Psalm 19/Notes/Grammar.V.2

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  • Option 1 (preferred): singular מעשה (abstract noun: 'workmanship, skill' or collective noun: 'work'); so MT, LXX, Aquila, Jerome IH, Peshitta. The singular might refer to collectively to YHWH's works, specifically to YHWH's creation of the world, or to the abstract quality of YHWH's craftsmanship (Isa 5:12; 29:23; Ps 28:5; Eccl 5:5; cf. HALOT). It makes for a fitting parallel to the abstract noun 'honor.'
  • Option 2: plural מעשי ('works, deeds'); so Sym (καὶ τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν αὐτοῦ), Tg (ועובדי ידוי). This option works well with the verbs ספר and נגד, which often imply a plurality of deeds (cf. ספר + מעשים in Pss 107:22; 118:17). However, Symmachus and Targum Pss might just be interpreting the singular מעשה as a collective (cf. Ps 90:17 מעשה ידינו; Judg 2:7 כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ הַגָּד֔וֹל אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל [also v. 10]). In any case, the first option has the better attestation. Furthermore a move from singular/collective מעשה to explicitly plural can be documented frequently in the tradition. 11Q5, for example, regularly reads such singulars as plurals (Pss 102:26; 143:5; additions in 146:9; 145:13[nun line]; 151A:4).