Psalm 44/Diagrams
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
V. 1
Macula
לַמְנַצֵּ֬חַ לִבְנֵי־קֹ֬רַח מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="for the director" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לַ to
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
verb-participle: מְנַצֵּחַ direct >> director
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="by the Korahites" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לִ of
Object
ConstructChain
noun: בְנֵי sons >> descendants
noun: קֹרַח Korah
Fragment
Nominal
noun: מַשְׂכִּיל maskil
DiscourseUnit [v. 1]
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="for the director" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לַ to
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
verb-participle: מְנַצֵּחַ direct >> director
Fragment
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="by the Korahites" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לִ of
Object
ConstructChain
noun: בְנֵי sons >> descendants
noun: קֹרַח Korah
Fragment
Nominal
noun: מַשְׂכִּיל maskil
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-1-None }}
Grammar Notes
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 1
- The meaning of מַשְׂכִּיל: The sense of this term is not fully understood. It is often associated with the hiphil form of the verb שׂכל "to instruct, teach" (cf. Ps 32:1, 8, which feature מַשְׂכִּֽיל in v. 1, and אַשְׂכִּילְךָ "I will instruct you" in v. 8). Thus the LXX translates 44:1 with εἰς σύνεσιν "regarding understanding" (NETS). However, given the overarching theme of lament in Ps 44, it is difficult to see how the psalm qualifies as instruction. It is also possible to render מַשְׂכִּיל as "meditation" or "skillful psalm" (Craigie 2004, 264). To further complicate matters, it is unclear as to whether the term refers to the psalm's musical accompaniment or its content (Ibid). Another possibility is that מַשְׂכִּיל should be associated with the rare II-שׂכל "to lay over cross-wise" (HALOT; cf. Gen 48:14), with the liturgical sense of alternating chants, or antiphony (Koenen 1991, 112). In the absence of definitive conclusions, most modern translations transliterate the term as maskil.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 1
- לַ(הַ)מְנַצֵּחַ ("for the [musical] director"): Inclusiveness - class. The article here can designate “a class of persons or things that are definite in themselves” (BHRG, §24.4.4[4]). If, however, there was only one director in Israel at any given time, it could be construed as a situationally unique referent (IBHS, §13.5.1b).
- The לְ in לִ-בְנֵי־קֹרַח ("by the Korahites") is the ל of authorship (lamed auctoris) is a subset of the quasi-locational use of the lamed (IBHS, §11.2.10d).
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 2
Macula
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀בְּאָזְנֵ֬ינוּ שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ אֲבוֹתֵ֥ינוּ סִפְּרוּ־לָ֑נוּ פֹּ֥עַל פָּעַ֥לְתָּ בִֽ֝ימֵיהֶ֗ם בִּ֣ימֵי קֶֽדֶם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
Vocative
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: שָׁמַעְנוּ we hear
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="with our ears" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: אָזְנֵי ears
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Object
noun: פֹּעַל deeds <status="elided">
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our ancestors" x="0" y="-10">
noun: אֲבוֹתֵי fathers >> ancestors
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: סִפְּרוּ recount
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ to
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Object
Nominal
noun: פֹּעַל deeds
RelativeClause
RelativeParticle
particle: which <status="elided">
Clause
Predicate
verb: פָּעַלְתָּ you perform
Object <located="relative clause head">
Adverbial
Apposition
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in their times" x="-80" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בִ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: ימֵי days
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in times long ago" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בִּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: ימֵי days
noun: קֶדֶם ancient time
DiscourseUnit [v. 2]
Fragment
Vocative
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: שָׁמַעְנוּ we hear
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="with our ears" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: אָזְנֵי ears
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Object
noun: פֹּעַל deeds <status="elided">
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our ancestors" x="0" y="-10">
noun: אֲבוֹתֵי fathers >> ancestors
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: סִפְּרוּ recount
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ to
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Object
Nominal
noun: פֹּעַל deeds
RelativeClause
RelativeParticle
particle: which <status="elided">
Clause
Predicate
verb: פָּעַלְתָּ you perform
Object <located="relative clause head">
Adverbial
Apposition
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in their times" x="-80" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בִ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: ימֵי days
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="in times long ago" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בִּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: ימֵי days
noun: קֶדֶם ancient time
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-2-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 2
- The object of שָׁמַעְנוּ: While the qal verb שׁמע can occasionally be used intransitively (e.g., Gen 35:22; Num 12:2; Deut 6:4), in such instances the object of the verb (i.e., the content which is heard) is implied by the context. While it is separated from שָׁמַעְנוּ by an intervening clause, the present context suggests that פֹּעַל serves as the object of both שָׁמַעְנוּ and סִפְּרוּ.
- Another possibility is the parenthesis of אֲבוֹתֵ֥ינוּ סִפְּרוּ־לָ֑נוּ, as read in the CSB: We have heard with our ears— our ancestors have told us— the work you accomplished in their days.
- Textual note on בִּימֵי: Some Hebrew manuscripts read כימי instead of בִּימֵי, but this alternative is not reflected in modern translations.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 2
- The meaning of אֲבוֹתֵינוּ: While the noun אָב most typically refers to a literal father, it is often used to refer to more remote ancestors, especially with respect to founders of tribal units (TWOT, 6). Here in 44:2, context and the plural form make clear that ancestors are in view. Given the imagery of dispossessed nations of vv. 3–4, this is most likely a reference to Israel in the era of the conquest (cf. VanGemeren 2008, 390).
- The number of פֹּעַל: The noun פֹּעַל is almost always grammatically singular, though the term is usually used in a collective sense of repeated or habitual acts (DCH).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 2
- The בְּ in בְּ-אָזְנֵינוּ ("with our ears") is an instrumental בְּ. The information reported comes into figurative contact with the speaker's ears (BHRG, §39.6b[ii]). Thus the ears become the figurative instrument of hearing.
- The בְּ in בִֽ-ימֵיהֶם ("in their time") as well as in בִּ-ימֵי קֶֽדֶם׃ ("in days long ago") are temporal. The temporal use of ב marks actual time in, at, or when (IBHS, §11.2.5c).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 2
- Most modern translations render the verb שָׁמַעְנוּ as a present perfect ("we have heard"; so NIV, ESV, NASB, CSB, NET), which would highlight the resultant state of the action. This fits the context of the psalm, in light of its theme of appealing to past events for present circumstances (Craigie 2004, 333). As a present perfect, no reference point movement is expected.
- Most modern translations render the verb סִפְּרוּ as a present perfect ("our ancestors have recounted"; so NIV, ESV, NASB, CSB, NET), which would highlight the resultant state of the action. This fits the context of the psalm, in light of its theme of appealing to past events for present circumstances (Craigie 2004, 333). As a present perfect, no reference point movement is expected.
- The verb פָּעַלְתָּ introduces an asyndetic relative clause that qualifies פֹּעַל (i.e., "the deeds [which] you did..."). The reference time of פָּעַלְתָּ is established by the relative clause, as well as the adverbial modifiers בִימֵיהֶם and בִּימֵי קֶדֶם. Thus פָּעַלְתָּ denotes a simple past action within the newly established reference time, and reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 3
Macula
אַתָּ֤ה׀יָדְךָ֡ גּוֹיִ֣ם ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ וַתִּטָּעֵ֑ם תָּרַ֥ע לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: הוֹרַשְׁתָּ dispossess
Object
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
Adverbial
ConstructChain
noun: יָדְ hand >> strength
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ so
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּטָּע you plant
verb: תִּטָּע you transplant <status="alternative"> // Remove for Grammar
Object
suffix-pronoun: םֵ them
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תָּרַע you afflict
Object
noun: לְאֻמִּים peoples
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ so
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשַׁלְּח set free
verb: תְּשַׁלְּח expel <status="alternative"> // Remove for Grammar
Object
suffix-pronoun: םֵ them
DiscourseUnit [v. 3]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: הוֹרַשְׁתָּ dispossess
Object
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
Adverbial
ConstructChain
noun: יָדְ hand >> strength
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ so
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּטָּע you plant
verb: תִּטָּע you transplant <status="alternative"> // Remove for Grammar
Object
suffix-pronoun: םֵ them
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תָּרַע you afflict
Object
noun: לְאֻמִּים peoples
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ so
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשַׁלְּח set free
verb: תְּשַׁלְּח expel <status="alternative"> // Remove for Grammar
Object
suffix-pronoun: םֵ them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-3-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 3
- The function of יָדְךָ: The LXX renders v. 3a with יָדְךָ as the subject of a third-person verb, ἡ χείρ σου ἔθνη ἐξωλέθρευσεν ("your hand destroyed nations," NETS). It is possible that the LXX understands יָדְךָ, as a metonymy for God, as the subject of the 2ms verb הוֹרַשְׁתָּ, with agreement between the verb and the 2ms pronominal suffix (JM §151c). However, it is more likely that יָדְךָ functions as an adverbial accusative (i.e., "You dispossessed the nations by your hand"; cf. GKC §144l–m), as reflected in most modern translations.
- 3mp pronominal suffixes: There is some ambiguity as to the referent of the 3mp pronominal suffixes of וַתִּטָּעֵם and וַתְּשַׁלְּחֵם. Most modern translations interpret them as referring to the forefathers of v. 2 (so NIV, ESV, NRSV, NET, CSB). This would require reading the wayyiqtol verbs as adversative ("but them you planted... but them you set free...," NRSV) or purpose/resultative ("in order to plant them... in order to settle them...," CSB). Alternatively, a temporally sequential reading of the wayyiqtols would suggest that the suffixes refer to the גּוֹיִם and לְאֻמִּים (so NASB95, LSB, KJV). For an in-depth discussion, see Lexical Semantics and Participant Analysis.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 3
- The meaning of יָדְךָ (your hand >> your strength): The bodily term יָד functions in the contextual domain of strength to denote one's power (SDBH). The imagery of God's hand is used figuratively to refer to his strength and power.
- The sense of וַתִּטָּעֵם and וַתְּשַׁלְּחֵם: Depending on the referents of the 3mp pronominal suffixes on these verbs (see Method:Grammar notes), the connotations of these terms could either be positive (i.e., "you planted... and set free [our ancestors]") or negative (i.e., "you transplanted... and expelled [the nations]"). Although גּוֹיִם "nations" and לְאֻמִּים "peoples" are syntactically nearer to the verbs, the אֲבוֹתֵינוּ "our ancestors" of v. 2 constitute the major participants, or protagonists, of this section, and are thus more cognitively accessible (or proximate) to the reader (de Regt 2020, 8). Thus, these verbs most likely have the positive sense of God settling Israel in the land (cf. NIV, CSB, NET). See Participant Analysis for further discussion.
- The meaning of וַתְּשַׁלְּחֵם: The core sense of the verb שׁלח appears to be "to send," from which other uses of the term radiate (NIDOTTE, 4:119). If taken in a positive sense (see note above), this verb could have the sense of "to let go free" (HALOT) or "to cause spread out" (DCH, 8:384). It has been suggested that וַתְּשַׁלְּחֵם should be connected with IV-שׁלח "to put forth shoots" (Ibid, 8:389; cf. VanGemeren 2008, 390). However, this would likely require an emendation from the piel form to an otherwise unattested hiphil of IV-שׁלח "to cause to put forth shoots" (DCH, 8:389, emphasis added). In absence of textual evidence for such an emendation, the most likely sense here is that of God setting Israel free to settle the land. In this vein, the piel שׁלח occurs as a thematic term in Exod 3–20 in reference to Pharaoh allowing Israel to go free from Egypt (NIDOTTE, 4:120, 121).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 3
- הוֹרַשְׁתָּ ("dispossessed"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtol can be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 3a, the qatal הוֹרַשְׁתָּ is likely a summary statement that encompasses a dispossession which, historically, occurred in stages. The habitual yiqtol תָּרַע in v. 3c clarifies that this was not a one-time occurrence—a dynamic that is also implied by the plural objects גּוֹיִם (v. 3a) and לְאֻמִּים (v. 3c).
- וַתִּטָּעֵם ("you planted them"): While the wayyiqtol does not necessarily denote temporal succession, its association with narrative texts can be used in poetry to mark departures from typical parallelistic structure (BHRG §21.2.3). Here, it likely denotes that the planting of Israel temporally followed the dispossession of the nations.
- תָּרַע ("you would afflict"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtol can be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Previously in v. 3a, the qatal הוֹרַשְׁתָּ was likely a summary statement that encompasses a dispossession which, historically, occurred in stages. The habitual yiqtol תָּרַע here in v. 3c clarifies that this was not a one-time occurrence—a dynamic that is also implied by the plural objects גּוֹיִם (v. 3a) and לְאֻמִּים (v. 3c).
- וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽם ("you would set them free"): While the wayyiqtol does not necessarily denote temporal succession, its association with narrative texts can be used in poetry to mark departures from typical parallelistic structure (BHRG §21.2.3). Here, it likely denotes that the setting free of Israel temporally followed the affliction of the nations. As it follows upon the habitual yiqtol תָּרַע, the wayyiqtol וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽם also denotes habitual occurrences. The piel of שׁלח can mean "to set free" or "to expel," depending on the context (TWOT, 928). Based on the parallel with וַתִּטָּעֵם in v. 3b, the verb likely denotes, "you would set [Israel] free." For further discussion, see Participant Analysis.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 4
Macula
כִּ֤י לֹ֪א בְחַרְבָּ֡ם יָ֥רְשׁוּ אָ֗רֶץ וּזְרוֹעָם֮ לֹא־הוֹשִׁ֪יעָ֫ה לָּ֥מוֹ כִּֽי־יְמִֽינְךָ֣ וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ וְא֥וֹר פָּנֶ֗יךָ כִּ֣י רְצִיתָֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יָרְשׁוּ they take possession
Object
noun: אָרֶץ land
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ by
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="their sword" x="80" y="-10">
noun: חַרְבּ sword
suffix-pronoun: ָם them
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="their power" x="0" y="-10">
noun: זְרוֹע arm >> power
suffix-pronoun: ָם them
Predicate
verb: הוֹשִׁיעָה give victory
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָּ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי but
Clause
Subject
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your right hand" x="80" y="-10">
noun: יְמִינְ right hand
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your power" x="120" y="-10">
noun: זְרוֹעֲ arm >> power
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the light of your countenance" x="30" y="-20"> // <gloss="the light of your face >> the light of your countenance" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
noun: אוֹר light
ConstructChain
noun: פָּנֶי face
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate <status="elided">
verb: הוֹשִׁיעָה give victory
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָּ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Predicate
verb: רְצִית you favor
Object
suffix-pronoun: ָם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 4]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יָרְשׁוּ they take possession
Object
noun: אָרֶץ land
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ by
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="their sword" x="80" y="-10">
noun: חַרְבּ sword
suffix-pronoun: ָם them
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="their power" x="0" y="-10">
noun: זְרוֹע arm >> power
suffix-pronoun: ָם them
Predicate
verb: הוֹשִׁיעָה give victory
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָּ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי but
Clause
Subject
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your right hand" x="80" y="-10">
noun: יְמִינְ right hand
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your power" x="120" y="-10">
noun: זְרוֹעֲ arm >> power
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the light of your countenance" x="30" y="-20"> // <gloss="the light of your face >> the light of your countenance" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
noun: אוֹר light
ConstructChain
noun: פָּנֶי face
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate <status="elided">
verb: הוֹשִׁיעָה give victory
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָּ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי because
Clause
Predicate
verb: רְצִית you favor
Object
suffix-pronoun: ָם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-4-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 4
- The meaning of הוֹשִׁיעָה: The verbal root ישׁע typically refers to the act of bringing help in the midst of trouble, rather than rescue out of it (NIDOTTE, 2:556). In the present context, the sense is that of God's provision of military victory over adversaries (Ibid, 2:560).
- The meaning of יְמִינְךָ and וּזְרוֹעֲךָ: The bodily terms יָמִין and זְרוֹעַ function in the contextual domain of strength to denote one's power (SDBH).
- The meaning of וְאוֹר פָּנֶיךָ: Within the contextual domain of body imagery, the "light (of one's face)" denotes a smile of favor (SDBH).
- אוֹר פָּנֶי-ךָ ("the light of your face") is entity–origin. The imagery of light is "associated with life, goodness, happiness, prosperity, security, favor, and wisdom" (SDBH). The idiom אוֹר פָּנֶיךָ "light of your [i.e., God's] face" indicates divine approval (TWOT, 25). Thus, the semantics of the figurative expression is more akin to characteristic-possessor.
- פָּנֶי-ךָ ("your face") possession (body part)–possessor. With פָנֶי used figuratively to refer to one's presence (DCH), the construct relationship would be closer to that of characteristic-possessor.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 4
- Prepositions: The preposition בְּ of בְחַרְבָּם indicates the means or instrument by which the land is (not) possessed (GKC §119o). The לְ preposition of לָּמוֹ indicates a dative of advantage, expressing the party to whose advantage הוֹשִׁיעָה comes (JM §133d).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 4
- רְצִיתָֽם ("you were pleased"): As part of an explanatory כּי-clause, the qatal is not temporally sequential, but rather a perfect of result (i.e., "you had been pleased with them [in the past]" >> "you are [now] pleased with them"). Thus, no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 5
Macula
אַתָּה־ה֣וּא מַלְכִּ֣י אֱלֹהִ֑ים צַ֝וֵּ֗ה יְשׁוּע֥וֹת יַעֲקֹֽב׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
copula: הוּא are
Complement
Apposition
ConstructChain <gloss="my king" x="100" y="-10">
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
ConstructChain
Nominal
noun: אֱלֹהָ God <status="emendation">
Adjectival
ConstructChain
verb-participle: מְצַוֶּה commands <status="emendation">
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="victory for Jacob" x="80" y="-10">
noun: יְשׁוּעוֹת victory
noun: יַעֲקֹב Jacob
suffix-pronoun: ִי me <status="emendation">
DiscourseUnit [v. 5]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
copula: הוּא are
Complement
Apposition
ConstructChain <gloss="my king" x="100" y="-10">
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
ConstructChain
Nominal
noun: אֱלֹהָ God <status="emendation">
Adjectival
ConstructChain
verb-participle: מְצַוֶּה commands <status="emendation">
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="victory for Jacob" x="80" y="-10">
noun: יְשׁוּעוֹת victory
noun: יַעֲקֹב Jacob
suffix-pronoun: ִי me <status="emendation">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-5-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 5
- Is הוּא a copula or pronoun? If הוּא in this verse is functioning as a pronoun, then this would imply that אַתָּה would be a dislocated item. However, the אַתָּה in this verse is not left-dislocated ("as for you..."), as it does not agree in person with הוּא, which would be the resumptive pronoun in a left-dislocated construction (Holmstedt and Jones 2014, 59). Rendering הוּא as a resumptive would result in the difficult, "You, he is my king..." It is possible to understand the clause as a right-dislocated construction ("you are he, my king"; so Hengstenberg 1863, 113). However, this would result in an anaphoric pronoun הוּא that does not have a clear antecedent (Holmstedt and Jones 2014, 59). As such, הוּא is most likely functioning as a copula in this context (i.e., "you are my king"). It also serves to disambiguate the sentence as a verbless clause, as opposed to a vocative expression ("you, my king, O God"; BHRG §36.1.1.2[4]). For similar constructions, see 2 Sam 7:28; 1 Kgs 19:15; Neh 9:7.
- Textual note on אֱלֹהִים and צַוֵּה: LXX reads ὁ θεός μου ὁ ἐντελλόμενος τὰς σωτηρίας ιακωβ ("... my God, he who commands acts of deliverance for Iakob," NETS). This reading presupposes a division of the consonantal text into אֱלֹהָי מְצַוֶּה instead of the MT's אֱלֹהִים צַוֵּה. For more on this issue, see The Text and Meaning of Psalm 44:5.
- The plural form of יְשׁוּעוֹת: The plural form is often used in the HB to express abstract concepts. Originally, these plurals of abstraction likely expressed concrete manifestations of the abstract concept, and eventually developed into expressions of the abstraction itself (JM §136g). Thus, יְשׁוּעוֹת indicates the concept "help/salvation," as opposed to instances of "helps/salvations."
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 5
- The meaning of הוּא: See Grammar notes.
- "Command" or "who commands"? Modern translations differ with regard to treating צוה as an imperative, "command!" (ESV, NASB, NET) or substantival participle, "the one who commands" (NIV, CSB). For further discussion, see the text-critical note on this issue under the Method:Grammar layer.
- The meaning of יְשׁוּעוֹת: The verbal root ישׁע typically refers to the act of bringing help in the midst of trouble, rather than rescue out of it (NIDOTTE, 2:556). In the present context, the sense is that of God's provision of military victory over adversaries (Ibid, 2:560).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 5
- מְצַוֶּה ("commanding"): For the emendation of the MT אֱלֹהִ֑ים צַ֝וֵּ֗ה see Grammar notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Alternative
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 5 alternative]
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
copula: הוּא are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="my king" x="0" y="-10">
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Fragment <status="alternative">
Vocative
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Predicate
verb: צַוֵּה command
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="victory for Jacob" x="0" y="-10">
noun: יְשׁוּעוֹת victory
noun: יַעֲקֹב Jacob
DiscourseUnit [v. 5 alternative]
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
copula: הוּא are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="my king" x="0" y="-10">
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Fragment <status="alternative">
Vocative
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Predicate
verb: צַוֵּה command
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="victory for Jacob" x="0" y="-10">
noun: יְשׁוּעוֹת victory
noun: יַעֲקֹב Jacob
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-5-Alternative }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 5
- Is הוּא a copula or pronoun? If הוּא in this verse is functioning as a pronoun, then this would imply that אַתָּה would be a dislocated item. However, the אַתָּה in this verse is not left-dislocated ("as for you..."), as it does not agree in person with הוּא, which would be the resumptive pronoun in a left-dislocated construction (Holmstedt and Jones 2014, 59). Rendering הוּא as a resumptive would result in the difficult, "You, he is my king..." It is possible to understand the clause as a right-dislocated construction ("you are he, my king"; so Hengstenberg 1863, 113). However, this would result in an anaphoric pronoun הוּא that does not have a clear antecedent (Holmstedt and Jones 2014, 59). As such, הוּא is most likely functioning as a copula in this context (i.e., "you are my king"). It also serves to disambiguate the sentence as a verbless clause, as opposed to a vocative expression ("you, my king, O God"; BHRG §36.1.1.2[4]). For similar constructions, see 2 Sam 7:28; 1 Kgs 19:15; Neh 9:7.
- Textual note on אֱלֹהִים and צַוֵּה: LXX reads ὁ θεός μου ὁ ἐντελλόμενος τὰς σωτηρίας ιακωβ ("... my God, he who commands acts of deliverance for Iakob," NETS). This reading presupposes a division of the consonantal text into אֱלֹהָי מְצַוֶּה instead of the MT's אֱלֹהִים צַוֵּה. For more on this issue, see The Text and Meaning of Psalm 44:5.
- The plural form of יְשׁוּעוֹת: The plural form is often used in the HB to express abstract concepts. Originally, these plurals of abstraction likely expressed concrete manifestations of the abstract concept, and eventually developed into expressions of the abstraction itself (JM §136g). Thus, יְשׁוּעוֹת indicates the concept "help/salvation," as opposed to instances of "helps/salvations."
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 5
- The meaning of הוּא: See Grammar notes.
- "Command" or "who commands"? Modern translations differ with regard to treating צוה as an imperative, "command!" (ESV, NASB, NET) or substantival participle, "the one who commands" (NIV, CSB). For further discussion, see the text-critical note on this issue under the Method:Grammar layer.
- The meaning of יְשׁוּעוֹת: The verbal root ישׁע typically refers to the act of bringing help in the midst of trouble, rather than rescue out of it (NIDOTTE, 2:556). In the present context, the sense is that of God's provision of military victory over adversaries (Ibid, 2:560).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Note for V. 5
- מְצַוֶּה ("commanding"): For the emendation of the MT אֱלֹהִ֑ים צַ֝וֵּ֗ה see Grammar notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 6
Macula
בְּ֭ךָ צָרֵ֣ינוּ נְנַגֵּ֑חַ בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ֗ נָב֥וּס קָמֵֽינוּ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נְנַגֵּחַ we gore
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our adversaries" x="100" y="-10">
noun: צָרֵי adversaries
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="with your help" x="0" y="-10"> // <gloss="with you >> with your help" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נָבוּס we tread down
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our adversaries" x="140" y="-10"> // <gloss="those who rise against us >> our adversaries" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
verb-participle: קָמֵי those who rise
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="under your authority" x="0" y="-10"> // <gloss="in your name >> under your authority" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 6]
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נְנַגֵּחַ we gore
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our adversaries" x="100" y="-10">
noun: צָרֵי adversaries
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="with your help" x="0" y="-10"> // <gloss="with you >> with your help" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נָבוּס we tread down
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our adversaries" x="140" y="-10"> // <gloss="those who rise against us >> our adversaries" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
verb-participle: קָמֵי those who rise
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="under your authority" x="0" y="-10"> // <gloss="in your name >> under your authority" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-6-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 6
- Pronominal suffix of קָמֵינוּ: While pronominal suffixes often indicate an accusative (i.e., direct object), they can also indicate datives with certain verbs (JM §125ba). This is the case here, where the 1cp suffix indicates a dative of disadvantage ("against us") for the intransitive qal participle קָמִים.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 6
- The meaning of נָבוּס: The LXX renders this term with ἐξουθενώσομεν "we shall despise" (NETS). Unlike other synonyms for trampling (e.g., דרך, רמס), the verb בוס typically denotes destructive action, accompanied with anger (TWOT, 96). This negative emotional component could help explain the LXX rendering.
- The meaning of קָמֵינוּ: The participial form of קום, used as a substantival, can have the sense of "one who rises up, adversary, enemy, opponent" (DCH). The suffixed 1cp pronoun is equivalent in meaning to the preposition עַל, i.e., "[to rise] against" us (HALOT).
- קָמֵֽי-נוּ ("those who rise against us"): Entity–interested (favoured/injured) party. While the semantics of the verb קום suggest a relationship of entity-direction (i.e., "those who rise up towards us"), the substantival participle is used figuratively to denote adversaries (SDBH). Hence, the construct relationship is that of entity-interested party (i.e., "those who rise up against us").
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 6
- בְּשִׁמְ-ךָ ("in your name"): God's name figuratively refers to his authority (entity-origin; cf. SDBH). The בְּ in בְּשִׁמְךָ is a locative בְּ. While the ב could be construed as indicating instrument (i.e., by [means of], so DCH, 8:429), it has been noted that the construction בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה usually denotes the sense of commission (cf. 1 Sam 17:45; TWOT, 934) or authority (SDBH). Thus, the sense here is likely, "By your authority, we trample..." In this sense, the function of ב is likely closer to that of a metaphorical locative, denoting the domain in which the action occurs (cf. English, "under your authority").
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 6
- נְנַגֵּחַ ("we can gore"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action. Since the fronted instrumental בְּךָ indicates replacing focus (see Macrosyntax), the nuance here is, "With you [and no other] we gore..." Hence, the modality indicated is that of ability, "we are able to gore...".
- נָבוּס ("we can thread down"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action. Since the fronted instrumental בְּשִׁמְךָ indicates replacing focus (see Macrosyntax), the nuance here is, "Under your authority [and none other] we tread down..." Hence, the modality indicated is that of ability, "we are able to tread down...".
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 7
Macula
כִּ֤י לֹ֣א בְקַשְׁתִּ֣י אֶבְטָ֑ח וְ֝חַרְבִּ֗י לֹ֣א תוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֶבְטָח I trust
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my bow" x="80" y="-10">
noun: קַשְׁתּ bow
suffix-pronoun: יִ me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my sword" x="80" y="-10">
noun: חַרְבּ sword
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
verb: תוֹשִׁיעֵ give victory
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
DiscourseUnit [v. 7]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: אֶבְטָח I trust
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="my bow" x="80" y="-10">
noun: קַשְׁתּ bow
suffix-pronoun: יִ me
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my sword" x="80" y="-10">
noun: חַרְבּ sword
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
verb: תוֹשִׁיעֵ give victory
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-7-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 7
- The meaning of תוֹשִׁיעֵנִי: The verbal root ישׁע typically refers to the act of bringing help in the midst of trouble, rather than rescue out of it (NIDOTTE, 2:556). In the present context, the sense is that of God's provision of military victory over adversaries (Ibid, 2:560).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 7
- אֶבְטָח ("I cannot trust"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action. Since the fronted instrumental בְקַשְׁתִּי indicates replacing focus (see Macrosyntax), the nuance here is, "I do not trust in my bow [since only you can be trusted]..." Hence, the modality indicated is that of ability, "I cannot trust in my bow."
- תוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי ("give me victory"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action. Since the fronted instrumental וְחַרְבִּי indicates replacing focus (see Macrosyntax), the nuance here is, "my sword does not give victory [since only you can]..." Hence, the modality indicated is that of ability, "my sword cannot give victory."
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 8
Macula
כִּ֣י ה֭וֹשַׁעְתָּנוּ מִצָּרֵ֑ינוּ וּמְשַׂנְאֵ֥ינוּ הֱבִישֽׁוֹתָ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
particle: כִּי but rather
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: הוֹשַׁעְתָּ you give victory >> you deliver
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our adversaries" x="100" y="-10">
noun: צָּרֵי adversaries
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: הֱבִישׁוֹתָ you put to shame
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our enemies" x="140" y="-10">
verb-participle: מְשַׂנְאֵי those who hate
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
DiscourseUnit [v. 8]
Fragment
particle: כִּי but rather
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: הוֹשַׁעְתָּ you give victory >> you deliver
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ from
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our adversaries" x="100" y="-10">
noun: צָּרֵי adversaries
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: הֱבִישׁוֹתָ you put to shame
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our enemies" x="140" y="-10">
verb-participle: מְשַׂנְאֵי those who hate
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-8-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 8
- The meaning of הוֹשַׁעְתָּנוּ: The verbal root ישׁע typically refers to the act of bringing help in the midst of trouble, rather than rescue out of it (NIDOTTE, 2:556). In the present context, the sense is that of God's provision of military victory over adversaries (Ibid, 2:560).
- The meaning of הֱבִישׁוֹתָ: While most modern translations render this verb as "to put to shame," some translations opt for "to put to confusion" (NRSV, REB; cf. also Vulg., confudisti). The verb בושׁ can indeed express confusion, in the sense of the embarrassment and dismay that occur when a situation goes contrary to one's expectations (TWOT, 98). When applied to the context of military defeat, the term can express a disgrace that involves nuances of "confusion, disillusionment, humiliation, and brokenness which the word connotes" (Ibid).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 9
Macula
בֵּֽ֭אלֹהִים הִלַּלְ֣נוּכָל־הַיּ֑וֹם וְשִׁמְךָ֓׀לְעוֹלָ֖ם נוֹדֶ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: הִלַּלְנוּ we boast
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בֵּ in
Object
noun: אלֹהִים God
Adverbial <gloss="all day long" x="0" y="-10">
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: נוֹדֶה we confess >> we declare
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name" x="80" y="-10">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="forever" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
noun: עוֹלָם eternity
Fragment
particle: סֶלָה Selah
DiscourseUnit [v. 9]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: הִלַּלְנוּ we boast
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בֵּ in
Object
noun: אלֹהִים God
Adverbial <gloss="all day long" x="0" y="-10">
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: נוֹדֶה we confess >> we declare
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name" x="80" y="-10">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="forever" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
noun: עוֹלָם eternity
Fragment
particle: סֶלָה Selah
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-9-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 9
- The meaning of נוֹדֶה: The concept of ידה involves confession, which could denote publicly admitting one's shortcomings before God (SDBH). However, in the present context, ידה appears to denote a declaration of God's attributes and works (TWOT, 365).
- The meaning of סֶלָה: While there have been a multitude of proposed explanations for the 71 occurrences of סֶלָה in the Psalms, the meaning of the term remains unclear (Kraus 1988, 28). Most likely, the term has some type of musical significance (Craigie 2004, 76). The LXX translates the term with διάψαλμα, "leading motif" (LEH) or "interlude on strings" (NETS); whereas most modern translations simply transliterate it as Selah.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 9
- כָל־הַיּוֹם ("all day long"): Indication of duration of time. This noun phrase specifies the temporal duration of the psalmist's boasting in God. Read in parallel with לְעוֹלָם in the following line, the temporal frame is not limited to a single day. Rather, it communicates continual praise throughout the entirety of the day.
- בֵּֽ-אלֹהִים ("in God"): The preposition ב often introduces the object of a mental act (GKC, §119l) as the piel verb הלל requires a complement. Alternatively, this prepositional phrase could be read as specification (i.e., “boast with respect to God...”; Arnold and Choi, §4.1.5e).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 9
- הִלַּלְנוּ ("We have been boasting"): The continual aspect of this clause is inferred from the temporal modifier כָל־הַיּוֹם "all day long." As the psalmist is describing a past action with present results, the no reference time movement is expected.
- נוֹדֶה ("we will keep declaring"): It is possible to construe נוֹדֶה as a cohortative (i.e., "Let us praise"). However, taken in parallel with the preceding qatal הִלַּלְנוּ, it is likely that the paired construction is expressing praise extending from the past (qatal הִלַּלְנוּ) to the future (yiqtol נוֹדֶה), thus emphasizing the totality of Israel's commitment.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 10
Macula
אַף־זָ֭נַחְתָּ וַתַּכְלִימֵ֑נוּ וְלֹא־תֵ֝צֵ֗א בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
particle: אַף yet
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: זָנַחְתָּ you reject
Object <status="elided">
pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ that is
Clause
Predicate
verb: תַּכְלִימֵ you put to shame
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תֵצֵא you go forth
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our armies" x="0" y="-10">
noun: צִבְאוֹתֵי companies >> armies
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
DiscourseUnit [v. 10]
Fragment
particle: אַף yet
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: זָנַחְתָּ you reject
Object <status="elided">
pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ that is
Clause
Predicate
verb: תַּכְלִימֵ you put to shame
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תֵצֵא you go forth
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ with
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our armies" x="0" y="-10">
noun: צִבְאוֹתֵי companies >> armies
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-10-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 10
- The number of צִבְאוֹתֵינוּ: In BH, צָבָא as a reference to military men can occur in either the singular or the plural (HALOT). The distinction between the singular and plural of collective nouns is not always clear (Young 2013, 478; צָבָא would be a collective "group noun" in this analysis). In the case of צָבָא, it is possible that the feminine plural form denotes an armed military force, as opposed to the more abstract concept of military service or warfare (cf. TLOT, 1041–42).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 10
- בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽי-נוּ ("with our armies"): Possession (concrete object)-possessor. While the construct relationship could be construed as part-divided whole (i.e., the portion of Israel's population that serves in the army), the broader context of the psalm suggests a corporate identification between the community and its army (see Exegetical Issue The Speaker of Psalm 44:5, 7, and 16). Thus, the emphasis would not be on the army as a distinct subset of the community, but rather as belonging to the community.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 10
- זָנַחְתָּ ("you have rejected"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
- וַתַּכְלִימֵנוּ ("you have put us to shame"): While typically associated with temporal succession, the wayyiqtol in this case could denote logical entailment of the preceding clause (IBHS, §33.2.1a). It is possible that the wayyiqtol is epexegetical, in that it explains the preceding clause (i.e., "you have rejected, that is, you disgraced us"; cf. similar construction in Ps 89:39; Ibid, §33.2.2a). In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
- תֵצֵא ("you do not go forth"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action. It is possible that the yiqtol form is here denoting desire (e.g., "you refuse to go out"; IBHS, §31.4h; JM, §133n).
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 11
Macula
תְּשִׁיבֵ֣נוּ אָ֭חוֹר מִנִּי־צָ֑ר וּ֝מְשַׂנְאֵ֗ינוּ שָׁ֣סוּ לָֽמוֹ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 11]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׁיבֵ you turn back >> you make retreat
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial <gloss="" x="0" y="-10">
noun: אָחוֹר backwards
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="before the adversary" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: מִנִּי from
Object
ConstructChain
noun: צָר adversary
Object <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: צָרֵי adversary <status="emendation">
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us <status="emendation">
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our enemies" x="120" y="-10">
verb-participle: מְשַׂנְאֵי those who hate
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: שָׁסוּ plunder
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="for themselves" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
DiscourseUnit [v. 11]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׁיבֵ you turn back >> you make retreat
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial <gloss="" x="0" y="-10">
noun: אָחוֹר backwards
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="before the adversary" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: מִנִּי from
Object
ConstructChain
noun: צָר adversary
Object <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: צָרֵי adversary <status="emendation">
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us <status="emendation">
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our enemies" x="120" y="-10">
verb-participle: מְשַׂנְאֵי those who hate
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: שָׁסוּ plunder
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="for themselves" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-11-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 11
- Textual note on מִנִּי־צָר: LXX includes a possessive pronoun that is not present in MT (παρὰ τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ἡμῶν). This reading is reflected in a few modern translations (NLT, GNB, NCV). The inclusion of the pronoun could be explained as having been supplied by the LXX translators to smooth out the rendering, and thus the MT reading is preferred.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 11
- The meaning of תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ אָחוֹר: While the hiphil verb תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ with an accusative means "to bring or lead back" (HALOT), with the adverbial accusative אָחוֹר, the construction has the sense of "to make retreat" (DCH).
- The translation of לָמוֹ: Multiple modern translations omit the prepositional phrase לָמוֹ (NIV, ESV, NRSV, CEV). The phrase could have the nuance of "at their will" (Craigie 2004, 330; NET Notes; so REB, NJB). The NET captures this idiomatic sense in its rendering, "Those who hate us take whatever they want from us" (emphasis added). However, it is perhaps preferable to render the preposition as a לְ of advantage, "for themselves >> for their benefit." The verb שׁסה can be modified with a ל indicating benefit (DCH, 8:515). It is possible that this construction denotes the idiom of "at their will" (Craigie 2004, 330; cf. Ps 80:7), but this nuance is is not broadly attested.
- אָחוֹר ("backwards"): Indication of directional specification. This noun functions as an adverbial accusative of local determination (JM, §126h). In other words, it specifies the location where the action occurs. God has pushed his people "backwards."
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 11
- מִנִּי צָר ("from the adversary"): The most typical spatial use of מִן is for movement away from a point (BHRG, §39.14.1). Combined with the hiphil form of the verb שׁוב and אָ֭חוֹר, the construction has the sense of "to make retreat from enemies" (DCH).
- לָֽ-מוֹ ("for themselves"): The verb שׁסה can be modified with a ל indicating benefit (DCH, 8:515). It is possible that this construction denotes the idiom of "at their will" (Craigie 2004, 330; cf. Ps 80:7), but this nuance is is not broadly attested.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 11
- תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ ("you make us retreat"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtolcan be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 11, the push backwards (תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ, v. 11a) and being plundered (שָׁסוּ, v. 11c) do not refer a single, isolated event, but rather a regular occurrence in the psalmist's current experience.
- מְשַׂנְאֵינוּ: "Those who hate us" >> "enemies" (SDBH).
- שָׁסוּ ("our enemies have plundered"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtolcan be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 11, the push backwards (תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ, v. 11a) and being plundered (שָׁסוּ, v. 11c) do not refer a single, isolated event, but rather a regular occurrence in the psalmist's current experience. As such, the qatal שָׁסוּ focuses on the resultant state (i.e., the enemies have caused a state of having been plundered), and no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 12
Macula
תִּ֭תְּנֵנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן מַאֲכָ֑ל וּ֝בַגּוֹיִ֗ם זֵרִיתָֽנוּ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּתְּנֵ you give
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כְּ as
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="sheep for consumption" x="60" y="-10">
noun: צֹאן sheep
noun: מַאֲכָל food
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: זֵרִיתָ you scatter
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="among the nations" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בַ among
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּתְּנֵ you give
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כְּ as
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="sheep for consumption" x="60" y="-10">
noun: צֹאן sheep
noun: מַאֲכָל food
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: זֵרִיתָ you scatter
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="among the nations" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בַ among
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-12-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 12
- בַ-גּוֹיִם ("among the nations"): The preposition ב frequently indicates spatial location (BHRG, §39.6.1a). In connection with the verb זרה, it indicates place "among" the nations (DCH, 3:135).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 12
- תִּתְּנֵנוּ ("you give us"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtolcan be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 12, being given over [as sheep] (תִּתְּנֵנוּ, v. 12a) and being scattered (זֵרִיתָֽנוּ, v. 12b) do not refer a single, isolated event, but rather a regular occurrence in the psalmist's current experience.
- זֵרִיתָֽנוּ ("you have scattered us"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtolcan be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 12, being given over [as sheep] (תִּתְּנֵנוּ, v. 12a) and being scattered (זֵרִיתָֽנוּ, v. 12b) do not refer a single, isolated event, but rather a regular occurrence in the psalmist's current experience. As such, the qatal זֵרִיתָֽנוּ focuses on the resultant state (i.e., God has caused a state of scattering), and no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 13
Macula
תִּמְכֹּֽר־עַמְּךָ֥ בְלֹא־ה֑וֹן וְלֹ֥א־רִ֝בִּ֗יתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶֽם׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 13]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּמְכֹּר you sell
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your people" x="80" y="-10">
noun: עַמְּ people
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="without compensation" x="-80" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בְ with
Object
noun: הוֹן wealth >> price
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא no
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: רִבִּיתָ you make great
Object <status="elided">
ConstructChain
noun: עַמְּ people
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with respect to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="their price" x="100" y="-10">
noun: מְחִירֵי price
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
DiscourseUnit [v. 13]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּמְכֹּר you sell
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your people" x="80" y="-10">
noun: עַמְּ people
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="without compensation" x="-80" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בְ with
Object
noun: הוֹן wealth >> price
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא no
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: רִבִּיתָ you make great
Object <status="elided">
ConstructChain
noun: עַמְּ people
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with respect to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="their price" x="100" y="-10">
noun: מְחִירֵי price
suffix-pronoun: הֶם them
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-13-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 13
- The grammar of רִבִּיתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם: Some modern translations treat רִבִּיתָ as an intransitive verb (i.e., "you have not profited/increased"), with the prepositional phrase בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם functioning as an adverbial modifier, indicating means (i.e., "by their price"; so NASB, NIV, CSB, KJV). On the other hand, it is possible that the preposition בְּ of בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם introduces the object of the transitive verb רִבִּיתָ (DCH, 5:217; 7:397). If so, then the verbal idea here is that of inflating the purchase price (so ESV, NRSV, NET). A mediating position would be to see רִבִּיתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם as an idiomatic expression, "to make a profit" (so HALOT, 1176). However, if this were the case, then translating בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם adverbially (cf. CSB, "you make no profit by selling them") would be redundant.
- While, in rare cases, the verb רבה can be used intransitively to refer to qualitative (as opposed to quantitative) greatness, this typically occurs in the qal stem (Job 33:12; 1 Kgs 5:10). In the piel stem (as here in 44:13), the verb is transitive in all its other occurrences (Judg 9:29; Ezek 19:2; Lam 2:22). Thus, reading רִבִּיתָ as transitive (with בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם indicating the object) is preferred.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 13
- The sense of רִבִּיתָ: Some modern translations treat רִבִּיתָ as an intransitive verb (i.e., "you have not profited/increased"), with the prepositional phrase בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם functioning as an adverbial modifier (i.e., "by their price"; so NASB, NIV, CSB, KJV). On the other hand, multiple translations treat רִבִּיתָ as a transitive verb describing the inflation of a purchase price (so ESV, NRSV, NET). While reading רִבִּיתָ as transitive is preferred grammatically, the construction as a whole (רִבִּיתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶם) represents the idiomatic expression, "to make a profit" (so HALOT, 1176). For further discussion on this issue, see Grammar notes.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 13
- בְ-לֹא־הוֹן ("for no wealth >> without compensation"): The ב can indicate the price of something, at times connoting "in exchange for" (Arnold and Choi 2018, §4.1.5j; BHRG, §39.6.3d). The sense here could be "for not-wealth >> for mock money" (so Jenni 1992, 152). More likely, it denotes the sense of "without value" (so deClaisse-Walford, et al 2014, 411; Goldingay 2007, 36).
- בִּ-מְחִירֵיהֶֽם ("inflate their price"): With the piel verb רבה, the preposition ב could indicate the object (DCH, 7:397). Alternatively, it is possible that the ב indicates means (i.e., "become great by their price" >> "grow rich"; so DCH, 2:86). However, this would imply an intransitive use of the piel of רבה, which is unlikely. A preferred alternative would be view the prepositional phrase as indicating specification, as it completes the transitive piel רבה (i.e., "make great with respect to price"; Arnold and Choi, §4.1.5e).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 13
- תִּמְכֹּֽר ("you sell"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtolcan be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 13, the act of selling (תִּמְכֹּֽר, v. 13a) and inflating [prices] (רִבִּיתָ, v. 13b) do not refer a single, isolated event, but rather a regular occurrence in the psalmist's current experience.
- רִבִּיתָ ("you have made"): Paired qatal and yiqtol constructions can denote a general truth. The typically habitual value of the yiqtolcan be viewed as providing an overlapping circumstantial description to the qatal (Niccacci 2006, 257–58). Here in v. 13, the act of selling (תִּמְכֹּֽר, v. 13a) and inflating [prices] (רִבִּיתָ, v. 13b) do not refer a single, isolated event, but rather a regular occurrence in the psalmist's current experience. As such, the qatal רִבִּיתָ focuses on the resultant state (i.e., the price has not been inflated), and no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 14
Macula
תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ חֶ֭רְפָּה לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ לַ֥עַג וָ֝קֶ֗לֶס לִסְבִיבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 14]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ turn into
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject
noun: חֶרְפָּה object of scorn
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our neighbors" x="100" y="-10">
noun: שְׁכֵנֵי inhabitants
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ make <status="elided">
Object <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject <gloss="scornful derision" x="0" y="-10">
noun: לַעַג derision
conjunction: וָ and
noun: קֶלֶס scorn
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="those who surround us" x="140" y="-10">
noun: סְבִיבוֹתֵי those who surround
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
DiscourseUnit [v. 14]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ turn into
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject
noun: חֶרְפָּה object of scorn
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our neighbors" x="100" y="-10">
noun: שְׁכֵנֵי inhabitants
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ make <status="elided">
Object <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject <gloss="scornful derision" x="0" y="-10">
noun: לַעַג derision
conjunction: וָ and
noun: קֶלֶס scorn
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לִ to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="those who surround us" x="140" y="-10">
noun: סְבִיבוֹתֵי those who surround
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-14-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 14
- The meaning of חֶרְפָּה: While this term can be used to refer to the act of scorning (Lam 3:61; Zeph 2:8), it can also have the passive sense of "object of scorn" (Pss 31:12; 79:4; NIDOTTE, 2:280–81).
- The meaning of לַעַג וָקֶלֶס: The phrase לַעַג וָקֶלֶס also occurs in Ps 79:4. On this basis, it is possible that לַעַג וָקֶלֶס constitutes a fixed expression (or hendiadys) that means "scornful derision" (Goldingay 2007, 44).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 14
- תְּשִׂימֵנוּ ("You turn us into"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 15
Macula
תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ מָ֭שָׁל בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם מְנֽוֹד־רֹ֝֗אשׁ בַּל־אֻמִּֽים׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 15]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ turn into
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject
noun: מָשָׁל parable
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="among the nations" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בַּ among
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ make <status="elided">
Object <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="object of pity">
noun: מְנוֹד shaking
noun: רֹאשׁ head
Adverbial <status="alternative">
Nominal
noun: אֻמִּים tribes
adjective: בַּל not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ among <status="emendation">
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: לְאֻמִּים peoples <status="emendation">
DiscourseUnit [v. 15]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ turn into
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject
noun: מָשָׁל parable
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="among the nations" x="0" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: בַּ among
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: גּוֹיִם nations
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּשִׂימֵ make <status="elided">
Object <status="elided">
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
SecondObject
ConstructChain <gloss="object of pity">
noun: מְנוֹד shaking
noun: רֹאשׁ head
Adverbial <status="alternative">
Nominal
noun: אֻמִּים tribes
adjective: בַּל not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בַּ among <status="emendation">
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: לְאֻמִּים peoples <status="emendation">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-15-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 15
- Textual note on בַּלְאֻמִּים: BHS, in reproducing the text of Leningradensis (L), reads בַּל־אֻמִּים ("not peoples"?) in v. 15. Most Hebrew manuscripts (including the Aleppo and Sassoon Codices) read בַּלְאֻמִּים ("among the peoples") instead. This reading is also supported by the LXX and Targum.
- It is possible that L has mis-divided the original בלאמים into בַּל־אֻמִּים (so Goldingay 2007, 2:36). However, as the identical construction בַּל־אֻמִּים also occurs in Pss 57:10; 108:4; and 149:7 of L, if this were indeed a scribal error, it would be an unusually common one that was made.
- The reading of בַּל־אֻמִּים makes little sense syntactically, as the negative particle בַּל is not elsewhere found with substantives (Barbiero and Pavan 2012, 599). It is also difficult contextually, unless בַּל־אֻמִּים means "not a people" in a pejorative sense (cf. בְּלֹא־עָם in Deut 32:21). It is possible that this pejorative sense formed the motivation for an intentional re-vocalization of the text of L. The reading of בַּל־אֻמִּים could be explained as a midrashic play on words by the scribe of L, in order to make allusion to texts like Deut 32:21 (Ibid, 603–604).
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 15
- The meaning of מָשָׁל: While typically associated with the wisdom sayings of the book of Proverbs (Prov 1:1, 6; 10:1; 25:1), the term מָשָׁל can have a more general sense of "saying" within a variety of genres (HALOT). The core meaning of "to be like, be equal to" appears to underly most uses of the nominal and verbal forms of the word (NIDOTTE, 2:1134). In contexts where the term clearly has a negative connotation, the most common modern English translation is "byword" (NIV, ESV, NRSV, NASB, NJB). Such translations suggest that the force of מָשָׁל is that of ridicule or taunting (see also CSB, NET, CEV, NCV). However, the core idea of comparison suggests that the true force of מָשָׁל is that of a negative example, presented to discourage others from doing likewise (Ibid, 2:1135).
- The meaning of מְנוֹד־רֹאשׁ: This is the only occurrence in the HB of the nominal מְנוֹד. The verbal form נוּד, when applied to the "shaking of the head," is an idiomatic means of expressing concern; the exact nuance can range between sympathy, surprise, or scorn (NIDOTTE, 3:53). Given the parallelism with מָשָׁל (see previous note), the sense of מְנוֹד־רֹאשׁ in v. 15 could be that of disapproval or shock, as opposed to taunting or mockery.
- For more on the meaning of בַּל־אֻמִּים see text-critical note on Grammar.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 15
- תְּשִׂימֵנוּ ("you turn us into"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Vv. 16-17
Macula
כָּל־הַ֭יּוֹם כְּלִמָּתִ֣י נֶגְדִּ֑י וּבֹ֖שֶׁת פָּנַ֣י כִּסָּֽתְנִי׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [vv. 16–17]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: כְּלִמָּת shame
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="before me" x="-20" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: נֶגְדּ in front of
Object
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Adverbial <gloss="all day long" x="-40" y="-10">
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my shamefacedness" x="80" y="-10">
noun: בֹשֶׁת shame
ConstructChain
noun: פָּנַ face
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
verb: כִּסָּתְ cover
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ because
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="voice of the reviling taunter" x="60" y="-10">
noun: קּוֹל voice
Nominal <gloss="reviling taunter" x="0" y="-10">
verb-participle: מְחָרֵף taunter
conjunction: וּ and
verb-participle: מְגַדֵּף reviler
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="because of the vengeful enemy" x="-40" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: מִפְּנֵי because
Object
noun: אוֹיֵב enemy
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
verb-participle: מִתְנַקֵּם avenger
DiscourseUnit [vv. 16–17]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: כְּלִמָּת shame
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="before me" x="-20" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: נֶגְדּ in front of
Object
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Adverbial <gloss="all day long" x="-40" y="-10">
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="my shamefacedness" x="80" y="-10">
noun: בֹשֶׁת shame
ConstructChain
noun: פָּנַ face
suffix-pronoun: ִי me
Predicate
verb: כִּסָּתְ cover
Object
suffix-pronoun: נִי me
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִ because
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="voice of the reviling taunter" x="60" y="-10">
noun: קּוֹל voice
Nominal <gloss="reviling taunter" x="0" y="-10">
verb-participle: מְחָרֵף taunter
conjunction: וּ and
verb-participle: מְגַדֵּף reviler
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="because of the vengeful enemy" x="-40" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: מִפְּנֵי because
Object
noun: אוֹיֵב enemy
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
verb-participle: מִתְנַקֵּם avenger
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=Vv-16-17-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for Vv. 16-17
- v. 16 - The meaning of בֹֺּשֶׁת פָּנִים: The expression בֹֺּשֶׁת פָּנִים is common (Jer 7:19; Dan 9:7–8; Ezra 9:7; 2 Chr 32:21), and could denote the idiomatic sense of "blush" (TLOT, 206).
- v. 17 - The meaning of מְחָרֵף וּמְגַדֵּף: This word pair can be construed as a fixed expression (or hendiadys, so Goldingay 2007, 44). The verbal pair חרף and גדף also occurs in 2 Kgs 19:22 and Isa 37:23. If the participial forms are understood as a verbal hendiadys, then the verbal ideas would be parallel (i.e., "taunting and reviling"; Putnam 2002, §2.3.1). However, as the participles are functioning as substantives, then the second term of the nominal hendiadys should be understood as modifying the first (i.e., "the reviling taunter"; Ibid, §§1.8.1c[1]; 1.8.3b).
- v. 17 - The meaning of אוֹיֵב וּמִתְנַקֵּם: The exact phrase אוֹיֵב וּמִתְנַקֵּם also appears in Ps 8:3, and it is possible to understand the construction as a hendiadys (Baethgen 1904, 21). If the participial forms are understood as a verbal hendiadys, then the verbal ideas would be parallel (i.e., "adversarial and avenging"; Putnam 2002, §2.3.1). However, as the participles are functioning as substantives, then the second term of the nominal hendiadys should be understood as modifying the first (i.e., "the avenging enemy"; Ibid, §§1.8.1c[1]; 1.8.3b).
- While the term נקם typically refers to "vengeance" as a form of divine justice, it occasionally denotes purely human (negative) vengefulness (cf. Ps 8:3; NIDOTTE, 3:156).
Phrase-Level
Note for Vv. 16-17
- כָּל־הַיּוֹם ("all day long"): Indication of duration of time. This noun phrase specifies the temporal duration of the psalmist's experience of shame. The focus appears to be on the shame's continuous—rather than unending—nature, as the psalmist is requesting that God deliver him from it.
- נֶגְדִּ-י ("before me"): Related to the use of נֶ֫גֶד for indicating observable proximity in space, the figurative use of the preposition indicates something that takes place "in the presence or sight of" the object (BHRG, §39.16.2b).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 16
- כִּסָּֽתְנִי ("my shamefacedness has covered me"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
Note for V. 17
- מְחָרֵף ("taunter"): On the hendiadys מְחָרֵף וּמְגַדֵּף, see Lexical Semantics notes.
- מְגַדֵּף ("reviling"): On the hendiadys מְחָרֵף וּמְגַדֵּף, see Lexical Semantics notes.
- אוֹיֵב ("enemy"): On the hendiadys אוֹיֵב וּמִתְנַקֵּם, see Lexical Semantics notes.
- מִתְנַקֵּֽם ("vengeful"): On the hendiadys אוֹיֵב וּמִתְנַקֵּם, see Lexical Semantics notes.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 18
Macula
כָּל־זֹ֣את בָּ֭אַתְנוּ וְלֹ֣א שְׁכַחֲנ֑וּךָ וְלֹֽא־שִׁ֝קַּ֗רְנוּ בִּבְרִיתֶֽךָ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 18]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
noun: זֹאת this
Predicate
verb: בָּאַתְ come
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ though
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׁכַחֲנוּ we forget >> we neglect
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: שִׁקַּרְנוּ we break faith
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with regard to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your covenant" x="80" y="-10">
noun: בְרִיתֶ covenant
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
DiscourseUnit [v. 18]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Nominal
quantifier: כָּל all
noun: זֹאת this
Predicate
verb: בָּאַתְ come
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ though
Clause
Predicate
verb: שְׁכַחֲנוּ we forget >> we neglect
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: שִׁקַּרְנוּ we break faith
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with regard to
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your covenant" x="80" y="-10">
noun: בְרִיתֶ covenant
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-18-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 18
- Pronominal suffix of בָּאַתְנוּ: While pronominal suffixes often indicate an accusative (i.e., direct object), they can also indicate datives with certain verbs (JM §125ba; see also Pss 36.12; 119.41, 77; Prov. 28.22; Job 22.21). This is the case here, where the 1cp suffix indicates location ("to us") with the intransitive qal of בוא.
- Clausal syntax: The negated clauses in this verse could be construed as subordinated circumstantial clauses, perhaps with a concessive force (so GKC §156f). However, in the absence of a subordinating conjunction, the parallel uses of qatal verbs throughout this verse suggest viewing these clauses as disjunctive, rather than subordinate (cf. Davidson 1902, §152).
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 18
- The meaning of שִׁקַּרְנוּ: When used intransitively (1 Sam 15:29; Isa 63:8), the piel of שׁקר could be construed as either a state (static/atelic; "he will not be false"; cf. DCH) or achievement (non-durative/telic; "he will not lie"; DCH). When, as here, the verb takes an object introduced by a preposition בְּ (see also Ps 89:34; Lev 10:11), the sense appears to be that of either an activity (durative/atelic; "we did not deal falsely with your covenant"; BDB) or achievement (non-durative/telic; "we did not break faith with your covenant"; HALOT). Since the psalmist is here describing an action that would have required judgment, an implied end point (i.e., telicity) is in view. Thus, rendering שִׁקַּרְנוּ as "break faith" is preferred.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 18
- בָּאַתְנוּ ("has come upon us"): As this verb summarizes the preceding content and denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result), no reference point movement is expected.
- שְׁכַחֲנוּךָ ("we have not neglected you"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected. The concessive sense (i.e., "even though we have not forgotten you") can be introduced by a simple waw conjunction, as it does here (Arnold and Choi 2018, §5.2.12). This concessive sense is implied by the semantic contrast being depicted at this point, i.e., the contrast between disaster that is consistent with covenant curse (see Story Behind notes) and Israel's covenant faithfulness.
- שִׁקַּרְנוּ ("have we broken faith"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 19
Macula
לֹא־נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 19]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our heart" x="80" y="-10">
noun: לִבֵּ heart
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: נָסוֹג turn back >> backslide
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial <gloss="" x="0" y="-10">
noun: אָחוֹר backwards
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ that is
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our steps" x="100" y="-10">
noun: אֲשֻׁרֵי steps
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: תֵּט turn aside >> deviate
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not <status="elided">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִנִּי from
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your path" x="80" y="-10">
noun: אָרְחֶ way
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 19]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our heart" x="80" y="-10">
noun: לִבֵּ heart
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: נָסוֹג turn back >> backslide
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not
Adverbial <gloss="" x="0" y="-10">
noun: אָחוֹר backwards
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ that is
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our steps" x="100" y="-10">
noun: אֲשֻׁרֵי steps
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: תֵּט turn aside >> deviate
Adverbial
adverb: לֹא not <status="elided">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מִנִּי from
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your path" x="80" y="-10">
noun: אָרְחֶ way
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-19-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 19
- Grammatical agreement of וַתֵּט and אֲשֻׁרֵינוּ: Feminine plural nouns of things (or animals) can sometimes function as collectives, and thus take a feminine singular verb, as here (JM §150g).
- Negative particle לֹא: Although the negative particle לֹא only occurs in the first half of this verse, its force is extended to the second, juxtaposed clause (JM §160q).
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 19
- The singular לִבֵּנוּ: The use of the singular form of לֵב/לֵבָב with a plural pronominal suffix is common in BH (134 occurrences), and occurs 22 times in the Psalms (Pss 4:5; 10:17; 22:27; 28:3; 31:25; 33:15, 21; 35:25; 37:15; 44:19; 48:14; 62:9; 69:33; 74:8; 78:18, 37; 81:13; 84:6; 95:8; 105:25; 107:12; 119:70). By contrast, the plural form of לֵב with a suffix only appears once in the Psalter (Ps 125:4). The singular form here in 44:19 is likely collective in meaning, a phenomenon that can occur with almost any word (Davidson 1902, 19). While essentially equivalent to the plural on a semantic level, this collective use of לֵב could be a reflection of corporate solidarity, in which the community's covenant fidelity is measured by the faithfulness of its collective "heart" (see Exegetical Issue: The Speaker of Psalm 44:5, 7, 16–17).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 19
- אֲשֻׁרֵי-נוּ ("our steps"): Verbal notion–subject. The image of אֲשֻׁרֵינוּ could be contrued as a body part-possessor relationship. However, with אֲשֻׁרֵי used figuratively to refer to one's actions in life (SDBH), the construct relationship would be closer to that of verbal notion-subject.
- אָרְחֶֽ-ךָ ("your path"): Product–author, creator, source, origin. With אָרְחֶֽ used figuratively to refer to a pattern of behavior (SDBH), the construct relationship would that have product-source (i.e., "the lifestyle defined by God").
- אָחוֹר ("backwards"): Indication of directional specification. This noun functions as an adverbial accusative of local determination (JM, §126h). In other words, it specifies the location where the action occurs. The people deny having slid "backwards."
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 19
- נָסוֹג ("our heart has not backslid"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
- וַתֵּט ("our steps have not deviated"): While typically associated with temporal succession, the wayyiqtol in this case could denote logical entailment of the preceding clause (IBHS, §33.2.1a). It is possible that the wayyiqtol is epexegetical, in that it explains the preceding clause (i.e., "our hearts have not turned back, that is, our steps have not strayed..."; Ibid, §33.2.2a). In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected. Although the negative particle לֹא only occurs in the first half of this verse, its force is extended to the second, juxtaposed clause (JM §160q).
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 20
Macula
כִּ֣י דִ֭כִּיתָנוּ בִּמְק֣וֹם תַּנִּ֑ים וַתְּכַ֖ס עָלֵ֣ינוּ בְצַלְמָֽוֶת׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 20]
Fragment
particle: כִּי yet
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: דִכִּיתָ you crush
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: מְקוֹם place
noun: תַּנִּים jackals
noun: תַּנִּין sea monster <status="alternative emendation">
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּכַס you cover
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עָלֵי over
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ with
Object
noun: צַלְמָוֶת deepest shadow
DiscourseUnit [v. 20]
Fragment
particle: כִּי yet
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: דִכִּיתָ you crush
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: מְקוֹם place
noun: תַּנִּים jackals
noun: תַּנִּין sea monster <status="alternative emendation">
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תְּכַס you cover
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עָלֵי over
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ with
Object
noun: צַלְמָוֶת deepest shadow
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-20-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 20
- Textual issue on תַּנִּים: Some Hebrew manuscripts, along with the Syriac, read תנין "sea monster" instead of תַּנִּים. LXX reads κακώσεως "ill-treatment" (NETS), though it should be noted that LXX tends to be inconsistent in its rendering of תַּנִּים (cf. Isa 13:22; 34:13; 35:7; Jer 10:22), and appears to translate it as δρακόντων "dragons" (NETS) in Jer 9:10. While some have suggested that תַּנִּים itself can mean "sea monster" (deClaisse-Walford, et al 2014, 411n11; cf. DCH), most modern translations render the term as "jackal." Taken with the construct מְקוֹם, "jackal" makes better sense here, as "the place of the sea monster" would imply the sea as a setting, which does not seem to fit the present context.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 20
- The meaning of צַלְמָוֶת: The etymology of צַלְמָוֶת is debated, with several English translations treating it as a compound of צֵל "shadow" and מָוֶת "death" (NIDOTTE, 3:807), hence, "shadow of death" (ESV, NASB, KJV, ASV). This understanding is also reflected in the LXX's σκιὰ θανάτου. Alternatively, some scholars treat צַלְמָוֶת as being cognate with ṣalāmu "to be dark," attested in Akkadian and Arabic (TWOT, 767). This understanding possibly underlies renderings of "deep darkness" (NIV, NRSV, CSB, NCV, REB). However, even if one affirms the etymology behind "shadow of death," the idiomatic sense of the term could be that of deepest darkness, as מָוֶת could be functioning as a superlative (Dahood 1966, 147; hence NJB's "shadow dark as death").
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 20
- Preposition בְּ: The preposition of בְצַלְמָוֶת indicates the instrument of covering (GKC §119q).
- בִּמְקוֹם תַּנִּים ("in the place of jackals"): Entity–characteristic (description, attribute, quality). In the place of jackals; i.e., the place inhabited by jackals. As jackals are typically associated with uninhabited wastes, this image depicts God's wrath (NIDOTTE, 4:310).
- עָלֵי-נוּ ("[Covered] us"): The preposition עַל can indicate a location "over" or "upon" an object (Arnold and Choi 2018, § 4.1.16a.1). The piel verb כסה regularly pairs with עַל to mean "cover" (DCH, 4:442).
- בְ-צַלְמָֽוֶת׃ ("With deepest shadow"): The ב indicates the instrument (beth instrumenti) by which an action is realized (BHRG, §39.6.3a). In this construction, it indicates covering "by (means of)" deep darkness (so DCH, 4:442).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 20
- דִכִּיתָנוּ ("you have crushed us"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
- וַתְּכַס ("you have covered us"): While typically associated with temporal succession, the wayyiqtol in this case could denote logical entailment of the preceding clause (IBHS, §33.2.1a). It is possible that the wayyiqtol constitutes a summary remark (i.e., "you crushed us... so thus you covered us..."; Ibid, §33.2.1d). In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Vv. 21-22
Macula
אִם־שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ שֵׁ֣ם אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַנִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּ֝פֵּ֗ינוּ לְאֵ֣ל זָֽר׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [vv. 21–22]
Fragment
particle: הֲ (interrogative particle)
Fragment
Clause // v. 22
Subject
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Predicate
verb: יַחֲקָר investigate
Object
pronoun: זֹאת this
Adverbial
particle: לֹא not
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי since
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הוּא he
Predicate
verb: יֹדֵעַ know
Object
ConstructChain
noun: תַּעֲלֻמוֹת secrets
noun: לֵב heart
SubordinateClause // v. 21
Conjunction
conjunction: אִם if
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: שָׁכַחְנוּ we forget >> we neglect
Object
ConstructChain
noun: שֵׁם name
ConstructChain <gloss="our God" x="100" y="-10">
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ or
Clause
Predicate
verb: נִּפְרֹשׂ we spread out
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our palms" x="80" y="-10">
noun: כַּפֵּי palms
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="to another god" x="-40" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
noun: אֵל god
adjective: זָר strange
DiscourseUnit [vv. 21–22]
Fragment
particle: הֲ (interrogative particle)
Fragment
Clause // v. 22
Subject
noun: אֱלֹהִים God
Predicate
verb: יַחֲקָר investigate
Object
pronoun: זֹאת this
Adverbial
particle: לֹא not
SubordinateClause
Conjunction
conjunction: כִּי since
Clause
Subject
pronoun: הוּא he
Predicate
verb: יֹדֵעַ know
Object
ConstructChain
noun: תַּעֲלֻמוֹת secrets
noun: לֵב heart
SubordinateClause // v. 21
Conjunction
conjunction: אִם if
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: שָׁכַחְנוּ we forget >> we neglect
Object
ConstructChain
noun: שֵׁם name
ConstructChain <gloss="our God" x="100" y="-10">
noun: אֱלֹהֵי God
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ or
Clause
Predicate
verb: נִּפְרֹשׂ we spread out
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our palms" x="80" y="-10">
noun: כַּפֵּי palms
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="to another god" x="-40" y="-10">
Preposition
preposition: לְ to
Object
noun: אֵל god
adjective: זָר strange
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=Vv-21-22-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for Vv. 21-22
- v. 21 - The meaning of וַנִּפְרֹשׂ כַּפֵּינוּ: The image depicted by this phrase is that of presenting one's empty palms in supplication to a god/God, and thus is an idiomatic expression describing prayer (SDBH).
Phrase-Level
Note for Vv. 21-22
- שֵׁם אֱלֹהֵי-נוּ ("our God's name"): Possession (characteristic)–possessor. God's name refers to the core of his identity, reflecting the essence of his being (SDBH). Hence, the construct relationship is that of characteristic-possessor.
- לְ-אֵל זָֽר׃ ("to another god"): The preposition ל most frequently denotes direction "to" or "towards" an object (Arnold and Choi 2018, §4.1.10a). Here, the figure of "[spreading] our palms to another god" is an idiomatic description of prayer (SDBH).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 21
- שָׁכַחְנוּ ("we have neglected"): While the particle אִם typically introduces a real (as opposed to unreal, contrary-to-fact) condition, this distinction is not always consistent (GKC, §159m). Here, the protasis of the conditional clause is unreal (i.e., "If we had forgotten [but we have not]..."). As the psalmist is describing a hypothetical past situation with present results, the no reference time movement is expected.
- נִּפְרֹשׂ ("we had spread"): The conditional particle אִם can extend its force to a second conditional clause, as it does here (GKC, §159.ff). While typically associated with temporal succession, the wayyiqtol in this case could denote logical entailment of the preceding clause (IBHS, §33.2.1a). It is possible that the wayyiqtol is epexegetical, in that it explains the preceding clause (i.e., "had we forgotten... by spreading..."; Ibid, §33.2.2a). As the psalmist is describing a hypothetical past situation with present results, the no reference time movement is expected.
Note for V. 22
- The interrogative הֲלֺא introduces the apodosis (i.e., the main clause of the conditional sentence) to the preceding clause (GKC, §159n).
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 23
Macula
כִּֽי־עָ֭לֶיךָ הֹרַ֣גְנוּ כָל־הַיּ֑וֹם נֶ֝חְשַׁ֗בְנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן טִבְחָֽה׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 23]
Fragment
particle: כִּי yet
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: הֹרַגְנוּ we are killed
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עָלֶי because of
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial <gloss="all day long" x="-40" y="-10">
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ we are considered
Complement
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כְּ as
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="sheep to be slaughtered" x="120" y="-10">
noun: צֹאן sheep
noun: טִבְחָה slaughtering
DiscourseUnit [v. 23]
Fragment
particle: כִּי yet
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: הֹרַגְנוּ we are killed
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עָלֶי because of
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial <gloss="all day long" x="-40" y="-10">
Nominal
quantifier: כָל all
article: הַ the
noun: יּוֹם day
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ we are considered
Complement
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: כְּ as
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="sheep to be slaughtered" x="120" y="-10">
noun: צֹאן sheep
noun: טִבְחָה slaughtering
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-23-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 23
- The sense of הֹרַגְנוּ: While the psalmist has not literally been killed, the inclusion of himself in the first-person plural could be explained on the basis of corporate solidarity (see Exegetical Issue: The Speaker of Psalm 44:5, 7, and 16), wherein the experience of the community is shared by the individual. Thus, Israel's experience of death by means of military defeat (v. 10) or plundering (v. 11) is reflected in the experience of the psalmist as well.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 23
- כָל־הַיּוֹם ("all day long"): Indication of duration of time. This noun phrase specifies the temporal duration of the psalmist's experience of the threat of death. The focus appears to be on the experience's continuous—rather than unending—nature, as the psalmist is requesting that God deliver him from it.
- עָלֶי-ךָ ("because of you"): The preposition עַל can indicate indirect goal, "for the sake of" (BHRG, §39.20.3c), or cause, "because of" (Ibid, §39.20.4). The distinction between goals and causes can be difficult to distinguish (IBHS, §11.2.13e). However, within the present context of lament, the portrayal of God as the active agent in the psalmist's suffering points to a causal nuance.
- כְּ-צֹאן טִבְחָֽה׃ ("as sheep for slaughtering"): The preposition כ frequently indicates similarity (BHRG, §39.10.1).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 23
- הֹרַגְנוּ ("we have been killed"): It is possible that the stem of this verb is passive qal, rather than pual (HALOT). In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected. The temporal modifier כָל־הַיּוֹם also suggests either iterative/habitual action (i.e., "[people] are constantly being killed") or continuous action (i.e., "we are in the process of being killed" >> "we are under constant threat of death").
- נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ ("we are considered"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 24
Macula
ע֤וּרָה׀לָ֖מָּה תִישַׁ֥ן׀אֲדֹנָ֑י הָ֝קִ֗יצָה אַל־תִּזְנַ֥ח לָנֶֽצַח׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 24]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: עוּרָה awake* >> come into action
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִישַׁן you sleep* >> you take no action
adverb: לָמָּה why
Fragment
Vocative
noun: אֲדֹנָי Lord
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הָקִיצָה wake up* >> come into action
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: תִּזְנַח reject
adverb: אַל not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: נֶצַח ever
DiscourseUnit [v. 24]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: עוּרָה awake* >> come into action
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִישַׁן you sleep* >> you take no action
adverb: לָמָּה why
Fragment
Vocative
noun: אֲדֹנָי Lord
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: הָקִיצָה wake up* >> come into action
Fragment
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: תִּזְנַח reject
adverb: אַל not
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ for
Object
noun: נֶצַח ever
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-24-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 24
- The meaning of לָנֶצַח: The term נֵצַח is typically understood as "endurance, everlastingness, endlessness" (DCH). However, it has been noted that this meaning is difficult in instances where it is found alongside temporal questions of "How long?" (Pss 13:2; 74:10; 79:5; 89:47). It has been suggested that, based on a root meaning of "pre-eminent," נֵצַח can communicate a superlative sense (Thomas 1956, 108). If so, then the sense here would be, "Do not reject utterly." However, as the traditional rendering of "forever" is intelligible—even in difficult cases—by means of literary device, this temporal rendering is preferred (cf. NIDOTTE, 3:139–40).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 24
- אֲדֹנָ-י ("our lord >> Lord): Kinship/relationship–possessor. When used in אֲדֹנָי, the 1cs suffix loses its force, as the entire construction is understood as a divine title (GKC, §135q).
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 24
- תִישַׁן (" you sleep"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol typically denotes habitual action. The nature of slumber, however, suggests continual action. Furthermore, the yiqtol form can denote continuous action when used in questions. In these cases, they communicate an "actual present," i.e., the action in question is assumed to continue up until the moment of speaking (JM, §113d).
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 25
Macula
לָֽמָּה־פָנֶ֥יךָ תַסְתִּ֑יר תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח עָנְיֵ֣נוּ וְֽלַחֲצֵֽנוּ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 25]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תַסְתִּיר you hide
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your countenance" x="0" y="-10">
noun: פָנֶי face >> countenance
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּשְׁכַּח you forget >> you neglect
Object
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our affliction" x="80" y="-10">
noun: עָנְיֵ affliction
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our oppression" x="80" y="-10">
noun: לַחֲצֵ oppression
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
DiscourseUnit [v. 25]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: תַסְתִּיר you hide
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your countenance" x="0" y="-10">
noun: פָנֶי face >> countenance
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why
Clause
Predicate
verb: תִּשְׁכַּח you forget >> you neglect
Object
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our affliction" x="80" y="-10">
noun: עָנְיֵ affliction
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="our oppression" x="80" y="-10">
noun: לַחֲצֵ oppression
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
adverb: לָמָּה why <status="elided">
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-25-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 25
- The interrogative לָמָּה: Interrogative particles may at times be found governing multiple clauses (cf. Pss 2:1–2; 4:3; 13:3), which appears to be the case here in v. 25. On the one hand, the lack of לָמָּה in v. 25b could be viewed as an ellipsis that helps to balance the meter of the poetic lines (cf. Tsumura 2017, 193). Perhaps a better explanation is that לָמָּה is functioning as a double-duty word that vertically modifies both clauses at the same time (Ibid).
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 25
- פָנֶי-ךָ ("your face"): Possession (body part)–possessor. With פָנֶי used figuratively to refer to one's presence (DCH), the construct relationship would be closer to that of characteristic-possessor.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 25
- לָֽמָּה־פָנֶיךָ תַסְתִּיר ("Why are you hiding your countenance?"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol typically denotes habitual action. The nature of hiding, however, suggests continual action. Furthermore, the yiqtol form can denote continuous action when used in questions. In these cases, they communicate an "actual present," i.e., the action in question is assumed to continue up until the moment of speaking (JM, §113d).
- תִּשְׁכַּח עָנְיֵנוּ וְֽלַחֲצֵֽנוּ׃ ("Why are you neglecting our affliction and oppression?"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol typically denotes habitual action. The nature of neglect, however, suggests continual action. Furthermore, the yiqtol form can denote continuous action when used in questions. In these cases, they communicate an "actual present," i.e., the action in question is assumed to continue up until the moment of speaking (JM, §113d).
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 26
Macula
כִּ֤י שָׁ֣חָה לֶעָפָ֣ר נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ דָּבְקָ֖ה לָאָ֣רֶץ בִּטְנֵֽנוּ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 26]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our soul" x="80" y="-10">
noun: נַפְשֵׁ soul
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: שָׁחָה melt >> sink down
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לֶ into
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: עָפָר dust
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our body" x="120" y="-10">
noun: בִּטְנֵ belly >> body
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: דָּבְקָה cling
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ to
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: אָרֶץ earth
DiscourseUnit [v. 26]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our soul" x="80" y="-10">
noun: נַפְשֵׁ soul
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: שָׁחָה melt >> sink down
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לֶ into
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: עָפָר dust
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our body" x="120" y="-10">
noun: בִּטְנֵ belly >> body
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: דָּבְקָה cling
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָ to
Object
article: הַ the <status="elided">
noun: אָרֶץ earth
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-26-None }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 26
- The meaning of שָׁחָה: Typically connected with the root I-שׁוח "to sink down," most modern translations render this clause as, "our soul has sunk/bowed down to the dust." This could also be idiomatically understood as "to be downcast, depressed" (DCH). Alternatively, the verb could be associated with the root III-שׁוח (DCH) or שׁיח (HALOT) "to melt." As the Aramaic and Syriac cognates of שׁיח can have the sense of "to melt away, vanish," it is possible that this would imply a sense of dissolution. Thus, melting away לֶעָפָר ("to dust") could have the sense of dissolving into dust, or becoming dust (cf. Gen 3:19).
- However, in light of the parallel line that follows ("our body clings to the earth"), it seems preferable to associate שָׁחָה with a downward movement, either physically down to the dust, or idiomatically with respect to being emotionally downcast (NIDOTTE, 4:98).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 26
- לֶ-עָפָר ("into the dust"): With verbs of motion, the preposition ל can denote the goal of the movement (terminative) (Arnold and Choi 2018, §4.1.10a). See note above on שָׁחָה.
- לָ-אָרֶץ ("to the earth"): The preposition ל can denote the location of an object at a certain point (Arnold and Choi 2018, §4.1.10b). However, the gloss "clings at the earth" would not conform to English idiom.
Verbal Notes
Note for V. 26
- שָׁחָה ("has sunk down"): In the current context, the verb denotes the resulting state of an anterior action (perfect of result). As such, no reference point movement is expected.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
V. 27
Macula
ק֭וּמָֽה עֶזְרָ֣תָה לָּ֑נוּ וּ֝פְדֵ֗נוּ לְמַ֣עַן חַסְדֶּֽךָ׃
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 27]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: קוּמָה arise
Adverbial <gloss="to our aid" x="-40" y="-10"> // <gloss="assistance on our behalf >> to our aid" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
Nominal
noun: עֶזְרָתָה assistance
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָּ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and <height='150'>
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: פְדֵ redeem
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְמַעַן because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your faithfulness" x="120" y="-10">
noun: חַסְדֶּ faithfulness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 27]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: קוּמָה arise
Adverbial <gloss="to our aid" x="-40" y="-10"> // <gloss="assistance on our behalf >> to our aid" x="0" y="-10"> // Double arrows in phrase-level glosses currently breaking Diagrammer
Nominal
noun: עֶזְרָתָה assistance
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לָּ for
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and <height='150'>
Clause
Subject
Predicate
verb: פְדֵ redeem
Object
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לְמַעַן because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your faithfulness" x="120" y="-10">
noun: חַסְדֶּ faithfulness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=44|DiagramID=V-27-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for V. 27
- The form of עֶזְרָתָה: The תָה◌ָ- ending of the noun עֶזְרָה "help" could be construed as a locative-ה ("to [our] help"). However, it is more likely that the ending has been added to avoid the contact of two stressed syllables (in this case, עֶזְרָ֣ה לָּ֑נוּ; JM §93j). Nevertheless, in the present context, the adverbial accusative עֶזְרָתָה would have a similar sense to that of the locative, in that it indicates the goal of a directed activity ("to/for [our] help"; IBHS §10.2.2b).
Lexical Notes
Note for V. 27
- The meaning of פְדֵנוּ: The basic meaning of the verb פדה is "to achieve the transfer of ownership from one to another through payment of a price or an equivalent substitute" (TWOT, 716). While the commercial concept of payment sometimes recedes in contexts of deliverance from danger (Ibid, 717), here in Ps 44, the term could be understood as a reversal of God's "selling" his people (v. 13).
Phrase-Level
Note for V. 27
- לָּ-נוּ (To our [assistance]): The ל of interest (dativus commodi or benefactive dative) indicates the person for whom an action is directed (IBHS, §11.2.10d).
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Appendix
Files
Diagrams
Notes
- Grammar.V. 1.178796
- Grammar.V. 11.567316
- Grammar.V. 13.281648
- Grammar.V. 15.386956
- Grammar.V. 18.977382
- Grammar.V. 19.961835
- Grammar.V. 2.964554
- Grammar.V. 20.188465
- Grammar.V. 25.906312
- Grammar.V. 27.382251
- Grammar.V. 3.795447
- Grammar.V. 5.281488
- Grammar.V. 6.914905
- Lexical.V. 1.236904
- Lexical.V. 10.441515
- Lexical.V. 11.450577
- Lexical.V. 13.750382
- Lexical.V. 14.561373
- Lexical.V. 15.53532
- Lexical.V. 18.970264
- Lexical.V. 19.45913
- Lexical.V. 2.587683
- Lexical.V. 20.141678
- Lexical.V. 23.414365
- Lexical.V. 24.951255
- Lexical.V. 26.857933
- Lexical.V. 27.533626
- Lexical.V. 3.64480
- Lexical.V. 4.80424
- Lexical.V. 5.493220
- Lexical.V. 6.442046
- Lexical.V. 7.728801
- Lexical.V. 8.539497
- Lexical.V. 9.640900
- Lexical.Vv. 16-17.690252
- Lexical.Vv. 21-22.181998
- Phrasal.V. 1.540781
- Phrasal.V. 10.91376
- Phrasal.V. 11.965664
- Phrasal.V. 12.884619
- Phrasal.V. 13.851544
- Phrasal.V. 19.732572
- Phrasal.V. 2.409945
- Phrasal.V. 20.394809
- Phrasal.V. 23.219656
- Phrasal.V. 24.539728
- Phrasal.V. 25.438337
- Phrasal.V. 26.204344
- Phrasal.V. 27.256289
- Phrasal.V. 4.900194
- Phrasal.V. 6.656618
- Phrasal.V. 9.291680
- Phrasal.Vv. 16-17.43468
- Phrasal.Vv. 21-22.823788
- Verbal.V. 10.346998
- Verbal.V. 11.27835
- Verbal.V. 12.801000
- Verbal.V. 13.906283
- Verbal.V. 14.989358
- Verbal.V. 15.515132
- Verbal.V. 17.196700
- Verbal.V. 18.637119
- Verbal.V. 19.517527
- Verbal.V. 2.710582
- Verbal.V. 20.328146
- Verbal.V. 21.894541
- Verbal.V. 22.520303
- Verbal.V. 23.922111
- Verbal.V. 24.672152
- Verbal.V. 25.412199
- Verbal.V. 26.412251
- Verbal.V. 3.592152
- Verbal.V. 4.603031
- Verbal.V. 5.221860
- Verbal.V. 6.725517
- Verbal.V. 7.957446
- Verbal.V. 8.911697
- Verbal.V. 9.408475
- Verbal.Vv. 16-17.289545
Approvals
Current Grammar status is Approved for version 1.0. Current Lexical status is Approved for version 1.0.