Psalm 89/Diagrams/11-20
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
v. 11
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Preferred
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DiscourseUnit [v. 11]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: דִכִּאתָ crushed
Object
noun: רָהַב Rahab
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="like those who are slain">
Preposition
preposition: כֶ like
Object
noun: חָלָל slain one
article: הֶ the <status="elided">
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: פִּזַּרְתָּ you scattered
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your enemies">
noun: אוֹיְבֶי enemies
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִּ with
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your strong arm">
noun: זְרוֹעַ arm
noun: עֻזְּ strength
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-11-None }}
Grammar Notes
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Lexical Notes
Note for v. 11
- "Rahab is one of the names in the OT of the chaos [sea] monster(s) (cf. also Leviathan, Tannin, Tehom, and Yam" (Spronk 1999, 684; cf. Isa 51:9-10; Job 26:12).
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 11
- The three-member construct chain in v. 11b is literally "the arm of strength of you." The second member of the construct chain ("strength") characterizes the first member ("arm") (= "arm of strength" >> "strong arm"), and the third member of the chain ("you") indicates possession ("your strong arm," so NIV, CEB, NET, cf. NLT, ESV, CSB, CEV, NJPS).
Note for v. 11
- The phrase כֶחָלָל in the Masoretic Text has the definite article, lit.: "like the slain one." The article is generic, not referring to a specific or unique individual but rather to "a kind, species, or class" (Bekins 2017, 31; cf. IBHS §13.5.1f, who note that this use of the article is "especially common in comparisons"). Thus, "like those who are slain" (cf. the Peshitta which also uses the plural: ܐܝܟ ܕܠܩ̈ܛܝܠܐ܂). Note also that the same word occurs in the previous psalm (Ps 88:6): "just like the slain (כְּמוֹ חֲלָלִים) who are lying in the tomb."
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 12
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Preferred
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SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: שָׁמַיִם sky
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="yours">
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
particle: אַף also
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אָרֶץ earth
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="yours">
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: יְסַדְתָּ founded
Object
Apposition
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Nominal
noun: תֵּבֵל the world
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: מְלֹא all that is in
suffix-pronoun: ָהּ it
DiscourseUnit [v. 12]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: שָׁמַיִם sky
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="yours">
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
particle: אַף also
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: אָרֶץ earth
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="yours">
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: יְסַדְתָּ founded
Object
Apposition
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Nominal
noun: תֵּבֵל the world
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: מְלֹא all that is in
suffix-pronoun: ָהּ it
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-12-None }}
Grammar Notes
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Lexical Notes
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Phrase-Level
Note for v. 12
- The lamed prepositions in v. 12 indicate possession: "belong to you" (NET), "are yours" (NIV, NLT, ESV). See also vv. 14a, 19. Cf. BHRG §39.11(1), "relationship of belonging."
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 13
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Preferred
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SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 13]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: בְרָאתָ created
Object
Apposition
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Nominal
noun: צָפוֹן north
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: יָמִין south
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: תָּבוֹר Tabor
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
noun: חֶרְמוֹן Hermon
Predicate
verb: יְרַנֵּנוּ rejoice
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ at
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 13]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אַתָּה you
Predicate
verb: בְרָאתָ created
Object
Apposition
suffix-pronoun: ם them
Nominal
noun: צָפוֹן north
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Nominal
ConstructChain
noun: יָמִין south
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: תָּבוֹר Tabor
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
noun: חֶרְמוֹן Hermon
Predicate
verb: יְרַנֵּנוּ rejoice
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ at
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-13-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 13
- The pronominal suffix "them" (ם) resumes the left-dislocated nouns צָפוֹן וְיָמִין (cf. BHRG §36.1.5.2(c)).
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 13
- Hermon is a "mountain and mountain range stretching from southern Syria to northern Palestine" (DCH; cf. Röllig 1999, 411-412), also called שִׂיאֹן (Deut 4:48), שִׂרְיֹן (Deut 3:9), and שְׂנִיר (Deut 3:9). It was associated with divine activity (cf. 1 Enoch 6:5; 2 Enoch 18:4) and with the storm god Baal in particular (cf. "Baal of Hermon" in Jdg 3:3; 1 Chr 5:23).
- "Tabor is the name of a mountain in Lower Galilee" (Mussies 1999, 827; cf. Jdg 4:6, 12, 14; 8:18; Josh 19:22; Jer 46:18; Hos 5:1). Mount Tabor, like Hermon, might have also been associated with the worship of foreign gods (cf. Hos 5:1; Frankel 1992, 305).
- Whereas people worshiped gods other than YHWH on Hermon and Tabor, Ps 89:13b says that these mountains "rejoice in your name," i.e., the mountains recognize YHWH as their creator and Lord and gladly accept his rule.
- In light of the mythological mountains mentioned in the b-line, it is tempting to understand the words צפון and ימין in the a-line as referring to mountains as well (rather than simply "north and south," so most English translations). Zaphon (צפון), the Hebrew word for "north," is also the name of a mountain north of Israel, "the sacred mountain of the storm god Baal" (Roth 1992, 1040; cf. COS 1.98: "Temple of Baal-Zaphon"). In fact, it was "the cosmic mountain par excellence in Northwest-Semitic religions" (Niehr 1999, 152). Thus, "the name 'Baal-zaphon' was even transferred to further Baal-sanctuaries outside Ugarit," such as in Egypt (Niehr 1999, 152; cf. "Baal-Zaphon" in Exod 14:2; Num 33:7).
- Some have identified "Yamin" (ימין) in Ps 89:13 with the mountain "Amana" (אמנה) mentioned in Song 4:8 where it is associated with Mt. Hermon (so e.g., Dahood 314)—"Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; come with me from Lebanon. Depart from the peak of Amana (אֲמָנָה), from the peak of Senir and Hermon" (Song 4:8). Dahood argues that ימן in Ps 89 is an alternative spelling for אמן. The NEB translators emend וְיָמִין to וַאֲמָנָה (see Brockington 1971, 144): "Thou didst create Zaphon and Amanus; Tabor and Hermon echo thy name" (cf. NAB).
- Even if we follow the MT and read "north and south" in v. 13a, it is likely that there is also an allusion to the mountains of Zaphon and Amanus: "Behind the compass directions, especially in connection with Tabor and Hermon, lie the traditional Ugaritic mountains of the gods, Zaphon and Amanus, near the city of Ugarit" (Hossfeld and Zenger 2005, 409).
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 13
- The bet prepositional phrase "at your name" (בְּשִׁמְךָ) is a bet of cause (Jenni 1992, 107). YHWH's name (i.e., his identity or character) is the cause, or source, of the mountains' joy, and their joy is directed towards it. This construction is normal for verbs of rejoicing (cf. Jenni 1992, 106-108; e.g., 1 Sam 2:1—עָלַץ לִבִּי בַּיהוָה). English can use various prepositions to express this relationship, e.g., "at your name" (NIV, CSB), "in your name" (NET), or "because of your name."
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 14
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Preferred
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SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 14]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: זְרוֹעַ (strong) arm
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עִם together with
Object
noun: גְּבוּרָה might
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="yours">
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your hand">
noun: יָדְ hand
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: תָּעֹז will be powerful
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your right hand">
noun: יְמִינֶ right hand
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: תָּרוּם will be exalted
DiscourseUnit [v. 14]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: זְרוֹעַ (strong) arm
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עִם together with
Object
noun: גְּבוּרָה might
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="yours">
Preposition
preposition: לְ belonging to
Object
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your hand">
noun: יָדְ hand
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: תָּעֹז will be powerful
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="your right hand">
noun: יְמִינֶ right hand
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: תָּרוּם will be exalted
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-14-None }}
Grammar Notes
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Lexical Notes
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Phrase-Level
Note for v. 14
- Many modern translations render v. 14a as "You have a mighty arm" (e.g., NRSV). The Hebrew text says more literally, "You have an arm together with (עִם) strength." Normally, Hebrew would express a phrase like "mighty arm" by using a construct chain: זְרוֹעַ גְּבוּרָה ("arm of might," see e.g., זְרוֹעַ עֻזְּךָ in v. 11). In this case, however, it has the preposition "(together) with" (עִם), indicating accompaniment or addition. This use of עִם to join to nouns ("this together with that") occurs "chiefly in poetry" (BDB). E.g., Ps 83:7—"Gebal, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia together with (עִם) the inhabitants of Tyre." Thus, we should probably understand "arm" as a figure of speech (metonymy) for "strength" and interpret the whole clause as saying "strength together with might are yours" or "strength is yours, and might in addition." Cf. the Peshitta: "The arm belongs to you (ܕܝܠܟ) and strength belongs to you (ܘܕܝܠܟ)" (Taylor 2020, 365).
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 15
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Preferred
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SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 15]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the base of your throne">
noun: מְכוֹן base
noun: כִּסְאֶ throne
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: צֶדֶק righteousness
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
noun: מִשְׁפָּט justice
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: חֶסֶד loyalty
Conjunction
conjunction: וֶ and
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
Predicate
verb: יְקַדְּמוּ stand in front of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your presence">
noun: פָנֶי face >> presence
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 15]
Fragment
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="the base of your throne">
noun: מְכוֹן base
noun: כִּסְאֶ throne
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
noun: צֶדֶק righteousness
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
noun: מִשְׁפָּט justice
Fragment
Clause
Subject
noun: חֶסֶד loyalty
Conjunction
conjunction: וֶ and
noun: אֱמֶת faithfulness
Predicate
verb: יְקַדְּמוּ stand in front of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your presence">
noun: פָנֶי face >> presence
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-15-None }}
Grammar Notes
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Lexical Notes
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Phrase-Level
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Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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v. 16
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Preferred
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SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 16]
Fragment
Vocative
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
ConstructChain
noun: אַשְׁרֵי happiness >> happy are
Apposition
Nominal
noun: עָם people
article: הָ the
RelativeClause
RelativeParticle
particle: <status="elided">
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְהַלֵּכוּן go about
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="the light of your presence">
noun: אוֹר light
noun: פָּנֶי face >> presence
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="who know the signal">
verb-participle: יוֹדְעֵי those knowing
noun: תְרוּעָה signal
DiscourseUnit [v. 16]
Fragment
Vocative
noun: יְהוָה YHWH
Fragment
ConstructChain
noun: אַשְׁרֵי happiness >> happy are
Apposition
Nominal
noun: עָם people
article: הָ the
RelativeClause
RelativeParticle
particle: <status="elided">
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְהַלֵּכוּן go about
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="the light of your presence">
noun: אוֹר light
noun: פָּנֶי face >> presence
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Nominal
ConstructChain <gloss="who know the signal">
verb-participle: יוֹדְעֵי those knowing
noun: תְרוּעָה signal
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-16-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 16
- The b-line could be read as an independent clause or as an asyndetic relative clause: "they shall walk... in the light of thy countenance" (KJV; cf. LXX, Jerome, Targum, CSB, ELB, EÜ, ISV, LUT, NASB, NBS, NET, NFC, NJPS, PDV, SG21, TOB, ZÜR; see v. 16 alternative diagram) or "who walk in the light of your presence" (NIV, cf. ESV; see v. 16 preferred diagram). Our understanding of the nature of parallelism ("one thought/sentence across two lines," cf. Tsumura 2023) leads us to prefer the relative clause interpretation (cf. Ps 112:1). The ESV even continues the relative clause into the next verse: "Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted."
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 16
- The noun תּרוּעָה describes a "loud sound... used to express an emotion or to communicate something to a community" (SDBH). It could simply be an expression of joyful emotion (cf. the following verse יגילון, but the fact that it is the object of the verb "know" (ידע) suggests that it has a communicative function; it is a "signal" (cf. Symmachus: σημασίαν, "the giving a signal or command" [LSJ]), the significance of which is "known" only to YHWH's people. The תּרוּעָה probably signals "victory" (Jerome, trans. Risse) or, more specifically, YHWH's royal presence on the battlefield with his people to give them victory. This interpretation makes sense in the context: the parallel line mentions the light of YHWH's presence (v. 16b), and the following lines use military language (vv. 18-19). This interpretation also coheres well with the use of תּרוּעָה outside of this psalm. In 1 Sam 4:5-6, the people shout to signal YHWH's presence with them in battle: "As soon as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout (תְּרוּעָה), so that the earth resounded. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting (הַתְּרוּעָה), they said, 'What does this great shouting (הַתְּרוּעָה) in the camp of the Hebrews mean?'" In 1 Sam 4, only YHWH's people understand the significance of the "shout;" the Philistines do not understand. Thus, in Ps 89, "those who know the signal" is a way of referring to YHWH's people, who experience his presence with them in battle.
- Shouting (or blowing a horn) to signal YHWH's presence is probably related to the practicing of hailing a king (cf. 1 Sam 10:24; Num 23:21; cf. Gesenius 2013, 1458: "Königsjubel;" so Ibn Ezra, Radak). Thus, the word is used "especially in contexts where Yahweh is acclaimed as king" (TDOT) (cf. Num 23:21; Pss 47:2, 6; 95:1; 98:4; 150:5). YHWH's kingship is clear in this context as well; the previous verse of Ps 89 mentioned YHWH's "throne" (v. 15).
Note for v. 16
- Whereas the qal verb הלך simply means "walk" or "go," in the (pluractional) piel stem it means "go about" or "walk around" (Penney 2023, 84-87). The action of "walking" is "repeated or extended in different locations" (Penney 2023, 84).
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 16
- Verse 16 is essentially one big construct chain: "The happiness of the people, those knowing the signal, who go about in the light of your presence, YHWH!" On the meaning and function of אַשְׁרֵי at the head of a construct chain, see notes on Ps 1:1.
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Alternative
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
Fragment <status="alternative">
Vocative
noun: יְהוָה
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְהַלֵּכוּן go about
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: אוֹר light
noun: פָּנֶי face >> presence
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Fragment <status="alternative">
Vocative
noun: יְהוָה
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְהַלֵּכוּן go about
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ in
Object
ConstructChain
noun: אוֹר light
noun: פָּנֶי face >> presence
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-16-Alternative }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Note for v. 16
- The b-line could be read as an independent clause or as an asyndetic relative clause: "they shall walk... in the light of thy countenance" (KJV; cf. LXX, Jerome, Targum, CSB, ELB, EÜ, ISV, LUT, NASB, NBS, NET, NFC, NJPS, PDV, SG21, TOB, ZÜR; see v. 16 alternative diagram) or "who walk in the light of your presence" (NIV, cf. ESV; see v. 16 preferred diagram). Our understanding of the nature of parallelism ("one thought/sentence across two lines," cf. Tsumura 2023) leads us to prefer the relative clause interpretation (cf. Ps 112:1). The ESV even continues the relative clause into the next verse: "Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted."
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Note for v. 16
- The noun תּרוּעָה describes a "loud sound... used to express an emotion or to communicate something to a community" (SDBH). It could simply be an expression of joyful emotion (cf. the following verse יגילון, but the fact that it is the object of the verb "know" (ידע) suggests that it has a communicative function; it is a "signal" (cf. Symmachus: σημασίαν, "the giving a signal or command" [LSJ]), the significance of which is "known" only to YHWH's people. The תּרוּעָה probably signals "victory" (Jerome, trans. Risse) or, more specifically, YHWH's royal presence on the battlefield with his people to give them victory. This interpretation makes sense in the context: the parallel line mentions the light of YHWH's presence (v. 16b), and the following lines use military language (vv. 18-19). This interpretation also coheres well with the use of תּרוּעָה outside of this psalm. In 1 Sam 4:5-6, the people shout to signal YHWH's presence with them in battle: "As soon as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout (תְּרוּעָה), so that the earth resounded. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting (הַתְּרוּעָה), they said, 'What does this great shouting (הַתְּרוּעָה) in the camp of the Hebrews mean?'" In 1 Sam 4, only YHWH's people understand the significance of the "shout;" the Philistines do not understand. Thus, in Ps 89, "those who know the signal" is a way of referring to YHWH's people, who experience his presence with them in battle.
- Shouting (or blowing a horn) to signal YHWH's presence is probably related to the practicing of hailing a king (cf. 1 Sam 10:24; Num 23:21; cf. Gesenius 2013, 1458: "Königsjubel;" so Ibn Ezra, Radak). Thus, the word is used "especially in contexts where Yahweh is acclaimed as king" (TDOT) (cf. Num 23:21; Pss 47:2, 6; 95:1; 98:4; 150:5). YHWH's kingship is clear in this context as well; the previous verse of Ps 89 mentioned YHWH's "throne" (v. 15).
Note for v. 16
- Whereas the qal verb הלך simply means "walk" or "go," in the (pluractional) piel stem it means "go about" or "walk around" (Penney 2023, 84-87). The action of "walking" is "repeated or extended in different locations" (Penney 2023, 84).
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Note for v. 16
- Verse 16 is essentially one big construct chain: "The happiness of the people, those knowing the signal, who go about in the light of your presence, YHWH!" On the meaning and function of אַשְׁרֵי at the head of a construct chain, see notes on Ps 1:1.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 17
No content found.
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 17]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְגִילוּן they are glad
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
Nominal <gloss="always">
noun: יּוֹם day
article: הַ the
quantifier: כָּל all
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: יָרוּמוּ they are exalted
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your righteousness">
noun: צִדְקָתְ righteousness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
DiscourseUnit [v. 17]
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: יְגִילוּן they are glad
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְּ because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your name">
noun: שִׁמְ name
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Adverbial
Nominal <gloss="always">
noun: יּוֹם day
article: הַ the
quantifier: כָּל all
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: יָרוּמוּ they are exalted
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your righteousness">
noun: צִדְקָתְ righteousness
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-17-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 17
- BHS proposes emending יָרוּמוּ to either יְרַנֵּנוּ ("they shout for joy;" cf. v. 13) or יָרוּמוּ קוֹלָם ("they raise their voices"). But there is no manuscript evidence for these emendations. The MT is clearly supported by all of the ancient witnesses (see Barthélemy 2005, 622-3), and it makes sense in the context. The clause either says that the people are/will be "exalted by your righteousness" (CSB, cf. KJV, CEV, NET, NJPS; so LXX, Targum, Jerome [iuxta Hebr.]) or that the people "celebrate your righteousness" (NIV, cf. NRSV, NLT; cf. Dahood 1966, 315).
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 17
- יָרוּמוּ: "literally: to be, become high; hence: = process by which humans or deities acquire an elevated status" (SDBH). Cf. LXX: ὑψωθήσονται.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 17
- For the bet prepositional phrase "because of your name" (בְּשִׁמְךָ), see note above on v. 13.
- The bet preposition in the phrase וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ is similarly causal: "because of your righteousness" (Jenni 1992, rubric 1635). Cf. NJPS: "they are exalted through Your righteousness."
- The adverbial phrase translated always (כָּל־הַיּוֹם) is, literally, "all day long" (NIV, ESV, GNT, NJPS), which is a figurative way of saying "always" (cf. EÜ, ZÜR: allezeit; see e.g., Ps 37:26).
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 18
No content found.
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 18]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אָתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="the glory of their strength >> the strength in which they glory">
noun: תִפְאֶרֶת glory
noun: עֻזָּ strength
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our horn">
noun: קַרְנֵ horn
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: תָּרוּם will be exalted
verb: תָּרִים you will exalt <status="alternative revocalization">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִ because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your favor">
noun: רְצֹנְ favor
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Object <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: קַרְנֵ horn
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
DiscourseUnit [v. 18]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
pronoun: אָתָּה you
Predicate
verb: are
Complement
ConstructChain <gloss="the glory of their strength >> the strength in which they glory">
noun: תִפְאֶרֶת glory
noun: עֻזָּ strength
suffix-pronoun: מוֹ them
Conjunction
conjunction: וּ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our horn">
noun: קַרְנֵ horn
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
Predicate
verb: תָּרוּם will be exalted
verb: תָּרִים you will exalt <status="alternative revocalization">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בִ because of
Object
ConstructChain <gloss="your favor">
noun: רְצֹנְ favor
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Object <status="alternative">
ConstructChain
noun: קַרְנֵ horn
suffix-pronoun: נוּ us
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-18-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 18
- There is a ketiv-qere issue in the MT of v. 18. The ketiv ("what is written," i.e., the consonantal text) reads תרים (hiphil, תָּרִים), but the qere ("what is read," i.e., the vowels) reads תָּרוּם (qal). Some translations follow the ketiv: "you exalt our horn" (NIV; so Jerome: elevabis cornu nostrum). Others follow the qere: "our horn is exalted" (ESV, cf. KJV, CSB, CEV, NET; so LXX: ὑψωθήσεται τὸ κέρας ἡμῶν). The qere has the earliest attestation (LXX) and makes for a good parallel with the b-line of the previous clause: "in your righteousness they rise... // in your favor our horn rises." The qere reading also appears in some Hebrew manuscripts outside of the Tiberian tradition (e.g., JTS 631, BL Or 1477).
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 18
- In the construct chain תִפְאֶרֶת עֻזָּמֹו, literally, "the glory/beauty of their strength" (ESV, NRSV, cf. CEB), it is difficult to determine how the two nouns "glory/beauty" and "strength" are related semantically. The NIV simply coordinates the two nouns: "You are their glory and strength" (NIV; cf. Ps 96:6—עֹז וְתִפְאֶרֶת). The NLT thinks that the first noun "glory" specifies the characteristic of the second noun "strength": "their glorious strength" (cf. CSB). But, in construct chains, it is more typical for the second noun to specify some characteristic of the first (e.g., הַר קָדְשִׁי in Ps 2:6). Thus, it is plausible that the second noun "strength" would characterizes the first noun "glory": "their strong glory" (cf. Symmachus: "their unconquerable glory" [ἀγλάϊσμα ἀήττητον αὐτῶν]; cf. Isa 13:9—תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּאֹ֣ון כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים "the proud glory of the Chaldaeans" [HALOT]). This interpretation might make sense if "glory" (תִּפְאֶרֶת) is understood as "object of glory, pride, boasting" (so DCH). Thus, it would mean "the strong object of their glory >> the strong one in which they glory." Slightly differently, DCH suggests that it means "the strength in which they glory" (so also Hupfeld 1860, 473). Radak seems to hold a similar view: "They had no strength (עוז) except with you, and it was in your strength that they gloried/boasted (מתפארים) over the nations" (cf. Judg 7:2).
Note for v. 18
- The bet preposition in the phrase וּבִרְצֹנְךָ is causal: "because of your favor" (Jenni 1992, rubric 1685; cf. notes on vv. 13, 17).
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
v. 19
No content found.
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 19]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our shield">
noun: מָגִנּ shield
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="YHWH's">
Preposition
preposition: לַ belonging to
Object
noun: יהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our king">
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="the holy one of Israel's">
Preposition
preposition: לִ belonging to
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
adjective: קְדוֹשׁ holy one
noun: יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel
DiscourseUnit [v. 19]
Fragment
particle: כִּי for
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our shield">
noun: מָגִנּ shield
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="YHWH's">
Preposition
preposition: לַ belonging to
Object
noun: יהוָה YHWH
Conjunction
conjunction: וְ and
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain <gloss="our king">
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="the holy one of Israel's">
Preposition
preposition: לִ belonging to
Object
ConstructChain
Nominal
adjective: קְדוֹשׁ holy one
noun: יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-19-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 19
- Most modern translations agree on the syntax of this verse: "For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel" (NETS, cf. NIV, ESV, NRSV, CSB, NJPS, REB, LUT, ELB, EÜ, ZÜR; see v. 19 preferred diagram). According to this interpretation, "shield >> protection" = "king" (so Radak; cf. HFA: "to you belongs our king who protects us;" cf. NGÜ). The Septuagint gives a different interpretation of the grammar when it translates the phrase the whole verse as a single clause in which "our king" is in apposition to "the Holy one of Israel": "because support is of the Lord and of the Holy one of Israel, our king" (LXX, trans. NETS; cf. Jerome [iuxta Hebr.]; see v. 19 alternative diagram). The parallelism and the focus in the following verses on the human "king" supports the interpretation of the modern translations above.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
Alternative
(Alternative); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 19 alternative]
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: מָגִנּ shield
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לַ belonging to
Object
noun: יהוָה YHWH
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וְ and
PrepositionalPhrase <status="alternative">
Preposition
preposition: לִ belonging to
Object
Apposition
ConstructChain
Nominal
adjective: קְדוֹשׁ holy one
noun: יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel
ConstructChain
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
DiscourseUnit [v. 19 alternative]
Fragment <status="alternative">
Clause
Subject
ConstructChain
noun: מָגִנּ shield
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
Predicate
verb: is
Complement
Adjectival
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: לַ belonging to
Object
noun: יהוָה YHWH
Conjunction <status="alternative">
conjunction: וְ and
PrepositionalPhrase <status="alternative">
Preposition
preposition: לִ belonging to
Object
Apposition
ConstructChain
Nominal
adjective: קְדוֹשׁ holy one
noun: יִשְׂרָאֵל Israel
ConstructChain
noun: מַלְכּ king
suffix-pronoun: ֵנוּ us
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-19-Alternative }}
Grammar Notes
No Grammar notes to display for this diagram.
Note for v. 19
- Most modern translations agree on the syntax of this verse: "For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel" (NETS, cf. NIV, ESV, NRSV, CSB, NJPS, REB, LUT, ELB, EÜ, ZÜR; see v. 19 preferred diagram). According to this interpretation, "shield >> protection" = "king" (so Radak; cf. HFA: "to you belongs our king who protects us;" cf. NGÜ). The Septuagint gives a different interpretation of the grammar when it translates the phrase the whole verse as a single clause in which "our king" is in apposition to "the Holy one of Israel": "because support is of the Lord and of the Holy one of Israel, our king" (LXX, trans. NETS; cf. Jerome [iuxta Hebr.]; see v. 19 alternative diagram). The parallelism and the focus in the following verses on the human "king" supports the interpretation of the modern translations above.
Lexical Notes
No Lexical notes to display for this diagram.
Phrase-Level
No Phrasal notes to display for this diagram.
Verbal Notes
No Verbal notes to display for this diagram.
Textual Notes
No Textual notes to display for this diagram.
Add Exegetical Note
v. 20
No content found.
Preferred
(Preferred, but not confirmed); edit diagram
SimpleGrammar
DiscourseUnit [v. 20]
Fragment
particle: אָז long ago
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: דִּבַּרְתָּ you spoke
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
noun: חָזוֹן a vision
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="your loyal ones">
Preposition
preposition: לַ to
Object
ConstructChain
noun: חֲסִידֶי loyal ones
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תֹּאמֶר you said
Object
particle: (vv. 20c-38)
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: שִׁוִּיתִי I have bestowed >> I have granted
Object
noun: עֵזֶר help
Object
noun: נֵזֶר a crown <status="alternative emendation">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל upon >> to
Object
noun: גִּבּוֹר a warrior
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: הֲרִימוֹתִי I have exalted
Object
noun: בָחוּר a young man <status="alternative">
Nominal
verb-participle: בָחוּר someone chosen
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ from
Object
noun: עָם people
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ from
Object
noun: עָם people
DiscourseUnit [v. 20]
Fragment
particle: אָז long ago
Fragment
ClauseCluster
Clause
Predicate
verb: דִּבַּרְתָּ you spoke
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: בְ in
Object
noun: חָזוֹן a vision
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase <gloss="your loyal ones">
Preposition
preposition: לַ to
Object
ConstructChain
noun: חֲסִידֶי loyal ones
suffix-pronoun: ךָ you
Conjunction
conjunction: וַ and
Clause
Predicate
verb: תֹּאמֶר you said
Object
particle: (vv. 20c-38)
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: שִׁוִּיתִי I have bestowed >> I have granted
Object
noun: עֵזֶר help
Object
noun: נֵזֶר a crown <status="alternative emendation">
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: עַל upon >> to
Object
noun: גִּבּוֹר a warrior
Fragment
Clause
Predicate
verb: הֲרִימוֹתִי I have exalted
Object
noun: בָחוּר a young man <status="alternative">
Nominal
verb-participle: בָחוּר someone chosen
Adverbial
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ from
Object
noun: עָם people
Adverbial <status="alternative">
PrepositionalPhrase
Preposition
preposition: מֵ from
Object
noun: עָם people
{{Diagram/Display | Chapter=89|DiagramID=v-20-None }}
Grammar Notes
Note for v. 20
- The word בָּחוּר could be either a qal passive participle from the verb בחר ("chosen one," cf. NLT, KJV, ESV, CSB, CEB; so LXX; Jerome iuxta Hebr.) (here preferred) or a noun ("young man," cf. NIV, NET; so Targum). Several arguments support the "chosen one" interpretation. (1) The word בחיר ("chosen one") has already appeared in the psalm's introduction, referring to David (v. 4); (2) Elsewhere, "chosen one" (בחור) and "warrior" (גבור) occur in the same context (e.g., Josh 8:3; cf. 2 Chr 13:3); (3) The following min prepositional phrase makes the most sense if it modifies בחור in the sense of "chosen from among" (cf. 2 Sam 6:21; 10:9; Job 36:21).
Note for v. 20
- Most translations follow the Hebrew text attested by all of our witnesses (שִׁוִּיתִי עֵזֶר) and say "I have granted help to a warrior" (REB, cf. ESV, CSB, GNT, NET, LUT, NGÜ, ELB, EÜ, ZÜR) or "I have bestowed strength on a warrior" (NIV, cf. NJPS) (here preferred). Compare the similar expression ה֥וֹד וְ֝הָדָר תְּשַׁוֶּ֥ה עָלָֽיו in Ps 21:6. Some translations, however, emend עֵזֶר ("help") to נֵזֶר ("crown") and say, "I have set the crown on one who is mighty" (NRSV). The emendation requires the change of one letter (נ vs ע) and fits well in the context of the psalm (see esp. v. 40: "you have defiled his crown [נִזְרוֹ] in the dust." But, as mentioned above, the Hebrew text עֵזֶר is supported by all of our witnesses (see Barthélemy 2005, 623–5, who gives it an "A" rating; cf. the idiosyncratic manuscript 4QPs89: שת עו[זר על]).
Lexical Notes
Note for v. 20
- The word חָזוֹן refers to a prophetic vision (see e.g., Isa 1:1; Ob 1; Nah 1:1; Dan 8:1). YHWH's "loyal ones" here must be the prophets who communicated YHWH's promises to David and his descendants, perhaps "Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer" (Rashi; cf. 2 Sam 7), and/or "Samuel the prophet" (Radak).
Phrase-Level
Note for v. 20
- The min preposition probably modifies the participle בָּחוּר and has a partitive sense: "one chosen from the people" (ESV; so Staszak 2024, 169). Compare the phrase "one of the people" (אִישׁ מֵהָעָם) in 1 Sam 14:28 (cf. Isa 63:3).
Note for v. 20
- The phrase "granted... to" (שִׁוִּיתִי עַל) is, more literally, "bestowed... on" (NIV). The preposition עַל has its prototypical meaning "over, upon, on" (so Mena 2012, 120). Compare the similar phrase in Ps 21:6—הוֹד וְהָדָר תְּשַׁוֶּה עָלָיו. Because "bestow help upon [someone]" is not natural English, other translations have "granted... to" (ESV, CSB) or "given... to" (GNT).
Verbal Notes
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Textual Notes
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Add Exegetical Note
Appendix
Files
Diagrams
Notes
- Grammar.v. 10.207897
- Grammar.v. 13.876028
- Grammar.v. 16.531942
- Grammar.v. 17.360581
- Grammar.v. 18.684345
- Grammar.v. 19.678482
- Grammar.v. 2.138915
- Grammar.v. 20.368600
- Grammar.v. 20.559180
- Grammar.v. 22.285615
- Grammar.v. 29.548204
- Grammar.v. 30.345337
- Grammar.v. 30.600943
- Grammar.v. 30.808163
- Grammar.v. 36.408372
- Grammar.v. 36.658719
- Grammar.v. 38.722784
- Grammar.v. 40.513963
- Grammar.v. 44.125264
- Grammar.v. 44.881728
- Grammar.v. 45.44562
- Grammar.v. 45.857278
- Grammar.v. 47.60751
- Grammar.v. 47.730644
- Grammar.v. 48.277131
- Grammar.v. 48.714468
- Grammar.v. 49.757993
- Grammar.v. 50.157084
- Grammar.v. 51.619282
- Grammar.v. 52.664625
- Grammar.v. 8.273344
- Grammar.v. 8.659972
- Grammar.v. 9.352959
- Grammar.vv. 3-5.687627
- Grammar.vv. 3-5.69361
- Lexical.v. 1.873868
- Lexical.v. 10.924159
- Lexical.v. 11.74540
- Lexical.v. 13.388041
- Lexical.v. 16.541812
- Lexical.v. 16.80987
- Lexical.v. 17.903245
- Lexical.v. 20.777950
- Lexical.v. 21.304115
- Lexical.v. 23.938186
- Lexical.v. 26.524079
- Lexical.v. 28.375337
- Lexical.v. 34.935681
- Lexical.v. 39.509588
- Lexical.v. 4.712945
- Lexical.v. 40.561110
- Lexical.v. 44.131914
- Lexical.v. 45.247038
- Lexical.v. 49.362315
- Lexical.v. 52.736397
- Lexical.v. 6.110242
- Lexical.v. 6.468441
- Lexical.v. 7.583345
- Lexical.v. 9.66764
- Lexical.vv. 2, 3, 6, 9, 25, 34, 50.688169
- Lexical.vv. 2-3, 15, 20, 25, 29, 34, 50.954496
- Lexical.vv. 3, 5.147233
- Lexical.vv. 5, 15, 30, 37, 45.925579
- Lexical.vv. 6, 8.993353
- Lexical.vv. 7, 38.318143
- Phrasal.v. 11.41283
- Phrasal.v. 11.42923
- Phrasal.v. 12.961786
- Phrasal.v. 13.502928
- Phrasal.v. 14.998124
- Phrasal.v. 16.197750
- Phrasal.v. 17.166173
- Phrasal.v. 18.364801
- Phrasal.v. 18.453828
- Phrasal.v. 2.59062
- Phrasal.v. 20.338748
- Phrasal.v. 20.884315
- Phrasal.v. 21.69202
- Phrasal.v. 22.424133
- Phrasal.v. 23.255016
- Phrasal.v. 23.614058
- Phrasal.v. 24.540677
- Phrasal.v. 25.958066
- Phrasal.v. 27.516881
- Phrasal.v. 28.843225
- Phrasal.v. 29.938624
- Phrasal.v. 31.253936
- Phrasal.v. 34.948581
- Phrasal.v. 36.359953
- Phrasal.v. 4.983719
- Phrasal.v. 40.216648
- Phrasal.v. 40.781903
- Phrasal.v. 41.283078
- Phrasal.v. 42.435649
- Phrasal.v. 44.750881
- Phrasal.v. 45.776814
- Phrasal.v. 47.295098
- Phrasal.v. 48.828590
- Phrasal.v. 49.485743
- Phrasal.v. 7.289739
- Phrasal.v. 7.706763
- Phrasal.v. 8.925215
- Phrasal.v. 9.923290
Approvals
Current Grammar status is not set for version not set. Current Lexical status is not set for version not set.