1
ψαλμὸς τῷ Δαυιδ ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τῆς Ιουδαίας
A psalm for David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
The heading gives the composition a Davidic voice and fixes its atmosphere in the wilderness of Judah before the prayer itself begins.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ψαλμὸςa psalmN2 NSM · ψαλμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψαλμός: meaning 'a psalm'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
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 DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἶναιto beV9 PAN · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεἰμί: meaning 'to be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
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.
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.
ἐρήμῳwildernessN2 DSF · ἔρημοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔρημος: meaning 'wilderness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τῆςofRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙουδαίαςJudahN1A GSF · Ἰουδαίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationΙουδαίας: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
2
ὁ θεὸς ὁ θεός μου πρὸς σὲ ὀρθρίζω ἐδίψησέν σοι ἡ ψυχή μου ποσαπλῶς σοι ἡ σάρξ μου ἐν γῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ ἀβάτῳ καὶ ἀνύδρῳ
O God, my God, I rise early for you; my soul thirsted for you, and how greatly my flesh also longs for you in a desolate and trackless and waterless land.
The first petition is not for an object but for God himself, and the desert landscape becomes the outward mirror of the singer's inner thirst.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ὁORA 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.
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.
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.
πρὸςtowardP · πρόςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σὲyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσὲ: 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.
ὀρθρίζωI rise earlyV1 PAI1S · ὀρθρίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processὀρθρίζω: meaning 'I rise early'; 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.
ἐδίψησένthirstedVAI AAI3S · διψάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristδιψάω: meaning 'thirsted'; 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.
σοιfor youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'for 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.
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.
ποσαπλῶςhow greatlyD · ποσαπλῶςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastποσαπλῶς: meaning 'how greatly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σοιfor youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'for 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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σάρξfleshN3K NSF · σάρξnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσάρξ: meaning 'flesh'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γῇa landN1 DSF · γῆdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceγῆ: meaning 'a land'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐρήμῳdesolateN2 DSF · ἔρημοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔρημος: meaning 'desolate'; 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.
ἀβάτῳtracklessA1B DSF · ἄβατοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄβατος: meaning 'trackless'; 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.
ἀνύδρῳwaterlessA1B DSF · ἄνυδροςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνυδρος: meaning 'waterless'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
3
οὕτως ἐν τῷ ἁγίῳ ὤφθην σοι τοῦ ἰδεῖν τὴν δύναμίν σου καὶ τὴν δόξαν σου
Thus I appeared before you in the holy place, to behold your power and your glory.
Present longing is answered by remembered sanctuary encounter, where the psalmist recalls perceiving divine power and glory.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὕτωςthusD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'thus'; 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 DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁγίῳholy placeA1A DSM · ἅγιοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἅγιος: meaning 'holy place'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὤφθηνI appearedVVI API1S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'I appeared'; 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.
τοῦtoRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἰδεῖνbeholdVB AAN · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementὁράω: meaning 'behold'; 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.
δύναμίνpowerN3I ASF · δύναμιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδύναμις: meaning 'power'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δόξανgloryN1S ASF · δόξαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
4
ὅτι κρεῖσσον τὸ ἔλεός σου ὑπὲρ ζωάς τὰ χείλη μου ἐπαινέσουσίν σε
Because your mercy is better than lives, my lips will praise you.
The psalm gives its reason for worship: God's covenant mercy is valued above mere continued lives, so praise becomes the fitting response.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 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.
κρεῖσσονbetterA3C NSN · κρείσσωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκρείσσων: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
ὑπὲρthanP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'than'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ζωάςlivesN1 APF · ζωήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationζωή: meaning 'lives'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὰtheRA NPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χείληlipsN3E NPN · χεῖλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχεῖλος: meaning 'lips'; 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.
ἐπαινέσουσίνwill praiseVF FAI3P · αἰνέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἰνέω + ἐπι: meaning '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.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: 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.
5
οὕτως εὐλογήσω σε ἐν τῇ ζωῇ μου ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ἀρῶ τὰς χεῖράς μου
So I will bless you in my life; in your name I will lift up my hands.
The response to mercy is not momentary emotion but lifelong blessing, expressed in raised hands and invocation of God's name.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὕτωςthusD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'thus'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλογήσωI will blessVF FAI1S · εὐλογέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεὐλογέω: meaning 'I will bless'; 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.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: 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.
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.
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.
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.
ὀνόματίnameN3M DSN · ὄνομαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄνομα: meaning 'name'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
ἀρῶI will lift upVF2 FAI1S · αἴρωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἴρω: meaning 'I will lift up'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὰςtheRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράςhandsN3 APF · χείρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχείρ: meaning 'hands'; 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
ὡσεὶ στέατος καὶ πιότητος ἐμπλησθείη ἡ ψυχή μου καὶ χείλη ἀγαλλιάσεως αἰνέσει τὸ στόμα μου
As with fat and richness let my soul be filled, and with lips of exultation my mouth will praise.
The wilderness theme is countered by feast language, showing that communion with God can satisfy more deeply than material abundance.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ὡσεὶas if withC · ὡσείconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡσεὶ: meaning 'as if with'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
στέατοςfatnessN3T GSN · στέαρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστέαρ: meaning 'fatness'; 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.
πιότητοςrichnessN3T GSF · πιότηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπιότης: meaning 'richness'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐμπλησθείηlet be filledVS APO3S · πίμπλημι + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπίμπλημι + ἐν: meaning 'let be filled'; 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.
χείληlipsN3E NPN · χεῖλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχεῖλος: meaning 'lips'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀγαλλιάσεωςof exultationN3I GSF · ἀγαλλίασιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαλλίασις: meaning 'of exultation'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αἰνέσειwill praiseVF FAI3S · αἰνέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἰνέω: meaning '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.
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.
7
εἰ ἐμνημόνευόν σου ἐπὶ τῆς στρωμνῆς μου ἐν τοῖς ὄρθροις ἐμελέτων εἰς σέ
If I remembered you upon my bed, in the dawn watches I would meditate on you.
Even the private hours of the bed and the early watches are filled with intentional recollection and meditation on God.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐμνημόνευόνI rememberedV1I IAI3P · μνημονεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processμνημονεύω: meaning 'I remembered'; 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.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στρωμνῆςbedN1 GSF · στρωμνήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστρωμνή: meaning 'bed'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῖςtheRA DPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄρθροιςdawn watchesN2 DPM · ὄρθροςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄρθρος: meaning 'dawn watches'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐμελέτωνI was meditatingV3I IAI3P · μελετάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processμελετάω: meaning 'I was meditating'; 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.
εἰςonP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σέyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσέ: 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.
8
ὅτι ἐγενήθης βοηθός μου καὶ ἐν τῇ σκέπῃ τῶν πτερύγων σου ἀγαλλιάσομαι
For you became my helper, and in the shelter of your wings I will exult.
Meditation leads into testimony: God has already been helper, so future joy under his wings is spoken with confidence.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὅτιforC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγενήθηςyou becameVCI API2S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγίγνομαι: meaning 'you became'; 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.
βοηθόςhelperN2 NSM · βοηθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβοηθός: meaning 'helper'; 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.
σκέπῃshelterN1 DSF · σκέπηςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσκέπης: meaning 'shelter'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τῶνof theRA 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.
ἀγαλλιάσομαιI will exultVF FMI1S · ἀγαλλιάομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀγαλλιάομαι: meaning 'I will exult'; 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
ἐκολλήθη ἡ ψυχή μου ὀπίσω σου ἐμοῦ ἀντελάβετο ἡ δεξιά σου
My soul clung close behind you; your right hand upheld me.
The verse pairs human adhesion to God with divine support, showing that perseverance and preservation belong together.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἐκολλήθηclung closelyVCI API3S · κολλάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκολλάω: meaning 'clung closely'; 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.
ὀπίσωbehindP · ὀπίσωpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: meaning 'behind'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐμοῦmeRP GS · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: 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.
ἀντελάβετοupheldVBI AMI3S · λαμβάνω + ἀντιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλαμβάνω + ἀντι: meaning 'upheld'; 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.
δεξιάright handA1A NSF · δεξιόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδεξιός: meaning 'right hand'; 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.
10
αὐτοὶ δὲ εἰς μάτην ἐζήτησαν τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὰ κατώτατα τῆς γῆς
But they sought my life in vain; they will go into the lowest parts of the earth.
A sharp contrast now falls on the enemies: the life they hunted will not be theirs, and their course bends downward into the earth.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
αὐτοὶtheyRD NPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτοὶ: meaning 'they'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςinP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
μάτηνvainD · μάτηνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμάτην: meaning 'vain'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐζήτησανsoughtVAI AAI3P · ζητέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristζητέω: meaning 'sought'; 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.
ψυχήνlifeN1 ASF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; 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.
εἰσελεύσονταιwill goVF FMI3P · ἔρχομαι + εἰςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + εἰς: meaning 'will go'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατώταταlowest partsN1 APN · κατώτατοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκατώτατος: meaning 'lowest parts'; 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.
γῆςearthN1 GSF · γῆgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγῆ: meaning 'earth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
11
παραδοθήσονται εἰς χεῖρας ῥομφαίας μερίδες ἀλωπέκων ἔσονται
They will be handed over to the power of the sword; they will become portions for foxes.
The downfall is described with battlefield and scavenger imagery, stressing complete reversal and dishonor for the violent.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
παραδοθήσονταιwill be handed overVC FPI3P · δίδωμι + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδίδωμι + παρα: meaning 'will be handed 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.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χεῖραςhandsN3 APF · χείρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχείρ: meaning 'hands'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ῥομφαίαςof a swordN1A GSF · ῥομφαίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationῥομφαία: meaning 'of a sword'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μερίδεςportionsN3D NPF · μερίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμερίς: meaning 'portions'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀλωπέκωνof foxesN3K GPF · ἀλώπηξgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀλώπηξ: meaning 'of foxes'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἔσονταιthey will beVF FMI3P · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεἰμί: meaning 'they will be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
12
ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς εὐφρανθήσεται ἐπὶ τῷ θεῷ ἐπαινεσθήσεται πᾶς ὁ ὀμνύων ἐν αὐτῷ ὅτι ἐνεφράγη στόμα λαλούντων ἄδικα
But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by him will be praised, because the mouth of those who speak unjust things has been stopped.
The psalm ends by widening from the singer to the king and the faithful community, whose truthful allegiance stands over against silenced injustice.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
βασιλεὺςkingN3V NSM · βασιλεύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβασιλεύς: meaning 'king'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εὐφρανθήσεταιwill rejoiceVC FPI3S · εὐφραίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεὐφραίνω: meaning 'will rejoice'; 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.
ἐπὶinP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: 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.
θεῷGodN2 DSM · θεόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐπαινεσθήσεταιwill be praisedVC FPI3S · αἰνέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἰνέω + ἐπι: meaning 'will be praised'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πᾶςeveryoneA3 NSM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'everyone'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὁwhoRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀμνύωνswearsV5 · παπνσμ ὄμνυμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ὄμνυμι: meaning 'swears'; 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.
ἐνbyP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῷhimRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: 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.
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.
ἐνεφράγηhas been stoppedVZI AAI3S · φράσσω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristφράσσω + ἐν: meaning 'has been stopped'; 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.
στόμαmouthN3M ASN · στόμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
λαλούντωνof those speakingV2 · παπγπμ λαλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπγπμ λαλέω: meaning 'of those speaking'; 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.
ἄδικαunjust thingsA1B APN · ἄδικοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄδικος: meaning 'unjust things'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.