1
εἰς τὸ τέλος τοῖς υἱοῖς Κορε ψαλμός
For the end, a psalm for the sons of Korah.
The heading places the psalm in Korahite worship before the wisdom address opens to the nations.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; 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.
τοῖςtheRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsN2 DPM · υἱόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceυἱός: meaning 'sons'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ΚορεKorahN GS · Κορεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastΚορε: meaning 'Korah'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ψαλμόςpsalmN2 NSM · ψαλμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψαλμός: meaning 'psalm'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
2
ἀκούσατε ταῦτα πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐνωτίσασθε πάντες οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν οἰκουμένην
Hear these things, all nations; give ear, all you who inhabit the world,
The speaker opens with twin imperatives that gather the whole world as the audience for a public lesson.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀκούσατεhearVA AAD2P · ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: 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.
ταῦταthese thingsRD APN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceταῦτα: meaning 'these things'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πάνταallA3 NPN · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τὰtheRA NPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔθνηnationsN3E NPN · ἔθνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔθνος: meaning 'nations'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνωτίσασθεgive earVA AMD2P · ἐνωτίζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐνωτίζομαι: 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.
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.
κατοικοῦντεςinhabitingV2 · παπνπμ οἰκέω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ οἰκέω + κατα: meaning 'inhabiting'; 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.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἰκουμένηνworldV2 · πμπασφ οἰκέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπασφ οἰκέω: meaning 'world'; 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.
3
οἵ τε γηγενεῖς καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ πλούσιος καὶ πένης
both earthborn people and sons of men together, rich and poor alike.
The call is widened explicitly so that social rank and economic difference cannot exempt anyone from the psalm's claim.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οἵthose whoRR NPM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceοἵ: meaning 'those 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.
τεbothX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'both'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γηγενεῖςearthbornA3H NPM · γηγενήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγηγενής: meaning 'earthborn'; 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsN2 NPM · υἱόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceυἱός: meaning 'sons'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῶνof theRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθρώπωνmenN2 GPM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; 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.
αὐτὸsameRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'same'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πλούσιοςrichA1A NSM · πλούσιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπλούσιος: meaning 'rich'; 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.
πένηςpoorN3T NSM · πένηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπένης: meaning 'poor'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
4
τὸ στόμα μου λαλήσει σοφίαν καὶ ἡ μελέτη τῆς καρδίας μου σύνεσιν
My mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart understanding.
The psalmist identifies his speech as wisdom and his inward reflection as understanding, marking the discourse as deliberate instruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόμαmouthN3M NSN · στόμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; 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.
λαλήσειwill speakVF FAI3S · λαλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλαλέω: meaning 'will 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.
σοφίανwisdomN1A ASF · σοφίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; 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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μελέτηmeditationN1 NSF · μελέτηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμελέτη: meaning 'meditation'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῆςof theRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίαςheartN1A GSF · καρδίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; 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.
σύνεσινunderstandingN3I ASF · σύνεσιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσύνεσις: meaning 'understanding'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
5
κλινῶ εἰς παραβολὴν τὸ οὖς μου ἀνοίξω ἐν ψαλτηρίῳ τὸ πρόβλημά μου
I will incline my ear to a parable; with a psaltery I will unfold my riddle.
Before explaining the problem, the speaker portrays himself as both listener and interpreter who will open a riddle with musical accompaniment.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
κλινῶI will inclineVF2 FAI1S · κλίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκλίνω: meaning 'I will incline'; 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.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
παραβολὴνparableN1 ASF · παραβολήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαραβολή: meaning 'parable'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὖςearN3T ASN · οὖςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ participant referenceοὖς: meaning 'ear'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions 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.
ἀνοίξωI will openVF FAI1S · οἴγω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureοἴγω + ἀνα: meaning 'I will open'; 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.
ψαλτηρίῳpsalteryN2N DSN · ψαλτήριονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceψαλτήριον: meaning 'psaltery'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρόβλημάriddleN3M ASN · πρόβλημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπρόβλημα: meaning 'riddle'; 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.
6
ἵνα τί φοβοῦμαι ἐν ἡμέρᾳ πονηρᾷ ἡ ἀνομία τῆς πτέρνης μου κυκλώσει με
Why should I fear in an evil day, when the lawlessness at my heel surrounds me?
The meditation turns into a question: why fear the evil day when hostile wrongdoing closes in?
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἵναwhyC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'why'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
φοβοῦμαιdo I fearV2 PMI1S · φοβέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processφοβέω: meaning 'do I fear'; 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.
ἡμέρᾳdayN1A DSF · ἡμέραdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: meaning 'day'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πονηρᾷevilA1A DSF · πονηρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπονηρός: meaning 'evil'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνομίαlawlessnessN1A NSF · ἀνομίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνομία: meaning 'lawlessness'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῆςof theRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πτέρνηςheelN1 GSF · πτέρνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπτέρνη: meaning 'heel'; 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.
κυκλώσειwill surroundVF FAI3S · κυκλόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκυκλόω: meaning 'will surround'; 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.
7
οἱ πεποιθότες ἐπὶ τῇ δυνάμει αὐτῶν καὶ ἐπὶ τῷ πλήθει τοῦ πλούτου αὐτῶν καυχώμενοι
Those who trust in their own strength and boast in the abundance of their riches,
The targets are those whose trust and boasting rest on personal force and accumulated wealth.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πεποιθότεςtrustingVX · χαπνπμ πείθωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνπμ πείθω: meaning 'trusting'; 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.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; 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.
δυνάμειstrengthN3I DSF · δύναμιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceδύναμις: meaning 'strength'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; 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.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; 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.
πλήθειabundanceN3E DSN · πλῆθοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: meaning 'abundance'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τοῦof theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλούτουrichesN2 GSM · πλοῦτοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπλοῦτος: meaning 'riches'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καυχώμενοιboastingV3 · πμπνπμ καυχάομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ καυχάομαι: meaning 'boasting'; 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.
8
ἀδελφὸς οὐ λυτροῦται λυτρώσεται ἄνθρωπος οὐ δώσει τῷ θεῷ ἐξίλασμα αὐτοῦ
a brother does not redeem; shall a man redeem? He will not give to God his ransom price,
The line insists that no merely human agent can pay God the compensating price that would release a life from death.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀδελφὸςbrotherN2 NSM · ἀδελφόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: meaning 'brother'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
λυτροῦταιredeemsV4 PMI3S · λυτρόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processλυτρόω: meaning 'redeems'; 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.
λυτρώσεταιwill redeemVF FMI3S · λυτρόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλυτρόω: meaning 'will redeem'; 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.
ἄνθρωποςmanN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
δώσειwill giveVF FAI3S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδίδωμι: meaning 'will 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.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεῷto GodN2 DSM · θεόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθεός: meaning 'to God'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐξίλασμαransom priceN3M ASN · ἐξίλασμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐξίλασμα: meaning 'ransom price'; 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.
9
καὶ τὴν τιμὴν τῆς λυτρώσεως τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ
even the price of the redemption of his soul,
The thought is suspended on the sheer costliness of redeeming a human life, preparing the mortality statements that follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 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.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τιμὴνpriceN1 ASF · τιμήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτιμή: meaning 'price'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῆςof theRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λυτρώσεωςredemptionN3I GSF · λύτρωσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλύτρωσις: meaning 'redemption'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τῆςof theRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχῆςsoulN1 GSF · ψυχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
10
καὶ ἐκόπασεν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα καὶ ζήσεται εἰς τέλος ὅτι οὐκ ὄψεται καταφθοράν ὅταν ἴδῃ σοφοὺς ἀποθνῄσκοντας
and he labored on forever and will live to the end, that he might not see corruption, when he sees wise men dying.
Human striving cannot secure endless life; even the observer sees the wise themselves dying and corruption still ahead.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 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.
ἐκόπασενlaboredVAI AAI3S · κοπάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκοπάζω: meaning 'labored'; 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.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶναforeverN3W ASM · αἰώνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationαἰών: meaning 'forever'; 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.
ζήσεταιwill liveVF FMI3S · ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureζάω: meaning 'will live'; 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.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement 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.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; 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.
ὄψεταιhe will seeVF FMI3S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὁράω: meaning 'he will see'; 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.
καταφθοράνcorruptionN1A ASF · καταφθοράaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαταφθορά: meaning 'corruption'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἴδῃhe seesVB AAS3S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyὁράω: meaning 'he sees'; 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.
σοφοὺςwise menA1 APM · σοφόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσοφός: meaning 'wise men'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀποθνῄσκονταςdyingV1 · παπαπμ θνήσκω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ θνήσκω + ἀπο: meaning 'dying'; 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.
11
ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἄφρων καὶ ἄνους ἀπολοῦνται καὶ καταλείψουσιν ἀλλοτρίοις τὸν πλοῦτον αὐτῶν
Together the fool and the senseless perish, and they leave their wealth to strangers.
Wisdom, folly, and senselessness all end alike in death, and possessions pass to outsiders.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; 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.
αὐτὸsameRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'same'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἄφρωνfoolN3N NSM · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; 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.
ἄνουςsenselessN2 NSM · ἄνουςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνους: meaning 'senseless'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀπολοῦνταιwill perishVF2 FMI3P · ὀλλύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὀλλύω + ἀπο: meaning 'will perish'; 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.
καταλείψουσινthey will leaveVF FAI3P · λείπω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλείπω + κατα: meaning 'they will leave'; 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.
ἀλλοτρίοιςto strangersA1A DPM · ἀλλότριοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀλλότριος: meaning 'to strangers'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλοῦτονwealthN2 ASM · πλοῦτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπλοῦτος: meaning 'wealth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
12
καὶ οἱ τάφοι αὐτῶν οἰκίαι αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα σκηνώματα αὐτῶν εἰς γενεὰν καὶ γενεάν ἐπεκαλέσαντο τὰ ὀνόματα αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τῶν γαιῶν αὐτῶν
And their graves are their houses forever, their dwellings from generation to generation; they called their lands by their own names.
The wealthy imagine lasting possession by memorializing land with their own names, yet their real permanent houses are graves.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τάφοιgravesN2 NPM · τάφοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτάφος: meaning 'graves'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οἰκίαιhousesN1A NPF · οἰκίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοἰκία: meaning 'houses'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶναforeverN3W ASM · αἰώνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationαἰών: meaning 'forever'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σκηνώματαdwellingsN3M NPN · σκήνωμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσκήνωμα: meaning 'dwellings'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γενεὰνgenerationN1A ASF · γενεάaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγενεά: meaning 'generation'; 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.
γενεάνgenerationN1A ASF · γενεάaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγενεά: meaning 'generation'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπεκαλέσαντοthey namedVAI AMI3P · καλέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκαλέω + ἐπι: meaning 'they named'; 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀνόματαnamesN3M APN · ὄνομαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὄνομα: meaning 'names'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῶνof theRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γαιῶνlandsN1A GPF · γαῖαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγαῖα: meaning 'lands'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
13
καὶ ἄνθρωπος ἐν τιμῇ ὢν οὐ συνῆκεν παρασυνεβλήθη τοῖς κτήνεσιν τοῖς ἀνοήτοις καὶ ὡμοιώθη αὐτοῖς
But a human being, though in honor, did not understand; he was compared with the mindless beasts and became like them.
The first refrain states the psalm's anthropology sharply: honor without understanding collapses into animal likeness.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 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.
ἄνθρωποςmanN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τιμῇhonorN1 DSF · τιμήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceτιμή: meaning 'honor'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὢνbeingV9 · παπνσμ εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ εἰμί: meaning 'being'; 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.
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.
συνῆκενunderstoodVAI AAI3S · ἵημι + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἵημι + συν: meaning 'understood'; 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.
παρασυνεβλήθηwas comparedVCI API3S · βάλλω + παρα + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristβάλλω + παρα + συν: meaning 'was compared'; 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.
τοῖςtheRA DPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτήνεσινbeastsN3E DPN · κτῆνοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκτῆνος: meaning 'beasts'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τοῖςtheRA DPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνοήτοιςmindlessA1B DPN · ἀνόητοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀνόητος: meaning 'mindless'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
ὡμοιώθηbecame likeVCI API3S · ὁμοιόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁμοιόω: meaning 'became like'; 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.
αὐτοῖςto themRD DPN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'to 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.
14
αὕτη ἡ ὁδὸς αὐτῶν σκάνδαλον αὐτοῖς καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν εὐδοκήσουσιν διάψαλμα
This way of theirs is a stumbling block to them, yet after this people will delight in their sayings. Interlude.
The psalmist labels this mode of life a self-made stumbling block even while later hearers still approve its rhetoric.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
αὕτηthisRD NSF · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὕτη: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδὸςwayN2 NSF · ὁδόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὁδός: meaning 'way'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
σκάνδαλονstumbling blockN2N NSN · σκάνδαλονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσκάνδαλον: meaning 'stumbling block'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῖςto themRD DPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'to 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.
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.
μετὰafterP · μετάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'after'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταῦταthese thingsRD APN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceταῦτα: meaning 'these things'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within 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.
τῷtheRA DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόματιmouthN3M 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.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εὐδοκήσουσινthey will delightVF FAI3P · εὐδοκέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεὐδοκέω: meaning 'they will delight'; 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.
15
ὡς πρόβατα ἐν ᾅδῃ ἔθεντο θάνατος ποιμαίνει αὐτούς καὶ κατακυριεύσουσιν αὐτῶν οἱ εὐθεῖς τὸ πρωί καὶ ἡ βοήθεια αὐτῶν παλαιωθήσεται ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ ἐκ τῆς δόξης αὐτῶν
Like sheep they were appointed for Hades; death will shepherd them, and the upright will rule over them in the morning; their help will grow old in Hades, away from their glory.
The image darkens: death becomes their shepherd in Hades, while the upright outlast and out-rule them beyond the present order.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
ὡςlikeC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'like'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πρόβαταsheepN2N APN · πρόβατονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπρόβατον: meaning 'sheep'; 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.
ᾅδῃin HadesN1M DSM · ᾅδηςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceᾅδης: meaning 'in Hades'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἔθεντοthey were appointedVEI AMI3P · τίθημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτίθημι: meaning 'they were 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.
θάνατοςdeathN2 NSM · θάνατοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθάνατος: meaning 'death'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ποιμαίνειshepherdsV1 PAI3S · ποιμαίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processποιμαίνω: meaning 'shepherds'; 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.
αὐτούςthemRD APM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτούς: 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.
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.
κατακυριεύσουσινwill rule overVF FAI3P · κυριεύω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκυριεύω + κατα: meaning 'will rule over'; 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.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐθεῖςuprightA3U NPM · εὐθύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceεὐθύς: meaning 'upright'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωίmorningD · πρωί̈adverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπρωί: meaning 'morning'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βοήθειαhelpN1A NSF · βοήθειαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβοήθεια: meaning 'help'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
παλαιωθήσεταιwill grow oldVC FPI3S · παλαιόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπαλαιόω: meaning 'will grow old'; 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.
τῷtheRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ᾅδῃin HadesN1M DSM · ᾅδηςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceᾅδης: meaning 'in Hades'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῆςof theRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δόξηςgloryN1S GSF · δόξαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
16
πλὴν ὁ θεὸς λυτρώσεται τὴν ψυχήν μου ἐκ χειρὸς ᾅδου ὅταν λαμβάνῃ με διάψαλμα
But God will redeem my soul from the hand of Hades when he receives me. Interlude.
The adversative pivot introduces the one hope denied to wealth: God himself can ransom the speaker from Hades.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
πλὴνbutD · πλήνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλὴν: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
λυτρώσεταιwill redeemVF FMI3S · λυτρόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλυτρόω: meaning 'will redeem'; 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.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχήνsoulN1 ASF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'soul'; 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.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χειρὸςhandN3 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.
ᾅδουof HadesN1M GSM · ᾅδηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationᾅδης: meaning 'of Hades'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λαμβάνῃreceivesV1 PAS3S · λαμβάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyλαμβάνω: meaning 'receives'; 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.
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.
17
μὴ φοβοῦ ὅταν πλουτήσῃ ἄνθρωπος καὶ ὅταν πληθυνθῇ ἡ δόξα τοῦ οἴκου αὐτοῦ
Do not fear when a man becomes rich and when the glory of his house increases,
Because wealth cannot master death, the hearer is told not to fear or be overawed by another person's rising estate.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
μὴdo notD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'do not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φοβοῦfearV2 PMD2S · φοβέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateφοβέω: meaning 'fear'; 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.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πλουτήσῃbecomes richVA AAS3S · πλουτέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπλουτέω: meaning 'becomes rich'; 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.
ἄνθρωποςmanN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; 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.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πληθυνθῇincreasesVC APS3S · πληθύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπληθύνω: meaning 'increases'; 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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δόξαgloryN1S NSF · δόξαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦof theRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οἴκουhouseN2 GSM · οἶκοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationοἶκος: meaning 'house'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
18
ὅτι οὐκ ἐν τῷ ἀποθνῄσκειν αὐτὸν λήμψεται τὰ πάντα οὐδὲ συγκαταβήσεται αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα αὐτοῦ
because when he dies he will take nothing at all, nor will his glory go down with him.
The reason is plain: death carries none of a rich man's acquisitions or prestige downward with him.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; 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.
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.
ἀποθνῄσκεινto dieV1 PAN · θνήσκω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementθνήσκω + ἀπο: meaning 'to die'; 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.
αὐτὸνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
λήμψεταιhe will takeVF FMI3S · λαμβάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureλαμβάνω: meaning 'he will take'; 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὐδὲnorC · οὐδέconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδὲ: meaning 'nor'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συγκαταβήσεταιwill go down withVF FMI3S · βαίνω + συν + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureβαίνω + συν + κατα: meaning 'will go down with'; 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.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δόξαgloryN1S NSF · δόξαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
19
ὅτι ἡ ψυχὴ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ εὐλογηθήσεται ἐξομολογήσεταί σοι ὅταν ἀγαθύνῃς αὐτῷ
For his soul will be blessed during his life; he will praise you whenever you do well for him.
The rich person blesses himself while he lives and gathers praise so long as prosperity continues.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχὴsoulN1 NSF · ψυχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
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.
ζωῇlifeN1 DSF · ζωήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceζωή: meaning 'life'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
εὐλογηθήσεταιwill be blessedVC FPI3S · εὐλογέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεὐλογέω: meaning 'will be blessed'; 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.
ἐξομολογήσεταίhe will praiseVF FMI3S · ὁμολογέω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὁμολογέω + ἐκ: meaning 'he will praise'; 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.
σοιyouRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: 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.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀγαθύνῃςyou do goodVA AAS2S · ἀγαθύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἀγαθύνω: meaning 'you do good'; 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.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
20
εἰσελεύσεται ἕως γενεᾶς πατέρων αὐτοῦ ἕως αἰῶνος οὐκ ὄψεται φῶς
He will go in to the generation of his fathers; forever he will not see light.
His end is solidarity with prior generations in a realm where light is no longer seen.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
εἰσελεύσεταιhe will enterVF FMI3S · ἔρχομαι + εἰςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + εἰς: meaning 'he will enter'; 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.
ἕωςuntoP · ἕωςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἕως: meaning 'unto'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γενεᾶςgenerationN1A GSF · γενεάgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγενεά: meaning 'generation'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
πατέρωνfathersN3 GPM · πατήρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπατήρ: meaning 'fathers'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
ἕωςuntoP · ἕωςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἕως: meaning 'unto'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αἰῶνοςageN3W GSM · αἰώνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationαἰών: meaning 'age'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
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.
ὄψεταιhe will seeVF FMI3S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὁράω: meaning 'he will see'; 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.
φῶςlightN3T ASN · φῶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφῶς: meaning 'light'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
21
ἄνθρωπος ἐν τιμῇ ὢν οὐ συνῆκεν παρασυνεβλήθη τοῖς κτήνεσιν τοῖς ἀνοήτοις καὶ ὡμοιώθη αὐτοῖς
A human being, though in honor, did not understand; he was compared with the mindless beasts and became like them.
The psalm closes by repeating the warning that honor without understanding dehumanizes rather than elevates.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἄνθρωποςmanN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τιμῇhonorN1 DSF · τιμήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceτιμή: meaning 'honor'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὢνbeingV9 · παπνσμ εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ εἰμί: meaning 'being'; 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.
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.
συνῆκενunderstoodVAI AAI3S · ἵημι + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἵημι + συν: meaning 'understood'; 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.
παρασυνεβλήθηwas comparedVCI API3S · βάλλω + παρα + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristβάλλω + παρα + συν: meaning 'was compared'; 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.
τοῖςtheRA DPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτήνεσινbeastsN3E DPN · κτῆνοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκτῆνος: meaning 'beasts'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τοῖςtheRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνοήτοιςmindlessA1B DPM · ἀνόητοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀνόητος: meaning 'mindless'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
ὡμοιώθηbecame likeVCI API3S · ὁμοιόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁμοιόω: meaning 'became like'; 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.
αὐτοῖςto themRD DPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτοῖς: meaning 'to 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.