Psalm 36 Speech Act

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Psalm 36/Speech Act
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Speech Act Analysis

What is Speech Act Analysis?

The Speech Act layer presents the text in terms of what it does, following the findings of Speech Act Theory. It builds on the recognition that there is more to communication than the exchange of propositions. Speech act analysis is particularly important when communicating cross-culturally, and lack of understanding can lead to serious misunderstandings, since the ways languages and cultures perform speech acts varies widely.

For a detailed explanation of our method, see the Speech Act Analysis Creator Guidelines.

Summary Visual

Speaker Verses Macro Speech Acts Addressee
David v. 2 Rebellion’s declaration [speaks] to the wicked in the midst of his heart.

ALERT (OF EVIL)
(vv. 2–5)

The wicked person does not refuse evil (v. 5).
Supporting statements
There is no fear of God before the wicked person's eyes (v. 2).
 YHWH's people
v. 3 There is no fear of God before his eyes.
v. 4 For [Rebellion] has flattered him in his eyes,
v. 5 that he has found his iniquity and hated it.
v. 6 The words of his mouth are evil and deceit.

ASSURANCE (OF LOYALTY)
(vv. 6–10)

YHWH's loyalty is unthreatened.

YHWH delivers (v. 7) and shelters his people (v. 8).
 YHWH
v. 7 He has ceased to act wisely and to do good.
v. 8 He plots evil on his bed.
v. 9 He remains beside every way that is not good.
v. 10 He does not refuse evil.
v. 11 YHWH, your loyalty is in the sky;

REQUEST
(FOR CONT. LOYALTY)
(vv. 11–12)

YHWH will continue his loyalty towards his people (v. 11).
v. 12 your faithfulness [extends] up to the clouds.
v. 13 Your justice is like the mighty mountains;

ASSURANCE
(OF CONT. LOYALTY)
(v. 13)

Wicked people have been defeated and no longer pose a threat.
 YHWH's people

Speech Act Analysis Chart

The following chart is scrollable (left/right; up/down).

  Legend

Verse Hebrew CBC Sentence type Illocution (general) Illocution with context Macro speech act Intended perlocution (Think) Intended perlocution (Feel) Intended perlocution (Do)
Verse number and poetic line Hebrew text English translation Declarative, Imperative, or Interrogative

Indirect Speech Act: Mismatch between sentence type and illocution type		 Assertive, Directive, Expressive, Commissive, or Declaratory

Indirect Speech Act: Mismatch between sentence type and illocution type		 More specific illocution type with paraphrased context Illocutionary intent (i.e. communicative purpose) of larger sections of discourse

These align with the "Speech Act Summary" headings		 What the speaker intends for the address to think What the speaker intends for the address to feel What the speaker intends for the address to do



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 036 - Copy of Speech Table.jpg