Psalm 44/Notes/Verbal.V. 19.517527
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
- 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).