Psalm 24/Notes/Grammar.v. 6.979705

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v. 6 – For the alternative readings of the syntax of this verse, see below. The merits of each position are discussed in the exegetical issue, The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Psalm 24:6. Our preferred reading involves Vertical Grammar, such that "Jacob" in the second line modifies "generation" in the first line and the entire verse reads

This is the generation of Jacob,

those who seek him

those who seek your face. (Tsumura 2023, 22)

Regarding the alternative diagrams:

  1. The first represents the interpolation of the word "god of" to ease the understanding of the verse (see, e.g., the Peshitta, LXX).
  2. The second diagram reads "Jacob" as a vocative: "... those seeking your face, Jacob."
  3. The third diagram reads "Jacob" in apposition to "those seeking your face."
  4. Finally, the fourth diagram reads the second line of the verse as a verbless clause "those seeking your face are Jacob." Aside from providing "god of," these three interpretations are syntactically possible, though we prefer the Vertical Grammar reading.