Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Psalms, Chapter 38ΨΑΛΜΟΙ ΛΗ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Silence before suffering becomes prayer as human life shrinks to breath and passing shadow.

Translation & textual notes

The Greek text of Psalms 38 follows the standard Septuagint form represented in the Rahlfs-Hanhart tradition. In LXX numbering this chapter corresponds to Psalm 39 in the Hebrew tradition and is assigned in the superscription to Jeduthun, placing the poem in a liturgical setting even though its voice is intensely personal. It begins with a resolve to restrain speech before the wicked, but silence only concentrates grief until inward meditation bursts into prayer. The central movement asks to know the measure of life: days are only a handbreadth, human standing is almost nothing before God, and anxious acquisition ends with uncertainty about who will inherit it. Yet the chapter is not mere reflection on mortality. The speaker also pleads for deliverance from sin, interprets suffering as divine chastening, and closes as a resident alien asking God for a little relief before he departs. Versification follows the LXX.

1

εἰς τὸ τέλος τῷ Ιδιθουν ᾠδὴ τῷ Δαυιδ

For the end; for Jeduthun; a song of David.

Superscription for Jeduthun meditationεἰς τὸ τέλος
The heading frames the composition as a Davidic song entrusted to Jeduthun, placing this meditation on restraint, mortality, and prayer inside the worshiping life of Israel.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τέλοςendN3E ASN · τέλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτέλος: meaning 'end'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙδιθουνJeduthunN DS · Ιδιθουνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastΙδιθουν: meaning 'Jeduthun'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ᾠδὴsongN1 NSF · ᾠδήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceᾠδή: meaning 'song'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΔαυιδDavidN DSM · Δαυίδadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastΔαυιδ: meaning 'David'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
2

εἶπα φυλάξω τὰς ὁδούς μου τοῦ μὴ ἁμαρτάνειν ἐν γλώσσῃ μου ἐθέμην τῷ στόματί μου φυλακὴν ἐν τῷ συστῆναι τὸν ἁμαρτωλὸν ἐναντίον μου

I said, 'I will guard my ways so as not to sin with my tongue; I set a watch over my mouth while the sinner stood before me.'

Opening resolve of guarded speechεἶπα
The speaker begins with deliberate self-command. The problem is not only hostile circumstances but the danger that public provocation will draw him into sinful speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
εἶπαI saidVB AAI1S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἶπον: meaning 'I said'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
φυλάξωwill guardVF FAI1S · φυλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureφυλάσσω: meaning 'will guard'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰςtheRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδούςwayN2 APF · ὁδόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὁδός: meaning 'way'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἁμαρτάνεινsinV1 PAN · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'sin'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γλώσσῃtongueN1S DSF · γλῶσσαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceγλῶσσα: meaning 'tongue'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐθέμηνI madeVEI AMI1S · τίθημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτίθημι: meaning 'I made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῷtheRA DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόματίmouthN3M DSN · στόμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
φυλακὴνcharge / watchN1 ASF · φυλακήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφυλακή: meaning 'charge'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῷtheRA DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
συστῆναιto stand beforeVH AAN · ἵστημι + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἵστημι + συν: meaning 'to stand before'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁμαρτωλὸνthe sinnerA1B ASM · ἁμαρτωλόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁμαρτωλός: meaning 'the sinner'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐναντίονbefore / in the sight ofP · ἐναντίονpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
3

ἐκωφώθην καὶ ἐταπεινώθην καὶ ἐσίγησα ἐξ ἀγαθῶν καὶ τὸ ἄλγημά μου ἀνεκαινίσθη

I was struck dumb and humbled, and I kept silent even from good things, and my pain was renewed.

Consequence of enforced silenceἐκωφώθην
The discipline of silence does not bring relief. Restraint turns inward, and the refusal to speak even what is good only sharpens the speaker's suffering.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἐκωφώθηνI was struck dumbVCI API1S · κωφάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκωφάω: meaning 'I was struck dumb'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐταπεινώθηνI was humbledVCI API1S · ταπεινόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristταπεινόω: meaning 'I was humbled'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐσίγησαI kept silentVAI AAI1S · σιγάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristσιγάω: meaning 'I kept silent'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐξfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀγαθῶνgood thingsA1 GPM · ἀγαθόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαθός: meaning 'good things'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄλγημάpainN3M ASN · ἄλγημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄλγημα: meaning 'pain'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀνεκαινίσθηwas renewedVSI API3S · καινίζω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκαινίζω + ἀνα: meaning 'was renewed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
4

ἐθερμάνθη ἡ καρδία μου ἐντός μου καὶ ἐν τῇ μελέτῃ μου ἐκκαυθήσεται πῦρ ἐλάλησα ἐν γλώσσῃ μου

My heart grew hot within me, and in my meditation a fire was kindled; I spoke with my tongue:

Inner pressure breaks into prayerἐθερμάνθη
What could not be said outwardly burns inwardly until meditation becomes ignition. The verse marks the turning point from contained suffering to direct address to God.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἐθερμάνθηgrew hotVCI API3S · θερμαίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristθερμαίνω: meaning 'grew hot'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
theRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐντόςinner partsD · ἐντόςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἐντός: meaning 'inner parts'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῇtheRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μελέτῃmeditationN1 DSF · μελέτηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμελέτη: meaning 'meditation'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐκκαυθήσεταιkindleVC FPI3S · καίω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκαίω + ἐκ: meaning 'kindle'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πῦρfireN3 ASN · πῦρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπῦρ: meaning 'fire'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐλάλησαspeakVAI AAI1S · λαλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλαλέω: meaning 'speak'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γλώσσῃtongueN1S DSF · γλῶσσαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceγλῶσσα: meaning 'tongue'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
5

γνώρισόν μοι κύριε τὸ πέρας μου καὶ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἡμερῶν μου τίς ἐστιν ἵνα γνῶ τί ὑστερῶ ἐγώ

Make known to me, O Lord, my end and the number of my days, what it is, that I may know what I lack.

Petition for mortality wisdomγνώρισόν
The prayer does not ask first for escape but for understanding. To know life's limit is to learn what remains unsubstantial and what can still be rightly hoped for.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
γνώρισόνmake knownVA AAD2S · γνωρίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateγνωρίζω: meaning 'make known'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μοιto meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
κύριεLordN2 VSM · κύριοςvocative nominal element used in direct address→ direct addressκύριος: meaning 'Lord'; it serves as vocative nominal element used in direct address.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πέραςendN3T NSN · πέραςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπέρας: meaning 'end'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀριθμὸνnumberN2 ASM · ἀριθμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀριθμός: meaning 'number'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῶνtheRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμερῶνdayN1A GPF · ἡμέραgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἡμέρα: meaning 'day'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τίςwho / whatRI NSM · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτίς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐστινbeV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γνῶI may knowVZ AAS1S · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyγιγνώσκω: meaning 'I may know'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τίwhatRI ASN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτί: meaning 'what'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὑστερῶI lackV2 PAI1S · ὑστερέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processὑστερέω: meaning 'I lack'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐγώIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγώ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
6

ἰδοὺ παλαιστὰς ἔθου τὰς ἡμέρας μου καὶ ἡ ὑπόστασίς μου ὡσεὶ οὐθὲν ἐνώπιόν σου πλὴν τὰ σύμπαντα ματαιότης πᾶς ἄνθρωπος ζῶν διάψαλμα

Behold, you made my days handbreadths, and my substance is as nothing before you; surely every living man is altogether vanity. Pause.

Ground in measured brevityἰδοὺ
The answer to the previous request is brutally compressed: life can be measured on the hand, and even a living human being scarcely registers before God. The pause lets the verdict of vanity stand.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ἰδοὺbeholdI · ἰδούadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: meaning 'behold'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παλαιστὰςhandbreadthsN1 APF · παλαιστήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαλαιστή: meaning 'handbreadths'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔθουappointedVEI AMI2S · τίθημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτίθημι: meaning 'appointed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰςtheRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραςdaysN1A APF · ἡμέραaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἡμέρα: meaning 'days'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
theRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπόστασίςsubstanceN3I NSF · ὑπόστασιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑπόστασις: meaning 'substance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὡσεὶaboutD · ὡσείadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὡσεὶ: meaning 'about'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐθὲνουδειςA3 NSN · οὐδείςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοὐδείς: meaning 'ουδεις'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνώπιόνenopionP · ἐνώπιονpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐνώπιόν: meaning 'enopion'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πλὴνexceptD · πλήνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλὴν: meaning 'except'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σύμπανταeverything togetherA3 APN · σύμπαςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσύμπας: meaning 'everything together'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ματαιότηςvanityN3T NSF · ματαιότηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceματαιότης: meaning 'vanity'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πᾶςeveryoneA3 NSM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'everyone'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄνθρωποςman / human beingN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ζῶνlivingV3 · παπνσμ ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ζάω: meaning 'living'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
διάψαλμαinterludeN3M NSN · διάψαλμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδιάψαλμα: meaning 'interlude'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
7

μέντοιγε ἐν εἰκόνι διαπορεύεται ἄνθρωπος πλὴν μάτην ταράσσονται θησαυρίζει καὶ οὐ γινώσκει τίνι συνάξει αὐτά

Surely man passes along in an image; yet they are troubled in vain. He stores up treasure and does not know for whom he will gather it.

Expansion on vanity and futile accumulationμέντοιγε
Human life is described as shadowlike and unstable, and the psalm gives that abstraction a social form: anxious labor heaps up goods whose eventual owner remains unknown.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
μέντοιγεsurelyX · μέντοιγεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμέντοιγε: meaning 'surely'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
εἰκόνιto an imageN3N DSF · εἰκώνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεἰκών: meaning 'to an image'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
διαπορεύεταιpasses throughV1 PMI3S · πορεύομαι + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπορεύομαι + δια: meaning 'passes through'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνθρωποςman / human beingN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πλὴνexceptD · πλήνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλὴν: meaning 'except'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μάτηνin vainD · μάτηνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμάτην: meaning 'in vain'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταράσσονταιare troubledV1 PPI3P · ταράσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processταράσσω: meaning 'are troubled'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
θησαυρίζειstores upV1 PAI3S · θησαυρίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processθησαυρίζω: meaning 'stores up'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γινώσκειknowsV1 PAI3S · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processγιγνώσκω: meaning 'knows'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τίνιwho?RI DSN · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestτίνι: meaning 'who?'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
συνάξειwill gatherVF FAI3S · ἄγω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἄγω + συν: meaning 'will gather'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτάthemRD APN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτά: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
8

καὶ νῦν τίς ἡ ὑπομονή μου οὐχὶ ὁ κύριος καὶ ἡ ὑπόστασίς μου παρὰ σοῦ ἐστιν

And now, what is my endurance? Is it not the Lord? And my substance is from you.

Turn from vanity to hopeκαὶ νῦν
After surveying human emptiness, the speaker redirects expectation away from possessions and toward God himself. Hope is not denied; it is relocated.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νῦνnowD · νῦνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastνῦν: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τίςwho / whatRI NSM · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτίς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
theRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπομονήabidingN1 NSF · ὑπομονήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑπομονή: meaning 'abiding'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οὐχὶnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχὶ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
theRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κύριοςLordN2 NSM · κύριοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκύριος: meaning 'Lord'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
theRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπόστασίςsubstanceN3I NSF · ὑπόστασιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑπόστασις: meaning 'substance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
παρὰfromP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σοῦyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐστινbeV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
9

ἀπὸ πασῶν τῶν ἀνομιῶν μου ῥῦσαί με ὄνειδος ἄφρονι ἔδωκάς με

Deliver me from all my lawless deeds; you gave me over to reproach by the fool.

Main plea for rescue from sins and disgraceἀπὸ πασῶν
The lament sharpens into confession. The deepest problem is not merely mortality but transgression, and public shame becomes one more consequence from which only God can rescue.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πασῶνallA1S GPF · πᾶςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τῶνtheRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνομιῶνlawless deedsN1A GPF · ἀνομίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀνομία: meaning 'lawless deeds'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ῥῦσαίrescueVA AMD2S · ῥύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateῥύομαι: meaning 'rescue'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μεmeRP AS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὄνειδοςreproachN3E ASN · ὄνειδοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὄνειδος: meaning 'reproach'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄφρονιto a foolA3N DSM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'to a fool'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἔδωκάςgiveVAI AAI2S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι: meaning 'give'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μεmeRP AS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
10

ἐκωφώθην καὶ οὐκ ἤνοιξα τὸ στόμα μου ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ ποιήσας με

I was struck dumb and did not open my mouth, because you are the one who made me.

Silent submission before divine actionἐκωφώθην
Silence returns, but now it is explicitly theological. The speaker submits because the affliction is traced back to the God who formed and governs him.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἐκωφώθηνI was struck dumbVCI API1S · κωφάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκωφάω: meaning 'I was struck dumb'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἤνοιξαI openedVAI AAI1S · οἴγω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristοἴγω + ἀνα: meaning 'I opened'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόμαmouthN3M ASN · στόμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺyouRP NS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἶbeV9 PAI2S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
theRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιήσαςhaving doneVA · ααπνσμ ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ποιέω: meaning 'having done'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μεmeRP AS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
11

ἀπόστησον ἀπ' ἐμοῦ τὰς μάστιγάς σου ἀπὸ τῆς ἰσχύος τῆς χειρός σου ἐγὼ ἐξέλιπον

Remove your scourges from me; from the strength of your hand I have failed.

Plea for removal of chasteningἀπόστησον
Submission does not eliminate petition. The sufferer can accept divine agency and still ask that the blow be lifted because his strength is exhausted.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἀπόστησονremoveVA AAD2S · ἵστημι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἵστημι + ἀπο: meaning 'remove'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀπ'fromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπ': meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἐμοῦIRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τὰςtheRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μάστιγάςscourgesN3G APF · μάστιξaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμάστιξ: meaning 'scourges'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἰσχύοςarmy / forceN3U GSF · ἰσχύςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἰσχύς: meaning 'army'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χειρόςhandN3 GSF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'hand'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐγὼIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐξέλιπονI have failedVBI AAI1S · λείπω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλείπω + ἐκ: meaning 'I have failed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
12

ἐν ἐλεγμοῖς ὑπὲρ ἀνομίας ἐπαίδευσας ἄνθρωπον καὶ ἐξέτηξας ὡς ἀράχνην τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ πλὴν μάτην ταράσσεται πᾶς ἄνθρωπος διάψαλμα

With reproofs for lawlessness you disciplined man, and you consumed his soul like a spider's web; surely every man is troubled in vain. Pause.

Generalized reflection on disciplinary frailtyἐν ἐλεγμοῖς
The prayer widens from the individual to humanity in general. Divine correction exposes how quickly human strength thins out, as fragile and perishable as a web.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἐλεγμοῖςreproofsN2 DPM · ἐλεγμόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἐλεγμός: meaning 'reproofs'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὑπὲρfor / on behalf ofP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀνομίαςlawlessnessN1A GSF · ἀνομίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀνομία: meaning 'lawlessness'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπαίδευσαςyou disciplinedVAI AAI2S · παιδεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπαιδεύω: meaning 'you disciplined'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνθρωπονmanN2 ASM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξέτηξαςyou consumedVAI AAI2S · τήκω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτήκω + ἐκ: meaning 'you consumed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀράχνηνspider's webN1 ASF · ἀράχνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀράχνη: meaning 'spider's web'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχὴνlifeN1 ASF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πλὴνexceptD · πλήνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλὴν: meaning 'except'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μάτηνin vainD · μάτηνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμάτην: meaning 'in vain'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταράσσεταιshakeVF FMI3S · ταράσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureταράσσω: meaning 'shake'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πᾶςeveryoneA3 NSM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'everyone'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄνθρωποςman / human beingN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
διάψαλμαinterludeN3M NSN · διάψαλμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδιάψαλμα: meaning 'interlude'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
13

εἰσάκουσον τῆς προσευχῆς μου κύριε καὶ τῆς δεήσεώς μου ἐνώτισαι τῶν δακρύων μου μὴ παρασιωπήσῃς ὅτι πάροικος ἐγώ εἰμι παρὰ σοὶ καὶ παρεπίδημος καθὼς πάντες οἱ πατέρες μου

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my supplication; do not be silent at my tears, for I am a sojourner beside you and a temporary resident, like all my fathers.

Closing appeal as resident alienεἰσάκουσον
The final plea binds prayer and anthropology together. Human beings are not owners but temporary dwellers before God, and that fragile status becomes the basis for asking him to heed tears.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
εἰσάκουσονhearVA AAD2S · ἀκούω + εἰςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἀκούω + εἰς: meaning 'hear'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προσευχῆςprayerN1 GSF · προσευχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπροσευχή: meaning 'prayer'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
κύριεLordN2 VSM · κύριοςvocative nominal element used in direct address→ direct addressκύριος: meaning 'Lord'; it serves as vocative nominal element used in direct address.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δεήσεώςpetitionN3I GSF · δέησιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδέησις: meaning 'petition'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐνώτισαιgive earVA AMD2S · ὠτίζομαι + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὠτίζομαι + ἐν: meaning 'give ear'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῶνtheRA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δακρύωνtearsN2N GPN · δάκρυgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδάκρυ: meaning 'tears'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρασιωπήσῃςbe silentVA AAS2S · σιωπάω + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyσιωπάω + παρα: meaning 'be silent'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάροικοςsojourner / resident alienA1B NSM · πάροικοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπάροικος: meaning 'sojourner'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐγώIRP NS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐγώ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἰμιamV9 PAI1S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'am'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
παρὰfromP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σοὶyouRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παρεπίδημοςtemporary residentA1B NSM · παρεπίδημοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπαρεπίδημος: meaning 'temporary resident'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καθὼςjust asD · καθώςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθὼς: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάντεςallA3 NPM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατέρεςfathersN3 NPM · πατήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπατήρ: meaning 'fathers'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
14

ἄνες μοι ἵνα ἀναψύξω πρὸ τοῦ με ἀπελθεῖν καὶ οὐκέτι μὴ ὑπάρξω

Relent toward me, that I may be refreshed before I depart and am no more.

Final request for respite before deathἄνες
The psalm closes without triumphal resolution. It asks only for a little easing before the speaker passes from the scene, which makes the prayer's realism part of its faith.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἄνεςlet go / releaseVB AAD2S · ἵημι + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἵημι + ἀνα: meaning 'let go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μοιto meRP DS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestμοι: meaning 'to me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναψύξωI may be refreshedVF FAI1S · ψύχω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureψύχω + ἀνα: meaning 'I may be refreshed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πρὸbeforeP · πρόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μεmeRP AS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceμε: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀπελθεῖνto departVB AAN · ἔρχομαι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἔρχομαι + ἀπο: meaning 'to depart'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκέτιno longerD · οὐκέτιadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκέτι: meaning 'no longer'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑπάρξωI remainVA AAS1S · ἄρχω + ὑποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἄρχω + ὑπο: meaning 'I remain'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.