translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: PSA

label: NET translator note

text: Heb “all around.”


text: The translation assumes that the prefixed verbal form in the first line is an imperfect (“are ashamed”) and that the ambiguous form in the third line is a perfect (“bow down”) because the psalmist appears to be describing the effect of the Lord ’s mighty theophany on those who witness it (see vv. 5, 8 ). Another option is to take the prefixed form in the first line as a jussive (“let all who worship idols be ashamed”) and the ambiguous form in the third line as an imperative (“All you gods, bow down before him!”; cf. NIV).


text: Heb “daughters.” The term “daughters” refers to the cities of Judah surrounding Zion (see Ps 48:11 and H. Haag, TDOT 2:336).


text: Traditionally “Most High.”


text: The participle may be verbal, though it might also be understood as substantival and appositional to “the Lord .” In this case one could translate, “Hate evil, you who love the Lord , the one who protects the lives…and delivers them.”


text: Heb “hand.”


text: Heb “Light is planted for the godly, and for the upright of heart joy.” The translation assumes an emendation of זָרַע ( zara ’, “planted”) to זָרַח ( zara ’, “shines”) which collocates more naturally with “light.” “Light” here symbolizes the joy (note the following line) that accompanies deliverance and the outpouring of divine favor.


text: Heb “to his holy remembrance.” The Hebrew noun זָכַר ( zakhar , “remembrance”) here refers to the name of the Lord as invoked in liturgy and praise. Cf. Pss 6:5; 30:4 . The Lord ’s “name” is “holy” in the sense that it is a reminder of his uniqueness and greatness.