Psalm 25/Diagrams
v. 1
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| לְדָוִ֡ד | 1a | By David. |
| אֵלֶ֥יךָ יְ֝הוָ֗ה | 1b | To you, YHWH, |
| נַפְשִׁ֥י אֶשָּֽׂא׃אֱֽלֹהַ֗י | 1c | I lift my soul, my God. |
Macula
לְדָוִ֡ד אֵלֶ֥יךָ נַפְשִׁ֥י אֶשָּֽׂא יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to >> by
Object
noun: דָוִד David
Fragment
Apposition
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
ConstructChain <gloss="my God">
noun: אֱלֹה God
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אֶשָּׂא I lift
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my soul">
noun: נַפְשׁ soul
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵלֶי to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to >> by
Object
noun: דָוִד David
Fragment
Apposition
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
ConstructChain <gloss="my God">
noun: אֱלֹה God
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אֶשָּׂא I lift
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my soul">
noun: נַפְשׁ soul
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵלֶי to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-1-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 1
- It is not clear whether the vocative my God (אֱלֹהַי) belongs at the end of the alef verse (v. 1) (so e.g., NIV: "Lord my God," cf. CEV) or at the beginning of the bet verse (v. 2) (so e.g., ESV: "O Lord... O my God...," cf. NLT, GNT, NET, NJPS). The MT groups it with the bet verse (אֶשָּֽׂא׃ אֱֽלֹהַ֗י בְּךָ֣).[1] But grouping it with the bet verse disturbs the acrostic. It is possible that, being a vocative, "my God" (אֱלֹהַי) sits outside of the acrostic structure (see, for example, the taw section of Ps 37, which begins with a waw conjunction: ותשועת). It is more likely, however, that "my God" (אֱלֹהַי) was originally grouped with the alef verse (so LXX).[2] Grouping אלהי with the first line results in an ABA'B pattern for v. 1: A. (אליך) B (יהוה) A' (נפשׁי אשא) B' (אלהי). This might be considered a case of "vertical grammar": "to you, YHWH, // I lift my soul, my God" >> "I lift my soul to you, YHWH my God."[3]
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 1
- The expression lift up my soul is an idiom that describes an "action by which humans turn to a deity or location with the confidence that they will find help and support there" (SDBH). Elsewhere, the phrase is parallel with "I trust in you" (Ps 143:8: בְךָ בָטָחְתִּי) and "I call out to you all day long" (Ps 86:3: אֵלֶיךָ אֶקְרָא כָּל־הַיּוֹם). The use of the phrase in Deuteronomy 24:15 helpfully illustrates its meaning: "You must pay them their wages each day before sunset because they are poor and are counting on it (וְאֵלָיו הוּא נֹשֵׂא אֶת־נַפְשׁוֹ)" (NLT). In Psalm 25:1, a functionally equivalent English phrase might be: "I am counting/depending/relying on you."
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 1
- Various emendations have been proposed to address the issue of אֱלֹהַי (see grammar note), e.g., inserting קִוִּתִי after אֵלֶיךָ[4] or adding כי אתה before אלהי.[5] But these proposals have no textual support. The problem is more simply resolved by appealing to the Septuagint's line division and the phenomenon of vertical grammar (see grammar note).
Add Exegetical Note
v. 2
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| בְּךָ֣ בָ֭טַחְתִּי אַל־אֵב֑וֹשָׁה | 2a | I trust in you; do not let me be disappointed! |
| אַל־יַֽעַלְצ֖וּ אֹיְבַ֣י לִֽי׃ | 2b | Do not let my enemies rejoice over me! |
Macula
אֱֽלֹהַ֗ י בְּךָ֣ בָ֭טַחְתִּי אַל־אֵב֑וֹשָׁה אַל־יַֽעַלְצ֖וּ אֹיְבַ֣י לִֽי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: אֱלֹה God
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: בָטַחְתִּי I trust
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אֵבוֹשָׁה let me come to shame
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my enemies">
noun: אֹיְב enemies
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Predicate
verb: יַעַלְצוּ let rejoice
verb: יַלְעִיגוּ let deride <status="alternative emendation">
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: ל over
Object
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: אֱלֹה God
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: בָטַחְתִּי I trust
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אֵבוֹשָׁה let me come to shame
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my enemies">
noun: אֹיְב enemies
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Predicate
verb: יַעַלְצוּ let rejoice
verb: יַלְעִיגוּ let deride <status="alternative emendation">
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: ל over
Object
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-2-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 2
- "The force of בוֹשׁ is somewhat in contrast to the primary meaning of the English 'to be ashamed,' in that the English stresses the inner attitude, the state of mind, while the Hebrew means 'to come to shame' and stresses the sense of public disgrace, a physical state."[6] SDBH defines it as a "state in which someone has forfeited the respect of the community, due to a situation that is not in accordance to someone's status."
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 2
- For יעלצו לי, the LXX has καταγελασάτωσάν μου, perhaps reading ילעיגו לי instead.[7] On the surface, this reading appears to work better syntactically, since עלץ (MT) is never elsewhere used with a ל preposition, whereas לעג often occurs with ל (e.g., Ps 22:8—כָּל־רֹ֭אַי יַלְעִ֣גוּ לִ֑י). But עלץ is a relatively rare word, and so it is not surprising that the construction עלץ ל does not survive outside of Psalm 25. When we look at the more common synonym שמח, we find that the expression שמח ל occurs several times with the sense "rejoice maliciously over someone else’s bad fate, in his misfortune... exult over (the conquest of) one’s enemy."[8] Thus, יעלצו לי probably means "rejoice maliciously over" or "exult over."[9] This reading makes the best sense in the context and provides the best parallel with "coming to shame" (v. 2a).
Add Exegetical Note
v. 3
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| גַּ֣ם כָּל־קֹ֭וֶיךָ לֹ֣א יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ | 3a | Yes, none who hope in you will be disappointed. |
| יֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ הַבּוֹגְדִ֥ים רֵיקָֽם׃ | 3b | Worthless people who act unfaithfully will be disappointed. |
Macula
גַּ֣ם כָּל־קֹ֭וֶיךָ לֹ֣א יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ יֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ הַבּוֹגְדִ֥ים רֵיקָֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
particle: גַּם yes
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
Nominal
verb-participle: קֹוֶי those who hope in
quantifier: כָּל all
Adjectival
adverb: גַּם also <status="alternative">
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: יֵבֹשׁוּ will come to shame
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Fragment
Clause
Subject <gloss="worthless people who act unfaithfully">
verb-participle: בּוֹגְדִים ones who act unfaithfully
Adjectival
adverb: רֵיקָם worthlessly
article: הַ the
Predicate
verb: יֵבֹשׁוּ let come to shame
Adverbial <status="alternative">
adverb: רֵיקָם empty-handed
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
particle: גַּם yes
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
Nominal
verb-participle: קֹוֶי those who hope in
quantifier: כָּל all
Adjectival
adverb: גַּם also <status="alternative">
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: יֵבֹשׁוּ will come to shame
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Fragment
Clause
Subject <gloss="worthless people who act unfaithfully">
verb-participle: בּוֹגְדִים ones who act unfaithfully
Adjectival
adverb: רֵיקָם worthlessly
article: הַ the
Predicate
verb: יֵבֹשׁוּ let come to shame
Adverbial <status="alternative">
adverb: רֵיקָם empty-handed
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-3-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 3
- The adverbial רֵיקָם could either modify the participle "those who act unfaithfully" (הַבּוֹגְדִים רֵיקָם) or the main verb "come to shame... empty handed" (יֵבֹשׁוּ... רֵיקָם; so Hakham 1976, 134). See the lexical note for discussion.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 3
- The adverbial רֵיקָם is difficult to interpret in this context. Elsewhere, depending on the context, it can mean (1) "with empty hands" (e.g., Gen 31:42), (2) "without success" (e.g., 2 Sam 1:22), (3) "without possessions, family" (e.g., Ruth 1:21), or (4) "without cause" (e.g., Ps 7:5).[10] According to the NJPS translation, the first sense is activated here: "let the faithless be disappointed, empty-handed" (NJPS). According to the NET, the second sense is intended: "Those who deal in treachery will be thwarted and humiliated."[11] Most modern translations follow the fourth sense: "who are treacherous without cause" (NIV, cf. KJV, CSB, NEB, REB, ELB) >> "wantonly treacherous" (ESV; cf. LUT, HFA).[12] The sense would be similar to the common adverbial "for no reason" (חִנָּם; see Pss 35:7, 19; 69:5; 109:3).[13] But this interpretation would seem to imply that acting unfaithfully (בגד) could be done with cause, i.e., would be morally acceptable as long as there was a good reason for it.[14] This interpretation seems unlikely. Another option is that רֵיקָם means worthlessly or "in an unprincipled way," emphatically expressing the psalmist's moral evaluation of those who act unfaithfully (cf. EÜ: "schnöde"). Although the adverb רֵיקָם is not elsewhere used in this sense, the corresponding adjective רֵיק can have this meaning, e.g., "Abimelech hired worthless... fellows (אֲנָשִׁים רֵיקִים)" (Judg 9:4, ESV).[15]
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 3
- For the meaning of the adverbial רֵיקָם, see the grammar note.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 4
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| דְּרָכֶ֣יךָ יְ֭הוָה הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי | 4a | Show me your ways, YHWH; |
| אֹ֖רְחוֹתֶ֣יךָ לַמְּדֵֽנִי׃ | 4b | teach me your paths! |
Macula
דְּרָכֶ֣יךָ הוֹדִיעֵ֑נִי יְ֭הוָה אֹ֖רְחוֹתֶ֣יךָ לַמְּדֵֽנִי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹדִיעֵ show
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="your ways">
noun: דְּרָכֶי ways
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: לַמְּדֵ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="your paths">
noun: אֹרְחוֹתֶי paths
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹדִיעֵ show
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="your ways">
noun: דְּרָכֶי ways
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: לַמְּדֵ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="your paths">
noun: אֹרְחוֹתֶי paths
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-4-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
Note for vv. 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 14
- Psalm 25 uses several different words to describe the act of "teaching" (lexical domain: "Know" [SDBH]): למד, הדרך, הודע, and הורה. In her book, "To Teach" in Ancient Israel: A Cognitive Linguistic Study of a Biblical Hebrew Lexical Set, Widder analyzes three of these words (למד piel, ידע hiphil, and ירה hiphil).
- She argues that the verb teach (למד piel) (vv. 4, 5, 9), "in its prototypical usage... refers to teachers who intentionally engage their students in repeated practice of a particular skill or habit so that the student will master the skill."[16] In terms of the universal base of "teaching" – "person A attempts to bring about a changed state of knowledge, belief, or skill for person B" – the verb למד (piel) "profiles the process of acquiring the content since it involves doing what is being mastered; its focus is on the student's involvement with the material."[17]
- The verb instruct (הורה) (vv. 8, 12), by contrast, is more situational: "In its prototypical usage, it refers to an authoritative person providing situational instruction to another."[18]
- The verb show (הודע) (vv. 4, 14) is the most expansive of the three terms, and it represents, prototypically, "the communication of knowledge from the divine realm. A student is caused to know something – that is, s/he is put in a state of knowing."[19]
- The verb guide (הדרך) (vv. 5, 9) (not analyzed by Widder), according to SDBH, describes a "causative action by which humans or deities give instructions to (other) humans with respect to a certain aspect of life, ◄ as if they take them by the hand and lead them along the way."[20]
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 5
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| הַדְרִ֘יכֵ֤נִי בַאֲמִתֶּ֨ךָ ׀ | 5a | Guide me in your truth; |
| לַמְּדֵ֗נִי כִּֽי־אַ֭תָּה אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׁעִ֑י | 5b | teach me; because you are the God who saves me. |
| אוֹתְךָ֥ קִ֝וִּ֗יתִי כָּל־הַיּֽוֹם׃ | 5c | I hope in you all day |
Macula
הַדְרִ֘יכֵ֤נִי בַאֲמִתֶּ֨ךָ ׀ לַמְּדֵ֗נִי כִּֽי־אַ֭תָּה אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׁעִ֑י אוֹתְךָ֥ קִ֝וִּ֗יתִי כָּל־הַיּֽוֹם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַדְרִיכֵ guide
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your truth">
noun: אֲמִתֶּ truth
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: לַמְּדֵ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Fragment
particle: כִּי because
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="the God who saves me">
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
noun: יִשְׁע salvation
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: קִוִּיתִי I hope in
Object
pronoun: אוֹתְךָ you
Adverbial
Nominal <gloss="all day long">
noun: יּוֹם day
article: הַ the
quantifier: כָּל all
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַדְרִיכֵ guide
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your truth">
noun: אֲמִתֶּ truth
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: לַמְּדֵ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Fragment
particle: כִּי because
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="the God who saves me">
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
noun: יִשְׁע salvation
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: קִוִּיתִי I hope in
Object
pronoun: אוֹתְךָ you
Adverbial
Nominal <gloss="all day long">
noun: יּוֹם day
article: הַ the
quantifier: כָּל all
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-5-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 5
- The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint have a waw conjunction on ולמדני, but 11Q7 has no conjunction. If the MT line division is correct (הַדְרִ֘יכֵ֤נִי בַאֲמִתֶּ֨ךָ ׀ וְֽלַמְּדֵ֗נִי) and וְֽלַמְּדֵ֗נִי is grouped with the previous clause, then we should probably follow MT/LXX and include the waw conjunction, which would function to bind וְֽלַמְּדֵ֗נִי to the previous clause as a single line. However, לַמְּדֵנִי should probably be grouped as part of the following line, according to the pausal form בַאֲמִתֶּךָ, the line division in Berlin Qu. 680, and the Septuagint's line division. If לַמְּדֵנִי is the first word of the following b-line, then the earlier reading is probably the one that omits any waw conjunction (11Q7). Scribes tended to add conjunctions to the beginnings of b-lines to facilitate the reading of the text.[21]
Add Exegetical Note
alternative
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5] <status="alternative">
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַדְרִיכֵ guide
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: אֲמִתֶּ faithfulness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: לַמְּדֵ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Fragment
particle: כִּי because
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
noun: יִשְׁע salvation
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וְ and <status="alternative emendation">
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: קִוִּיתִי I have hoped in
Object
pronoun: אוֹתְךָ you
Adverbial
Nominal
noun: יּוֹם day
article: הַ the
quantifier: כָּל all
DiscourseUnit [v. 5] <status="alternative">
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַדְרִיכֵ guide
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: אֲמִתֶּ faithfulness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: לַמְּדֵ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Fragment
particle: כִּי because
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
noun: יִשְׁע salvation
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וְ and <status="alternative emendation">
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: קִוִּיתִי I have hoped in
Object
pronoun: אוֹתְךָ you
Adverbial
Nominal
noun: יּוֹם day
article: הַ the
quantifier: כָּל all
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-5-alternative }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 5
- Some scholars propose reading ואותך (with a waw conjunction) instead of אותך (without a waw conjunction) so that the missing waw letter of the acrostic is restored.[22] There are actually two distinct issues here: (1) whether ואותך is the earlier reading, and (2) even if ואותך is the earlier reading, whether v. 5c would then constitute the missing waw verse.
- Regarding the first issue, the manuscript evidence is divided. The presence of the conjunction is supported by some medieval Hebrew manuscripts (see Kennicott, who cites 3 mss), the Peshitta (ܘܠܟ) and, most importantly, the LXX (καὶ σέ). The absence of the conjunction is supported by the best Masoretic manuscripts and by Jerome (iuxta Hebr.) (This part of the verse is not preserved in any DSS).
- The addition of conjunctions at the beginnings of b/c-lines, probably to facilitate the reading of the text, appears to have been common. It seems more likely, therefore, that a scribe would have supplied a conjunction at this point in the text than omitted it.[23]
- Regarding the second issue, even if we read ואותך, it is not likely that this line would then constitute the missing waw verse. Every other letter of the acrostic in the psalm has at least two lines.[24] If ואותך קויתי כל היום constituted its own letter-verse, then it would be the only one-line letter-verse in the psalm. It is more likely that the original psalm had no waw verse at all, just like Psalm 34. Both Psalm 25 and Psalm 34 lack a waw verse and add a pe verse at the end of the psalm.[25]
Add Exegetical Note
v. 6
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| זְכֹר־רַחֲמֶ֣יךָ יְ֭הוָה | 6a | Remember your compassion, YHWH, |
| וַחֲסָדֶ֑יךָ כִּ֖י מֵעוֹלָ֣ם הֵֽמָּה׃ | 6b | and [remember] your acts of loyalty, because they have been around forever. |
Macula
זְכֹר־רַחֲמֶ֣יךָ וַחֲסָדֶ֑יךָ יְ֭הוָה כִּ֖י מֵעוֹלָ֣ם הֵֽמָּה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: זְכֹר remember
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your compassion">
noun: רַחֲמֶי compassion
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וַ and
ConstructChain <status="alternative">
noun: חֲסָדֶי acts of loyalty
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: זְכֹר remember <status="elided">
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your acts of loyalty">
noun: חֲסָדֶי acts of loyalty
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הֵמָּה they
Predicate <gloss="have been around forever">
verb: are
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ from
Object
noun: עוֹלָם long ago
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: זְכֹר remember
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your compassion">
noun: רַחֲמֶי compassion
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וַ and
ConstructChain <status="alternative">
noun: חֲסָדֶי acts of loyalty
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: זְכֹר remember <status="elided">
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your acts of loyalty">
noun: חֲסָדֶי acts of loyalty
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הֵמָּה they
Predicate <gloss="have been around forever">
verb: are
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ from
Object
noun: עוֹלָם long ago
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-6-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 6
- According to the Masoretic accents וַחֲסָדֶ֑יךָ is grouped with the a-line: זְכֹר־רַחֲמֶ֣יךָ יְ֭הוָה וַחֲסָדֶ֑יךָ. Thus, v. 6 appears to be single clause with a compound object: "Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love" (NIV). But the Septuagint groups וַחֲסָדֶיךָ with the b-line: "Be mindful of your acts of compassion, O Lord // and your mercies, because they are from of old."[26] If וַחֲסָדֶיךָ is grouped with the b-line, then it is probably best to read וַחֲסָדֶיךָ as the start of a new clause with an elided verb: "Remember your acts of compassion YHWH // and [remember] your acts of loyalty, because they are from of old." This division of the text makes for slightly better balance and stronger correspondence between the lines. It also best explains the position of the vocative יְהוָה.
Lexical Notes
Note for vv. 6, 7, 10
- On the meaning of the word loyalty (חסד), see notes on Psalm 89:2–3
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 6
- The phrase מֵעוֹלָם means "from of old, everlasting, since ancient time, for a long time."[27] Psalm 90:2, for example, says, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting (וּֽמֵעֹולָם) to everlasting you are God" (ESV). In Psalm 25:6, modern English translations use phrases such as "from of old" (NIV, ESV), "have existed from antiquity" (CSB), and "are as old as time" (NJPS). The translation have been around forever captures the sense of antiquity (עוֹלָם "foreverness") as well as the sense of continuing existence/relevance using a natural English expression.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 7
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| חַטֹּ֤אות נְעוּרַ֨י ׀ וּפְשָׁעַ֗י אַל־תִּ֫זְכֹּ֥ר | 7a | Do not remember my youthful sins or my rebellious acts! |
| כְּחַסְדְּךָ֥ זְכָר־לִי־אַ֑תָּה | 7b | Remember me according to your loyalty, |
| לְמַ֖עַן טוּבְךָ֣ יְהוָֽה׃ | 7c | because of your goodness, YHWH! |
Macula
חַטֹּ֤אות נְעוּרַ֨י ׀ וּפְשָׁעַ֗י אַל־תִּ֫זְכֹּ֥ר כְּחַסְדְּךָ֥ זְכָר־לִי־אַ֑תָּה לְמַ֖עַן טוּבְךָ֣ יְהוָֽה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: תִּזְכֹּר remember
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my youthful sins">
noun: חַטֹּאות sins
noun: נְעוּר youth
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ or
ConstructChain <gloss="my rebellious acts">
noun: פְשָׁע acts of rebellion
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: זְכָר remember
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="me">
Preposition
preposition: ל
Object
suffix-pronoun: ִי
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כְּ according to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your loyalty">
noun: חַסְדְּ loyalty
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְמַעַן because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your goodness">
noun: טוּבְ goodness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: תִּזְכֹּר remember
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my youthful sins">
noun: חַטֹּאות sins
noun: נְעוּר youth
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ or
ConstructChain <gloss="my rebellious acts">
noun: פְשָׁע acts of rebellion
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: זְכָר remember
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="me">
Preposition
preposition: ל
Object
suffix-pronoun: ִי
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כְּ according to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your loyalty">
noun: חַסְדְּ loyalty
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְמַעַן because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your goodness">
noun: טוּבְ goodness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-7-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 7
- The phrase remember me (זכר ל) (v. 7b) is "a technical term which bears a specific juridicial meaning: to credit to one's account [cf. Neh 5:19; Pss 132:1; 137:7; Jer 2:2]. The expression... should be distinguished in meaning from the general sense of 'remember'. There is, however, an idiom which continues to carry the same strong forensic flavour without the use of the preposition. It is the expression 'to remember one's sins' [Ps 25:7a], in which case, 'in one's disfavor' is presupposed (cf. Isa 43:25; 64:8; Jer 14:10; Hos 7:2; 8:13; 9:9)."[28]
Note for v. 7
- The phrase because of your goodness (לְמַעַן טוּבְךָ) designates a causal relationship, that is, YHWH's goodness (v. 7c) serves as the grounds, or basis, of his remembering the psalmist according to loyalty (v. 7b) and not according to his sins.[29]
Note for v. 7
- The phrase according to your loyalty (כְּחַסְדְּךָ) specifies the quality according to which the psalmist asks YHWH to remember: "according to" (KJV, NIV, ESV), "in keeping with" (CSB, NJPS), "in light of" (NLT).[30]
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 7
- BHS suggests that וּפְשָׁעַי should be deleted and notes that this phrase is omitted in the Syriac Peshitta. Against this suggestion, see Barthélemy et al. (2005, 144–145), who note that all other witnesses include וּפְשָׁעַי (MT, LXX, Aquila, Symmachus, Quinta, Sexta, Jerome iuxta Hebr., Targum) and that the Peshitta has other paraphrastic elements in this verse, making it an unreliable basis for emendation.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 8
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| טוֹב־וְיָשָׁ֥ר יְהוָ֑ה | 8a | YHWH is good and just; |
| עַל־כֵּ֤ן יוֹרֶ֖ה חַטָּאִ֣ים בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃ | 8b | therefore, he instructs sinners in the way. |
Macula
טוֹב־וְיָשָׁ֥ר יְהוָ֑ה עַל־כֵּ֤ן יוֹרֶ֖ה חַטָּאִ֣ים בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
Adjectival
adjective: טוֹב good
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
adjective: יָשָׁר just
Fragment
particle: עַל־כֵּן therefore
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יוֹרֶה he instructs
Object
noun: חַטָּאִים sinners
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ in
Object
noun: דָּרֶךְ way
article: הַ the <status="elided">
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
Adjectival
adjective: טוֹב good
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
adjective: יָשָׁר just
Fragment
particle: עַל־כֵּן therefore
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יוֹרֶה he instructs
Object
noun: חַטָּאִים sinners
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ in
Object
noun: דָּרֶךְ way
article: הַ the <status="elided">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-8-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 8
- The phrase in the way is vocalized with the definite article (בַּדָּרֶךְ), implying that the "way" is identifiable in the context. In light of vv. 4 (דְּרָכֶיךָ) and 9, it probably refers to YHWH's own "way" (דַּרְכּוֹ), which could either be the way in which he calls his people to walk, i.e., his covenant instruction, or the way which he himself walks. i.e., his character. For more information, see The Meaning of God's "Ways" in Psalm 25:4.
Note for v. 8
- The bet preposition in the phrase in the way (בַּדָּרֶךְ) introduces "the way" as the content of the instruction ("instruct in the way" = "teach about the way"). Specifically, the hiphil verb is causative, meaning, "cause someone to pay attention to something," and the bet preposition signifies the thing to which the person is made to pay attention.[31]
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 9
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| יַדְרֵ֣ךְ עֲ֭נָוִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט | 9a | He guides afflicted people in justice |
| וִֽילַמֵּ֖ד עֲנָוִ֣ים דַּרְכּֽוֹ׃ | 9b | and teaches afflicted people his way. |
Macula
יַדְרֵ֣ךְ עֲ֭נָוִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט וִֽילַמֵּ֖ד עֲנָוִ֣ים דַּרְכּֽוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יַדְרֵךְ he guides
Object
noun: עֲנָוִים afflicted people
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ in
Object
noun: מִּשְׁפָּט justice
article: הַ the <status="elided">
Conjunction
conjunction: וִ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: ילַמֵּד he teaches
Object
noun: עֲנָוִים afflicted people
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="his way">
noun: דַּרְכּ his
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יַדְרֵךְ he guides
Object
noun: עֲנָוִים afflicted people
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ in
Object
noun: מִּשְׁפָּט justice
article: הַ the <status="elided">
Conjunction
conjunction: וִ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: ילַמֵּד he teaches
Object
noun: עֲנָוִים afflicted people
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="his way">
noun: דַּרְכּ his
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-9-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 10
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| כָּל־אָרְח֣וֹת יְ֭הוָה חֶ֣סֶד וֶאֱמֶ֑ת | 10a | All of YHWH's paths are loyalty and faithfulness |
| לְנֹצְרֵ֥י בְ֝רִית֗וֹ וְעֵדֹתָֽיו׃ | 10b | for those who keep his covenant and his demands. |
Macula
כָּל־אָרְח֣וֹת יְ֭הוָה חֶ֣סֶד וֶאֱמֶ֑ת לְנֹצְרֵ֥י בְ֝רִית֗וֹ וְעֵדֹתָֽיו׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="all of YHWH's paths">
Nominal
noun: אָרְחוֹת paths
quantifier: כָּל all
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
noun: חֶסֶד loyalty
Conjunction
conjunction: וֶ and
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: נֹצְרֵי those who keep
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
ConstructChain <gloss="his demands">
noun: עֵדֹתָי demands
suffix-pronoun: ו him
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="all of YHWH's paths">
Nominal
noun: אָרְחוֹת paths
quantifier: כָּל all
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
noun: חֶסֶד loyalty
Conjunction
conjunction: וֶ and
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: נֹצְרֵי those who keep
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
ConstructChain <gloss="his demands">
noun: עֵדֹתָי demands
suffix-pronoun: ו him
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-10-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 10
- The compound phrase 'his covenant and his demands (בְרִיתוֹ וְעֵדֹתָיו) might be considered a hendiadys: "his covenant demands."[32]
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 11
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| לְמַֽעַן־שִׁמְךָ֥ יְהוָ֑ה | 11a | Because of your name, YHWH, |
| וְֽסָלַחְתָּ֥ לַ֝עֲוֺנִ֗י כִּ֣י רַב־הֽוּא׃ | 11b | forgive my guilt, because it is great! |
Macula
לְמַֽעַן־שִׁמְךָ֥ יְהוָ֑ה וְֽסָלַחְתָּ֥ לַ֝עֲוֺנִ֗י כִּ֣י רַב־הֽוּא׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 11]
Fragment
particle: וְ and
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: סָלַחְתָּ forgive
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="my guilt">
Preposition
preposition: לַ
Object
ConstructChain
noun: עֲוֺנ guilt
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְמַעַן because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הוּא it
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
adjective: רַב great
DiscourseUnit [v. 11]
Fragment
particle: וְ and
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: סָלַחְתָּ forgive
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="my guilt">
Preposition
preposition: לַ
Object
ConstructChain
noun: עֲוֺנ guilt
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְמַעַן because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הוּא it
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
adjective: רַב great
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-11-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 11
- The weqatal verb וסלחת appears to be functionally similar to תסלח (yiqtol)[33] or סלח (imperative).[34] The waw in וסלחת is the so-called "waw of apodosis," introducing the matrix clause following an adverbial.[35] Perhaps weqatal was chosen (instead of yiqtol or imperative) to strengthen the allusion to Exodus 34:9: וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֺנֵנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵנוּ.[36] Alternatively, the waw of apodosis might have pragmatic significance, marking the boundary between the matrix clause (סלחת) and the adverbial constituent (למען שׁמך יהוה), which has a function of "Orientation."[37]
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 11
- For verbs of forgiveness (e.g., סלח in v. 11 and נשׂא in v. 18), the patient, i.e., the person or sin which is forgiven, is often indicated with a lamed preposition (v. 11: וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֺנִי; v. 18: וְשָׂא לְכָל־חַטֹּאותָי).[38] This is always the case for the verb סלח in the Bible.
Note for v. 11
- The phrase because of your name (לְמַֽעַן־שִׁמְךָ) designates a causal relationship; that is, YHWH's name, or identity (v. 11a), serves as the grounds, or basis, of his forgiveness (v. 11b).[39] A person's "name" represents "the core of one's identity, which reflect the essence of one's being" (SDBH). Hence, we might paraphrase: "Because of who you are, YHWH, forgive..."
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 12
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| מִי־זֶ֣ה הָ֭אִישׁ יְרֵ֣א יְהוָ֑ה | 12a | Who is the person who fears YHWH? |
| י֝וֹרֶ֗נּוּ בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ יִבְחָֽר׃ | 12b | He will instruct him in the way he should choose. |
Macula
מִי־זֶ֣ה הָ֭אִישׁ יְרֵ֣א יְהוָ֑ה י֝וֹרֶ֗נּוּ בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ יִבְחָֽר׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Nominal
noun: אִישׁ person
article: הָ the
Adjectival <gloss="who fears YHWH">
ConstructChain
verb-participle: יְרֵא fearing
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: מִי־זֶה who
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יוֹרֶ he will instruct
Object
suffix-pronoun: נּוּ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
noun: דֶרֶךְ way
RelativeClause
RelativeParticle
particle:
Clause
Predicate
verb: יִבְחָר he should choose
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Nominal
noun: אִישׁ person
article: הָ the
Adjectival <gloss="who fears YHWH">
ConstructChain
verb-participle: יְרֵא fearing
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: מִי־זֶה who
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: יוֹרֶ he will instruct
Object
suffix-pronoun: נּוּ him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
noun: דֶרֶךְ way
RelativeClause
RelativeParticle
particle:
Clause
Predicate
verb: יִבְחָר he should choose
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-12-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 12
- The final clause of v. 12 (יבחר) is a relative clause: "the way that he should choose" (ESV).[40]
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 12
- On the meaning of the bet prepositional phrase in the way, see the phrasal note on v. 8.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 13
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| נַ֭פְשׁוֹ בְּט֣וֹב תָּלִ֑ין | 13a | He himself will stay in a good place, |
| וְ֝זַרְע֗וֹ יִ֣ירַשׁ אָֽרֶץ׃ | 13b | and his offspring will possess land. |
Macula
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ בְּט֣וֹב תָּלִ֑ין וְ֝זַרְע֗וֹ יִ֣ירַשׁ אָֽרֶץ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 13]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="he himself">
noun: נַפְשׁ life
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: תָּלִין will stay
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in a good place">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
Nominal
adjective: טוֹב good
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his offspring">
noun: זַרְע seed >> offspring
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: יִירַשׁ will possess
Object
noun: אָרֶץ land
DiscourseUnit [v. 13]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="he himself">
noun: נַפְשׁ life
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: תָּלִין will stay
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in a good place">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
Nominal
adjective: טוֹב good
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his offspring">
noun: זַרְע seed >> offspring
suffix-pronoun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: יִירַשׁ will possess
Object
noun: אָרֶץ land
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-13-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 13
- The verb stay (לין) often has the concrete meaning "spend the night" (SDBH). In this context, it describes more generally a "state in which humans... stay in a certain place for an indefinite amount of time" (SDBH). CSB: "He will live a good life;" GNT: "they will always be prosperous." Other interpreters have seen a reference to death and the afterlife in this verse: "his soul will stay in a good place in his death" (Radak: נפשו בטוב תלין במותו).[41]
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 13
- Because the verb "stay" describes a "state in which humans... stay in a certain place for an indefinite amount of time" (SDBH), the adverbial בְּטוֹב has a spatial sense: in a good place, metaphorically extended to mean "in a good state."[42] Like the Hebrew phrase בְּטוֹב, the English phrase "in a good place" can refer to an abstract state as well as to a physical location.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 14
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| ס֣וֹד יְ֭הוָה לִירֵאָ֑יו | 14a | YHWH's personal counsel and his covenant are for those who fear him, |
| וּ֝בְרִית֗וֹ לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃ | 14b | and his covenant are for those who fear him, for teaching them. |
Macula
ס֣וֹד יְ֭הוָה לִירֵאָ֑יו וּ֝לְהוֹדִיעָֽם׃בְרִית֗וֹ
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 14]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="YHWH's personal counsel">
noun: סוֹד personal counsel
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
noun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ for
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who fear
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: הוֹדִיעָ teaching
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 14]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="YHWH's personal counsel">
noun: סוֹד personal counsel
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
noun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ for
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who fear
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: הוֹדִיעָ teaching
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-14-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 14
- We have interpreted v. 14 as a case of vertical grammar: "YHWH's counsel and his covenant [instruction] are [given] to those who fear him in order to teach them" (cf. grammar note on v. 1).[43]
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 14
- The noun סוֹד, in its most basic sense, can describe "a group or gathering of persons (like friends or members of the same group)" (SDBH).[44] The word has several other senses, which are figurative extensions of this basic sense (see SDBH): "friendship" (the kind of relationship that binds members of the סוֹד) (cf. Ps 55:15), "secret" (the kind of information discussed privately in a סוֹד) (cf. Prov 11:13), and "plot" (a decision or plan formulated in a סוֹד) (cf. Ps 64:3). Modern translations differ as to which sense of the word is activated in Psalm 25:14: "friendship" (ESV, cf. CEV, GNT; SDBH) or "secret counsel" (CSB, cf. KJV, NET, NJPS, LUT, EÜ, ZÜR; HALOT). Given the emphasis on YHWH "teaching" throughout the psalm, the second of these senses ("secret counsel") is the most likely. This interpretation is especially likely if the phrase "for teaching them" modifies the whole verse (see Grammar notes). Cf. NET: "The LORD's loyal followers receive his guidance."[45]
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 14
- Some Septuagint manuscripts have an extra line for v. 14, which sits in between the two lines of the Masoretic Text: καὶ τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου τῶν φοβουμένων αὐτόν. See Rahlfs 1931, 115. The extra line is also present in Ra 2110 (unknown to Rahlfs). The presence of this line in these manuscripts raises questions, e.g., (1) Is the line original to the Old Greek translation? (2) If so, does it represent a Hebrew line that is now missing? Neither question is easy to answer. Regarding the first question, Dorival (2021, 372–373) thinks that the line is probably part of the Old Greek text. Yet he also notes that the line ends in the same way as the previous line, v. 14a (τῶν φοβουμένων αὐτόν), and so he suggests that this extra line might be a doublet, a second translation of v. 14a.[46] Whatever the case may be, the issue is shrouded in enough uncertainty that it seems prudent not to emend the Hebrew text based on this additional line.
Add Exegetical Note
alternative 1
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 14 alternative 1] <status="alternative">
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="YHWH's personal counsel">
noun: סוֹד personal counsel
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ for
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who fear
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
noun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: הוֹדִיעָ teaching
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 14 alternative 1] <status="alternative">
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="YHWH's personal counsel">
noun: סוֹד personal counsel
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ for
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who fear
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
noun: וֹ him
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ for
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: הוֹדִיעָ teaching
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-14-alternative-1 }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
alternative 2
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 14 alternative 2] <status="alternative">
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: סוֹד strength
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who fear
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: he endeavors <status="elided">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: הוֹדִיעָ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
noun: וֹ him
DiscourseUnit [v. 14 alternative 2] <status="alternative">
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: סוֹד strength
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain
verb-participle: ירֵאָי those who fear
suffix-pronoun: ו him
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: he endeavors <status="elided">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
Clause
Predicate
verb-infinitive: הוֹדִיעָ teach
Object
suffix-pronoun: ם them
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="his covenant">
noun: בְרִית covenant
noun: וֹ him
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-14-alternative-2 }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 14
- This second alternative diagram reflects two different interpretations, one of v. 14a and one of v. 14b. The interpretation of v. 14a is reflected in the Septuagint: "The Lord is empowerment (κραταίωμα) for those who fear him" (NETS). It analyzes v. 14a as a verbless clause with סוֹד as the predicate, and it depends on a distinct understanding of the meaning of סוֹד (κραταίωμα, from יסד?).
- The interpretation of v. 14b is preferred by Baethgen (1904, 72): "And to teach them his covenant [he endeavors]." According to this interpretation, "covenant" is the object of the infinitive "to teach,"[47] and a verb is implied, e.g., "he endeavors."
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 15
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|
Macula
עֵינַ֣י תָּ֭מִיד אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה כִּ֤י הֽוּא־יוֹצִ֖יא מֵרֶ֣שֶׁת רַגְלָֽי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 15]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my eyes">
noun: עֵינ eyes
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֶל towards >> on
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Adverbial
adverb: תָּמִיד always
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הוּא he
Predicate
verb: יוֹצִיא will bring out
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my feet">
noun: רַגְל feet
suffix-pronoun: ָי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ of
Object
noun: רֶשֶׁת a net
DiscourseUnit [v. 15]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my eyes">
noun: עֵינ eyes
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֶל towards >> on
Object
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Adverbial
adverb: תָּמִיד always
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הוּא he
Predicate
verb: יוֹצִיא will bring out
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my feet">
noun: רַגְל feet
suffix-pronoun: ָי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ of
Object
noun: רֶשֶׁת a net
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-15-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 15
- The prepositional phrase on YHWH (אֶל־יְהוָה) is, literally, "towards YHWH." Technically, the אֶל preposition indicates "the goal of an act of observation."[48] The English idiom "my eyes are on someone" nicely captures the sense of the phrase, even if the English preposition "on" (by itself) does not convey the basic sense of the Hebrew preposition אֶל.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 16
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|
Macula
פְּנֵה־אֵלַ֥י וְחָנֵּ֑נִי כִּֽי־יָחִ֖יד וְעָנִ֣י אָֽנִי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 16]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: פְּנֵה turn
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵל towards
Object
pronoun: ַי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: חָנֵּ be merciful to
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אָנִי I
Predicate
verb: am
Complement
Adjectival
adjective: יָחִיד alone
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
adjective: עָנִי afflicted
DiscourseUnit [v. 16]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: פְּנֵה turn
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: אֵל towards
Object
pronoun: ַי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: חָנֵּ be merciful to
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אָנִי I
Predicate
verb: am
Complement
Adjectival
adjective: יָחִיד alone
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
adjective: עָנִי afflicted
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-16-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 16
- The word alone (יָחִיד) (so NLT), in conjunction with the word "afflicted" (עָנִי), describes the psalmist as one who is "deserted" (HALOT; cf. Ps 68:7). "I am alone" in this context means, "I am bereft of all help."[49]
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 17
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| צָר֣וֹת לְבָבִ֣י הִרְחִ֑יבוּ | 17a | The troubles of my heart have expanded. |
| מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתַ֗י הוֹצִיאֵֽנִי׃ | 17b | Bring me out of my distresses! |
Macula
צָר֣וֹת לְבָבִ֣י הִרְחִ֑יבוּ מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתַ֗י הוֹצִיאֵֽנִי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 17]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the troubles of my heart">
noun: צָרוֹת troubles
noun: לְבָב heart
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
verb: הִרְחִיבוּ have expanded
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹצִיאֵ bring out
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my distresses">
noun: מְּצוּקוֹת distresses
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
DiscourseUnit [v. 17]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the troubles of my heart">
noun: צָרוֹת troubles
noun: לְבָב heart
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
verb: הִרְחִיבוּ have expanded
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹצִיאֵ bring out
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my distresses">
noun: מְּצוּקוֹת distresses
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-17-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 17
- See The Text and Meaning of Psalm 25:17a; cf. Barthélemy et al. 2005, 144–145.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 17
- See The Text and Meaning of Psalm 25:17a; cf. Barthélemy et al. 2005, 144–145.
Add Exegetical Note
alternative 1
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 17 alternative 1] <status="alternative">
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: הַרְחֵיב relieve <status="alternative revocalization">
Object
ConstructChain
noun: צָרוֹת troubles
noun: לְבָב heart
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וּ and <status="alternative revocalization">
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹצִיאֵ bring out
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ of
Object
ConstructChain
noun: מְּצוּקוֹת distresses
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
DiscourseUnit [v. 17 alternative 1] <status="alternative">
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: הַרְחֵיב relieve <status="alternative revocalization">
Object
ConstructChain
noun: צָרוֹת troubles
noun: לְבָב heart
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וּ and <status="alternative revocalization">
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹצִיאֵ bring out
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ of
Object
ConstructChain
noun: מְּצוּקוֹת distresses
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-17-alternative-1 }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
alternative 2
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 17 alternative 2] <status="alternative">
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: צָרוֹת troubles
Predicate
verb: הִרְחִיבוּ have expanded
Object
ConstructChain
noun: לְבָב heart
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹצִיאֵ bring out
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ of
Object
ConstructChain
noun: מְּצוּקוֹת distresses
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
DiscourseUnit [v. 17 alternative 2] <status="alternative">
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: צָרוֹת troubles
Predicate
verb: הִרְחִיבוּ have expanded
Object
ConstructChain
noun: לְבָב heart
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הוֹצִיאֵ bring out
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ of
Object
ConstructChain
noun: מְּצוּקוֹת distresses
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-17-alternative-2 }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 18
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| רְאֵ֣ה עָ֭נְיִי וַעֲמָלִ֑י | 18a | Look at my affliction and my hardship, |
| וְ֝שָׂ֗א לְכָל־חַטֹּאותָֽי׃ | 18b | and forgive all my sins! |
Macula
רְאֵ֣ה עָ֭נְיִי וַעֲמָלִ֑י וְ֝שָׂ֗א לְכָל־חַטֹּאותָֽי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 18]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: רְאֵה look at
Object
Nominal <gloss="my affliction">
ConstructChain
noun: עָנְי affliction
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Nominal <gloss="my hardship">
ConstructChain
noun: עֲמָל hardship
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: שָׂא forgive
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="all my sins">
Preposition
preposition: לְ
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
noun: חַטֹּאות sins
quantifier: כָל all
suffix-pronoun: ָי me
DiscourseUnit [v. 18]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: רְאֵה look at
Object
Nominal <gloss="my affliction">
ConstructChain
noun: עָנְי affliction
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Nominal <gloss="my hardship">
ConstructChain
noun: עֲמָל hardship
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: שָׂא forgive
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="all my sins">
Preposition
preposition: לְ
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
noun: חַטֹּאות sins
quantifier: כָל all
suffix-pronoun: ָי me
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-18-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 19
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| רְאֵֽה־אוֹיְבַ֥י כִּי־רָ֑בּוּ | 19a | Look at my enemies, how they have multiplied |
| וְשִׂנְאַ֖ת חָמָ֣ס שְׂנֵאֽוּנִי׃ | 19b | and how they hate me with violent hatred! |
Macula
רְאֵֽה־אוֹיְבַ֥י כִּי־רָ֑בּוּ וְשִׂנְאַ֖ת חָמָ֣ס שְׂנֵאֽוּנִי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 19]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: רְאֵה look at
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my enemies">
noun: אוֹיְב enemies
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Object
ComplementClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי how
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: רָבּוּ have multiplied
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׂנֵאוּ they hate
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial <gloss="with violent hatred">
ConstructChain
noun: שִׂנְאַת hatred
noun: חָמָס violence
SubordinateClause <status="alternative">
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: רָבּוּ they have multiplied
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׂנֵאוּ they hate
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
ConstructChain
noun: שִׂנְאַת hatred
noun: חָמָס violence
DiscourseUnit [v. 19]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: רְאֵה look at
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my enemies">
noun: אוֹיְב enemies
suffix-pronoun: ַי me
Object
ComplementClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי how
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: רָבּוּ have multiplied
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׂנֵאוּ they hate
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial <gloss="with violent hatred">
ConstructChain
noun: שִׂנְאַת hatred
noun: חָמָס violence
SubordinateClause <status="alternative">
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: רָבּוּ they have multiplied
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׂנֵאוּ they hate
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
ConstructChain
noun: שִׂנְאַת hatred
noun: חָמָס violence
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-19-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 19
- The כי in v. 19 probably introduces the content of what is "seen" (ראה): "See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me!" (NIV).[50] Alternatively, the כי could be a subordinating causal conjunction: "Watch my enemies, for they outnumber me" (NET).
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 20
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| שָׁמְרָ֣ה נַ֭פְשִׁי וְהַצִּילֵ֑נִי | 20a | Guard my life and rescue me! |
| אַל־אֵ֝ב֗וֹשׁ כִּֽי־חָסִ֥יתִי בָֽךְ׃ | 20b | Do not let me be disappointed, because I have taken refuge in you! |
Macula
שָׁמְרָ֣ה נַ֭פְשִׁי וְהַצִּילֵ֑נִי אַל־אֵ֝ב֗וֹשׁ כִּֽי־חָסִ֥יתִי בָֽךְ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 20]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: שָׁמְרָה guard
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my life">
noun: נַפְשׁ life
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַצִּילֵ rescue
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אֵבוֹשׁ let me come to shame
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Predicate
verb: חָסִיתִי I have taken refuge
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בָ in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךְ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 20]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: שָׁמְרָה guard
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my life">
noun: נַפְשׁ life
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הַצִּילֵ rescue
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: אֵבוֹשׁ let me come to shame
Adverbial
adverb: אַל do not
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Predicate
verb: חָסִיתִי I have taken refuge
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בָ in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךְ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-20-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 21
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| תֹּם־וָיֹ֥שֶׁר יִצְּר֑וּנִי | 21a | May integrity and justice keep me safe, |
| כִּ֝֗י קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃ | 21b | because I hope in you. |
Macula
תֹּם־וָיֹ֥שֶׁר יִצְּר֑וּנִי כִּ֝֗י קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 21]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: תֹּם integrity
Conjunction
conjunction: וָ and
noun: יֹשֶׁר justice
Predicate
verb: יִצְּרוּ will keep safe
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Predicate
verb: קִוִּיתִי I hope in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH <status="alternative emendation">
DiscourseUnit [v. 21]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: תֹּם integrity
Conjunction
conjunction: וָ and
noun: יֹשֶׁר justice
Predicate
verb: יִצְּרוּ will keep safe
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Predicate
verb: קִוִּיתִי I hope in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
noun: יְהוָה YHWH <status="alternative emendation">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-21-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
Note for v. 21
- The Septuagint, according to Rahlfs edition (1931, 116) adds a vocative "Lord" (κύριε = יהוה) to the end of v. 21. Some scholars emend the Hebrew text on the basis of this evidence, noting that the vocative would make for better balance (8 syllables // 7 syllables) and reinforce the inclusio between v. 1 and vv. 21–22 (יהוה אלהים // יהוה אלהי).[51] It would also significantly enhance the chiastic connection that already exists between v. 15 and v. 21 (see Poetic Structure). However, as Barthélemy et al. (2005, 147–154) note, the vocative is absent in important Septuagint witnesses, including Sinaiticus and Ra 2110 (unknown to Rahlfs).[52] It might have arisen as a secondary addition within the Greek tradition.[53] On the other hand, it is also plausible that the Greek text originally included the vocative and that the omission of the vocative in some witnesses represents an assimilation to the Hebrew text.[54]
Add Exegetical Note
v. 22
| Hebrew | Verse | English |
|---|---|---|
| פְּדֵ֣ה אֱ֭לֹהִים אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל | 22a | God, redeem Israel |
| מִ֝כֹּ֗ל צָֽרוֹתָיו׃ | 22b | from all their troubles! |
Macula
אֱ֭לֹהִים פְּדֵ֣ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מִ֝כֹּ֗ל צָֽרוֹתָיו׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 22]
Fragment
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: פְּדֵה redeem
Object
particle: אֶת־
noun: יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="all their troubles">
Nominal
noun: צָרוֹתָי troubles
quantifier: כֹּל all
suffix-pronoun: ו him >> them
DiscourseUnit [v. 22]
Fragment
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: פְּדֵה redeem
Object
particle: אֶת־
noun: יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="all their troubles">
Nominal
noun: צָרוֹתָי troubles
quantifier: כֹּל all
suffix-pronoun: ו him >> them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=25|DiagramID=v-22-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes.
Add Exegetical Note
Appendix
Files
Diagrams
Notes
- Grammar, Textual.v. 17.294429
- Grammar.v. 1.290872
- Grammar.v. 11.331088
- Grammar.v. 11.71089
- Grammar.v. 12.437046
- Grammar.v. 14.187762
- Grammar.v. 14.824046
- Grammar.v. 14.840007
- Grammar.v. 19.84009
- Grammar.v. 3.192562
- Grammar.v. 3.408927
- Grammar.v. 6.788891
- Grammar.vv. 6, 7, 10.603257
- Lexical, Phrasal.v. 1.404633
- Lexical.v. 13.414402
- Lexical.v. 13.884189
- Lexical.v. 14.141920
- Lexical.v. 16.50692
- Lexical.v. 2.657318
- Lexical.v. 3.542294
- Lexical.v. 6.728805
- Lexical.v. 7.555603
- Lexical.vv. 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 14.29682
- Phrasal.v. 10.755055
- Phrasal.v. 11.750115
- Phrasal.v. 12.953859
- Phrasal.v. 13.492744
- Phrasal.v. 15.27461
- Phrasal.v. 19.76278
- Phrasal.v. 2.968148
- Phrasal.v. 3.474717
- Phrasal.v. 4.618152
- Phrasal.v. 5.414414
- Phrasal.v. 6.88995
- Phrasal.v. 7.315579
- Phrasal.v. 7.538335
- Phrasal.v. 8.376432
- Phrasal.v. 8.50755
- Textual.v. 1.693968
- Textual.v. 14.921410
- Textual.v. 2.814040
- Textual.v. 21.355773
- Textual.v. 5.301755
- Textual.v. 5.563019
- Textual.v. 7.404783
Approvals
Current Grammar status is not set for version not set. Current Lexical status is not set for version not set.
References
- ↑ So also Jerome (iuxta Hebr.), the Peshitta, and some LXX manuscripts (see Rahlfs 1931, 114).
- ↑ In manuscripts written in lines among the Dead Sea Scrolls, scribes were not always able to fit a complete poetic line onto a single columnar row; sometimes they had to put the last word(s) of the line on the next row (e.g., 4Q85). In Psalm 25, perhaps there was not enough room to place אלהי on the first row, and so the scribe had to place it on the following row. Maybe the scribe put too large a space after the superscription. The manuscript might have looked something like this (but with a large space after לדוד; cf. 4Q85, 5/6HevPs, MasPs-a):
- לדוד אליך יהוה נפשי אשא
- אלהי בך בטחתי אל אבוש אל יעלצו אובי לי
- ↑ On "vertical grammar," see Tsumura 2023; cf. Ps 19:15 for a prime example.
- ↑ BHS, cf. Craigie 1983, 216.
- ↑ cf. Baethgen 1904, 71.
- ↑ TWOT.
- ↑ Elsewhere, the Greek Psalms translator renders עלץ with εὐφραίνω (Pss 5:12; 9:3; 68:4). For לעג, he uses ἐκγελάσεται (Pss 2:4; 59:9), καταγέλωτα (Ps 44:14).
- ↑ DCH; Pss 35:19 [אַֽל־יִשְׂמְחוּ־לִ֣י אֹיְבַ֣י], cf. Pss 30:2; 35:24; 38:17.
- ↑ Cf. Millard 1975.
- ↑ See HALOT.
- ↑ See NET note: "The adverb רֵיקָם (reqam, “in vain”) probably refers to the failure (or futility) of their efforts." So Baethgen 1904, 71; cf. Jerome (iuxta Hebr.): frustra; Rabbi Moshe Yitzhak Ashkenazi: לא ישיגו חפצם וישאו חרפה.
- ↑ So Hupfeld 1868, 113; Delitzsch 1996, 217; Gesenius 2013, 1241. Cf. Symmachus (Ra 264): εἰκῇ, which means "without plan or purpose, at random, at a venture... without good cause" (LSJ). Cf. the explanation by Calvin: "When he adds, without cause, it only tends to show the aggravated nature of the offense. The wickedness of a man is always the more intolerable, when, unprovoked by wrongs, he sets himself, of his own accord, to injure the innocent and blameless."
- ↑ So Ibn Ezra: כמו: חנם; cf. Hupfeld 1868, 113.
- ↑ For example, when the adverb חִנָּם ("without reason") modifies a clause, it usually describes an action which, by itself, is neither inherently good nor bad, e.g., "hate" (Ps 35:19), "shed blood" (1 Kgs 2:31), "curse" (Prov 26:2). In certain circumstances, these actions would be morally justifiable. When they are done "for no reason," however, then they are morally reprehensible. By contrast, the verb בגד ("deal treacherously with, act unfaithfully towards") is inherently negative, regardless of the motivation.
- ↑ It is possible that this is the intended sense in Psalm 7:5 as well, where covenant faithlessness is also in view.
- ↑ Widder 2014, §4.5. Cf. SDBH: "causative action by which humans or deities cause humans ... to acquire knowledge, skill, or behavior; usually refers to learning to the point of doing." LXX: διδάσκω.
- ↑ Widder 2014, §3.6, §4.5.
- ↑ Widder 2014, §3.6. Cf. SDBH: "causative action by which humans or deities cause (other) humans to acquire knowledge, a skill, or a certain type of behavior." LXX: νομοθετέω.
- ↑ Widder 2014, §5.6. SDBH: "causative process by which humans or deities cause (other) humans to acquire information about (other) humans, deities, or certain facts, which is stored in the mind." LXX: γνωρίζω, δηλόω. Abernethy also draws attention to the relationship of the acquired knowledge to the divine realm, mentioning the verb's "particular ability among the terms for teaching to convey a revelation of God's nature" (2015, 347).
- ↑ Cf. LXX: ὁδηγέω.
- ↑ See, for example, the previous verse, where the Septuagint adds a conjunction (καί) to coordinate the two clauses in v. 4 (so also Peshitta, Sexta, and some medieval Hebrew manuscripts).
- ↑ So BHS; Craigie 1983, 216; Baethgen 1904, 71-72.
- ↑ Note the Septuagint also has an additional conjunction in v. 4. As in v. 4, the addition of a conjunction in this case might also be related to the final י at the end of the b-line (dittography).
- ↑ The alef verse is a possible exception, though even if it were only one line, it would still be longer than v. 5c: 5 words, 12 syllables.
- ↑ Cf. Freedman 1992; cf. Watson 2001, 199-200.
- ↑ NETS, so Jerome.
- ↑ DCH: "מִן of time," e.g., Gen 6:4 (הַגִּבֹּרִים אֲשֶׁר מֵעֹולָם); Isa 63:16 (גֹּאֲלֵנוּ מֵֽעֹולָם שְׁמֶךָ).
- ↑ Childs 1962, 32.
- ↑ Hardy 2022, 161.
- ↑ Jenni 1994, 112: "Acting according to behavior patterns / disposition."
- ↑ Cf. Jenni 1992, 252-253. BHRG §39.6.1.b.ii calls this use of bet "figurative contact by means of mental process." See also 1 Samuel 12:23; Psalm 25:8, 12; Job 27:1.
- ↑ So Dahood 2008, 157.
- ↑ Cf. the yiqtols in Ps 51:9–10; cf. LXX: καὶ ἱλάσῃ.
- ↑ Cf. Jerome (iuxta Hebr.): propter nomen tuum propitiare iniquitati meae; Rashi: סלח לעוני.
- ↑ Cf. GKC §112n: "The perfect consecutive serves as the apodosis to causal clauses... also after what are equivalent to causal clauses, e.g., Ps 25:11 (...for thy name's sake... pardon...)." See the same syntactic configuration in Isa 45:4: לְמַ֙עַן֙ עַבְדִּ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּחִירִ֑י וָאֶקְרָ֤א לְךָ֙ בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ אֲכַנְּךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א יְדַעְתָּֽנִי. See, similarly, the temporal adverbials in Gen 3:5; Exod 12:3; 17:4; Judg 16:2; 1 Kgs 13:31; Ezek 16:47.
- ↑ As Hossfeld (1993, 165–166) notes, there are several echoes of Exodus 34 in Psalm 25, e.g., terms for sin (vv. 7, 11; cf. Exod 34:7), the words for compassion, loyalty, and faithfulness (vv. 6, 10; cf. Exod 34:6), and the mention of covenant (vv. 10, 14; cf. Exod 34:10, 27ff).
- ↑ Zulker 2025. "The function of an Orientation constituent is to provide information that helps to orient the addressee... providing information 'essential to a coherent "anchoring" of the content of the proposition'" (Zulker 2025, 88, citing Dik, Theory of Functional Grammar).
- ↑ See Jenni 2000, 121; cf. DCH on סלח.
- ↑ Hardy 2022, 161.
- ↑ So LXX, Aquila, Symmachus, Jerome; cf. GKC §155h, k. It is possible that the entire second half of v. 12 is also a relative clause: "Who is the man who fears YHWH, whom YHWH will instruct in the way that he should choose?" (cf. Jerome: quis est... vir... quem docebit in via quam elegerit).
- ↑ Ibn Ezra, by contrast, insists that it refers to the good one experiences in this life: עד יום מותו יהיה בעולם הזה בטוב.
- ↑ Cf. Job 21:13; 36:11; Eccl 7:14; see Jenni 1992, 212.
- ↑ Several other interpretations have been proposed. As Baethgen writes, "The second line receives very different interpretations... Jerome: et pactum suum ostendet eis, so that להודיעם takes the place of the predicate, cf. GKC §114p. Others: 'And his covenant [is given to them], to instruct them, to teach them.' Still others: 'And to teach them his covenant [he endeavors];' the latter fits well with the parallel line" (Baethgen 1904, 72, own translation).
- ↑ Ludwig Köhler (1954, 87–91) gives a colorful description of an ancient סוֹד: "It was the free meeting together in time of leisure of the adult men, while the housewives and mothers, tired no doubt but unrelaxing, still exert themselves in the last business of their daily work... If we ask what this circle means and does, then the answer is that it is the place where the news of the day is exchanged. It is the place where the plans for the coming days and for projects which lie ahead are discussed. It is the place of conversation. When the Bedouin crouch on the ground together in the evening around the campfire, the storytellers and singers lift their voices to recite long poems, skillful songs, stories of the heroic deeds of old time. No doubt this happened in Israel too..."
- ↑ So also Ibn Ezra: סודות האלהים לא יתגלו כי אם ליריאיו; Radak: לא יגלה כי אם ליראיו; Moshe Yitzhak Ashkenazi: עצה.
- ↑ For a comparison, see the doublet in Psalm 36[37]:28, discussed by Sikes and Longacre 2025.
- ↑ Cf. Jerome: et pactum suum ostendet eis.
- ↑ BHRG §39.3(1)(c); cf. 1 Kgs 8:29.
- ↑ Theodoret, trans. Hill, 2000, 167.
- ↑ Cf. NLT, ESV; cf. Gen 1:4; so Baethgen 1904, 73.
- ↑ Cf. Baethgen 1904, 73; Craigie 1983, 216–217; Kraus 1988, 318–319.
- ↑ Cf. Rahlfs 1931, 116, who notes the absence of the vocative in Sinaiticus, the St. Germain (Latin) Psalter, and Jerome (Gallican Psalter and Epistle 106). Jerome mentions the issue in Epistle 106: "You say that you have found in the Greek 'Lord.' which is superfluous (superfluum)" (Graves 2022, 90–91).
- ↑ There are several other passages in the Psalter where the majority of Greek manuscripts include an additional vocative κύριε, while Ra 2110 omits the vocative in agreement with MT (e.g., Pss 87:3b; 93:19a; 118:7a; cf. Albrecht 2025, 381.
- ↑ Baucom (2018, 173), for example, argues that "the scribe of Ra 2110, or a predecessor, somehow obtained hexaplaric readings" and incorporated them into his text. It is also possible that the omission of the vocative came about through scribal error (haplography: ϹΕ ΚΕ --> ϹΕ).