Psalm 111/Diagrams
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
V. 1
Macula
הַ֥לְלוּ יָ֨הּ׀אוֹדֶ֣ה יְ֭הוָה בְּכָל־לֵבָ֑ב בְּס֖וֹד יְשָׁרִ֣ים וְעֵדָֽה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַלְלוּ praise
Object
noun: יָהּ Yah
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אוֹדֶה I will praise <width="element">
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="whole-heartedly" x="-300" y="30">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
noun: לֵבָב heart
quantifier: כָל whole
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in the council of upright people, in the congregation" x="-500" y="-60">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: סוֹד council
Nominal
adjective: יְשָׁרִים upright
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Object
noun: עֵדָה congregation
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַלְלוּ praise
Object
noun: יָהּ Yah
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אוֹדֶה I will praise <width="element">
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="whole-heartedly" x="-300" y="30">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
noun: לֵבָב heart
quantifier: כָל whole
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in the council of upright people, in the congregation" x="-500" y="-60">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: סוֹד council
Nominal
adjective: יְשָׁרִים upright
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Object
noun: עֵדָה congregation
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-1-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 1
- Is הַלְלוּ יָהּ a clause ("praise Yah") or a single-word exclamation ("Hallelujah!")? In the MT, הַלְלוּ יָהּ is treated as two words; sometimes הַלְלוּ and יָהּ are joined by maqqef, and, when they are not, each word receives its own accent (e.g., Ps. 111:1 - הַ֥לְלוּ יָ֨הּ ׀). The division of הַלְלוּ יָהּ into two words suggests (though it does not require) that the words are understood as a clause: "praise Yah." By contrast, the LXX does not translate הַלְלוּ יָהּ as a clause, but rather transliterates הַלְלוּ יָהּ as an exclamation: Αλληλουια (cf. Revelation 19: Αλληλουια; Jerome: Alleluia; Targum: הללויה; so HALOT). In the DSS, הללו יה is sometimes written as two words (e.g., 4QPsf Apostrophe to Judah) and sometimes as one (e.g., 4QPsd, 4QPse), though sometimes it is difficult to tell. In the Babylonian manuscript EC1 (Ps. 106:48), הללויה is written clearly as a single word.
- If הללויה was added by the final editors of the psalter not too long before the LXX was translated,[1] then it should probably be interpreted as the LXX understood it: as a single-word exclamation.
- The preposition בְּ, although prefixed to סוד, governs סוד and עדה (cf. LXX: ἐν βουλῇ εὐθείων καὶ συναγωγῇ).[2]
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 1
- הלל vs אודה
- hallel – "action by which humans or divine beings express their appreciation, admiration, respect, and/or gratitude to (other) humans or deities about who they are and what they do" (SDBH).
- hodeh – "action by which humans openly express recognition of what someone else has done or achieved" (SDBH).
- The two words are synonyms and, in some late texts, they sometimes function together as a hendiadys (e.g., 1 Chron. 23:30; 25:3; Ezra 3:11; Neh. 12:24).[3] According to Alexander, "the basic difference between this verb [ידה] and its synonym הלל is that the latter term tends to stress 'acclaim of,' 'boasting of,' or 'glorying in' an object, while ידה emphasizes 'recognition' and 'declaration' of a fact, whether good or bad."[4]
- According to Allen, the verb ידה "primarily refers to an acknowledgement. ... Usually the acknowledgement is one of praising God; less often it is one of sin. The praise may be of a general type, but it tends to be specific, the giving of thanks for resolution of a recent crisis."[5] SDBH glosses אודה here as "praise" (so KJV, cf. ELB, GNB, ZÜR [preisen]). Many translations have "thank" (NLT, CEV, GNT) or "give thanks" (ESV, NET; cf. LUT, HFA, NGÜ [danken]).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 1
- The phrase בְּסוֹד יְשָׁרִים וְעֵדָֽה is epexegetical. The council of the upright (סוֹד יְשָׁרִים) and the עֵדָה (congregation = עדת ישרים) are probably co-referential.[6]
- The adverbial whole-heartedly translates a Hebrew prepositional phrase (בְּכָל־לֵבָב). The phrase does not indicate instrument ("with all my heart") but mode ("with all my heart">>"wholeheartedly").[7] The phrase here might hint at the commandment to love YHWH with 'your whole heart' (בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ֥) (Deut 6:5).
- The preposition in, although prefixed to 'council' (סוד), governs 'council' and 'congregation' (עדה).[8]
- The council of upright people (סוֹד יְשָׁרִים) and the congregation (עֵדָה) are probably co-referential.[9]
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 1
- The verb I will praise is cohortative, which means that the psalmist is expressing his desire and intention to praise YHWH.[10]
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 2
Macula
גְּ֭דֹלִים מַעֲשֵׂ֣י יְהוָ֑ה דְּ֝רוּשִׁ֗ים לְכָל־חֶפְצֵיהֶֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: מַעֲשֵׂי deeds
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
adjective: גְּדֹלִים great
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: מַעֲשֵׂי <status="elided">
noun: יְהוָה <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
verb-participle: דְּרוּשִׁים studied
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ by
Object
quantifier: כָל all
ConstructChain
Nominal
verb-participle: חֶפְצֵי those who delight in
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
quantifier: כָל all
ConstructChain
noun: חֶפְצֵי delights
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: מַעֲשֵׂי deeds
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
adjective: גְּדֹלִים great
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: מַעֲשֵׂי <status="elided">
noun: יְהוָה <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
verb-participle: דְּרוּשִׁים studied
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ by
Object
quantifier: כָל all
ConstructChain
Nominal
verb-participle: חֶפְצֵי those who delight in
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
quantifier: כָל all
ConstructChain
noun: חֶפְצֵי delights
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-2-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 2
- The word חֶפְצֵיהֶם may be the plural from the noun חֵפֶץ (so LXX [τὰ θελήματα αὐτοῦ] and Jerome [voluntatibus suis]) or a plural participle/adjective of חָפֵץ (so Peshitta [ܠܟܠ ܕܨܒܝܢ ܒܗܘܢ], Targum [לכל דצביין להון]; cf. Radak [וחפציהם. תואר מן חפץ חפצים]). The parallel in v. 10 (לכל־עשׂיהם) supports reading חֶפְצֵיהֶם as a participle,[11] as does the fact that a lamed prepositional phrase sometimes indicates the agent of a passive participle (e.g., ברוך ליהוה).[12] We might have expected the plural participle to be vocalized חֲפֵצִים > חֲפֵצֵהֶם (e.g., חֲפֵצֵי in Pss. 35:27; 40:15), but the heavy 3mp suffix might explain the vowel reduction.[13] In any case, the form is analogous to כָּל־שִׂמְחֵי־לֵֽב in Is. 24:7 (cf. שְׂמֵחֵי רָעָתִי in Ps. 35:26).[14]
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 2
- The verb דרשׁ refers here to an "action by which humans or deities make an intensive effort to obtain in-depth information about a certain object or event."[15] The object of study מעשי יהוה might refer to YHWH's deeds recorded in Scripture.[16] Hence, the gloss "studied" (ESV) is appropriate here (so SDBH, HALOT, DCH).
- SDBH glosses חָפֵץ as "wishing", but this does not seem to fit the context very well ("those who wish for them"?). A better gloss would be "desire" (NET) or "delight" (NIV, NLT, ESV) (so HALOT).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 2
- Some scholars and translators have claimed that studied here should actually be rendered 'to be studied.'[17] Even if we admit the possibility of a qal passive participle having future/gerundive-like semantics ('to be studied'), in this particular context, it makes better sense to read the participle as 'studied.' The fact that YHWH's worked are studied by people (v. 2b) is evidence of their greatness (v. 2a).
Textual Notes
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V. 3
Macula
הוֹד־וְהָדָ֥ר פָּֽעֳל֑וֹ וְ֝צִדְקָת֗וֹ עֹמֶ֥דֶת לָעַֽד׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [V. 3]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his work" x="0" y="-50">
noun: פָּעֳל work
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: הוֹד glory >> glorious
conjunction: וְ and
noun: הָדָר majesty >> majestic
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his righteousness">
noun: צִדְקָת righteousness
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb-participle: עֹמֶדֶת stands
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: עַד forever
DiscourseUnit [V. 3]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his work" x="0" y="-50">
noun: פָּעֳל work
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: הוֹד glory >> glorious
conjunction: וְ and
noun: הָדָר majesty >> majestic
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his righteousness">
noun: צִדְקָת righteousness
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb-participle: עֹמֶדֶת stands
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: עַד forever
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-3-None }}
Grammar Notes
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 3
- פעל seems to be a collective noun: "his work" (ESV, NET) >> "everything he does" (NLT; cf. GNT, CEV, CSB, LUT, HFA, NGÜ). Cf. Deut. 32:4—הַצּוּר תָּמִים פָּעֳלֹו
- The nouns glory (הוׂד) and majesty (הָדָר) might be translated "glorious and majestic."[18] For the pair הֹוד וְהָדָר, see also Pss. 21:6; 45:4; 96:6 // 1 Chron 16:27; 104:1; Job 40:10. These are the qualities of a king.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 3
- The participle עֹמֶדֶת functions as the main predication of the clause with present/timeless semantics: endures.[19]
Textual Notes
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V. 4
Macula
זֵ֣כֶר עָ֭שָׂה לְנִפְלְאֹתָ֑יו חַנּ֖וּן וְרַח֣וּם יְהוָֽה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate <gloss="he has caused his wonderful acts to be remembered">
verb: עָשָׂה he made
Object
noun: זֵכֶר remembrance
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="of his wonderful acts" x="-200" y="-20">
Preposition
preposition: לְ of
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
verb-participle: נִפְלְאֹתָי wonderful (acts)
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
adjective: חַנּוּן merciful
conjunction: וְ and
adjective: רַחוּם compassionate
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate <gloss="he has caused his wonderful acts to be remembered">
verb: עָשָׂה he made
Object
noun: זֵכֶר remembrance
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="of his wonderful acts" x="-200" y="-20">
Preposition
preposition: לְ of
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
verb-participle: נִפְלְאֹתָי wonderful (acts)
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
adjective: חַנּוּן merciful
conjunction: וְ and
adjective: רַחוּם compassionate
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-4-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 4
- The prepositional phrase לְנִפְלְאֹתָיו modifies זֵכֶר. So LXX: μνείαν ἐποιήσατο τῶν θαυμασίων αὐτοῦ; Jerome: memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum. The thing "remembered" (stimulus) is sometimes indicated by a lamed PP: Jer 31:34 (וּלְחַטָּאתָם לֹא אֶזְכָּר־עֹוד); 2 Chron. 6:42 (זָכְרָה לְחַֽסְדֵי דָּוִיד).[20]
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 4
- "He has caused his wonders to be remembered" (NIV, cf. ESV, NLT; so HALOT) >> "the Lord God is famous for his wonderful deeds" (CEV).
- The phrase merciful and compassionate (חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם; cf. Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Pss. 111:4; 112:4; 145:8; Neh. 9:17, 31; 2 Chron. 30:9) or, in the opposite order, רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן (Ex. 34:6; Pss. 86:15; 103:8) occurs frequently in the OT, and the two words occur far more often together than they do apart.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 4
- The past tense verb has caused (עָשָׂה) is probably best rendered in English with a present perfect ('he has caused', e.g., NIV, ESV), since the remembrance of YHWH's wonderful acts continues up to the time of speech.
Textual Notes
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V. 5
Macula
טֶ֭רֶף נָתַ֣ן לִֽירֵאָ֑יו יִזְכֹּ֖ר לְעוֹלָ֣ם בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: נָתַן he gave <width="element">
Object
noun: טֶרֶף food
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who feared
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִזְכֹּר he will remember
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant" x="20" y="-10">
noun: בְּרִית covenant
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
noun: עוֹלָם forever
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: נָתַן he gave <width="element">
Object
noun: טֶרֶף food
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who feared
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִזְכֹּר he will remember
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant" x="20" y="-10">
noun: בְּרִית covenant
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
noun: עוֹלָם forever
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-5-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 5
- The noun טֶרֶף sometimes refers to "prey" (cf. Symmachus: θήρα), but here it refers generally to "food" (so English translations "food"; cf. LXX τροφή; Targum מזונא; Peshitta ܡܐܟܘܠܬܐ; so SDBH, HALOT, DCH, BDB (who claims that this meaning is late).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 5
- Several modern translations render נתן with a present/timeless verb: "he gives/provides food".[21] The qatal form, however, is more likely past perfective: he gave.[22]
- The past-perfective qatal clause in v. 6a ('he gave') is followed by a future yiqtol clause in v. 6b: he will remember his covenant forever.[23] The provision of food in the wilderness (v. 6a) was one historical expression of YHWH's covenant remembrance. The 'covenant' referred to here is probably the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.[24]
Textual Notes
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V. 6
Macula
כֹּ֣חַ מַ֭עֲשָׂיו הִגִּ֣יד לְעַמּ֑וֹ לָתֵ֥ת לָ֝הֶ֗ם נַחֲלַ֥ת גּוֹיִֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הִגִּיד he showed <width="element">
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="the power of his deeds" x="-50" y="-40">
noun: כֹּחַ power
noun: מַעֲשָׂי deeds
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his people">
noun: עַמּ people
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="by giving them nations as an inheritance" x="-500" y="0">
Preposition
preposition: לָ <height="270">
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: תֵת give
Object
ConstructChain
noun: נַחֲלַת inheritance
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ to
Object
pronoun: הֶם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הִגִּיד he showed <width="element">
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="the power of his deeds" x="-50" y="-40">
noun: כֹּחַ power
noun: מַעֲשָׂי deeds
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his people">
noun: עַמּ people
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="by giving them nations as an inheritance" x="-500" y="0">
Preposition
preposition: לָ <height="270">
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: תֵת give
Object
ConstructChain
noun: נַחֲלַת inheritance
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ to
Object
pronoun: הֶם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-6-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 6
- The verb הַגִיד ("show" [NIV, NLT, ESV, GNT, CEV]; "announce" [NET; cf. LXX: ἀνήγγειλεν; Jerome: adnuntiabit]) usually refers to a "causative action by which humans pass on information to others, usually by word of mouth."[25] In Late Biblical Hebrew, however, the word came to refer also to non-verbal communication ("show" or "demonstrate").[26]
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 6
- For a detailed discussion of the main exegetical issues in this verse, see The Syntax and Meaning of Psalm 111:6. In short, the word הִגִּיד, although it usually refers to an act of verbal communication,[27] probably refers here to a non-verbal demonstration: he showed.[28] The following lamed prepositional phrase in v. 6b probably specifies the way in which YHWH demonstrated the strength of his works: by giving them nations as an inheritance.
- The construct chain (נַחֲלַת גּוֹיִם, 'inheritance of nations') probably refers to an inheritance consisting of nations, rather than an inheritance which belongs to the nations.[29].
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
Vv. 7-8
Macula
מַעֲשֵׂ֣י יָ֭דָיו אֱמֶ֣ת וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט נֶ֝אֱמָנִ֗ים כָּל־פִּקּוּדָֽיו׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [vv. 7-8]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the deeds of his hands" x="-100" y="75">
noun: מַעֲשֵׂי deeds
noun: יָדָי hands
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness >> faithful
conjunction: וּ and
noun: מִשְׁפָּט justice >> just
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="all his commandments">
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
noun: פִּקּוּדָי commandments
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
verb-participle: נֶאֱמָנִים enduring
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all <status="elided">
noun: פִּקּוּדָי commandments <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: ו him <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
verb-participle: סְמוּכִים established
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: עַד forever
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
noun: עוֹלָם forever
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all <status="elided">
noun: פִּקּוּדָי commandments <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: ו him <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
verb-participle: עֲשׂוּיִם practiced
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בֶּ in
Object
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
conjunction: וְ and
Nominal
adjective: יָשָׁר upright >> uprightness
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בֶּ in
Object
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
conjunction: וָ and
noun: ישֶׁר uprightness <status="revocalisation">
DiscourseUnit [vv. 7-8]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the deeds of his hands" x="-100" y="75">
noun: מַעֲשֵׂי deeds
noun: יָדָי hands
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness >> faithful
conjunction: וּ and
noun: מִשְׁפָּט justice >> just
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="all his commandments">
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
noun: פִּקּוּדָי commandments
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
verb-participle: נֶאֱמָנִים enduring
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all <status="elided">
noun: פִּקּוּדָי commandments <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: ו him <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
verb-participle: סְמוּכִים established
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: עַד forever
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
noun: עוֹלָם forever
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all <status="elided">
noun: פִּקּוּדָי commandments <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: ו him <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
verb-participle: עֲשׂוּיִם practiced
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בֶּ in
Object
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
conjunction: וְ and
Nominal
adjective: יָשָׁר upright >> uprightness
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בֶּ in
Object
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
conjunction: וָ and
noun: ישֶׁר uprightness <status="revocalisation">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=Vv-7-8-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for Vv. 7-8
- The word יָשָׁר in v. 8 is, in every other instance, an adjective. But it is difficult to read it as an adjective in this context. There are at least two possible interpretations of יָשָׁר as an adjective in this context.
- Some read יָשָׁר as predicate adjective: "[they are] done in faithfulness and [they are] upright (ZÜR [in Treue geschaffen und gerecht]).<ref<Hupfeld 1871, 208.</ref> The description thus corresponds to Ps. 19:9, where YHWH's פקודים are also described as ישרים. The problem with this interpretation is that the subject (פִּקּוּדָיו) would be plural and the predicate adjective (יָשָׁר) singular, though there may be support for this in Ps. 119:137 (וְיָשָׁר מִשְׁפָּטֶֽיךָ).
- Others read יָשָׁר as an adverbial accusative modifying עשוים: "done in faithfulness and (by) one who is upright."[30]
- Most commentators, however, choose to revocalize the adjective יָשָׁר to the noun יֹשֶר.[31] All of the ancient versions translate ישר with a noun: LXX (ἐν ἀληθείᾳ καὶ εὐθύτητι), Peshitta (ܒܙܕܝܩܘܬܐ ܘܒܩܘܫܬܐ), Jerome (in veritate et aequitate), Targum (בקושטא ותירוצא).
- Some commentators argue for the same interpretation of ישר as an abstract noun but without any need to revocalize the text. They argue that יָשָׁר, which is normally an adjective, here acts as an abstract noun (this possibility is listed in BDB), just as תמים, which is usually an adjective, acts as an abstract noun in Judges 9:16, 19 (בֶּאֱמֶת וּבְתָמִים) and Joshua 24:14 (בְּתָמִים וּבֶאֱמֶת).[32] It is not unusual for adjectives to function like abstract nouns in biblical Hebrew (e.g., טוֹב and רַע). Cf. Radak: עשויים באמת ובדרך ישר. Cf. טוֹב in Ps. 21:4—בִּרְכ֣וֹת ט֑וֹב.
- For more information see the exegetical issue The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Psalm 111:8b.
Lexical Notes
Note for Vv. 7-8
- SDBH understands מִשְׁפָּט here in the sense of "law; rules," but, as it is collocated with the abstract noun אמת, it more likely refers to "justice." "Characterized by faithfulness and justice" (NET) >> "faithful and just" (NIV, ESV, GNT). Cf. GKC 141 and the note on v. 3a.
- SDBH defines פִּקּוּדִים as "rules regulating behavior." Baethgen argues that these refer here, not to the commands of the law, but to YHWH's providential decrees.[33]
- On the meaning of עֲשׂוּיִם in this context, see The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Psalm 111:8b.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 9
Macula
פְּד֤וּת׀שָׁ֘לַ֤ח לְעַמּ֗וֹ צִוָּֽה־לְעוֹלָ֥ם בְּרִית֑וֹ קָד֖וֹשׁ וְנוֹרָ֣א שְׁמֽוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: שָׁלַח he sent
Object
noun: פְּדוּת redemption
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his people" x="30" y="-15">
noun: עַמּ people
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: צִוָּה he commanded
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant" x="7" y="-7">
noun: בְּרִית covenant
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
noun: עוֹלָם forever
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his name" x="-20" y="15">
noun: שְׁמ name
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
adjective: קָדוֹשׁ holy
conjunction: וְ and
verb-participle: נוֹרָא awesome
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: שָׁלַח he sent
Object
noun: פְּדוּת redemption
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his people" x="30" y="-15">
noun: עַמּ people
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: צִוָּה he commanded
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant" x="7" y="-7">
noun: בְּרִית covenant
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
noun: עוֹלָם forever
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his name" x="-20" y="15">
noun: שְׁמ name
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
adjective: קָדוֹשׁ holy
conjunction: וְ and
verb-participle: נוֹרָא awesome
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-9-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 9
- "Sent redemption" (ESV) >> "provided redemption" (NIV) >> "set his people free"
- "The noun פְּדוּת, which is used much more frequently at Qumran than in the OT, means '(action or power of) redemption' and always refers to divine activity... Its main connotations, in addition to liberation, are powerful action and the context of an exclusive relationship."[34]
- On the meaning of צִוָּה בְּרִיתוֹ, cf. Josh. 7:11; 23:16. In these passages, the people's disobedience is highlighted. "Commanding a covenant" then, probably refers to "commanding that a covenant be kept" (cf. צוה תורה [Lev. 7:37f] and צוה דרך [Ex. 32:8; Deut. 9:12]). Thus, "ordained his covenant" (NIV) >> "ordained that his covenant be observed" (NET). Other translations: "commanded his covenant" (ESV); "guaranteed his covenant" (NLT); "made an eternal covenant with them" (GNT, cf. HFA, NGÜ, GNB); "he will never break his agreement with them" (CEV); "commanded that his covenant should remain forever" (LUT).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 10
Macula
רֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית חָכְמָ֨ה׀יִרְאַ֬ת יְהוָ֗ה שֵׂ֣כֶל ט֭וֹבלְכָל־עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם תְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ עֹמֶ֥דֶת לָעַֽד׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="fearing YHWH" x="-80" y="10">
noun: יִרְאַת fear
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
ConstructChain
noun: רֵאשִׁית beginning
noun: חָכְמָה wisdom
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Nominal
noun: שֵׂכֶל insight
adjective: טוֹב good
Predicate
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
verb-participle: עֹשֵׂי those who practice
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his praiseworthiness" x="-50" y="20">
noun: תְּהִלָּת praiseworthiness
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb-participle: עֹמֶדֶת stands
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: עַד forever
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="fearing YHWH" x="-80" y="10">
noun: יִרְאַת fear
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
ConstructChain
noun: רֵאשִׁית beginning
noun: חָכְמָה wisdom
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Nominal
noun: שֵׂכֶל insight
adjective: טוֹב good
Predicate
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
verb-participle: עֹשֵׂי those who practice
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his praiseworthiness" x="-50" y="20">
noun: תְּהִלָּת praiseworthiness
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb-participle: עֹמֶדֶת stands
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: עַד forever
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-10-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 10
- The pronominal suffix them (v. 10b) has been a source of confusion, because it is not immediately clear what the pronoun 'them' refers to. See The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Psalm 111:10b for a detailed discussion. In short, the pronoun probably refers to the 'commandments' in v. 7b. Although 'commandments' in v. 7b is rather far from the suffix in v. 10b, 'commandments' which is the centerpiece of the chiasm in vv. 3b–10—and which also receives sustained attention in vv. 7b–8—is a highlighted feature of the discourse and is, therefore, available for pronominal reference in v. 10.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 10
- HALOT notes that the phrase שֵׂכֶל טוֹב can mean either "insight" (e.g., Prov. 13:15) or "success" (e.g., Prov. 3:4). The lexicon then has a lengthy discussion about the use of the phrase in Psalm 111: "שֵׂכֶל טוֹב לְ Ps 111:10 could belong to either meaning; if it belongs to the first it means good understanding for those who practice it, so KBL, NRSV, REB, and also the versions; Sept. σὺνεσις ἀγαθὴ; similarly Vulg. and Pesh., on which see also e.g. Gunkel Psalmen 488; ZürBib.; TOB; somewhat different is Dahood Psalms 3:121, 125: the understanding of the good, namely of Yahweh (in the sense of a general object, human insight is meant); if the second meaning is accepted the expression means a beautiful reward (reward as the fruit or result of success), thus Kraus BK 155:939."
- Most translations render תְּהִלָּה here as "praise" (KJV, ESV, NLT, NIV, NET), but SDBH defines it as a "state in which humans or deities are considered worthy of praise" (i.e., "praiseworthiness") (cf. Pss. 35:28; 79:3; 102:22; 106:2), and this makes good sense in the context: YHWH will be forever worthy of praise. Cf. Ges–18 ("Ruhm").
- The word can sometimes mean "song of praise" (cf. Pss. 145:1; 149:1), and, as HALOT and DCH, note, it is often difficult to distinguish this meaning from the meaning "praise."
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 10
- The second clause of v. 10 (v. 10b) is probably a verbless clause: 'good insight (is/belongs) to all who practice them).' The 'lamed' preposition, therefore, indicates the possessor:[35] all who practice them have good insight.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Alternative
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 10 alternative]
Fragment
Clause <status="alternative">
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: יִרְאַת <status="elided">
noun: יְהוָה YHWH <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
Nominal
noun: שֵׂכֶל insight
adjective: טוֹב good
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
verb-participle: עֹשֵׂי those who practice
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 10 alternative]
Fragment
Clause <status="alternative">
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: יִרְאַת <status="elided">
noun: יְהוָה YHWH <status="elided">
Predicate
Complement
Nominal
noun: שֵׂכֶל insight
adjective: טוֹב good
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
verb-participle: עֹשֵׂי those who practice
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=111|DiagramID=V-10-Alternative }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 10
- The pronominal suffix them (v. 10b) has been a source of confusion, because it is not immediately clear what the pronoun 'them' refers to. See The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Psalm 111:10b for a detailed discussion. In short, the pronoun probably refers to the 'commandments' in v. 7b. Although 'commandments' in v. 7b is rather far from the suffix in v. 10b, 'commandments' which is the centerpiece of the chiasm in vv. 3b–10—and which also receives sustained attention in vv. 7b–8—is a highlighted feature of the discourse and is, therefore, available for pronominal reference in v. 10.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 10
- HALOT notes that the phrase שֵׂכֶל טוֹב can mean either "insight" (e.g., Prov. 13:15) or "success" (e.g., Prov. 3:4). The lexicon then has a lengthy discussion about the use of the phrase in Psalm 111: "שֵׂכֶל טוֹב לְ Ps 111:10 could belong to either meaning; if it belongs to the first it means good understanding for those who practice it, so KBL, NRSV, REB, and also the versions; Sept. σὺνεσις ἀγαθὴ; similarly Vulg. and Pesh., on which see also e.g. Gunkel Psalmen 488; ZürBib.; TOB; somewhat different is Dahood Psalms 3:121, 125: the understanding of the good, namely of Yahweh (in the sense of a general object, human insight is meant); if the second meaning is accepted the expression means a beautiful reward (reward as the fruit or result of success), thus Kraus BK 155:939."
- Most translations render תְּהִלָּה here as "praise" (KJV, ESV, NLT, NIV, NET), but SDBH defines it as a "state in which humans or deities are considered worthy of praise" (i.e., "praiseworthiness") (cf. Pss. 35:28; 79:3; 102:22; 106:2), and this makes good sense in the context: YHWH will be forever worthy of praise. Cf. Ges–18 ("Ruhm").
- The word can sometimes mean "song of praise" (cf. Pss. 145:1; 149:1), and, as HALOT and DCH, note, it is often difficult to distinguish this meaning from the meaning "praise."
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 10
- The second clause of v. 10 (v. 10b) is probably a verbless clause: 'good insight (is/belongs) to all who practice them).' The 'lamed' preposition, therefore, indicates the possessor:[36] all who practice them have good insight.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Appendix
Files
Diagrams
Notes
- Grammar.V. 1.401937
- Grammar.V. 10.450826
- Grammar.V. 2.327296
- Grammar.V. 3.615489
- Grammar.V. 4.547606
- Grammar.Vv. 7-8.290098
- Lexical.V. 1.410020
- Lexical.V. 10.978733
- Lexical.V. 2.149770
- Lexical.V. 3.157313
- Lexical.V. 4.115061
- Lexical.V. 5.882909
- Lexical.V. 6.889711
- Lexical.V. 9.558460
- Lexical.Vv. 7-8.908902
- Phrasal.V. 1.278123
- Phrasal.V. 10.862386
- Phrasal.V. 6.863513
- Verbal.V. 1.426774
- Verbal.V. 2.52880
- Verbal.V. 3.639132
- Verbal.V. 4.801950
- Verbal.V. 5.801046
Approvals
Current Grammar status is Approved for version 1.0. Current Lexical status is Approved for version 1.0.
References
- ↑ Cf. Zenger 2011, 39-41; Robertson 2015, 265-268.
- ↑ Cf. JM 132g. See e.g., Ps. 105:37 - וַֽ֭יּוֹצִיאֵם בְּכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֑ב. So also Radak: כמו ובעדה.
- ↑ Cf. NIDOTTE.
- ↑ Alexander 1999, #847.
- ↑ Allen 2002; cf. NIDOTTE 1997, 406.
- ↑ Cf. Prov. 5:14 — בְּתוֹךְ קָהָל וְעֵדָֽה.
- ↑ Cf. Jenni 1992, Rubric 419. "...sondern in der Vollbedeuting 'Ganzheit / Vollständigkeit' als Qualitätsabstraktum dient... Die Modalisation mit כל לבב und ähnlichen Ausdrücken für das Person- und Willenszentrum kommt sachlich ganz in die Nähe der Ausdrücke wie בְּלֵב שָׁלֵם 'mit ungeteiltem Herzen' (cf. 2 Kgs 20:3)."
- ↑ So LXX: ἐν βουλῇ εὐθείων καὶ συναγωγῇ. Cf. JM 132g. See e.g., Ps 105:37 - וַֽ֭יּוֹצִיאֵם בְּכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֑ב. So Radak: כמו ובעדה.
- ↑ Cf. Prov 5:14 — בְּת֖וֹךְ קָהָ֣ל וְעֵדָֽה
- ↑ Although אוֹדֶה, in terms of its morphology, could be either a yiqtol or a cohortative, its use in similar contexts alongside morphologically cohortative verbs suggests that it is a cohortative here as well (cf. Pss 7:18; 9:2–3; 54:8).
- ↑ Cf. Zenger 2011, 162.
- ↑ Cf. JM 132e; Hupfeld 1871, IV:206.
- ↑ Hupfeld 1871 IV:205–206.
- ↑ Cf. Baethgen 1904, 340.
- ↑ SDBH.
- ↑ Cf. Ezra 7:10 (לִדְר֛וֹשׁ אֶת־תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה).
- ↑ Cf. Jerome: exquirenda (fut. pas. ptc.); JM 121e; ELB, NLT. GKC, on the other hand, claims that qal passive participles "always correspond to a Latin or Greek perfect participle passive" (GKC 116e; so LXX here: ἐξεζητημένα; cf. NIV, ESV, NET).
- ↑ Cf. Peshitta ܡܫܒܚܝܢ ܘܪ̈ܘܪܒܝܢ ܥܒ̈ܕܘܗܝ; cf. GKC 141c—"the employment of a substantive as predicate of a noun-clause is especially frequent, either when no corresponding adjective exists... or when the attribute is intended to receive a certain emphasis."
- ↑ So LXX: μένει; Jerome: perseverans; cf. Ps 1:6. This might be one indication that Ps 111 is a late text (cf. Gordon 1982:5, 11). But there are examples of timeless / generic aspect participles in earlier texts as well (e.g., 1 Sam 2:6–10; cf. Notarius 2010).
- ↑ So Jenni 2000, 129-30.
- ↑ NLT, NET, NIV, ESV, CEV, GNT; cf. LUT, ZÜR.
- ↑ So LXX: ἔδωκεν; cf. EÜ, NGÜ.
- ↑ Alternatively, it might be that the second clause/line (v. 6b) is in some sense subordinate to the first (v. 6a): "he gave food... remembering his covenant" (cf. Symmachus: μνημονεύων αἰωνίου συνθήκης αὐτοῦ). Niccacci has argued that in past-tense contexts, "the line of information with x-yiqtol/weqatal does not stand on the same level with the line of information with qatal/wayyiqtol, but the former is subservient to the latter—it specifies it in different ways according to various context situations" (Niccacci 2006; cf. Ps 78).
- ↑ Cf. Ps 105:8–11. "It is 'remembering his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' (cf. Exod 2:24) that moves YHWH to free oppressed Israel from Egypt and give it the land promised to the ancestors (cf. Exod 6:2-8)" (Hossfeld and Zenger 2011:164).
- ↑ SDBH.
- ↑ E.g., Ezra 2:95//Neh. 1:61; cf. Snh. IV, 5; see Jastrow 1926.
- ↑ Cf. SDBH: "causative action by which humans pass on information to others, usually by word of mouth." Thus, the NET has 'announce.'
- ↑ In Late Biblical Hebrew the word came to refer also to non-verbal communication ("show" or "demonstrate") (e.g., Ezra 2:95//Neh 1:61; cf. m. Sanh. 4:5; see Jastrow 1926).
- ↑ Cf. Ps 2:8; cf. נַחֲלַ֖ת שָׂדֶ֣ה וָכָ֑רֶם in Num 16:14; so Baethgen 1904 and Kiel 2022.
- ↑ Suggested by Baethgen 1904, 341.
- ↑ BHS, BDB, HALOT, Baethgen 1904, 341; Allen 2002; et al.
- ↑ So Ehrlich 1905, 283; Dahood 1970, 124.
- ↑ Baethgen 1904, 341.
- ↑ Gray 2007, פְּדוּת pedūt.
- ↑ So Jenni 2000:rubric 2174.
- ↑ So Jenni 2000:rubric 2174.