Psalm 133/Macrosyntax/Notes

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  • The discourse unit of vv. 1b-3a is delimited by the deictic particle הִנֵּה (for which, see the grammar notes) and the following similes.
  • The delimitation of v. 3b-c is signaled by the discourse-function כִּי, which grounds the preceding discourse of the psalm (see the exegetic issue, The Function and Scope of כִּי in Psalm133:3).
  • Although יָֽחַד is found at the end of the clause, it is preceded by the focus particle גַּם, making transparent its function as scalar focus (see "even" in the CBC and the discussion in the grammar notes, as well as the exegetical issue, The Meaning of שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם יָחַד in Psalm133:1.
  • The fronting of שָׁ֨ם׀ within its clause signals its function as selective focus, as illustrated by the cleft-structure in English: "it is there that..." (cf. CEB, CJB, DHH, NBS, NET, NFC, PDV, SG21). As selective focus, it necessarily eliminates other possible locations of where YHWH may have sent the blessing.