation: “very far away to the west”
Psalms 139:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will hold on to me (1)Alternate translation: “will help me”
Psalms 139:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If I said, “Surely the darkness will cover me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the night as if it were a blanket that could conceal him.
Psalms 139:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The night would shine like the day (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The night, which is dark, is spoken of as if it were bright with light.
Psalms 139:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You formed my inner parts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
“Inner parts” refers to the interior organs of a person, but here the expression probably stands for the entire body. Alternate translation: “You made my entire body
Psalms 139:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My soul knows this very well (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “soul” probably refers to the psalmist’s innermost ability to be certain about God’s love and guidance. The translator may, however, treat “soul” here as metonymy for the psalmist’s mind and heart. Alternate translation: “I know this with all my heart”
Psalms 139:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: intricately made (1)Alternate translation: “made with great complexity”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the depths of the earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is probably a way of speaking about a mother’s womb
Psalms 139:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the days assigned to me were recorded in your book even before the first one happened (1)This expression implies that ancient Israelites imagined that God wrote down his plans in a book.
Psalms 139:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How precious are your thoughts to me (1)Alternate translation: “I consider your thoughts very important” or “Your thoughts are very valuable to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How vast is their sum! (1)Alternate translation: “Your thoughts are so many.”
Psalms 139:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would be more in number than the sand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This hyperbole means that the writer would be unable to count God’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “there would be more than I could count”
Psalms 139:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: get away from me, you violent men (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
The psalmist is only pretending to speak directly to the violent men whom he has in mind. Translators may decide to express this command as a wish.
Psalms 139:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They rebel against you (1)Alternate translation: “They rebel against your authority, God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your enemies tell lies (1)Alternate translation: “your enemies lie about you”
Psalms 139:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do I not hate those, Yahweh, who hate you? Do I not despise those who rise up against you? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first. Both of these questions actually make statements. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, I hate those who hate you! I despise those who rise up against you!” (See also: Rhetorical Question)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rise up against (1)rebel against
Psalms 139:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Examine me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a request for God to tell the psalmist about any sinful thoughts that he may have. Alternate translation: “Please search me” or “I beg you to search me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Examine me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences have similar meanings. The second one strengthens the thought in the first.
Psalms 139:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: any wicked way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “way” stands for behavior.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the everlasting way (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “way” refers to trust and obedience in God. Anyone who “walks” this way will have everlasting life.
Psalms 140
Psalm 140 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 140 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s protection
He prayed that God would save him from his enemies who are lying about him. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation)
Psalms 140:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the chief musician (1)This is for the director of music to use in worship.”
Psalms 140:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they cause battles (1)Here “battles” probably refers to conflict of any kind, including quarrels.
Psalms 140:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their tongues wound like serpents (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People who cause conflict by what they say are spoken of as if they had tongues of serpents. Of course, snakes do not do damage with their tongues, but with their bites and especially with poison. Neither can a person make his tongue sharp. Instead, here the idea of a sharp tongue stands for speaking in a way to cause trouble. And the idea the snakes have sharp tongues stands for the fact that many of them have poison.
Psalms 140:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hands of the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
That is, the power of the wicked
Psalms 140:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have set a trap & have spread a net & have set a snare (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The exact kinds of traps are less important than the idea that wicked and proud people are planning to make trouble for the psalmist. If your readers do not know much about different ways of trapping, you may need to reduce this to one line. Alternate translation: “have set a trap to catch me” (See also: Doublet)
Psalms 140:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: listen to my cries (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a call for help. Alternate translation: “listen to me as I call to you now for help”
Psalms 140:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you shield my head in the day of battle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
A person’s head is in great danger during battle. Protecting the person’s head represents protecting the whole person. Alternate translation: “you protect me when I go to war” (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: battle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “battle” probably stands for any kind of severe trouble
Psalms 140:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: do not grant the desires of the wicked (1)Alternate translation: “please do not allow the wicked to have what they desire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the wicked (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The adjective “wicked” can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
Psalms 140:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: raise their heads (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a sign of being arrogant. Alternate translation: “are arrogant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the mischief of their own lips cover them (1)This is a prayer that God would make the evildoers suffer from the trouble that they caused by the things they said.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mischief of their own lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The trouble that they themselves caused by what they said.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cover them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
That is, stop them from causing any more trouble.
Psalms 140:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let burning coals fall on them; throw them into the fire (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Images of fire stand for severe punishment for the wicked.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bottomless pits (1)This is probably a reference to Sheol, the world of the dead.
Psalms 140:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: men of tongues (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
those who speak evil of others without cause
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: secure on the earth (1)Alternate translation: “safe in this life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may evil hunt down the violent man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here evil is spoken of as if it were someone taking revenge on another person.
Psalms 140:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will give justice to the needy (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “just.” Alternate translation: “He will act in a just manner to help the needy”
Psalms 140:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to you”
Psalms 141
Psalm 141 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 141 is a psalm of deliverance from his enemies and from sin. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s correction
The author prayed that God would keep him from sinning. He is glad to be corrected by good people. He asked God to show that he is right by destroying the evil leaders of the people. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning, good, right, pleasant, better, best and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Psalms 141:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crying out (1)Alternate translation: “asking you for help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come quickly to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The psalmist speaks as if Yahweh were a person who needed to come from another place to help him. What the psalmist wanted Yahweh to do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “come quickly to help me” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen to me when I call (1)Alternate translation: “Please hear me when I call” or “I beg you to hear me when I call”
Psalms 141:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May my prayer be like incense (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The psalmist asks Yahweh to accept and be pleased with his prayer the way he would accept and be pleased with incense. Alternate translation: “May the my prayer please you the way the sweet smell of incense pleases people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my prayer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The psalmist wants Yahweh to be pleased with him because he is praying and because of the words of his prayer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my lifted hands (1)“the hands that I have lifted up.” Lifted hands are a metonym for prayer. People lifted their hands when they prayed or praised Yahweh. See how you translated “lift up your hands” in Psalms 134:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be like the evening sacrifice (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The means to be like the animal that was burned on the altar in the evening. The psalmist speaks as if he wants Yahweh to be as pleased with him as he is with those who bring animals to sacrifice. He wants Yahweh to be pleased because the psalmist is praying or because of the words of his prayer.
Psalms 141:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: place a guard over my mouth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if evil words were prisoners trying to escape from his mouth. Alternate translation: “please help me not to say things that are evil”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: place a guard over (1)Alternate translation: “tell someone to guard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: guard the door of my lips (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if evil words were prisoners trying to escape from his mouth. Alternate translation: “please help me not to say things when I should not”
Psalms 141:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: participate in sinful activities (1)Alternate translation: “do sinful deeds”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their delicacies (1)Alternate translation: “their special foods”
Psalms 141:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hit me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks as if giving a rebuke were physically hitting someone. Alternate translation: “rebuke me” or “hit me so I will listen when he corrects me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will be a kindness to me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word kindness, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “he will be acting kindly to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will be like oil on my head (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Possible meanings are that the psalmist speaks as if a person correcting him were putting oil on his head: (1) to honor him. Alternate translation: “when he corrects me, I will know that the one who corrects me is doing a good deed to me” or (2) to make his head feel better. (See also: Metaphor)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may my head not refuse to accept it (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The head is a synecdoche for the person. The litotes can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “may I accept it gladly” (See also: Litotes)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my prayer is always against their wicked deeds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “wicked deeds” are a metonym for the people who do the wicked deeds. Alternate translation: “I always pray that Yahweh will stop wicked people from doing evil deeds”
Psalms 141:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their leaders will be thrown down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This could mean: (1) “Someone will throw their leaders down” or (2) “Their leaders will throw them down.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cliffs (1)ground that goes straight down a long way
Psalms 141:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our bones have been scattered (1)This could mean: (1) “people have thrown our bones around in different directions” or (2) as a result of the fall from the cliffs (141:6) “our bodies are broken and our bones lie in disorder.”
Psalms 141:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eyes are on you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eyes are a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am looking to see what you will do” or “I expect you to help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in you I take refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“I am asking you to protect me” See how “take refuge” is translated in Psalms 118:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The soul is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translation: “me”
Psalms 141:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the snares that they have laid for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of deceiving a good man so the good man will sin or so that the evil people can defeat him as if it were laying a trap for an animal. The word “snares” is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “people who are looking for ways to harm me” (See also: Metonymy)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: snares & traps (1)Bible experts disagree on the exact meanings of these words. It would be best either to translate one of them with the word for a net or cage that contains the prey and the other as a rope or vine that catches the prey by the leg or neck or to translate both with the general word for “traps.” See how these words are translated in Psalms 140:5.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the traps of evildoers (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and protect me from the traps that those who do evil have set”
Psalms 141:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let the wicked fall into their own nets (1)The psalmist speaks of evil people deceiving good people as if hunters were trapping animals. Alternate translation: “Let the wicked fall into the net traps they have made to trap other people” or “Let the bad things the wicked planned for the righteous happen to the wicked instead”
Psalms 142
Psalm 142 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 142 is a psalm of deliverance from his enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
The psalmist is alone, and has many enemies surrounding him. Despite this, Yahweh will help him. Then, good people will join the author. (See: good, right, pleasant, better, best)
Psalms 142:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A maschil (1)This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cave (1)open place under the earth large enough for people to walk around in
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I cry out for help to Yahweh & I plead for Yahweh’s favor (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
If these two lines are so much the same that the reader will get the wrong meaning, you can translate them as one line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my voice (1)“using my voice” -
Psalms 142:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pour out my lament before him & I tell him my troubles (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
If these two lines are so much the same that the reader will get the wrong meaning, you can translate them as one line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pour out my lament before him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of telling Yahweh why he is sad as if he were pouring all of a liquid out of a container. Alternate translation: “I tell him all about why I am sad”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tell him my troubles (1)Alternate translation: “tell him about everything that makes me worry”
Psalms 142:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my spirit is weak within me (1)Alternate translation: “I am weak” or “I am extremely discouraged”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you know my path (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“you know the path I should take.” The psalmist speaks as if what a person does were a path that that person walked along. Alternate translation: “you know the way I should live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the way that I walk they have hidden a trap for me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of people wanting to harm him as if they were trying to trap an animal. Alternate translation: “They are making plans so that whatever I do they can harm me”
Psalms 142:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for “me.”
Psalms 142:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called out to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a call for help. Alternate translation: “called to you now for help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my portion (1)This could mean: (1) “all I want” or (2) “all I need” or (3) “all I have.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the land of the living (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom refers to a person being alive, as opposed to a person who is dead and in the place of the dead. Alternate translation: “while I am living”
Psalms 142:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen to my call (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a call for help. See how you translated this in Psalms 5:1. Alternate translation: “Listen to me as I call to you now for help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have been brought very low (1)This could mean: (1) “I am very needy” and (2) “I am very weak.” See how “we are very low” is translated in Psalms 78:8.
Psalms 142:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bring my soul out of prison (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This is a request. The “soul” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “bring me out of prison”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give thanks to your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for the person. See how you translated this in Psalms 5:11. Alternate translation: “give thanks to you”
Psalms 143
Psalm 143 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 143 is a deliverance psalm. The author prays for deliverance from his enemies. (See: deliver, deliverer, deliverance, delivered)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s help
The author prayed for help from Yahweh against his enemies because he is God’s servant.
Psalms 143:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Hear my prayer (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “my prayer” are a metonym for the person who is praying. See how these words are translated in Psalms 39:12. Alternate translation: “Listen to me as I pray to you” or “Be willing to do what I ask you to do”
Psalms 143:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not enter into judgment (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “enter into judgment” is an idiom that means to pronounce judgment. Alternate translation: “Please do not judge” or “I beg you not to judge”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your servant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The psalmist speaks of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Alternate translation: “me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your sight no one is righteous (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment no one is righteous”
Psalms 143:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pursued my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “soul” represents the person. Alternate translation: “pursued me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has crushed me to the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Defeating an enemy is spoken of as a heavy object crushing a lighter object on the ground. Alternate translation: “has completely defeated me”
Psalms 143:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My spirit is overwhelmed within me (1)Alternate translation: “I am weak” or “I am extremely discouraged”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart despairs (1)Alternate translation: “I no longer have any hope”
Psalms 143:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: call to mind (1)Alternate translation: “think about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your accomplishments (1)Alternate translation: “all that you have accomplished” or “all the great things you have done”
Psalms 143:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spread my hands out to you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
What one does with one’s body here is a metonym for the purpose of doing so. The Israelites would commonly pray while standing with their hands raised and spread out at their sides. Alternate translation: “pray to you with my hands lifted up at my sides”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul thirsts for you in a parched land (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of wanting to be with God as if he were in a parched land and he also was about to die of thirst. Alternate translation: “I want to be with you the way a person in a parched land who is very thirsty wants water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul thirsts for you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist desires to know Yahweh. The intensity of his desire to know Yahweh is like one who is very thirsty. Alternate translation: “I long for you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The soul is a metonym for the person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: parched land (1)A land where everything has died because there is no water.
Psalms 143:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my spirit faints (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the “spirit” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am weak” or “I am very discouraged” (See also: Synecdoche)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not hide your face from me (1)This is a request. “I beg you not to hide from me” or “Please, do not hide from me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not hide your face from me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh refusing to do what the psalmist asks as if Yahweh were refusing to even look at the psalmist. This litotes can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “Do not refuse to listen to me” or “Please listen to me” (See also: Litotes)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will become like those who go down into the pit (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here the word “pit” refers to the place of the dead. This phrase is a euphemism for death. Alternate translation: “I will become just another dead person”
Psalms 143:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let me hear your covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“Cause me to hear of your covenant faithfulness” or “Tell me of your covenant faithfulness.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Let me hear of how you are faithful to your covenant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the morning (1)This could mean: (1) “in the morning,” at the time many people thought was the best time to pray, or (2) “morning by morning,” every day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Show me (1)Alternate translation: “Tell me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the way where I should walk (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of the way people live as if it were a path on which they walk. Alternate translation: “how you want me to live”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for I lift up my soul to you (1)This could mean: (1) “I pray to you” or (2) “I believe that you will guide and protect me.”
Psalms 143:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I flee to you to hide (1)This could mean: (1) “I flee to you so I can hide” and (2) “I flee to you so you will hide and protect me.”
Psalms 143:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to do your will (1)Alternate translation: “to do what you want me to do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lead me in the land of uprightness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “help me to live righteously” or (2) “may my life be free of trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the land of uprightness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor for righteous living or (2) “a level land,” a metaphor for life free of trouble.
Psalms 143:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for your name’s sake (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh’s name represents his reputation and character. Alternate translation: “because of who you are”
Psalms 143:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the enemies of my life (1)Alternate translation: “the enemies who want to take my life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In your covenant faithfulness cut off my enemies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“Show your covenant faithfulness by cutting off my enemies.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Because you are faithful to your covenant, cut off my enemies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the enemies of my life (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“the enemies of my soul.” My “life” may be understood as representing the speaker. Alternate translation: “my enemies”
Psalms 144
Psalm 144 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 144 is a worship psalm. It is the first worship psalm in a series consisting of the final seven psalms (Psalms 144–150).
Special concepts in this chapter
Safety
Psalm 144 is a prayer for safety and prosperity for the nation of Israel.
Psalms 144:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my rock (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “the one who keeps me safe” or (2) “the one who gives me strength”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “hands” and “fingers” are synecdoches for “me.” If “war” and “battle” are the same word in your language, you can translate this as one line. Alternate translation: “who trains me for war and trains me for battle” or “who trains me for war” (See also: Doublet and Ellipsis)
Psalms 144:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with anadverb. This could mean: (1) “the one who faithfully loves me” or (2) “the one who faithfully protects me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my fortress & take refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist uses many metaphors to emphasize that Yahweh will protect him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my high tower (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a fortress that protects him from attack. Yahweh is the one who protects David from harm.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my shield (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a shield that protects a soldier. Yahweh is the one who protects David from harm. See how this is translated in Psalms 18:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one in whom I take refuge (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: “the one to whom I go so he will protect me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one who subdues nations under me (1)Alternate translation: “the one who enables me to defeat other nations”
Psalms 144:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh, what is man that you take notice of him or the son of man that you think about him? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you can express them as statements. Alternate translation: “Man is so small compared to everything else you have made that I am surprised that you take notice of man and that you think about the son of man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: man & son of man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
two words for human beings.
Psalms 144:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a breath & like a passing shadow (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The writer compares humans to these thing to emphasize how short their lives are.
Psalms 144:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Cause & come down & touch & make (1)These words should probably be translated as requests, not commands, since the psalmist knows that God is greater than he is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Cause the sky to sink (1)This could mean: (1) tear the sky open or (2) bend the heavens like a tree branch bends when someone walks on it or as one bends a bow before shooting arrows.
Psalms 144:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Send & scatter & shoot & drive (1)These should probably be translated as requests, not commands, since the psalmist knows that God is greater than he is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in confusion (1)Alternate translation: “so they do not know what to think or what to do”
Psalms 144:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Reach out your hand from above; rescue me out of many waters (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
David speaks as if God were on land above a flood and had physical hands with which he could pull David out of a flood. The flood is a metaphor for the troubles caused by the “foreigners.” Alternate translation: “You who are able to act, help me overcome my troubles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of foreigners (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the power of foreigners”
Psalms 144:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their mouths speak lies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “mouths” represent the people who speak. Alternate translation: “They speak lies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their right hand is falsehood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) David speaks of the custom of raising the right hand to swear that what one is about to say in court is true, “they lie even when they swear to tell the truth,” or (2) the “right hand” is a metaphor for power, “everything they have gotten, they have gotten by telling lies.”
Psalms 144:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: new song (1)This could mean: (1) “a song no one has ever sung before” or (2) “a song I have never sung before.”
Psalms 144:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who give & kings, who rescued (1)You may end a sentence at the end of Psalms 144:9 and start a new sentence here. “you. It is you who give … kings. It is you who rescued”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: David your servant (1)David speaks of himself as if he were someone else. “me, David, your servant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from an evil sword (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
David speaks of evil people as if they were the swords they use as weapons. Alternate translation: “from evil people who were trying to kill him”
Psalms 144:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Rescue me and free me (1)Alternate translation: “Please rescue me and free me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from the hand of foreigners (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. See how you translated these words in Psalms 144:7. Alternate translation: “from the power of foreigners”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their mouths speak lies (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The people are represented by their “mouths.” See how you translated these words in Psalms 144:8. Alternate translation: “They speak lies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their right hand is falsehood (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) David speaks of the custom of raising the right hand to swear that what one is about to say in court is true, “they lie even when they swear to tell the truth,” or (2) the “right hand” is a metaphor for power, “everything they have gotten, they have gotten by telling lies.”See how you translated these words Psalms 144:8.
Psalms 144:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like plants who grow to full size (1)healthy and strong
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their youth (1)the time when people develop
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: our daughters like carved corner pillars (1)Alternate translation: “may our daughters be like carved corner pillars”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: carved corner pillars (1)Alternate translation: “beautiful posts that hold up the corners of a large house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pillars, shapely like those of a palace (1)Alternate translation: “pillars that are carved to make a palace beautiful”
Psalms 144:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thousands and ten thousands in our fields (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“thousands—even tens of thousands!—and fill up our fields”
Psalms 144:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No one will break through our walls (1)Alternate translation: “No one will be able to invade our city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no outcry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the outcry is associated with a severe problem that causes the person to cry out. Alternate translation: “no one crying in pain” or “no one crying for help” or “no one calling out for justice”
Psalms 145
Psalm 145 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 145 is a worship psalm. This is the second in a series of worship psalms consisting of the final seven psalms (Psalms 144–150).
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
God is worthy of all praise. This is in part because he does such wonderful things for all who worship him.
Psalms 145:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: extol you (1)Alternate translation: “tell people how wonderful you are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bless your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. See how “may his glorious name be blessed” is translated in Psalms 72:19. Alternate translation: “bless you” or “do what makes you happy”
Psalms 145:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise your name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “praise you” or “tell people how great you are”
Psalms 145:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your mighty actions (1)Alternate translation: “the things you can do because you are strong”
Psalms 145:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: declare your abounding goodness (1)Alternate translation: “tell others how very good you are”
Psalms 145:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: abounding in covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of covenant faithfulness as if it were a physical object of which one could possess a large amount. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “completely faithful to his covenant” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 145:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his tender mercies are over all his works (1)Alternate translation: “people can see him showing mercy in everything he does”
Psalms 145:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All you have made will give thanks (1)Alternate translation: “All the people you have made will give thanks” or “It will be as if everything you have made will give you thanks”
Psalms 145:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: endures throughout all generations (1)Alternate translation: “remains forever”
Psalms 145:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: supports all who are falling & raises up all those who are bent over (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh encouraging people as if he were helping people who were physically weak. You may need to translate both lines using only one line. AT “encourages those who are discouraged”
Psalms 145:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The eyes of all wait (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “eyes” represents those who watch and wait for Yahweh to act. Alternate translation: “Everyone watches and waits”
Psalms 145:16
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Quote: You open your hand (1)Alternate translation: “You generously provide”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: satisfy the desire of every living thing (1)Alternate translation: “you give everyone more than they need and as much as they want”
Psalms 145:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh is righteous in all his ways (1)Alternate translation: “People can see from everything that Yahweh does that he is righteous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: faithful in all he does (1)Alternate translation: “and he is gracious in all he does” or “people can see from everything that Yahweh does that he is gracious”
Psalms 145:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is near to all those who call to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “is near” means “ready to help.” Alternate translation: “is always ready to help all those who call to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to all who call to him in trustworthiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to all who tell only the truth when they pray” or “to all whom he trusts when they pray”
Psalms 145:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My mouth will speak (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the words “My mouth” represent the one speaking. Alternate translation: “I will speak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will speak out the praise of Yahweh (1)Alternate translation: “tell everyone how good Yahweh is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let all mankind bless his holy name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. See how “may his glorious name be blessed” is translated in Psalms 72:19. Alternate translation: “let all people bless him” or “let all people do what makes him happy”
Psalms 146
Psalm 146 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 146 is a worship psalm. It is the third in series of seven worship psalms. (Psalms 144–150)
Special concepts in this chapter
Trust
Trusting people for protection is useless because they die. But God blesses everyone who trusts in him. He provides everything people need. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and save, saved, safe, salvation and bless, blessed, blessing)
Psalms 146:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise Yahweh, my soul (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “soul” represents the writer’s inner being. The writer is commanding his inner being to praise Yahweh. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will praise Yahweh with all my soul” or “I give praise to Yahweh with all my life”
Psalms 146:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all my life (1)Alternate translation: “until I die” or “while I live”
Psalms 146:3
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Quote: in princes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “princes” represents all human leaders.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in mankind, in whom there is no salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “save.” Alternate translation: “in any person because they cannot save you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in mankind (1)Alternate translation: “in humankind” or “in people”
Psalms 146:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When a person’s life’s breath stops (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to refer to someone dying. Alternate translation: When a person dies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he returns to the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that just as God made the first human, Adam, from the soil, so will a person’s body decay and become soil again when he dies.
Psalms 146:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh made heaven and earth (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The words “heaven” and “earth” represent everything that exists in the physical universe.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: observes trustworthiness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trustworthiness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “remains trustworthy” or “remains faithful”
Psalms 146:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He executes justice (1)Alternate translation: “He decides matters fairly”
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Quote: for the oppressed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “for oppressed people” or “for those whom other people oppress”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the hungry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “to hungry people” or “to those who are hungry”
Psalms 146:8
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Quote: opens the eyes of the blind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Causing a blind person to see is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening the person’s eyes. Alternate translation: “causes the blind to see”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the blind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This nominal adjective can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “blind people” or “those who are blind”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh helping someone is spoken of as if he were physically helping someone to stand up. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helps those who are discouraged” or “Yahweh helps those who are weak”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who are bowed down (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This action is a sign of distress or mourning.
Psalms 146:9
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Quote: he lifts up (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God helping someone is spoken of as if he were physically lifting them up.
Psalms 146:10
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Quote: your God, Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “Zion” represents all the people of Israel. The writer is speaking to the people of Israel as if they were there listening to him. Alternate translation: “your God, people of Israel” (See also: Apostrophe)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for all generations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “will reign” are understood. Alternate translation: “will reign for all generations” or “will reign forever”
Psalms 147
Psalm 147 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 147 is a worship psalm. It is the fourth in a series of seven worship psalms. (Psalms 144–150)
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s control
Yahweh has created everything and controls all of nature. He provides for the animals and people.
Psalms 147:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is pleasant (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The object may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “it is pleasant to sing praises”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise is suitable (1)Alternate translation: “praise is fitting” or “praise is appropriate”
Psalms 147:3
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Quote: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the people’s sorrow and discouragement as if they were physical wounds, and of Yahweh encouraging them as if he were healing those wounds. Alternate translation: “He encourages those who are sad and helps them to heal from their emotional wounds”
Psalms 147:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his understanding cannot be measured (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one can measure his understanding” or “his understanding has no limit”
Psalms 147:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Yahweh lifts up the oppressed (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh honoring those who are oppressed as if Yahweh were lifting them up from the ground. Alternate translation: “Yahweh honors the oppressed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he brings the wicked down to the ground (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh humiliating the wicked as if Yahweh were forcing them to lie on the ground. Alternate translation: “he humiliates the wicked”
Psalms 147:7
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Quote: with a harp (1)Alternate translation: “while playing a harp”
Psalms 147:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the young ravens when they cry (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verbal phrase can be supplied from the previous line. Alternate translation: “he gives food to the young ravens when they cry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when they cry (1)Alternate translation: “whey they chirp” or “when they call”
Psalms 147:10
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Quote: He finds no delight in the strength of a horse (1)Alternate translation: “Strong horses do not delight him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the strong legs of a man (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “strong legs” is a metonym that represents how swiftly a man can run. Alternate translation: “men who can run swiftly” or (2) “strong legs” represents the strength of the whole man. Alternate translation: “how strong a man is” (See also: Synecdoche)
Psalms 147:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who hope in his covenant faithfulness (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with and adjective. Alternate translation: “who trust him because he is faithful to his covenant”
Psalms 147:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Jerusalem & Zion (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks to Jerusalem, which he also calls Zion, as if it were a person. The names of the city are metonyms for the people who live in it. Alternate translation: “people of Jerusalem … people of Zion” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 147:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he strengthens the bars of your gates (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “the bars of your gates” represent the city as a whole. Yahweh will make Jerusalem secure from enemy invasion. Alternate translation: “For he protects Jerusalem”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he blesses & among you (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of those who live in Jerusalem as if they were Jerusalem’s children. Alternate translation: “he blesses those who live in Jerusalem”
Psalms 147:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He brings prosperity (1)“He brings peace.” This could mean: (1) Yahweh causes the people who live in Jerusalem to prosper materially and financially or (2) the word translated as “prosperity” means “peace” and Yahweh keeps Jerusalem safe from enemy attack.
Psalms 147:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his command runs very swiftly (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer describes God’s command as if it were a messenger that moves quickly to deliver God’s message.
Psalms 147:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He makes the snow like wool, he scatters the frost like ashes (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These emphasize how easy it is for him to do these things. He covers the ground with snow as easily as a person covers something with a wool blanket. And, he removes the frost as easily as the wind blows ashes.
Psalms 147:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He dispenses the hail like crumbs (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh scatters hail as easily as a person would scatter bread crumbs. Alternate translation: “He dispenses the hail easily, as if it were crumbs”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He dispenses (1)Alternate translation: “He sends”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hail (1)small pieces of ice that fall from the sky like rain
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who can withstand the cold he sends? (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses this question to emphasize that it is difficult to endure the cold weather that Yahweh causes. Alternate translation: “no one can live in the cold he sends.”
Psalms 147:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He sends out his command and melts them (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s command as if it were his messenger. The word “command” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “He commands the ice to melt” (See also: Abstract Nouns)
Psalms 147:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his righteous decrees to Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh gave his law only to Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his statutes and his righteous decrees to Israel (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verbal phrase can be supplied from the previous line. Alternate translation: “He proclaimed his statutes and his righteous decrees to Israel”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his statutes and his righteous decrees (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “statutes” and “righteous decrees,” along with “word” in the previous line, all refer to the law of Moses. If your language does not have different words for these terms, you may combine the two lines into one, using either “Jacob” or “Israel” for the people who received them.
Psalms 147:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they do not know them (1)The other nations do not know Yahweh’s decrees.
Psalms 148
Psalm 148 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 148 is a worship psalm. It is the fifth in a series of seven worship psalms. (Psalms 144–150)
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
All creation, including humans, should praise God for his greatness.
Psalms 148:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise Yahweh, you in the heavens & you in the heights (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
“Praise Yahweh, you in the heavens … you in the sky.” These two lines are parallel, with phrase “the heights” meaning the same thing as “the heavens” in the previous line.
Psalms 148:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise him, sun and moon (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks to the sun and moon as if they were people and commands them to praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh, sun and moon, as people do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise him, all you shining stars (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks to the shining stars as if they were people and commands them to praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh, shining stars, as people do”
Psalms 148:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise him, highest heaven (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The phrase “highest heaven” is an idiom that refers to heaven itself. The writer speaks to heaven as if it were a person and commands it to praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh, highest heaven, as people do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you waters that are above the sky (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks to “the waters that are above the sky” as if they are people and commands them to praise Yahweh. The verbal phrase can be supplied from the previous line. Alternate translation: “praise him, you waters that are above the sky, as people do” (See also: Ellipsis)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: waters that are above the sky (1)The writer speaks of a place above the sky where water is stored and from which the rain comes.
Psalms 148:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let them praise the name of Yahweh (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Let them praise Yahweh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they were created (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he created them”
Psalms 148:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he issued a decree that will never change (1)This could mean: (1) “he gave a command that is permanent” or (2) “he gave a command that they will not disobey.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he issued (1)Alternate translation: “he gave”
Psalms 148:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all ocean depths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase represents every creature that lives in the depths of the oceans. Alternate translation: “all creatures in the ocean depths”
Psalms 148:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fire and hail, snow and clouds, stormy wind (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The writer speaks to these natural phenomena as if they are people and commands them to praise Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stormy wind fulfilling his word (1)Alternate translation: “stormy wind that does what Yahweh commands”
Psalms 148:9
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe writer continues to speak to things that are not human as if they were people and commands them to praise Yahweh.
Psalms 148:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: animals wild and tame (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The words “wild” and “tame” are opposites. Together they encompass all animals. Alternate translation: “all animals”
Psalms 148:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The writer commands all people to praise Yahweh.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “nations” represents the people who live in those nations. Alternate translation: “people of every nation”
Psalms 148:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: young men and young women, elderly and children (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The writer uses two merisms, one related to gender and one related to age, to represent every person.
Psalms 148:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the name of Yahweh, for his name alone (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, for he alone”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his glory extends over the earth and the heavens (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh’s greatness as his glory being high above earth and heaven.
Psalms 148:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has lifted up the horn of his people (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of strength as if it were the horn of an animal. Lifting up an animal horn was a symbolic action that represented military victory. Alternate translation: “He has made his people strong” or “He has given his people victory” (See also: Symbolic Action)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for praise from all his faithful ones (1)Alternate translation: “so that all his faithful ones praise him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the people near to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of Yahweh loving his people as if his people were physically close to him. Alternate translation: “the people he loves”
Psalms 149
Psalm 149 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 149 is a worship psalm. It is the sixth in a series of seven worship psalms. (Psalms 144–150)
Special concepts in this chapter
Praise
The people of Israel should praise God and conquer the other nations.
Psalms 149:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
General Information:
The psalmist is speaking to all of God’s people, so you should use the plural command form if your language has one. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Poetry and Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a new song (1)This could mean: (1) “a song you have never sung before” or (2) a song no one has ever sung before.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sing his praise (1)Alternate translation: “praise him with songs”
Psalms 149:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice in the one who made them (1)This could mean: (1) “rejoice because he made them” or (2) “rejoice because the one who made them is good.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rejoice in their king (1)The words “their king” is likely a reference to God. This could mean: (1) “rejoice because he is their king” or (2) “rejoice because their king is good.”
Psalms 149:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: praise his name (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “name” is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “praise him” or “tell people how great he is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tambourine (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken
Psalms 149:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: glorifies the humble with salvation (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “glorifies the humble by saving them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the humble (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This can be restated to remove the nominal adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are humble”
Psalms 149:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on their beds (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The translation can make explicit that this refers to when a person lies down at night to sleep in a bed. Alternate translation: “as they lie down to sleep at night”
Psalms 149:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May the praises of God be in their mouths (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The mouth represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “May they always be ready to praise God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a two-edged sword in their hand (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
If swords are not known, use the name of a local weapon. The word “sword” is a metonym for being ready to fight in war. Alternate translation: “may they always be ready to go to war for him” (See also: Metonymy)
Psalms 149:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the nations (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “the nations” is a metonym for the people who live in the nations. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations”
Psalms 149:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chains (1)These are made of heavy metal and restrict the movement of prisoners.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shackles (1)a pair of chains or bands with a chain between that limits the movement of both a person’s hands or feet.
Psalms 149:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They will execute the judgment that is written (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “They will judge and punish the people of those nations as God wrote should be done”
Psalms 150
Psalm 150 General Notes
Type of psalm
Psalm 150 is a worship psalm. It is last in a series of worship psalms. (Psalms 144–150)
Special concepts in this chapter
Instruments
People should praise Yahweh with every type of musical instrument.
Psalms 150:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
This focuses on praise or worship that is most commonly held in the temple. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Praise God in his holy place (1)God’s temple was often referred to as his holy place. This was the most common place to go to worship God.
Psalms 150:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his mighty acts (1)“the great things he has done.” God’s mighty acts could mean: (1) natural such as thunderstorms and earthquakes or (2) miraculous such as healings and great victories in battle.
Psalms 150:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This chunk focuses on praising or worshiping God with musical instruments and dance.
Psalms 150:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tambourines (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A tambourine is a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken.
Psalms 150:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cymbals (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
Psalms 150:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: General Information: (1)General Information:
This verse is more than the end of this psalm. It is the closing statement for all of Book 5 of the Psalms, which starts at Psalm 107 and ends with Psalm 150.
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Quote: everything that has breath (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is an exaggeration that calls on all people who are alive to praise God.
Psalms 1
Psalms 1:4
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Quote: he who protects you (1)God
Psalms 42
Psalms 42:11
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. See how you translated this in Psalms 42:5. Alternate translation: “discouraged”
Psalms 42:10
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionThe writer’s enemies use this question to mock him and to express that they do not see God helping him. Alternate translation: “Your God is not here to help you”
Psalms 42:9
To “go mourning” is to perform customs related to being very sad.
Psalms 1
Psalms 1:4
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Quote: General Information: (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
General Information:
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See also: Parallelism)
Psalms 7
Psalms 7:5
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Quote: overtake me (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents capturing him. Alternate translation: “capture me”
Psalms 73
Psalms 73:24
You guide me with your counsel
Quote: בַּעֲצָתְךָ֥ תַנְחֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of counsel, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase and/or adjective or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You guide me by teaching me instructive things” or “you guide me by teaching me”
and afterward you will take me {to} glory
Quote: וְ֝אַחַ֗ר כָּב֥וֹד תִּקָּחֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the term glory could refer to: (1) God’s presence. (Here, God’s presence could refer to an experience of God’s glory in this life or an experience of God’s glory after death the psalmist dies.) Alternate translation: “and afterward you will take me into your glorious presence” or “and after I die you will take me into your presence” (2) the glory or “honor” that God would give the psalmist (receive him with) because he had remained faithful and lived a righteous life. (The psalmist could be saying that God would receive him with honor in this life or receive him with honor after he died.) Alternate translation: “and afterward you will receive me with honor” or “and when I die you will receive me with honor” or “and at the end of my life you will receive me and honor me”
and afterward you will take me {to} glory
Quote: וְ֝אַחַ֗ר כָּב֥וֹד תִּקָּחֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea with a verbal phrase or an adjective or in some other way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation (If you chose option 1 above): “and afterward you will take me into your glorious presence” Alternate translation (If you chose option 1 above): “and afterward you will will honor me when you receive me”
Psalms 74
Psalms 74:11
Take it} from within the fold {of your garment and} destroy {them
Quote: מִקֶּ֖רֶב חֵֽיקְךָ֣ כַלֵּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The author is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context as modeled by the ULT.