Psalm 20 Semantics
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
Psalm 20/Semantics
Choose a PsalmNavigate Psalm 20
May YHWH answer you!
Psalm 20
Please note: Resources for Psalm 20 are in the process of being reformatted for visual consistency and improved functionality.
Guardian: Mari Strube
About the Grammar & Semantics Layer
Semantics is the study of how language is used to represent meaning. The goal of semantic analysis for interpreting and translating the Bible is to understand the meaning of words and how they relate to each other in context. We want to understand what is implicit about word meaning – and thus assumed by the original audience – and make it explicit – and thus clear for us who are removed by time, language, and culture. The semantics layer is composed of three major branches: lexical semantics, phrase-level semantics and verbal semantics.
About the Grammar Layer
The grammar layer visually represents the grammar and syntax of each clause. It also displays alternative interpretations of the grammar. (For more information, click "Show/Hide Grammar Legend" below.)
| Visualization | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The clause is represented by a horizontal line with a vertical line crossing through it, separating the subject and the verb. |
 |
The object is indicated by a vertical line that does not cross the horizontal line of the clause. Infinitives and participles may also have objects. If the direct object marker (d.o.m.) is present in the text, it appears in the diagram immediately before the object. If the grammar includes a secondary object, the secondary object will appear after the object, separated by another vertical line that does not cross the horizontal line of the clause. |
 |
The subject complement follows the verb (often omitted in Hebrew) separated with a line leaning toward the right. It can be a noun, a whole prepositional phrase or an adjective. The later two appear modifying the complement slot. |
 |
When a noun further describes or renames the object, it is an object complement. The object complement follows the object separated by a line leaning toward the right. |
 |
In a construct chain, the noun in the absolute form modifies the noun in the construct form. |
 |
Participles are indicated in whatever position in the clause they are in with a curved line before the participle. Participles can occur as nominal, where they take the place of a noun, predicate, where they take the place of a verb, or attributive, where they modify a noun or a verb similar to adjectives or adverbs. |
 |
Infinitives are indicated by two parallel lines before the infinitive that cross the horizontal line. Infinitive constructs can appear as the verb in an embedded clause. Infinitive absolutes typically appear as an adverbial. |
 |
The subject of the infinitive often appears in construct to it. In this situation, the infinitive and subject are diagrammed as a construct chain. |
 |
The object of the infinitive is indicated by a vertical line that does not cross the horizontal line of the infinitival clause. |
 |
Modifiers are represented by a solid diagonal line from the word they modify. They can attach to verbs, adjectives, or nouns. If modifying a verb or adjective, it is an adverb, but if modifying a noun, it is an adjective, a quantifier, or a definite article. If an adverb is modifying a modifier, it is connected to the modifier by a small dashed horizontal line. |
 |
Adverbials are indicated by a dashed diagonal line extending to a horizontal line. These are nouns or infinitives that function adverbially (modifying either a verb or a participle), but are not connected by a preposition. |
 |
Prepositional phrases are indicated by a solid diagonal line extending to a horizontal line. The preposition is to the left of the diagonal line and the dependent of the preposition is on the horizontal line. They can modify verbs (adverbial) or nouns (adjectival). |
 |
Embedded clauses are indicated by a "stand" that looks like an upside-down Y. The stand rests in the grammatical position that the clause fulfills. Extending from the top of the stand is a horizontal line for the clause. If introduced by a complementizer, for example כִּי, the complementizer appears before the stand. Embedded clauses can stand in the place of any noun. |
 |
When clauses are joined by a conjunction, they are compound clauses. These clauses are connected by a vertical dotted line. The conjunction is placed next to the dotted line. |
 |
Within a clause, if two or more parts of speech are compound, these are represented by angled lines reaching to the two compound elements connected by a solid vertical line. If a conjunction is used, the conjunction appears to the left of the vertical line. Almost all parts of speech can be compound. |
 |
Subordinate clauses are indicated by a dashed line coming from the line dividing the subject from the predicate in the independent clause and leading to the horizontal line of the subordinate clause. The subordinating conjunction appears next to the dashed line. |
 |
Relative clauses also have a dashed line, but the line connects the antecedent to the horizontal line of the relative clause. The relative particle appears next to the dashed line. |
 |
Sentence fragments are represented by a horizontal line with no vertical lines. They are most frequently used in superscriptions to psalms. They are visually similar to discourse particles and vocatives, but most often consist of a noun phrase (that does not refer to a person or people group) or a prepositional phrase. |
 |
In the body of the psalm, a horizontal line by itself (with no modifiers or vertical lines) can indicate either a discourse particle or a vocative (if the word is a noun referring to a person or people group). A discourse particle is a conjunction or particle that functions at the discourse level, not at the grammatical level. Vocatives can appear either before or after the clause addressed to them, depending on the word order of the Hebrew. |
 |
Apposition is indicated by an equal sign equating the two noun phrases. This can occur with a noun in any function in a sentence. |
| Hebrew text colors | |
|---|---|
| Default preferred text | The default preferred reading is represented by a black line. The text of the MT is represented in bold black text. |
| Dispreferred reading | The dispreferred reading is an alternative interpretation of the grammar, represented by a pink line. The text of the MT is represented in bold pink text, while emendations and revocalizations retain their corresponding colors (see below). |
| Emended text | Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is represented by bold blue text, whether that reading is preferred or dispreferred. |
| Revocalized text | Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is represented by bold purple text, whether that reading is preferred or dispreferred. |
| (Supplied elided element) | Any element that is elided in the Hebrew text is represented by bold gray text in parentheses. |
| ( ) | The position of a non-supplied elided element is represented by empty black parentheses. For example, this would be used in the place of the noun when an adjective functions substantivally or in the place of the antecedent when a relative clause has an implied antecedent. |
| Gloss text colors | |
|---|---|
| Gloss used in the CBC | The gloss used in the Close-but-Clear translation is represented by bold blue text. |
| Literal gloss >> derived meaning | A gloss that shows the more literal meaning as well as the derived figurative meaning is represented in blue text with arrows pointing towards the more figurative meaning. The gloss used in the CBC will be bolded. |
| Supplied elided element | The gloss for a supplied elided element is represented in bold gray text. |
About the Lexical Semantics Layer
One major branch of semantic study is lexical semantics, which refers to the study of word meanings. It examines semantic range (=possible meanings of a word), the relationship between words (e.g. synonymy, hyponymy), as well as the relationship between words and larger concepts (conceptual domains). One component of our approach involves not only the study of the Hebrew word meaning, but also of our own assumptions about word meaning in modern languages. Because the researcher necessarily starts with their own cultural assumptions (in our case, those of Western-trained scholars), this part of the analysis should be done afresh for every culture.
For a detailed description of our method, see the Lexical Semantics Creator Guidelines.
- See our growing collection of Venn Diagrams, not only for Psalm 20, but for all of the psalms.
- See SDBH on Psalm 20.
About the Phrase-Level Semantics Layer
The Phrase-level Semantics layer analyses the meaning of syntactic units which are larger than the level of the word and smaller than the level of the clause. Specifically, this layer analyses the meaning of prepositional phrases (e.g., לְאִישׁ), construct phrases (e.g., אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), phrases formed by a coordinating waw conjunction (e.g., אִישׁ וְאִשָּׁה) and noun phrases which consist of a noun plus a determiner (e.g., הָאִישׁ) or a quantifier (e.g., כֹּל אִישׁ).
For a detailed description of our method, see the Phrase-level Semantics Creator Guidelines.
| Visualization | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The prepositional phrase is indicated by a solid green oval. |
 |
The construct chain is indicated by a solid yellow oval. |
 |
When the conjunction ו appears at the phrase-level (not clause-level), it is indicated by a solid light purple oval. |
 |
The article is indicated by a solid blue oval. |
About the Verbal Semantics Layer
This sub-layer focuses on the relationship between verbs, time and modality. These are important categories for interpretation and translation, and how one analyses a verb can have a significant effect on how it is rendered. This sub-layer has been through several iterations, as it strives to accomplish two things: (1) Transparency for the native Hebrew structures, and (2) Transparency for the interpretation necessary to translate the verbal semantics into other languages.
For a detailed description of our method, see the Verbal Semantics Creator Guidelines.
| Conjugations | |
|---|---|
| qatal | yiqtol-jussive |
| wayyiqtol (following qatal)* | cohortative |
| yiqtol | participle |
| wayyiqtol (following yiqtol)* | wayyiqtol (following participle)* |
| weyiqtol | inf. construct |
| weqatal | inf. absolute |
| *Wayyiqtol is colored a darker version of the conjugation it follows. | |
| Relative tense arrows | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relative tense arrows (placed within the appropriate 'Fut/Pres/Past' column) are color coded according to the conjugation of the verb. The arrows in the table below are colored according to the typical uses of the conjugations. | ||||
| After/posterior/future | Imminent future | Simultaneous/right now | Recent past | Before/anterior/past |
| ← ← |
↤ | ↓↓↓ | ↦ | → → |
| Aspect | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous | Habitual or iterative | Stative | Perfective | |
| Encoded in words | ⟲ | ⟲⟲⟲ | ⎯ | • |
| Inferable from context | ⟲ | ⟲⟲⟲ | ⎯ | • |
| Reference point movement | |
|---|---|
| Movement | No movement |
| ⇐ | ⇍ |
| Modality | |
|---|---|
| indicative | purpose/result |
| jussive | necessity |
| imperative | possible |
| cohortative | probable |
| wish | ability |
| (past) conditional | interrogative, etc. |
If an emendation or revocalization is preferred, that emendation or revocalization will be marked in the Hebrew text of all the visuals.
| Emendations/Revocalizations legend | |
|---|---|
| *Emended text* | Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation. |
| *Revocalized text* | Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization. |
Psalm 20 Verbal Semantics
For an overview of the Verbal Semantics of Psalm 20, click the expandable button below.
(Click diagram to enlarge)
Psalm 20 Semantic Analysis & Diagrams
The following grammatical diagrams are zoomable, and the lexical and phrasal overlays can be toggled on/off. Notes on the semantic layers can be found beneath each verse's diagram.
v. 1
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| לַמְנַצֵּ֗חַ מִזְמ֥וֹר לְדָוִֽד׃ | 1 | For the director. A psalm by David. |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לַ for
Object
Nominal
article: הַ the <status="elided">
verb-participle: מְנַצֵחַ director
Fragment
Nominal
noun: מִזְמוֹר psalm
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ by
Object
noun: דָוִד David
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:1.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:1.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:1.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:1.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:1.
v. 2
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יַֽעַנְךָ֣ יְ֭הוָה בְּי֣וֹם צָרָ֑ה | 2a | May YHWH answer you on the day of trouble! |
| יְ֝שַׂגֶּבְךָ֗ שֵׁ֤ם ׀ אֱלֹהֵ֬י יַעֲקֹֽב׃ | 2b | May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: יַעַנְ answer
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss=on the day of trouble* >>on the day when trouble comes>
Preposition
Preposition
preposition: בְּ on
Object
ConstructChain
noun: יוֹם day
noun: צָרָה trouble
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: שֵׁם name
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
noun: יַעֲקֹב Jacob
Predicate
verb: יְשַׂגֶּבְ make high inaccessible>>protect
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:2.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:2.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:2.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:2.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:2.
v. 3
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יִשְׁלַֽח־עֶזְרְךָ֥ מִקֹּ֑דֶשׁ | 3a | May he send you help from the sanctuary |
| וּ֝מִצִּיּ֗וֹן יִסְעָדֶֽךָּ׃ | 3b | and sustain you from Zion! |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִשְׁלַח send
Object
ConstructChain
noun: עֶזְרְ help
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
ConstructChain
noun: קֹּדֶשׁ holiness>>sanctuary
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִסְעָדֶ sustain* >>strengthen
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
noun: צִּיּוֹן Zion
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
v. 3 Alternative
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 3 alt]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: יִשְׁלַח send
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object <gloss="his sanctuary">
Nominal <status="alternative">
ConstructChain <gloss="his sanctuary">
noun: קֹּדֶשׁ holiness>>sanctuary
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:3.
v. 4
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יִזְכֹּ֥ר כָּל־מִנְחָתְךָ | 4a | May he remember every offering of yours |
| וְעוֹלָתְךָ֖ יְדַשְּׁנֶ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃ | 4b | and accept your burnt offering! Selah. |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִזְכֹּר remember
Object
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
ConstructChain <gloss="all your offering">
noun: מִנְחָתְ offering <status="revocalization">
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יְדַשְּׁנֶה make fat>>accept
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="accept your burnt-offering">
noun: עוֹלָתְ burnt-offering
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
particle: סֶלָה Selah
Notes
Note for v. 4
- *מִנְחָתְךָ* (offering of yours). Instead of following the MT reading מִנְחֹתֶ֑ךָ ("your offerings"), we have adopted a revocalization of the text which matches both the LXX and Jerome. Three main reasons support our position. First, the consonantal text of the MT for both "your offering" and "your burnt offering" uses singular orthography (i.e. the expected orthography of the plural would contain a yod - מִנְחֹתֶיךָ and וְעֹולֹתֶיךָ). In turn, the LXX translates both nouns as singular. Second, when מִנְחָה and עֹלַה appear in parallel, they tend to be singular (cf. Num 28:31, 29:6; Jer 14:12). Third, the nouns should match in number because the grain offering and burnt offering would have been offered together.[1] In this case, כָּל in כָּל־מִנְחָתְךָ is similar to the occurrences in Lev 6:16 (וְכָל־מִנְחַת כֹּהֵן - every offering of a priest), Num 18:9 (כָל־מִנְחָתָם - every offering of theirs), and 1 Sam 2:29 (כָּל־מִנְחַת יִשְׂרָאֵל לְעַמִּי - every offering of my people Israel). Likewise, we opt to translate כָּל־מִנְחָתְךָ as "every offering of yours." This translation reflects the consonantal text of the MT (which uses singular orthography - מנחתך "your offering" and ועולתך "your burnt offering"). Hence, v. 4 translates as "May he remember every offering of yours and accept your burnt offering."
- V. 4b: וְעֹולָתְךָ (your burnt-offering - cf. diagram - this option is represented in black) is read as singular in the MT; however, a few manuscripts along with the Peshitta and the Targum read the plural form עֹולֹתֶיךָ. Manuscript evidence can support reading the nouns as either singular or plural.[2] However, we have chosen to follow the singular reading מִנְחָתְךָ ("your offering" - cf. diagram - this option is represented in purple) and וְעֹולָתְךָ ("your burnt-offering" - cf. diagram - this option is represented in black) instead of the plural reading מִנְחֹתֶיךָ ("your offerings" - cf. diagram - this option is represented in blue) and עֹולֹתֶיךָ ("your burnt-offerings" - cf. diagram - this option is represented in pink) for several reasons (cf. note on *מִנְחָתְךָ* [offering of yours]).
- The verb דָּשֵׁן occurs as a piel yiqtol 3ms with an unusual ending: יְדַשְּׁנֶה ("May he accept"). Although we prefer the MT reading יְדַשְּׁנֶה, scholars have suggested three other alternatives. We will consider each of them before presenting the reasons for our preferred view.
- 1) Based on the BHS critical apparatus, one alternative is to read the MT verb יְדַשְּׁנֶה as יְדַשְּׁנֶהָ (verb דָּשֵׁן plus a 3fs pronominal suffix, which could be written either as נֶהָ- or נָהּ-).[3] This option would result in a translation as "May he accept it"[4] (cf. diagram for this reading under "v. 4b Alternatives Option 1").
- 2) A second option mentioned in the BHS critical apparatus is to emend יְדַשְּׁנֶה to יִדְרְשֶׁנָּה ("May he require it"[5]) and assume that the letter resh (ר) has dropped out.[6] In this emendation, the 3fs pronominal suffix is accompanied by an energic nun resulting in the form נָּה. The energic nun would serve a phonetic purpose but would not have an effect on the meaning[7] (cf. diagram for this reading under "v. 4b Alternatives Option 2").
- 3) A third proposal (not included in BHS) is to read the word as יִרְצֶנָה[8] meaning "May he be pleased with it." We prefer the MT verb יְדַשְּׁנֶה and read it as a rare third-person cohortative/volitive form[9] identical in meaning to a typical jussive ("May he accept"). Morphologically, Dallaire has identified some rare occurrences of the prefix and paragogic ה ָ occurring in second and third-person cohortative verbs. יְדַשְּׁנֶה is one of those occurrences.[10] Additionally, the verb יְדַשְּׁנֶה ("May he accept") fits the context of the psalm better than יִדְרְשֶׁנָּה ("May he require it"). The petition was not for God to require the offerings but to accept them, which would result in divine protection and favor on the day of trouble.[11] Last, while the various alternative readings are mentioned in the scholarly literature, they are not reflected in modern translations.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
v. 4a Alternative
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִזְכֹּר remember
Object
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
ConstructChain <gloss="all your offering">
noun: מִנְחָתְ offering <status="revocalization">
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Object <status="emendation">
Nominal <status="emendation">
ConstructChain <gloss="all your offerings">
noun: מִנְחֹתֶי offerings
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Object <status="alternative">
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="all your offerings">
noun: מִנְחֹתֶ offerings
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יְדַשְּׁנֶה make fat>>accept
Object
ConstructChain
noun: עוֹלָתְ burnt-offering
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Object <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: עוֹלָתֶי burnt-offerings
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
Note for v. 4
- It was customary for Israel and Judah's kings to offer sacrifices before battle as a sign of submission, devotion, and loyalty to their God (1 Sam 7:9-10; 13:8-10). The offerings were not meant to be a means of purchasing God's favor, but they were instead a sign of the king's dependence upon YHWH.[12] In the context of Ps 20, the people are praying that God would remember that their king had been faithful to offer the customary sacrifices. In this case, remembering means taking action on the basis of. The people desired that YHWH would act favorably toward their king on the basis of the king’s faithfulness to YHWH.
- See the Venn diagram of מִנְחָה below:
.jpg)
- The people also prayed that God would accept (יְדַשְּׁנֶ֣ה) the burnt offering which their king had made. The Hebrew term for accept here literally means to find fat, as in to consider a sacrifice fat, or pleasing. If God evaluated the offering as fat, it would be received favorably, which means God would grant their petition of support in battle.[13]
- The verb דָּשֵׁן in the piel stem occurs only five times in the Bible[14], and it has four different senses. The visual below illustrates the four senses of דָּשֵׁן in the piel stem:
- See the Venn diagrams of piel verb דָּשֵׁן below:
.jpg)
.jpg)
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
V. 4b Alternatives Option 1
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4b alternative (option 1)]
Fragment
Clause <status="alternative">
Subject
Predicate
verb: יְדַשְּׁנֶ make fat>>accept <status="revocalization">
Object
Apposition
suffix-pronoun: הָ it <status="revocalization">
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="accept your burnt-offering" >
noun: עוֹלָתְ burnt-offering
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Notes
Note for V. 4b Alternative (Option 1)
- The verb דָּשֵׁן occurs as a piel yiqtol 3ms with an unusual ending: יְדַשְּׁנֶה ("May he accept"). Although we prefer the MT reading יְדַשְּׁנֶה, scholars have suggested other alternatives. Based on the BHS critical apparatus, one alternative is to read the MT verb יְדַשְּׁנֶה as יְדַשְּׁנֶהָ (verb דָּשֵׁן plus a 3fs pronominal suffix, which could be written either as נֶהָ- or נָהּ-).[15] This option would result in a translation as "May he accept it."[16]
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
V. 4b Alternatives Option 2
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4b alternative (option 2)]
Fragment
Clause <status="alternative">
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִדְרְשֶׁ require <status="emendation">
Object
Apposition
suffix-pronoun: נָּה it <status="emendation">
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="accept your burnt-offering" >
noun: עוֹלָתְ burnt-offering
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Notes
Note for V. 4b Alternative (Option 2)
- A second option mentioned in the BHS critical apparatus is to emend יְדַשְּׁנֶה to יִדְרְשֶׁנָּה ("May he require it"[17]) and assume that the letter resh (ר) has dropped out.[18] In this emendation, the 3fs pronominal suffix is accompanied by an energic nun resulting in the form נָּה. The energic nun would serve a phonetic purpose but would not have an effect on the meaning.[19]
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:4.
v. 5
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יִֽתֶּן־לְךָ֥ כִלְבָבֶ֑ךָ | 5a | May he give you that which is according to your heart’s desire, |
| וְֽכָל־עֲצָתְךָ֥ יְמַלֵּֽא׃ | 5b | and may he fulfill your whole plan! |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יִתֶּן give
Object
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="that which is according to your heart >> that which is according to your heart’s desire">
Preposition
preposition: כִ according
Object
ConstructChain
noun: לְבָבֶ heart
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="according to your heart’s desire">
Preposition
preposition: כִ according
Object
ConstructChain
noun: לְבָבֶ heart
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יְמַלֵּא fulfill
Object
Nominal <gloss="all your plan >> your whole plan">
quantifier: כָל all
ConstructChain
noun: עֲצָתְ plan
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:5.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:5.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:5.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:5.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:5.
v. 6
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| נְרַנְּנָ֤ה ׀ בִּ֘ישׁ֤וּעָתֶ֗ךָ | 6a | May we shout for joy over your victory, |
| וּבְשֵֽׁם־אֱלֹהֵ֥ינוּ נִדְגֹּ֑ל | 6b | and in the name of our God may we array ourselves with banners! |
| יְמַלֵּ֥א יְ֝הוָ֗ה כָּל־מִשְׁאֲלוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ | 6c | May YHWH fulfill all your requests! |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: נְרַנְּנָה shout for joy
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in (over/because of) your victory >> over your victory">
Preposition
preposition: בִּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: ישׁוּעָתֶ victory
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: נִדְגֹּל array ourselves with banners
verb: נִגְדַּל magnify <status="alternative emendation">
verb: נַגְדִּל magnify <status="alternative emendation">
verb: נְגַדֵּל magnify <status="alternative emendation">
verb: נָגִיל rejoice <status="alternative emendation">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="the name of our God">
noun: שֵׁם name
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: יְמַלֵּא fulfill
Object
Nominal <gloss="all your requests">
quantifier: כָּל all
ConstructChain
noun: מִשְׁאֲלוֹתֶי requests
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:6.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:6.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:6.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:6.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:6.
v. 7
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| עַתָּ֤ה יָדַ֗עְתִּי כִּ֤י הוֹשִׁ֥יעַ ׀ יְהוָ֗ה מְשִׁ֫יח֥וֹ | 7a | Now, I know that YHWH has granted victory to his anointed. |
| יַ֭עֲנֵהוּ מִשְּׁמֵ֣י קָדְשׁ֑וֹ | 7b | He will answer him from his holy heaven |
| בִּ֝גְבֻר֗וֹת יֵ֣שַׁע יְמִינֽוֹ׃ | 7c | with the saving mighty deeds of his right hand. |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
Nominal
particle: עַתָּה now
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: יָדַעְתִּי know
Object
ComplementClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי that
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: הוֹשִׁיעַ grant victory to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="his anointed">
noun: מְשִׁיח anointed
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun:
Predicate
verb: יַעֲנֵ answer
Object
suffix-pronoun: הוּ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="from his holy heaven">
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
ConstructChain
noun: שְּׁמֵי heaven
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: קָדְשׁ holiness
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="with the saving mighty deeds of his right hand">
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with
Object
ConstructChain
noun: גְבֻרוֹת mighty deeds
noun: יֵשַׁע salvation
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: יְמִינ right hand* >> strength
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:7.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:7.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:7.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:7.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:7.
v. 8
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| אֵ֣לֶּה בָ֭רֶכֶב וְאֵ֣לֶּה בַסּוּסִ֑ים | 8a | Some [boast] in chariotry and others [boast] in horses, |
| וַאֲנַ֓חְנוּ ׀ בְּשֵׁם־יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣ינוּ נַזְכִּֽיר׃ | 8b | but we will boast in the name of YHWH our God. |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Adjectival
adjective: אֵלֶּה these>>some
Predicate
verb: יַזְכִּירוּ boast <status='elided'>
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בָ in
Object
article: הַ the <status='elided'>
noun: רֶכֶב chariotry
Conjunction
conjunction : וְ and
Clause
Subject
Adjectival
adjective: אֵלֶּה these>>others
Predicate
verb: יַזְכִּירוּ boast <status='elided'>
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בָ in
Object
article: הַ the <status='elided'>
noun: סּוּסִים horses
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ but
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲנַחְנוּ we
Predicate
verb: נַזְכִּיר mention>>boast
verb: נַגְבִּיר be strong <status="emendation">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: שֵׁם name
Apposition
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
ConstructChain <gloss="our God">
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:8.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:8.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:8.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:8.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:8.
v. 9
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| הֵ֭מָּה כָּרְע֣וּ וְנָפָ֑לוּ | 9a | They have collapsed and fallen, |
| וַאֲנַ֥חְנוּ קַּ֝֗מְנוּ וַנִּתְעוֹדָֽד׃ | 9b | but we have risen and stood upright. |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: הֵמָּה they
Predicate
Predicate
verb: כָּרְעוּ collapse
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Predicate
verb: נָפָלוּ fall
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ but
Clause
Subject
noun: אֲנַחְנוּ we
Predicate
Predicate
verb: קַּמְנוּ rise
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Predicate
verb: נִּתְעוֹדָד show ourselves firm >> stand upright
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:9.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:9.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:9.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:9.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:9.
v. 10
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יְהוָ֥ה הוֹשִׁ֑יעָה הַ֝מֶּ֗לֶךְ | 10a | YHWH, grant victory to the king! |
| יַעֲנֵ֥נוּ בְיוֹם־קָרְאֵֽנוּ׃ | 10b | May he answer us on the day of our calling! |
Preferred
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Vocative
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: הוֹשִׁיעָה grant victory to
Object
Nominal
article: הַ the
noun: מֶּלֶךְ king
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וַ and <status="emendation">
Clause <status="alternative">
Predicate <status="alternative">
verb: עֲנֵ answer
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Fragment
Clause
Subject <status="alternative">
Nominal
article: הַ the
noun: מֶּלֶךְ king
Predicate
verb: יַעֲנֵ answer
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="on the day of our calling >>on the day when we call">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ on
Object
ConstructChain
noun: יוֹם day
Nominal
Clause
Subject <located="after infinitive construct">
Predicate
ConstructChain
verb-infinitive: קָרְאֵ call
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Notes
No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 20:10.
No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 20:10.
No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 20:10.
No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 20:10.
No Textual notes to display for Psalm 20:10.
- ↑ See Briggs 1906, 181.
- ↑ Cf. Jacobson and Tanner 2014, 217, and Craigie 2004, 184.
- ↑ Cf. BDB.
- ↑ Gesenius §48d, 130; Bauer and Leander §45c, 329; BDB; and HALOT.
- ↑ Cf. DCH; Ehrlich 1905, 41.
- ↑ Cf. Kraus 1988, 278; he translates as "May he ask about (it)" (Kraus 1988, 277)
- ↑ See more on Joüon §61f, 160 and Gesenius §58i, 157-158.
- ↑ Cf. Cheyne 1904, 82.
- ↑ Cf. Briggs 1906, 181.
- ↑ Cf. Dallaire 2014, 108-109; other examples include Deut 33:16 (תָּבֹ֨ואתָה֙); Job 11:17 (תָּ֝עֻ֗פָה); Isa 5:19 (וְתָבֹ֗ואָה).
- ↑ Cf. Briggs 1906, 178; Barnes 1868, 179.
- ↑ Goldingay 2005, 305; Jacobson and Tanner 2014, 217.
- ↑ Cf. Barnes 1868, 179 and VanGemeren 2008, 226.
- ↑ Pss 20:4; 23:5; Exod 27:3; Num 4:13 and Prov 15:30.
- ↑ Cf. BDB.
- ↑ Gesenius §48d, 130; Bauer and Leander §45c, 329; BDB; and HALOT.
- ↑ Cf. DCH; Ehrlich 1905, 41.
- ↑ Cf. Kraus 1988, 278; he translates as "May he ask about (it)" (Kraus 1988, 277).
- ↑ See more on Joüon §61f, 160 and Gesenius §58i, 157-158. A third proposal (not included in BHS) is to read the word as יִרְצֶנָה (cf. Cheyne 1904, 82) meaning "May he be pleased with it." We prefer the MT verb יְדַשְּׁנֶה and read it as a rare third-person cohortative/volitive form (cf. Briggs 1906, 181) identical in meaning to a typical jussive ("May he accept"). Morphologically, Dallaire has identified some rare occurrences of the prefix and paragogic ה ָ occurring in second and third-person cohortative verbs. יְדַשְּׁנֶה is one of those occurrences (cf. Dallaire 2014, 108-109; other examples include Deut 33:16 [תָּבֹ֨ואתָה֙]; Job 11:17 [תָּ֝עֻ֗פָה]; Isa 5:19 [וְתָבֹ֗ואָה]). Additionally, the verb יְדַשְּׁנֶה ("May he accept") fits the context of the psalm better than יִדְרְשֶׁנָּה ("May he require it"). The petition was not for God to require the offerings but to accept them, which would result in divine protection and favor on the day of trouble (cf. Briggs 1906, 178; Barnes 1868, 179). Last, while the various alternative readings are mentioned in the scholarly literature, they are not reflected in modern translations.