The Text and Meaning of Ps 31:12

Back to Psalm 31.

Exegetical Issues for Psalm 31:

• The Text of Psalm 31:7
• The Text and Meaning of Ps 31:12
• The Text and Meaning of Ps 31:22

Introduction

The MT of Ps 31:12 reads:

מִכָּל־צֹרְרַ֨י הָיִ֪יתִי חֶרְפָּ֡ה

וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י ׀ מְאֹד֮

וּפַ֪חַד לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י

רֹאַ֥י בַּח֑וּץ נָדְד֥וּ מִמֶּֽנִּי׃

Two issues complicate the translation of this verse.

First, the min preposition at the beginning of the verse (מִכָּל־צֹרְרַי) can be interpreted in multiple ways. Modern translations typically translate it as causative or agentive:

• Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach... (ESV)
• I am scorned by all my enemies... (NLT)

The Psalms Targum has interpreted the min preposition as a marker of comparison:

• More than all my oppressors I have become a thing of shame (TgPss)

Second, the word מְאֹד causes difficulties.

Some modern translations follow the MT and read מְאֹד.

• especially to my neighbors (ESV)
• and especially my neighbors (GNT)

Other modern translations emend the text. They offer several possibilities:

For example, the NET emends the text to אֵיד

• my neighbors are appalled by my suffering (NET)

The NRSV emends the text to either מָגוֹר or מֹרָא:

• a horror to my neighbors (NRSV)

The choices in each situation affect the meaning of the verse. If the min preposition indicates the causation, then the verse identifies the psalmist's enemies as the reason for his physical condition described in vv. 10-11. If it indicates agency, then the psalmist's enemies are verbally taunting him because of his physical condition. If it introduces a comparison, then the psalmist is arguing that he is worse off than his enemies.

Likewise, the decision on whether to read מְאֹד or to emend the text affects the meaning of the verse. If we read מְאֹד, then the psalmist suggests that whatever he is to his enemies, he is even more so to his neighbors. If we read אֵיד or מָגוֹר, then the psalmist's relationship to his neighbors is made more explicit with the use of a synonym to חֶרְפָּה ("reproach").

Although the two issues are distinct and might be resolved independently, the arguments preferred below provide a mutually supportive interpretation of the verse.

Argument Maps

The min Preposition (מִכָּל־צֹרְרַי)

Many modern translations understand the min preposition in מִכָּל־צֹרְרַי as an indicator of causation or agency. While these two categories are quite close in meaning, the nuance between them is significant for this passage. A third option (i.e., comparison) is not attested in modern translations, but is reflected in ancient manuscripts and translations up until the time of the Reformation (ca 1500s).

Causation

Several modern translations understand the min to indicate that the enemies and their actions against him cause the psalmist to become an object of scorn.

For example:

• Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. (ESV)
• Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. (NIV)

 
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[Causation]: The min preposition in מִכָּל־צֹרְרַי is causative. The psalmist's adversaries cause him to become an object of scorn through their actions. #dispreferred
 + <חֶרְפָּה is a state of being>: The psalmist is an object of scorn. His enemies' actions caused him to become an object of scorn. #dispreferred
  + <חֶרְפָּה because of suffering>: One's physical suffering at the hand of an enemy can make one an object of scorn (TDOT 5:213 :D:). #dispreferred
   + [1 Sam 11:2]: But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a treaty with you, namely that I gouge out everyone’s right eye, and thus put disgrace (חֶרְפָּה) upon all Israel.” (NRSV) #dispreferred 
   - <YHWH's protection>: The enemies do not successfully harm the psalmist physically in this psalm.
    + [Ps 31:8, 21]: 31:8 You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. 31:21 Praise the LORD, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. (NRSV)
  - <The Psalmist's self-inflicted shame>: The context suggests the psalmist blames himself for his physical deterioration. 
   + [Ps 31:9-10]: 9 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from (i.e., because of; בְכַ֥עַס) grief; my soul and my body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity (בַּעֲוֹנִ֣י), and my bones waste away. (ESV)
 + <מִן indicates causation>: The preposition מִן can indicate causation(HALOT 2000, 598 :L:). #dispreferred
  +[מִן indicating causation]: Ezek 28:18a "By the multitude (מֵרֹ֣ב עֲוֹנֶ֗יךָ) of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade, you profaned your sanctuaries" (NRSV) 2 Sam 3:37 "So all the people and all Israel understood that day that the king had no part (הָיְתָה֙ מֵֽהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ) in the killing of Abner son of Ner. (NRSV) #dispreferred
   +[מִן indicating cause of emotion]: Ps 3:6 "I am not afraid of ten thousands (לֹֽא־אִ֭ירָא מֵרִבְבֹ֥ות) of people who have set themselves against me all around." Ps 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear (מִמִּ֣י אִירָ֑א)? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (מִמִּ֥י אֶפְחָֽד)?"#dispreferred
  <_ <מִן expressing causation is rare>: The examples of min indicating causation are rare (Muraoka 2006, 460 :G:).
   <_  <Indicates causation in poetry>: A מִן preposition indicating causation occurs more often in poetry than in prose. (BDB 1977, 579-580 :L:). #dispreferred
 - <מִכָּל not as causative>: מִכָּל is far more often taken as either detachment or comparative.
  + [מִכָּל as detachment]: Ps 119:101 "I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word." (NRSV)
  + [מִכָּל as comparative]: Ps 87:2 "the Lord loves the gates Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." 
  <_ [מִכָּל as causative]: Jer 22:22 "    The wind shall shepherd all your shepherds, and your lovers shall go into captivity; then you will be ashamed and dismayed because of all your wickedness (מִכֹּ֖ל רָעָתֵֽךְ). #dispreferred

Agency (Preferred)

Other modern translations understand the min to indicate that the enemies scorn the psalmist directly.

• I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. (NLT)
• I am scorned by all my enemies, my neighbours find me burdensome, my friends shudder at me; when they see me on the street they turn away quickly (REB)

 
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[Agency]: The min preposition in מִכָּל־צֹרְרַי is agentive. The psalmist's adversaries scorn him directly. 
 + <Meaning of חֶרְפָּה>: The psalm elsewhere refers to the enemies' speech against the psalmist (e.g., v. 13), and the word חֶרְפָּה often refers to slanderous speech against someone (e.g., Ps 15:3; cf. HALOT, 356 :L:). 
  + [Ps 31:13]: For I hear the whispering of many—terror all around!—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. (NRSV) 
  + [Ps 15:3]: "who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;" (NRSV) 
 + <מִן indicates agent of an action>: The preposition מִן can indicate agency (JM 2006, §132d :G:). 
  +[מִן indicating agency]: "For the land shall be deserted by them..." (NRSV) 
  <_ <מִן expressing agency is rare>: The examples of min indicating agency are rare (Muraoka 2006, 460 :G:). #dispreferred
   <_  <Indicates agency in poetry>: A מִן preposition indicating agency occurs more often in poetry than in prose. (BDB 1977, 579-580 :L:).
     + [Ps 37:23]: "Our steps are made firm by the LORD..." (NRSV) 
 - <מִכָּל not as agentive>: מִכָּל is far more often taken as either detachment or comparative. #dispreferred
  + [מִכָּל as detachment]: Ps 119:101 "I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word." (NRSV) #dispreferred
  + [מִכָּל as comparative]: Ps 87:2 "the Lord loves the gates Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." #dispreferred 
 

Comparison

Biblical Hebrew frequently uses the min preposition to compare two objects. No modern translation offers this reading, but it is found in the Psalms Targum and perhaps also in the Septuagint.

Targum Psalms

• More than all my oppressors I have become a thing of shame, even to my neighbors greatly, and an object of fear to those who know me; those who see me in the street flee from before me.

 
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[Comparison]: The min preposition in מִכָּל־צֹרְרַי indicates a comparison between the psalmist and his adversaries (cf. Targum Psalms, comments by Calvin, Ps 31:11 :C:). #dispreferred
 + <History of Interpretation>: Augustine and Calvin both reference the comparative reading as one option in the Patristic and Reformation eras respectively (Augustine NPNF 8:69 :M:; Calvin 2012, Ps 31:11 :C:). #dispreferred
 - <Incoherent with the Psalm>: The comparative reading introduces a concept not found elsewhere in the psalm.
  + <No Comparison>: The psalmist contrasts himself with his enemies. He does not suggest he is worse off than them.
   + [Ps 31:7, 17, 23]: "You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord." "Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go dumbfounded to Sheol." "The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily." (NRSV) 
 + <מִן can indicate comparison>: The comparative use of מִן is well-established (JM 2006, 489 :G:), and the preposition מִן plus כֹּל in particular frequently indicates a comparison (BDB 1977, 582-583 :L:). #dispreferred
   + [מִן + כֹּל]: "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal (מִכֹּל חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה) that the LORD God had made" (Gen 3:1 ,NRSV; cf. Gen 3:14, 37:3; Deut 7:7; 33:24; Pss 87:2; 135:5; Ezek 2:7; Esth 2:17; Dan 11:2). #dispreferred
 + <Targum Evidence>: A textual variant of the Targum supports reading this verse as comparative. #dispreferred
   + [Targum Pss]: "More than all my oppressors (יתיר מן כל מעיקיי) I have become a thing of shame, even to my neighbors greatly..." (Stec 2004, 70 :M:). #dispreferred
    <_ <Textual Variant>: The explicit reading of this verse as comparative is only extant as a textual variant (cf., Merino 1982 :M:).
     <_ <Evidence of Ancient Support>: The existence of an explicit comparative reading suggests that at least one ancient scribe understood the text this way. #dispreferred
  + <31:12 fits the criteria for comparison>: Hebrew does not have a well-developed way to express comparison. When two items are compared in a sentence, the second will be preceded by מִן (JM 2006, 489). #dispreferred
    + [Comparative מִן example]: 1 Sam 9:2 He had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he (טֹ֣וב מִמֶּ֑נּוּ); he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. #dispreferred
    + [Two Items in v. 12]: The psalmist is the first item (הָיִיתִי: "I have become"). The adversaries are the second item (צֹרְרַי: "my adversaries"). #dispreferred

מְאֹד

מְאֹד (preferred)

Many modern translations follow the reading of the Masoretic Text מְאֹד (cf., ESV, CEV, GNT, RVR, ZÜR, etc.).

• Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors... (ESV)

 
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[מְאֹד]: The reading מְאֹד is the earlier reading.
 + <Manuscript Evidence>: All the ancient manuscript witnesses to the text read מְאֹד (cf. Barthélemy 2005, 177-178 :M:).
  +[Manuscript Evidence]: MT: מְאֹד֮; LXX: σφόδρα; Jerome (iuxta Hebr.): nimis.
 - <The MT does not make sense>: The MT reading (וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י׀ מְאֹד֮) does not make sense (Craigie 2004, 258 :C:). As it currently stands, וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י מְאֹד֮ is a sentence fragment. #dispreferred
  - <Plausible Translations>: וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י׀ מְאֹד֮ can be translated intelligibly without emendation.
   + <Elided Words>: The words "I have become a reproach" (הָיִ֪יתִי חֶרְפָּ֡ה) are elided, similar to Ps 119:138 (cf. Rashi :C:, Ibn Ezra :C:; Barthélemy 2005, 178-179 :M:). 
    + [Ps 119:138]: צִ֭וִּיתָ צֶ֣דֶק עֵדֹתֶ֑יךָ וֶֽאֱמוּנָ֥ה מְאֹֽד
   + <מְאֹד + היה>: The word מְאֹד can modify היה as an adverb. As an adverb which "serves to strengthen or amplify a statement" (TDOT, 8:40), מְאֹד assumes an implied verb in this sentence.
    + [Judges 12:2]: Judges 12:2 reads: אִ֣ישׁ רִ֗יב הָיִ֛יתִי אֲנִ֛י וְעַמִּ֥י וּבְנֵֽי־עַמֹּ֖ון‬ מְאֹ֑ד
   + <חֶרְפָּה + לִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י>: The words חֶרְפָּה and שָׁכֵן are joined by the lamed preposition numerous times.
    + [Pss 79:4; 89:42; 109:25]: Ps 79:4 הָיִ֣ינוּ חֶ֭רְפָּה לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ  Ps 89:42 הָיָ֥ה חֶ֝רְפָּ֗ה לִשְׁכֵנָֽיו Ps 109:25 הָיִ֣יתִי חֶרְפָּ֣ה לָהֶ֑ם

Emend to אֵיד

Some modern translations emend the text to read אֵיד.

For example:

• my neighbors are appalled by my suffering (NET)

 
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[אֵיד is the best reading]: The text should be emended to אֵיד. #dispreferred
 + <אֵיד and פַּחַד>: These two words (אֵיד and פַּחַד) appear in parallel in Prov 1:26-27 as they do in Ps 31:12. (NET footnote) #dispreferred
  + [Prov 1:26-27]: I also will laugh at your calamity (אֵיד); I will mock when panic (פַּחַד) strikes you, 27 when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind (NRSV) #dispreferred
 + <Enclitic "mem">: The word was originally אֵיד (ʾêd, “calamity”). The ''mem'' was an enclitic attached to the preceding word (וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י) (Dahood 1965, 1:189 :C:; Craigie 2004, 258 :C:). #dispreferred
  + <Common in Semitic Languages>: The enclitic "mem" is common in Semitic languages. When attested in Hebrew, it most often occurs in poetry (Hummel 1957, 85-104 :A:; Cohen 2004, 231-260 :A:). #dispreferred
   + [Enclitic "mem" in Poetry]: Ps 29:6 He makes Lebanon skip (וַיַּרְקִידֵ֥ם) like a calf... (NRSV) cf., Ps. 18:16; Job 15:18) #dispreferred
   - <The MT is Understandable>: The MT can be understood without appealing to an enclitic "mem". Therefore, the enclitic "mem" is not necessary.
   + <Enclitic "mem" Fits the Consonants>: Adopting the enclitic "mem" does not require changing the consonantal text of Ps 31:12. Therefore, it is possible that this is an enclitic "mem". #dispreferred
   - <No Supporting Evidence>: The enclitic "mem" reading for this verse is not supported by any ancient manuscripts. Therefore, it should not be adopted.

Emend to מָגוֹר

Some modern translations emend the text to read מָגוֹר or מֹרָא:

For example:

• ...a horror to my neighbors (NRSV).

 
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[מָגוֹר is the best reading]: The text should be emended to מָגוֹר. #dispreferred
 + <Synonym for פַּחַד>: The MT reading (וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י׀ מְאֹד֮) does not make sense. One would expect a synonym for פַּחַד to preserve the parallelism with the following clause (Craigie 2004, 258 :C:). #dispreferred
  + [Proposed Parallelism]: וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י׀ מָגוֹר  |‬ וּפַ֪חַד לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י : The proposed parallelism involves a preposition, plural substantive with 1cs suffix, and noun. #dispreferred
   - <Plausible Interpretation>: A perfect parallel structure is not needed because the two lines can be interpreted coherently as the are in the MT.
 + <Early Scribal Error>: These emendations are graphically very similar to מאד (especially in earlier scripts where א and ג could be more easily confused). Therefore, the presupposed error would have been more likely to happen earlier in the transmission process. #dispreferred
  <_ <No Manuscript Evidence>: There is no manuscript evidence supporting a textual emendation.
  <_ <Improbable Scribal Error>: A scribe would be unlikely to copy מְאֹד֮ for מָגוֹר or מֹרָא (Delitzch 1996, 247-248 :C:).

Omit מְאֹד

Some commentators suggest the term should be entirely omitted.

 
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[Omit]: The phrase וְלִשֲׁכֵנַי מְאֹד should be omitted from the text. #dispreferred
 + <Manuscript Evidence>: The Syriac Peshitta lacks any equivalent to מְאֹד, suggesting that its Hebrew parent text did not include מְאֹד. #dispreferred
  + [Peshitta]: "I have become a reproach to my neighbors, a dread to those who know me."#dispreferred
   <_ <Facilitation>: The Peshitta omits מְאֹד in order to arrive at a coherent interpretation of this difficult verse (Barthélemy 2005, 177-179 :M:).
 + <Gloss>: The words חֶרְפָּ֡ה וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י׀ מְאֹד֮ are a later gloss inserted by a scribe. Therefore, מְאֹד֮ and the whole phrase should be omitted. (Briggs 1906, 268 :C:). #dispreferred
  + <Original Text>: The original Hebrew text of v. 12 was הָיִ֪יתִי פַ֪חַד לִֽמְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥י רֹאַ֥י בַּח֑וּץ נָדְד֥וּ מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (Briggs 1906, 268) #dispreferred
   + <Line Division>: The first phrase of v. 12 in the MT (מכל צררי) belongs with the previous verse (31:11).  (Briggs 1906, 268 :C:). #dispreferred
    + <Poetic Rhythm>: The phrase (מכל צררי) is needed in the preceding verse to preserve two hexameters (Briggs 1906, 274 :C:). #dispreferred
     <_ <Other Poetic Devices>: The last verb  of v. 11 (עָשֵׁשׁוּ) creates an inclusio with the first verb in v. 10b (עָשְׁשָׁה). Adding מכל צררי would disrupt the inclusio.
    + <Peshitta>: The Peshitta divides the lines in this manner (Briggs 1906, 274 :C:). #dispreferred
     <_ <Peshitta Preserves חֶרְפָּ֡ה וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י>: The Peshitta still preserves חֶרְפָּ֡ה וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י. Therefore, the Peshitta does not support the argument that  חֶרְפָּ֡ה וְלִשֲׁכֵנַ֨י׀ מְאֹד֮ is a later gloss to the text.
      + [Peshitta Line Division]: 10 ...my bones are agitated as a result of all my enemies. 11  I have become a reproach to my neighbors (ܘܗܘܝܬ ܚܣܕܐ ܠܫ̈ܒܒܝ)... (Taylor 2020, 107 :M:).
    - <Masoretic Tradition>: The Masoretic tradition (accents and pausal forms) does not support dividing the lines in this manner (cf. LXX).
   - <Manuscript Support>: There is no evidence of a gloss in the extant ancient manuscripts.
  + <Intertextual Influence>: The phrase might have been influenced by other similar lines in the Psalter (Briggs 1906, 264 :C:) or other similar passages of Scripture (cf. Potgieter 2012, 115-126 :A:). #dispreferred
   + [Intertextual Influence in Psalter]: Pss 79:4; 89:42; 109:25. #dispreferred
   + [Other Intertextual Similarities]: Ps 71:1-3; Jonah 2:3-10; Jer 20:7-13; (Potgieter 2012, 115-126 :A:; Laberge 1985, 157 :A:). #dispreferred
   <_ <Direction of Influence>: One cannot definitively determine whether Ps 31 is inspired by these passages or serves as the inspiration for them.

Conclusion

The argument maps presented above lay out the case for an agentive understanding of the מִן preposition and for retaining the traditional reading preserved in the MT (מְאֹד).

While the agency interpretation of the מִן preposition is relatively rare, it is attested. Unlike the causative and comparative readings, the agentive reading makes excellent sense of the context. Ps 31:14 (MT) refers to negative speech about the psalmist by his enemies. Since חֶ֭רְפָּה strongly implies some type of negative speech against an individual, this verse provides the strongest support for reading the מִן preposition as having an agentive nuance. Therefore, the agentive reading is preferred.

The strongest arguments are in favor of retaining the traditional MT reading (מְאֹד֮). The fact that the second clause forms a sentence fragment is not a problem. Ellipsis is a regular feature of Biblical Hebrew, especially in poetry. Except for the Peshitta, which is addressed above, all the ancient manuscripts support the traditional reading. Additionally, there are comparable examples of מְאֹד functioning as an adverb to either היה or an elided verb (cf. Judge 12:2; Ps 119:138). Finally, the combination of חֶרְפָּה and שָׁכֵן via a lamed preposition indicating agency occurs numerous times in the psalter (cf. Ps 79:4; 89:42; 109:25).

As the preceding arguments demonstrate, the two problems raised in Psalm 31:12 can be resolved independently of each other. However, the resolution presents a mutually beneficial option for translation. When the מִן preposition is understood as assigning agency to the psalmist's enemies and the traditional reading of the MT (מְאֹד֮) is retained, it creates the following coherent translation:

"I have been scorned by my adversaries, and [I have] greatly [been scorned] by my neighbors."

Research

Translations

Ancient

• LXX: παρὰ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθρούς μου ἐγενήθην ὄνειδος καὶ τοῖς γείτοσίν μου σφόδρα καὶ φόβος τοῖς γνωστοῖς μου, οἱ θεωροῦντές με ἔξω ἔφυγον ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ. (30:12)
  • "With all my enemies I became a reproach, and to my neighbors, very much, and a fright to my acquaintances; those who would see me outside fled from me."
• Aquila: ἀπὸ πάντων θλιβόντων με ἐγενόμην ὄνειδος τοῖς γείτοσί μου ‹καὶ› πτόησις ὁρῶντές με μετην‹α›στεύοντο ἐξ ἐμοῦ (30:12)
• Symmachus: παρὰ πάντων τῶ(ν) ἐχθρ(ῶν) μου ἐγενόμην ὄνειδος τοῖς (δὲ) γείτοσί μου τοῖς γνωρίζουσί με οἱ ὁρῶντές με ἐν ἀμφόδῳ ἀπεχώρουν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ (30:12)
• Jerome (iuxta Hebr.): apud omnes hostes meos factus sum obprobrium et vicinis meis nimis et timor notis meis qui videbant me in plateis fugiebant me
• Targum: מן כל מעיקיי הוית כיסופא ולשבבי לחדא ודלוחא לידעין לי דחמיין לי בשוקא ערקין מן קדמי׃
  • • • "From all my oppressors I have become a thing of shame, even to my neighbors greatly, and an object of fear to those who know me; those who see me in the street flee from before me."
• Targum (with Textual Variant): יתיר מן כל מעיקיי הוית כיסופא חיסודא ולשבבי לחדא ודלוחא לידעין לי דחמיין לי בשוקא ערקין מן קדמי
  • "More than all my oppressors I have become a thing of shame, even to my neighbors greatly, and an object of fear to those who know me; those who see me in the street flee from before me."
• Peshitta: ܡܢ ܟܘܠܗܘܢ ܒ̈ܥܠܕܒܒܝ܂ ܘܗܘܝܬ ܚܣܕܐ ܠܫ̈ܒܒܝ܂ ܘܕܚܠܬܐ ܠܐܝܠܝܢ ܕܝܕܥܝܢ ܠܝ܂ ܘܐܝܠܝܢ ܕܚܙܝܢ ܗܘܘ ܠܝ ܒܫܘܩܐ ܢܕܝܢ ܗܘܘ ܡܢܝ܂
  • "I have become a reproach to my neighbors, a dread to those who know me. Those who see me in the marketplace flee from me."

Modern Translations

The min Preposition

The preposition min indicates causation

• Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors,and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. (ESV)
• Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. (NIV)
• Because of all my enemies, people disdain me;my neighbors are appalled by my suffering—those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see me in the street run away from me. (NET)
• Because of all my foes I am the particular butt of my neighbors, a horror to my friends; those who see me on the street avoid me. (JPS)
• The sheer number of my enemies makes me contemptible, loathsome to my neighbours, and my friends shrink from me in horror. When people see me in the street they take to their heels. (NJB)
• Allen meinen Feinden bin ich zum Spott geworden und mehr noch meinen Nachbarn, ein Schrecken denen, die mir vertraut sind; die mich auf der Strasse sehen, fliehen vor mir. (ZB)
• Vor all meinen Bedrängern wurde ich zum Spott, zum Spott sogar für meine Nachbarn. Meinen Freunden wurde ich zum Schrecken, wer mich auf der Straße sieht, der flieht vor mir. (EÜ
• Vor allen meinen Bedrängern bin ich zum Hohn geworden, auch meinen Nachbarn gar sehr, und zum Schrecken meinen Bekannten; die mich auf der Straße sehen, fliehen vor mir. (ELB)
• Zur Spottfigur bin ich geworden für meine Feinde, zum Hohngelächter für meine Nachbarn, zum Schreckgespenst für meine Freunde. Alle, die mich auf der Straße sehen, laufen vor mir davon. (GNB)
• Zum Spott meiner Feinde bin ich geworden, selbst meine Nachbarn verhöhnen mich. Meine Bekannten erschrecken, wenn sie mich sehen, und wer mir auf der Straße begegnet, geht mir aus dem Weg. (HFA)
• Allen meinen Bedrängern bin ich ein Spott geworden, eine Last meinen Nachbarn und ein Schrecken meinen Freunden. Die mich sehen auf der Gasse, fliehen vor mir. (LUT)
• NGU: Meine Feinde haben dafür gesorgt, dass ich Hohn und Spott von meinen Nachbarn ernte. Meine Bekannten schrecken vor mir zurück; wer mich auf der Straße sieht, geht mir eilig aus dem Weg. (NGU)
• À causa de todos mis adversarios, He venido a ser objeto de oprobio, Y de mis vecinos lo soy en gran manera, Y horror de mis conocidos. Los que me ven en la calle huyen de mi. (BTX IV)
• À cause de tous mes adversaires, je suis le déshonneur suprême de mes voisins, la frayeur de ceux qui me connaissent ; ceux qui me voient dehors s'enfuient loin de moi. (NBS)
• À cause de tous mes adversaires, Je ne suis que l'opprobre de mes voisins, La terreur de ceux qui me connaissent ; Ceux qui me voient dehors s'enfuient loin de moi. (NVS)
• À cause de mes ennemis, je dois porter l’opprobre, de mes voisins, je suis la honte et je fais peur à ceux qui me connaissent. Ceux qui me croisent en chemin s’écartent loin de moi. (BDS)

The preposition min indicates agency

• I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. (NLT)
• I am scorned by all my enemies, my neighbours find me burdensome, my friends shudder at me; when they see me on the street they turn away quickly. (REB)
• I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. (NRSV)
• My enemies insult me. Neighbors are even worse, and I disgust my friends. People meet me on the street, and they turn and run. (CEV)
• All my enemies, and especially my neighbors, treat me with contempt. Those who know me are afraid of me; when they see me in the street, they run away. (GNT)
• Tous mes ennemis, et surtout mes voisins, me lancent des insultes. Ceux qui me connaissent ont peur de moi. S’ils me voient dans la rue, ils s’enfuient. (PDV)
• Tous mes adversaires me couvrent d'insultes et mes voisins en rajoutent. Ceux qui me connaissent ont peur de moi; s'ils me rencontrent dans la rue, ils me fuient. (NFC)
• Tous mes adversaires ont fait de moi un objet de honte, de grande honte pour mes voisins, et je fais peur à mes amis; ceux qui me voient dans la rue s’enfuient loin de moi. (S21)
• Por causa de todos mis enemigos, soy motivo de desprecio para mis vecinos; soy un espanto para mis amigos; de mí huyen los que me encuentran en la calle. (NVI)
• De todos mis enemigos soy objeto de oprobio, y de mis vecinos mucho más; soy el horror de mis conocidos. Los que me ven afuera huyen de mí! (RVR)
• Soy el hazmerreír de mis enemigos, objeto de burla de mis vecinos, horror de quienes me conocen. Huyen de mí cuantos me ven en la calle! (DHH)

The Text-Critical Issue מְאֹד֮

Follow the MT and Retain מְאֹד֮

• Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors,and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. (ESV)
• All my enemies, and especially my neighbors, treat me with contempt. Those who know me are afraid of me; when they see me in the street, they run away. (GNT)
• Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. (NIV)
• Because of all my foes I am the particular butt of my neighbors, a horror to my friends; those who see me on the street avoid me.
• De todos mis enemigos soy objeto de oprobio, y de mis vecinos mucho más; soy el horror de mis conocidos. Los que me ven afuera huyen de mí! (RVR)
• A causa de todos mis adversarios, He venido a ser objeto de oprobio, Y de mis vecinos lo soy en gran manera, Y horror de mis conocidos. Los que me ven en la calle huyen de mi. (BTX IV)
• Allen meinen Feinden bin ich zum Spott geworden und mehr noch meinen Nachbarn, ein Schrecken denen, die mir vertraut sind; die mich auf der Strasse sehen, fliehen vor mir. (ZB)
• Zum Spott meiner Feinde bin ich geworden, selbst meine Nachbarn verhöhnen mich. Meine Bekannten erschrecken, wenn sie mich sehen, und wer mir auf der Straße begegnet, geht mir aus dem Weg. (HFA)
• Vor allen meinen Bedrängern bin ich zum Hohn geworden, auch meinen Nachbarn gar sehr, und zum Schrecken meinen Bekannten; die mich auf der Straße sehen, fliehen vor mir. (ELB)
• Tous mes ennemis, et surtout mes voisins, me lancent des insultes. Ceux qui me connaissent ont peur de moi. S’ils me voient dans la rue, ils s’enfuient. (PDV)
• Tous mes adversaires me couvrent d'insultes et mes voisins en rajoutent. Ceux qui me connaissent ont peur de moi; s'ils me rencontrent dans la rue, ils me fuient. (NFS)
• Tous mes adversaires ont fait de moi un objet de honte, de grande honte pour mes voisins, et je fais peur à mes amis; ceux qui me voient dans la rue s’enfuient loin de moi. (S21)
• À cause de tous mes adversaires, Je ne suis que l'opprobre de mes voisins, La terreur de ceux qui me connaissent ; Ceux qui me voient dehors s'enfuient loin de moi. (NVS)
• À cause de tous mes adversaires, je suis le déshonneur suprême de mes voisins, la frayeur de ceux qui me connaissent ; ceux qui me voient dehors s'enfuient loin de moi. (NBS)

  Por causa de todos mis enemigos, soy motivo de desprecio para mis vecinos; soy un espanto para mis amigos; de mí huyen los que me encuentran en la calle. (NVI)

Emend the MT

• I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror (מָגוֹר) to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. (NRSV)
• I am scorned by all my enemies, my neighbours find me burdensome (מרא), my friends shudder at me; when they see me on the street they turn away quickly. (REB)
• The sheer number of my enemies makes me contemptible, loathsome to my neighbours (מָגוֹר), and my friends shrink from me in horror. When people see me in the street they take to their heels. (NJB)
• Because of all my enemies, people disdain me; my neighbors are appalled by my suffering (מָגוֹר)—those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see me in the street run away from me. (NET)
• I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. (NLT)
• Meine Feinde haben dafür gesorgt, dass ich Hohn und Spott von meinen Nachbarn ernte. Meine Bekannten schrecken vor mir zurück; wer mich auf der Straße sieht, geht mir eilig aus dem Weg. (NGU)
• Allen meinen Bedrängern bin ich ein Spott geworden, eine Last (מרא) meinen Nachbarn und ein Schrecken meinen Freunden. Die mich sehen auf der Gasse, fliehen vor mir. (LUT)
• Zur Spottfigur bin ich geworden für meine Feinde, zum Hohngelächter für meine Nachbarn, zum Schreckgespenst für meine Freunde. Alle, die mich auf der Straße sehen, laufen vor mir davon. (GNB)
• Vor all meinen Bedrängern wurde ich zum Spott, zum Spott sogar für meine Nachbarn. Meinen Freunden wurde ich zum Schrecken, wer mich auf der Straße sieht, der flieht vor mir. (EÜ)
• Soy el hazmerreír de mis enemigos, objeto de burla de mis vecinos, horror de quienes me conocen. Huyen de mí cuantos me ven en la calle! (DHH)

Secondary Literature

• Alexander, Joseph Addison. 1864. Commentary on Psalms. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications.
• Barthélemy, Dominique. 2005. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament. Vol. Tome 4: Psaumes. Fribourg, Switzerland: Academic Press.
• Briggs, Charles A., and Emilie Briggs. 1906. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Psalms. Vol. 1. ICC. Edinburgh: T & T Clark.
• Calvin, John. Commentary on the Book of Psalms. Translated by James Anderson. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
• Cohen, Chaim. 2004. “The Enclitic-Mem in Biblical Hebrew: Its Existence and Initial Discovery.” In Sefer Moshethe Moshe Weinfeld Jubilee Volume: Studies in the Bible and the Ancient Near East, Qumran, and Post-Biblical Judaism, 231–60. Winona Lake, IN.
• Craigie, Peter C. 1983. Psalms 1–50. WBC 19. Waco, TX: Word.
• Dahood, Mitchell. 1966. Psalms. Garden City, NY, Doubleday.
• DeClaisse-Walford, Nancy L., Rolf A. Jacobson, and Beth LaNeel Tanner. 2014. The Book of Psalms. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
• Delitzsch, Franz. 1883. Biblical Commentary on the Psalms: Vol. 1. Translated by Eaton David. Vol. 1. New York: Funk and Wagnalls.
• Diggle, James, B. L. Fraser, Patrick James, O. B. Simkin, A. A. Thompson, and S. J. Westripp. 2021. The Cambridge Greek Lexicon. Cambridge, United Kingdom ; Cambridge University Press.
• Dion, Paul-Eugène. 1987. “Strophic Boundaries and Rhetorical Structure in Psalm 31.” Église et Théologie 18 (2): 183–92.
• Hummel, Horace. 1957. “Enclitic Mem in Early Northwest Semitic, Especially Hebrew.” Journal of Biblical Literature 76 (2): 85–107.
• Laberge, Léo. 1985. “A Literary Analysis of Psalm 31.” Église et Théologie 16 (2): 147–68.
• Merwe, Christo H.J. van der, Jacobus A. Naudé, and Jan H. Kroeze. 2017. A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar. Second. New York: Bloomsbury.
• Potgieter, J. Henk. 2012. “‘David’ in Consultation with the Prophets: The Intertextual Relationship of Psalm 31 with the Books of Jonah and Jeremiah.” Old Testament Essays25 (1): 115–26.
• Rashi. n.d. Rashi on Psalms.
• Stec, David M., ed. 2004. The Targum of Psalms. The Aramaic Bible, v. 16. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.
• Strickman, H. Norman. 2009. Rabbi Abraham Ibn Ezra Commentary on the First Book of Psalms. Boston: Academic Studies Press.
• Waltke, Bruce K., and Michael Patrick O’Connor. 1990. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns.

References

031:12