Psalm 117/Expanded Paraphrase

Text (Hebrew)	Verse	Text (CBC) 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 designed to be "close" to the Hebrew, while still being "clear." Specifically, the CBC encapsulates and reflects the following layers of analysis: grammar, lexical semantics, phrase-level semantics, and verbal semantics. It does not reflect our analysis of the discourse or of poetics. 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.
הַֽלְל֣וּ אֶת־יְ֭הוָה כָּל־גּוֹיִ֑ם	1a	Abraham was told that all the families of the earth would be blessed through what YHWH will do for Abraham's family, and you nations can now see what that looks like. So, Praise YHWH, each and every nation!
שַׁ֝בְּח֗וּהוּ כָּל־הָאֻמִּֽים׃	1b	Give praise to him, all peoples!
כִּ֥י גָ֘בַ֤ר עָלֵ֨ינוּ ׀ חַסְדּ֗וֹ	2a	For great is his loyalty toward us, even though we, Israel, his covenant people, were unfaithful and humiliated as we suffered in exile. We were helpless, but in the sight of all nations he has redeemed us from our suffering, shame, and exile. He has demonstrated his character toward us,
וֶֽאֱמֶת־יְהוָ֥ה לְעוֹלָ֗ם	2b	and the faithfulness of YHWH to us is forever. That is the same character he will display toward all nations who will come to worship him and serve him as their God Just as there is hope for us, so there is hope for you, all nations, no matter what shame or suffering you have experienced!
הַֽלְלוּ־יָֽהּ׃	2c	Join us, all nations, and Praise Yah!