Psalm 44/Notes/Grammar.V. 2.964554

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  • 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.