1
εἰς τὸ τέλος μὴ διαφθείρῃς τῷ Δαυιδ εἰς στηλογραφίαν ἐν τῷ αὐτὸν ἀποδιδράσκειν ἀπὸ προσώπου Σαουλ εἰς τὸ σπήλαιον
For the end: Do not destroy. For David, for an inscription, when he fled from Saul's presence into the cave.
The heading joins performance directions with the remembered setting of David's cave-flight, giving the whole psalm its atmosphere of pressured refuge.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 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.
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.
διαφθείρῃςdestroyV1 PAS2S · φθείρω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyφθείρω + δια: meaning 'destroy'; 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.
τῷforRA 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.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
στηλογραφίανan inscriptionN1A ASF · στηλογραφίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationστηλογραφία: meaning 'an inscription'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνwhenP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'when'; 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.
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.
ἀποδιδράσκεινto fleeV1 PAN · διδράσκω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementδιδράσκω + ἀπο: meaning 'to flee'; 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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουpresenceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'presence'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ΣαουλSaulN GSM · Σαούλadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastΣαουλ: meaning 'Saul'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
σπήλαιονcaveN2N ASN · σπήλαιονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσπήλαιον: meaning 'cave'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
2
ἐλέησόν με ὁ θεός ἐλέησόν με ὅτι ἐπὶ σοὶ πέποιθεν ἡ ψυχή μου καὶ ἐν τῇ σκιᾷ τῶν πτερύγων σου ἐλπιῶ ἕως οὗ παρέλθῃ ἡ ἀνομία
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, because my soul has trusted in you; and in the shadow of your wings I will hope until lawlessness passes by.
The psalm opens with repeated mercy-language, but the plea is already framed by confidence in God as a sheltering refuge.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ἐλέησόνhave mercyVA AAD2S · ἐλεέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐλεέω: meaning 'have mercy'; 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.
ὁORA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐλέησόνhave mercyVA AAD2S · ἐλεέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐλεέω: meaning 'have mercy'; 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.
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.
ἐπὶinP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'in'; 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.
πέποιθενhas trustedVX XAI3S · πείθωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπείθω: meaning 'has trusted'; 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.
ψυχήsoulN1 NSF · ψυχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; 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.
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.
σκιᾷshadowN1A DSF · σκιάdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσκιά: meaning 'shadow'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τῶνtheRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πτερύγωνwingsN3G GPF · πτέρυξgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπτέρυξ: meaning 'wings'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐλπιῶI will hopeVF2 FAI1S · ἐλπίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἐλπίζω: meaning 'I will hope'; 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.
ἕωςuntilP · ἕωςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἕως: meaning 'until'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οὗwhichRR GSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationοὗ: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
παρέλθῃpasses byVB AAS3S · ἔρχομαι + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἔρχομαι + παρα: meaning 'passes by'; 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.
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.
3
κεκράξομαι πρὸς τὸν θεὸν τὸν ὕψιστον τὸν θεὸν τὸν εὐεργετήσαντά με
I will cry to God Most High, to God who has dealt bountifully with me.
The singer states his intention to cry upward to the Most High, describing God not as distant but as the one already acting for his good.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
κεκράξομαιI will cryVFX FMI1S · κράζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκράζω: meaning 'I will cry'; 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.
πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; 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.
θεὸνGodN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕψιστονMost HighA1 ASM · ὕψιστοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὕψιστος: meaning 'Most High'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸνGodN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐεργετήσαντάhaving dealt bountifully withVA · ααπασμ εὐεργετέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασμ εὐεργετέω: meaning 'having dealt bountifully 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.
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.
4
ἐξαπέστειλεν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καὶ ἔσωσέν με ἔδωκεν εἰς ὄνειδος τοὺς καταπατοῦντάς με διάψαλμα ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν αὐτοῦ
He sent from heaven and saved me; he gave those trampling me over to reproach. Interlude. God sent forth his mercy and his truth.
Deliverance is pictured as descending from heaven itself, while mercy and truth are personified as God's active emissaries.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ἐξαπέστειλενhe sent forthVAI AAI3S · στέλλω + ἐκ + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristστέλλω + ἐκ + ἀπο: meaning 'he sent forth'; 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.
οὐρανοῦheavenN2 GSM · οὐρανόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationοὐρανός: meaning 'heaven'; 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.
ἔσωσένsavedVAI AAI3S · σώζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristσώζω: meaning 'saved'; 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.
ἔδωκενhe gaveVAI AAI3S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδίδωμι: meaning 'he gave'; 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.
εἰςtoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
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.
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καταπατοῦντάςthose tramplingV2 · παπαπμ πατέω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπαπμ πατέω + κατα: meaning 'those trampling'; 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.
ἐξαπέστειλενhe sent forthVAI AAI3S · στέλλω + ἐκ + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristστέλλω + ἐκ + ἀπο: meaning 'he sent forth'; 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.
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.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔλεοςmercyN3E ASN · ἔλεοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔλεος: meaning 'mercy'; 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.
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.
ἀλήθειανtruthN1A ASF · ἀλήθειαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀλήθεια: meaning 'truth'; 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.
5
καὶ ἐρρύσατο τὴν ψυχήν μου ἐκ μέσου σκύμνων ἐκοιμήθην τεταραγμένος υἱοὶ ἀνθρώπων οἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὅπλον καὶ βέλη καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτῶν μάχαιρα ὀξεῖα
And he rescued my soul from among lion cubs. I lay down troubled. The sons of men, their teeth are weapons and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
The line combines retrospective rescue with vivid predator imagery, showing how human hostility feels animal, armed, and verbally lethal.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 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.
ἐρρύσατοhe rescuedVAI AMI3S · ῥύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristῥύομαι: meaning 'he rescued'; 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.
μέσουthe midstA1 GSM · μέσοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμέσος: meaning 'the midst'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σκύμνωνof lion cubsN2 GPM · σκύμνοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσκύμνος: meaning 'of lion cubs'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐκοιμήθηνI lay downVCI API1S · κοιμάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκοιμάω: meaning 'I lay down'; 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.
τεταραγμένοςtroubledVK · χππνσμ ταράσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχππνσμ ταράσσω: meaning '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.
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.
ἀνθρώπωνof menN2 GPM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'of men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀδόντεςteethN3 NPM · ὀδούςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀδούς: meaning 'teeth'; 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.
ὅπλονa weaponN2N ASN · ὅπλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὅπλον: meaning 'a weapon'; 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.
βέληarrowsN3E APN · βέλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβέλος: meaning 'arrows'; 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.
γλῶσσαtongueN1S NSF · γλῶσσαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγλῶσσα: meaning 'tongue'; 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.
μάχαιραa swordN1A NSF · μάχαιραnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμάχαιρα: meaning 'a sword'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὀξεῖαsharpA3U NSF · ὀξύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀξύς: meaning 'sharp'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
6
ὑψώθητι ἐπὶ τοὺς οὐρανούς ὁ θεός καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἡ δόξα σου
Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and let your glory be above all the earth.
The first refrain interrupts the danger report with worship, relocating the speaker's horizon from the cave to God's universal glory.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὑψώθητιbe exaltedVC APD2S · ὑψόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὑψόω: meaning 'be exalted'; 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.
ἐπὶaboveP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'above'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανούςheavensN2 APM · οὐρανόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοὐρανός: meaning 'heavens'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὁORA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; 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.
ἐπὶaboveP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'above'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πᾶσανallA1S ASF · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; 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.
γῆνearthN1 ASF · γῆaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγῆ: meaning 'earth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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
παγίδα ἡτοίμασαν τοῖς ποσίν μου καὶ κατέκαμψαν τὴν ψυχήν μου ὤρυξαν πρὸ προσώπου μου βόθρον καὶ ἐνέπεσαν εἰς αὐτόν διάψαλμα
They prepared a snare for my feet, and they bent down my soul; they dug a pit before me, and they fell into it. Interlude.
The enemies' careful trap-making ends in reversal: the pit designed for the righteous becomes their own place of descent.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
παγίδαa snareN3D ASF · παγίςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαγίς: meaning 'a snare'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἡτοίμασανthey preparedVAI AAI3P · ἑτοιμάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἑτοιμάζω: meaning 'they prepared'; 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.
τοῖςfor theRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποσίνfeetN3D DPM · πούςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπούς: meaning 'feet'; 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.
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.
κατέκαμψανthey bent downVAI AAI3P · κάμπτω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκάμπτω + κατα: meaning 'they bent down'; 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.
ὤρυξανthey dugVAI AAI3P · ὀρύσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὀρύσσω: meaning 'they dug'; 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.
προσώπουfaceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; 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.
βόθρονa pitN2 ASM · βόθροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβόθρος: meaning 'a pit'; 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.
ἐνέπεσανthey fellVAI AAI3P · πίπτω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπίπτω + ἐν: meaning 'they fell'; 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.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτόνitRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'it'; 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.
8
ἑτοίμη ἡ καρδία μου ὁ θεός ἑτοίμη ἡ καρδία μου ᾄσομαι καὶ ψαλῶ
My heart is ready, O God; my heart is ready. I will sing and make melody.
After the reversal, the psalmist repeats the steadiness of his heart and turns inner firmness into sung worship.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἑτοίμηreadyA1 NSF · ἕτοιμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἕτοιμος: meaning 'ready'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡtheRA 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.
ὁORA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἑτοίμηreadyA1 NSF · ἕτοιμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἕτοιμος: meaning 'ready'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡtheRA 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.
ᾄσομαιI will singVF FMI1S · ᾄδωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureᾄδω: meaning 'I will sing'; 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.
ψαλῶI will make melodyVF2 FAI1S · ψάλλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureψάλλω: meaning 'I will make melody'; 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
ἐξεγέρθητι ἡ δόξα μου ἐξεγέρθητι ψαλτήριον καὶ κιθάρα ἐξεγερθήσομαι ὄρθρου
Awake, my glory; awake, harp and lyre. I will awake at dawn.
The singer calls both his own glory and his instruments into wakefulness, determined to meet the dawn with praise rather than fear.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἐξεγέρθητιawakeVC APD2S · ἐγείρω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐγείρω + ἐκ: meaning 'awake'; 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.
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.
ἐξεγέρθητιawakeVC APD2S · ἐγείρω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐγείρω + ἐκ: meaning 'awake'; 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.
ψαλτήριονharpN2N NSN · ψαλτήριονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψαλτήριον: meaning 'harp'; 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.
κιθάραlyreN1A NSF · κιθάραnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκιθάρα: meaning 'lyre'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐξεγερθήσομαιI will awakeVC FPI1S · ἐγείρω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἐγείρω + ἐκ: meaning 'I will awake'; 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.
ὄρθρουat dawnN2 GSM · ὄρθροςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὄρθρος: meaning 'at dawn'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
10
ἐξομολογήσομαί σοι ἐν λαοῖς κύριε ψαλῶ σοι ἐν ἔθνεσιν
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O Lord; I will sing to you among the nations.
The cave prayer now imagines a widened audience: praise will not stay private but will sound among peoples and nations.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἐξομολογήσομαίI will give thanksVF FMI1S · ὁμολογέω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὁμολογέω + ἐκ: meaning 'I will give thanks'; 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.
σοιto youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to 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.
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
λαοῖςpeoplesN2 DPM · λαόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceλαός: meaning 'peoples'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κύριεO LordN2 VSM · κύριοςvocative nominal element used in direct address→ direct addressκύριος: meaning 'O Lord'; it serves as vocative nominal element used in direct address.
ψαλῶI will sing psalmsVF2 FAI1S · ψάλλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureψάλλω: meaning 'I will sing psalms'; 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.
σοιto youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to 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.
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἔθνεσινnationsN3E DPN · ἔθνοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: meaning 'nations'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
11
ὅτι ἐμεγαλύνθη ἕως τῶν οὐρανῶν τὸ ἔλεός σου καὶ ἕως τῶν νεφελῶν ἡ ἀλήθειά σου
Because your mercy was magnified unto the heavens, and your truth unto the clouds.
The reason for international praise is the immeasurable reach of God's mercy and truth, extending into the sky-world itself.
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.
ἐμεγαλύνθηwas magnifiedVCI API3S · μεγαλύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristμεγαλύνω: meaning 'was magnified'; 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.
τῶνtheRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανῶνheavensN2 GPM · οὐρανόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationοὐρανός: meaning 'heavens'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔλεόςmercyN3E NSN · ἔλεοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔλεος: meaning 'mercy'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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.
ἕωςuntoP · ἕωςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἕως: meaning 'unto'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῶνtheRA GPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νεφελῶνcloudsN1 GPF · νεφέληgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationνεφέλη: meaning 'clouds'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀλήθειάtruthN1A NSF · ἀλήθειαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀλήθεια: meaning 'truth'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; 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
ὑψώθητι ἐπὶ τοὺς οὐρανούς ὁ θεός καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἡ δόξα σου
Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and let your glory be above all the earth.
The psalm closes by repeating the refrain, ending not with the cave but with the all-encompassing glory of God.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὑψώθητιbe exaltedVC APD2S · ὑψόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateὑψόω: meaning 'be exalted'; 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.
ἐπὶaboveP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'above'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανούςheavensN2 APM · οὐρανόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοὐρανός: meaning 'heavens'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὁORA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; 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.
ἐπὶaboveP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'above'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πᾶσανallA1S ASF · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; 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.
γῆνearthN1 ASF · γῆaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγῆ: meaning 'earth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.