Psalm 36

"YHWH's Unending Loyalty"

Purpose: To assure YHWH's people that his loyalty is precious and unending.

Content: Rebellion leads the wicked person to increasing evil (vv. 2-5), but YHWH's loyalty to his people is unaffected (vv. 6-10). That's why YHWH continues his loyalty to his people by protecting them from evil(doers) (vv. 11-13).

Message: YHWH's loyalty triumphs over evil.

Author: David

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Overview

Translation

Click 'Expand' to the right to see our Close-but-Clear translation of Psalm 36.

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1. For the director. By the servant of YHWH — by David.

2. Rebellion’s declaration [speaks] to the wicked in the midst of his heart.

There is no fear of God before his eyes.

3. For [Rebellion] has flattered him in his eyes,

that he has found his iniquity and hated it.

4. The words of his mouth are evil and deceit.

He has ceased to act wisely and to do good.

5. He plots evil on his bed.

He remains beside every way that is not good.

He does not refuse evil.

6. YHWH, your loyalty is in the sky;

your faithfulness [extends] up to the clouds.

7. Your justice is like the mighty mountains;

your judgment is [like] the great ocean.

You deliver humans and animals, YHWH.

8. How precious is your loyalty, God!

Mortals take refuge within the protection of your wings.

9. They drink to the full from the abundance of your house

and you give them drink from your delightful stream,

10. because the spring of life is with you.

By your light we can see light.

11. Continue your loyalty for those who know you;

and [continue] your righteousness for the upright in heart!

12. Do not let the foot of the arrogant come against me;

and do not let the hand of the wicked drive me away!

13. There evildoers have fallen.

They have been thrust down and have not been able to stand up.

The Close-but-clear translation (CBC) exists to provide a window into the Hebrew text according to how we understand its syntax and word-to-phrase-level semantics. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone translation or base text, but as a supplement to Layer-by-Layer materials to help users make full use of these resources.

For links to other translations of Psalm 36, click here.

Verse-by-Verse

Click the link to view all of Psalm 36 Verse-by-Verse, or click on an individual verse below.

• v. 1
• v. 2
• v. 3
• v. 4
• v. 5
• v. 6
• v. 7
• v. 8
• v. 9
• v. 10
• v. 11
• v. 12
• v. 13

Layer-by-Layer

Psalm Overview

• Grammar
• Semantics
• Story behind the Psalm
• Discourse
• Poetics

Exegetical Issues

• The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Ps. 36:2a
• The Syntax and Meaning of Ps. 36:3
• The Division of Ps. 36:8

Guardian: Hunter Bullock