Psalm 44 Semantics

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About the Grammar & Semantics Layer

What is Semantics?

About the Grammar Layer

The grammar layer visually represents the grammar and syntax of each clause. It also displays alternative interpretations of the grammar. (For more information, click "Show/Hide Grammar Legend" below.)

Grammatical Diagram Legend

Visualization	Description
	The clause is represented by a horizontal line with a vertical line crossing through it, separating the subject and the verb.
	The object is indicated by a vertical line that does not cross the horizontal line of the clause. Infinitives and participles may also have objects. If the direct object marker (d.o.m.) is present in the text, it appears in the diagram immediately before the object. If the grammar includes a secondary object, the secondary object will appear after the object, separated by another vertical line that does not cross the horizontal line of the clause.
	The subject complement follows the verb (often omitted in Hebrew) separated with a line leaning toward the right. It can be a noun, a whole prepositional phrase or an adjective. The later two appear modifying the complement slot.
	When a noun further describes or renames the object, it is an object complement. The object complement follows the object separated by a line leaning toward the right.
	In a construct chain, the noun in the absolute form modifies the noun in the construct form.
	Participles are indicated in whatever position in the clause they are in with a curved line before the participle. Participles can occur as nominal, where they take the place of a noun, predicate, where they take the place of a verb, or attributive, where they modify a noun or a verb similar to adjectives or adverbs.
	Infinitives are indicated by two parallel lines before the infinitive that cross the horizontal line. Infinitive constructs can appear as the verb in an embedded clause. Infinitive absolutes typically appear as an adverbial.
	The subject of the infinitive often appears in construct to it. In this situation, the infinitive and subject are diagrammed as a construct chain.
	The object of the infinitive is indicated by a vertical line that does not cross the horizontal line of the infinitival clause.
	Modifiers are represented by a solid diagonal line from the word they modify. They can attach to verbs, adjectives, or nouns. If modifying a verb or adjective, it is an adverb, but if modifying a noun, it is an adjective, a quantifier, or a definite article. If an adverb is modifying a modifier, it is connected to the modifier by a small dashed horizontal line.
	Adverbials are indicated by a dashed diagonal line extending to a horizontal line. These are nouns or infinitives that function adverbially (modifying either a verb or a participle), but are not connected by a preposition.
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	Embedded clauses are indicated by a "stand" that looks like an upside-down Y. The stand rests in the grammatical position that the clause fulfills. Extending from the top of the stand is a horizontal line for the clause. If introduced by a complementizer, for example כִּי, the complementizer appears before the stand. Embedded clauses can stand in the place of any noun.
	When clauses are joined by a conjunction, they are compound clauses. These clauses are connected by a vertical dotted line. The conjunction is placed next to the dotted line.
	Within a clause, if two or more parts of speech are compound, these are represented by angled lines reaching to the two compound elements connected by a solid vertical line. If a conjunction is used, the conjunction appears to the left of the vertical line. Almost all parts of speech can be compound.
	Subordinate clauses are indicated by a dashed line coming from the line dividing the subject from the predicate in the independent clause and leading to the horizontal line of the subordinate clause. The subordinating conjunction appears next to the dashed line.
	Relative clauses also have a dashed line, but the line connects the antecedent to the horizontal line of the relative clause. The relative particle appears next to the dashed line.
	Sentence fragments are represented by a horizontal line with no vertical lines. They are most frequently used in superscriptions to psalms. They are visually similar to discourse particles and vocatives, but most often consist of a noun phrase (that does not refer to a person or people group) or a prepositional phrase.
	In the body of the psalm, a horizontal line by itself (with no modifiers or vertical lines) can indicate either a discourse particle or a vocative (if the word is a noun referring to a person or people group). A discourse particle is a conjunction or particle that functions at the discourse level, not at the grammatical level. Vocatives can appear either before or after the clause addressed to them, depending on the word order of the Hebrew.
	Apposition is indicated by an equal sign equating the two noun phrases. This can occur with a noun in any function in a sentence.

Hebrew text colors
Default preferred text	The default preferred reading is represented by a black line. The text of the MT is represented in bold black text.
Dispreferred reading	The dispreferred reading is an alternative interpretation of the grammar, represented by a pink line. The text of the MT is represented in bold pink text, while emendations and revocalizations retain their corresponding colors (see below).
Emended text	Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is represented by bold blue text, whether that reading is preferred or dispreferred.
Revocalized text	Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is represented by bold purple text, whether that reading is preferred or dispreferred.
(Supplied elided element)	Any element that is elided in the Hebrew text is represented by bold gray text in parentheses.
( )	The position of a non-supplied elided element is represented by empty black parentheses. For example, this would be used in the place of the noun when an adjective functions substantivally or in the place of the antecedent when a relative clause has an implied antecedent.

Gloss text colors
Gloss used in the CBC	The gloss used in the Close-but-Clear translation is represented by bold blue text.
Literal gloss >> derived meaning	A gloss that shows the more literal meaning as well as the derived figurative meaning is represented in blue text with arrows pointing towards the more figurative meaning. The gloss used in the CBC will be bolded.
Supplied elided element	The gloss for a supplied elided element is represented in bold gray text.

About the Lexical Semantics Layer

One major branch of semantic study is lexical semantics, which refers to the study of word meanings. It examines semantic range (=possible meanings of a word), the relationship between words (e.g. synonymy, hyponymy), as well as the relationship between words and larger concepts (conceptual domains). One component of our approach involves not only the study of the Hebrew word meaning, but also of our own assumptions about word meaning in modern languages. Because the researcher necessarily starts with their own cultural assumptions (in our case, those of Western-trained scholars), this part of the analysis should be done afresh for every culture.

For a detailed description of our method, see the Lexical Semantics Creator Guidelines.

See our growing collection of Venn Diagrams, not only for Psalm 44, but for all of the psalms.
See SDBH on Psalm 44.

About the Phrase-Level Semantics Layer

The Phrase-level Semantics layer analyses the meaning of syntactic units which are larger than the level of the word and smaller than the level of the clause. Specifically, this layer analyses the meaning of prepositional phrases (e.g., לְאִישׁ), construct phrases (e.g., אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), phrases formed by a coordinating waw conjunction (e.g., אִישׁ וְאִשָּׁה) and noun phrases which consist of a noun plus a determiner (e.g., הָאִישׁ) or a quantifier (e.g., כֹּל אִישׁ).

For a detailed description of our method, see the Phrase-level Semantics Creator Guidelines.

Phrasal Diagram Legend

About the Verbal Semantics Layer

This sub-layer focuses on the relationship between verbs, time and modality. These are important categories for interpretation and translation, and how one analyses a verb can have a significant effect on how it is rendered. This sub-layer has been through several iterations, as it strives to accomplish two things: (1) Transparency for the native Hebrew structures, and (2) Transparency for the interpretation necessary to translate the verbal semantics into other languages.

For a detailed description of our method, see the Verbal Semantics Creator Guidelines.

Verbal Semantics Explainer

Verbal Diagram Legend

Psalm 44 Verbal Semantics

For an overview of the Verbal Semantics of Psalm 44, click the expandable button below.

Psalm 44 Verbal Semantics Chart

Psalm 44 Semantic Analysis & Diagrams

The following grammatical diagrams are zoomable, and the lexical and phrasal overlays can be toggled on/off. Notes on the semantic layers can be found beneath each verse's diagram.

V. 1

1a	לַמְנַצֵּ֬חַ לִבְנֵי־קֹ֬רַח מַשְׂכִּֽיל׃	For the director. By the Korahites. A maskil.

Preferred

Notes

Note for V. 1

For the phrase לַמְנַצֵּחַ, see Lamnaṣṣēaḥ.

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.

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).

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:1.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:1.

V. 2

2a	אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ בְּאָזְנֵ֬ינוּ שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ	God, we have heard [it] with our ears—
2b	אֲבוֹתֵ֥ינוּ סִפְּרוּ־לָ֑נוּ	Our ancestors have recounted to us
2c	פֹּ֥עַל פָּעַ֥לְתָּ בִֽ֝ימֵיהֶ֗ם	the deeds which you did in their times—
2d	בִּ֣ימֵי קֶֽדֶם׃	in times long ago.

Preferred

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

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.

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).

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).

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.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:2.

V. 3

3a	אַתָּ֤ה ׀ יָדְךָ֡ גּוֹיִ֣ם ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ וַתִּטָּעֵ֑ם	You, by your strength, dispossessed nations, and then you planted them.
3b	תָּרַ֥ע לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽם׃	You would afflict the people groups, and then you would set them free.

Preferred

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

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.

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).

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:3.

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.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:3.

V. 4

4a	כִּ֤י לֹ֣א בְחַרְבָּ֡ם יָ֥רְשׁוּ אָ֗רֶץ	For they did not take possession of the land by means of their sword;
4b	וּזְרוֹעָם֮ לֹא־הוֹשִׁ֪יעָ֫ה לָּ֥מוֹ	nor did their power give victory for them.
4c	כִּֽי־יְמִֽינְךָ֣ וּ֭זְרוֹעֲךָ וְא֥וֹר פָּנֶ֗יךָ	But rather your right hand, and your power, and the light of your countenance [gave the victory];
4d	כִּ֣י רְצִיתָֽם׃	for you were pleased with them.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:4.

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.

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).

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.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:4.

V. 5

5a	אַתָּה־הוּא מַלְכִּי אֱלֹהָי	You are my king, my God,
5b	מְצַוֶּה* יְשׁוּעוֹת יַעֲקֹב*	commanding victory for Jacob!

Preferred

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">

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

Alternative

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:5.

V. 6

6a	בְּ֭ךָ צָרֵ֣ינוּ נְנַגֵּ֑חַ	With you, we can gore our adversaries;
6b	בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ֗ נָב֥וּס קָמֵֽינוּ׃	under your authority, we can tread down our enemies.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:6.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:6.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:6.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:6.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:6.

V. 7

7a	כִּ֤י לֹ֣א בְקַשְׁתִּ֣י אֶבְטָ֑ח	Indeed, I cannot trust in my bow,
7b	וְ֝חַרְבִּ֗י לֹ֣א תוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃	nor can my sword give me victory.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:7.

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).

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:7.

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."

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:7.

V. 8

8a	כִּ֣י ה֭וֹשַׁעְתָּנוּ מִצָּרֵ֑ינוּ	But rather you delivered us from our adversaries;
8b	וּמְשַׂנְאֵ֥ינוּ הֱבִישֽׁוֹתָ׃	and you put our enemies to shame.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:8.

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).

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:8.

Note for V. 8

מְשַׂנְאֵינוּ: "Those who hate us" >> "enemies" (SDBH).

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:8.

V. 9

9a	בֵּֽ֭אלֹהִים הִלַּלְ֣נוּ כָל־הַיּ֑וֹם	We have been boasting in God all day long,
9b	וְשִׁמְךָ֓ ׀ לְעוֹלָ֖ם נוֹדֶ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃	and we will keep declaring your name forever. Selah.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:9.

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.

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).

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.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:9.

V. 10

10a	אַף־זָ֭נַחְתָּ וַתַּכְלִימֵ֑נוּ	Even so, you have rejected [us]— that is, you have put us to shame.
10b	וְלֹא־תֵ֝צֵ֗א בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃	And you do not go forth with our armies.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:10.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:10.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:10.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:10.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:10.

V. 11

11a	תְּשִׁיבֵ֣נוּ אָ֭חוֹר מִנִּי־צָ֑ר	You make us retreat before the adversary,
11b	וּ֝מְשַׂנְאֵ֗ינוּ שָׁ֣סוּ לָֽמוֹ׃	and our enemies have plundered for themselves.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:11.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:11.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:11.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:11.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:11.

V. 12

12a	תִּ֭תְּנֵנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן מַאֲכָ֑ל	You give us up as sheep for consumption,
12b	וּ֝בַגּוֹיִ֗ם זֵרִיתָֽנוּ׃	and you have scattered us among the nations.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:12.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:12.

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).

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.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:12.

V. 13

13a	תִּמְכֹּֽר־עַמְּךָ֥ בְלֹא־ה֑וֹן	You sell your people without compensation,
13b	וְלֹ֥א־רִ֝בִּ֗יתָ בִּמְחִירֵיהֶֽם׃	and you have not made a profit by them.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:13.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:13.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:13.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:13.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:13.

V. 14

14a	תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ חֶ֭רְפָּה לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ	You turn us into an object of scorn to our neighbors—
14b	לַ֥עַג וָ֝קֶ֗לֶס לִסְבִיבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃	An object of scornful derision to those who surround us.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:14.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:14.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:14.

No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:14.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:14.

V. 15

15a	תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ מָ֭שָׁל בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם	You turn us into a parable among the nations—
15b	מְנֽוֹד־רֹ֝֗אשׁ בַּלְאֻמִּים	An object of pity among the people groups.

Preferred

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">

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).

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.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:15.

Note for V. 15

תְּשִׂימֵנוּ ("you turn us into"): Without reference point movement, the yiqtol denotes habitual action.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:15.

Vv. 16-17

16a	כָּל־הַ֭יּוֹם כְּלִמָּתִ֣י נֶגְדִּ֑י	All day long, my shame is before me,
16b	וּבֹ֖שֶׁת פָּנַ֣י כִּסָּֽתְנִי׃	and my shamefacedness has covered me,
17a	מִ֭קּוֹל מְחָרֵ֣ף וּמְגַדֵּ֑ף	because of the voice of the reviling taunter,
17b	מִפְּנֵ֥י א֝וֹיֵ֗ב וּמִתְנַקֵּֽם׃	because of the vengeful enemy.

Preferred

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

Notes

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V. 18

18a	כָּל־זֹ֣את בָּ֭אַתְנוּ וְלֹ֣א שְׁכַחֲנ֑וּךָ	All this has come upon us, even though we have not neglected you;
18b	וְלֹֽא־שִׁ֝קַּ֗רְנוּ בִּבְרִיתֶֽךָ׃	Nor have we broken faith with your covenant.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:18.

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No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:18.

V. 19

19a	לֹא־נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ	Our heart has not backslid—
19b	וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ׃	that is, our steps have not deviated from your path.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:19.

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V. 20

20a	כִּ֣י דִ֭כִּיתָנוּ בִּמְק֣וֹם תַּנִּ֑ים	Yet you have crushed us in the place of jackals,
20b	וַתְּכַ֖ס עָלֵ֣ינוּ בְצַלְמָֽוֶת׃	and thus you have covered us with deepest shadow.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:20.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:20.

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Vv. 21-22

21a	אִם־שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ שֵׁ֣ם אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ	If we have neglected our God's name—
21b	וַנִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּ֝פֵּ֗ינוּ לְאֵ֣ל זָֽר׃	that is, if we had spread our palms in prayer to another god—
22a	הֲלֹ֣א אֱ֭לֹהִים יַֽחֲקָר־זֹ֑את	would not God investigate this,
22b	כִּֽי־ה֥וּא יֹ֝דֵ֗עַ תַּעֲלֻמ֥וֹת לֵֽב׃	since he knows the heart's secrets?

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:21.

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V. 23

23a	כִּֽי־עָ֭לֶיךָ הֹרַ֣גְנוּ כָל־הַיּ֑וֹם	Yet we have been killed because of you all day long.
23b	נֶ֝חְשַׁ֗בְנוּ כְּצֹ֣אן טִבְחָֽה׃	We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:23.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:23.

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No Verbal notes to display for Psalm 44:23.

No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:23.

V. 24

24a	ע֤וּרָה ׀ לָ֖מָּה תִישַׁ֥ן ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י	Awake! Why do you sleep, Lord?
24b	הָ֝קִ֗יצָה אַל־תִּזְנַ֥ח לָנֶֽצַח׃	Wake up! Do not keep rejecting [us] forever!

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:24.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:24.

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V. 25

25a	לָֽמָּה־פָנֶ֥יךָ תַסְתִּ֑יר	Why are you hiding your countenance?
25b	תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח עָנְיֵ֣נוּ וְֽלַחֲצֵֽנוּ׃	Why are you neglecting our affliction and oppression?

Preferred

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">

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:25.

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V. 26

26a	כִּ֤י שָׁ֣חָה לֶעָפָ֣ר נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ	For our soul has sunk down into the dust;
26b	דָּבְקָ֖ה לָאָ֣רֶץ בִּטְנֵֽנוּ׃	our belly clings to the earth.

Preferred

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

Notes

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No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:26.

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No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:26.

V. 27

27a	ק֭וּמָֽה עֶזְרָ֣תָה לָּ֑נוּ	Arise to our aid,
27b	וּ֝פְדֵ֗נוּ לְמַ֣עַן חַסְדֶּֽךָ׃	and redeem us because of your faithfulness!

Preferred

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

Notes

No Grammar notes to display for Psalm 44:27.

No Lexical notes to display for Psalm 44:27.

No Phrase-level notes to display for Psalm 44:27.

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No Textual notes to display for Psalm 44:27.

Visualization	Description
	The prepositional phrase is indicated by a solid green oval.
	The construct chain is indicated by a solid yellow oval.
	When the conjunction ו appears at the phrase-level (not clause-level), it is indicated by a solid light purple oval.
	The article is indicated by a solid blue oval.

Conjugations
qatal	yiqtol-jussive
wayyiqtol (following qatal)*	cohortative
yiqtol	participle
wayyiqtol (following yiqtol)*	wayyiqtol (following participle)*
weyiqtol	inf. construct
weqatal	inf. absolute
*Wayyiqtol is colored a darker version of the conjugation it follows.

Relative tense arrows
Relative tense arrows (placed within the appropriate 'Fut/Pres/Past' column) are color coded according to the conjugation of the verb. The arrows in the table below are colored according to the typical uses of the conjugations.
After/posterior/future	Imminent future	Simultaneous/right now	Recent past	Before/anterior/past
← ←	↤	↓↓↓	↦	→ →

Aspect
	Continuous	Habitual or iterative	Stative	Perfective
Encoded in words	⟲	⟲⟲⟲	⎯	•
Inferable from context	⟲	⟲⟲⟲	⎯	•

Reference point movement
Movement	No movement
⇐	⇍

Modality
indicative	purpose/result
jussive	necessity
imperative	possible
cohortative	probable
wish	ability
(past) conditional	interrogative, etc.

Emendations/Revocalizations legend
Emended text	Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation.
Revocalized text	Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization.

Psalm 44 Semantics

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Book 5

Sheep to Be Slaughtered

Psalm 44

About the Grammar & Semantics Layer

About the Grammar Layer

About the Lexical Semantics Layer

About the Phrase-Level Semantics Layer

About the Verbal Semantics Layer

Psalm 44 Verbal Semantics

Psalm 44 Semantic Analysis & Diagrams

V. 1

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V. 2

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V. 3

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V. 4

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V. 5

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Alternative

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V. 6

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V. 7

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V. 8

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V. 9

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V. 10

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V. 11

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V. 12

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V. 13

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V. 14

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V. 15

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Vv. 16-17

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V. 18

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V. 19

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V. 20

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Vv. 21-22

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V. 23

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