Psalm 133/Notes/Grammar.v. 1.185334

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v. 1c – The function of גַּם is not immediately clear. None of the ancient versions (or modern versions consulted) contain a direct gloss of the lexeme,[1] while van der Merwe's study of גַּם considers it "problematic" (2009, 329) and "impossible to explain in terms of [his] current model" (2009, 329, n. 44). Nevertheless, גַּם is often employed as a focus particle, preceding an individual sentence constituent, as here. The two common functions of גַּם as a focus particle are additive (≈ "also") and scalar (≈ "even"). The latter seems most probable in the present case, and implies that brothers (probably referring to Israel and Judah as a whole; see story behind) dwelling in the land is a good thing in itself—not only dwelling in the land YHWH had promised them, but even together, under a united monarchy,[2] manifested in the entire nation assembling in Jerusalem to worship.

  1. Save some manuscripts of TgPs, which contain "also" (see CAL: https://cal.huc.edu/getlex.php?coord=81002133001&word=16).
  2. So Saadia: יעני בקולה שבת אחים ג׳מע ישראל פי וקת אלמלך "Its meaning when it says 'brothers dwelling' includes Israel in the time of the monarchy."