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Psalm 17:3
New English Translation
Psalm 17:3
New English Translation
3 You have scrutinized my inner motives;[a]
you have examined me during the night.[b]
You have carefully evaluated me, but you find no sin.
I am determined I will say nothing sinful.[c]
Footnotes
- Psalm 17:3 tn Heb “you tested my heart.”
- Psalm 17:3 tn Heb “you visited [at] night.”
- Psalm 17:3 tc Heb “you tested me, you do not find, I plan, my mouth will not cross over.” The Hebrew verbal form זַמֹּתִי (zammoti) is a Qal perfect, first person singular from the root זָמַם (zamam, “plan, plan evil”). Some emend the form to a suffixed form of the noun, זִמָּתִי (zimmati, “my plan/evil plan”), and take it as the object of the preceding verb “find.” However, the suffix seems odd, since the psalmist is denying that he has any wrong thoughts. If one takes the form with what precedes, it might make better sense to read זִמּוֹת (zimmot, “evil plans”). However, this emendation leaves an unclear connection with the next line. The present translation maintains the verbal form found in the MT and understands it in a neutral sense, “I have decided” (see Jer 4:28). The words “my mouth will not cross over” (i.e., “transgress, sin”) can then be taken as a noun clause functioning as the object of the verb.
Psalm 131:1
New English Translation
Psalm 131:1
New English Translation
Psalm 131[a]
A song of ascents,[b] by David.
131 O Lord, my heart is not proud,
nor do I have a haughty look.[c]
I do not have great aspirations,
or concern myself with things that are beyond me.[d]
Footnotes
- Psalm 131:1 sn Psalm 131. The psalmist affirms his humble dependence on the Lord and urges Israel to place its trust in God.
- Psalm 131:1 sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.
- Psalm 131:1 tn Heb “and my eyes are not lifted up.”
- Psalm 131:1 tn Heb “I do not walk in great things, and in things too marvelous for me.”
New English Translation (NET)
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