Psalm 38/Exegetical Issues/List

• The Meaning of לְהַזְכִּיר in Psalm 38:1

The meaning and translation of לְהַזְכִּיר in this psalm's superscription are not clear. There are three main options for its interpretation: (1) a simple petition or lament; (2) a reminder; or (3) referring to a psalm written to be used at memorial offerings.

• The Function of כִּי in Psalm 38:16

The כִּי in v. 16 could be functioning in one of four ways: (1) it could be causal, subordinate to the following clause (v. 16b), giving the reason why YHWH will answer; (2) it could be causal, but subordinate to the preceding section (vv. 12-15), giving the reason why David gives no arguments; (3) it could be adversative, introducing a counter statement to the previous segment, contrasting David's lack of speech with YHWH's speaking to answer; (4) it could be asseverative, emphasizing the surety of the entire clause.

• The Text and Meaning of Psalm 38:20

The issue in this verse revolves around חַיִּ֣ים. Some scholars and translators believe that the word חַיִּ֣ים is not original and that חִנָּם "for no reason" is the original text. Most modern translations follow חַיִּ֣ים as the original reading. However, because of the difficult interpretation, this phrase is translated in several different ways (e.g., "my foes are vigorous," "my mortal enemies").