Psalm 143:5-7

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Psalm 143:5 tn Or “ancient times”; Heb “days from before.”
2. Psalm 143:5 tn Heb “the work of your hands.”
3. Psalm 143:6 tn The words “in prayer” are supplied in the translation to clarify that the psalmist is referring to a posture of prayer.
4. Psalm 143:6 tn Heb “faint” or “weary.” See Ps 63:1.
5. Psalm 143:6 tc Heb “my soul like a faint land for you.” A verb (perhaps “thirsts”) is implied (see Ps 63:1). The translation assumes an emendation of the preposition כ (kaf, “like”) to ב (bet, “in,” see Ps 63:1; cf. NEB “athirst for thee in a thirsty land”). If the MT is retained, one might translate, “my soul thirsts for you, as a parched land does for water/rain” (cf. NIV, NRSV).
6. Psalm 143:7 tn Heb “my spirit is failing.”
7. Psalm 143:7 tn Heb “do not hide your face from me.” The idiom “hide the face” (1) can mean “ignore” (see Pss 10:11; 13:1; 51:9) or (2) can carry the stronger idea of “reject” (see Pss 30:7; 88:14).
8. Psalm 143:7 tn Heb “I will be equal with.”
9. Psalm 143:7 tn Heb “the pit.” The Hebrew noun בּוֹר (bor, “pit; cistern”) is sometimes used of the grave and/or the realm of the dead. See Ps 28:1.