Psalm 19:5-7

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Psalm 19:5 tn The participle expresses the repeated or regular nature of the action.
2. Psalm 19:5 tn The Hebrew noun חֻפָּה (khufah, “chamber”) occurs elsewhere only in Isa 4:5 and Joel 2:16 (where it refers to the bedroom of a bride and groom).sn Like a bridegroom. The metaphor likens the sun to a bridegroom who rejoices on his wedding night.
3. Psalm 19:5 tn The imperfect verbal form draws attention to the regularity of the action.
4. Psalm 19:5 tn Heb “[on] a path.”sn Like a strong man. The metaphorical language reflects the brilliance of the sunrise, which attests to the sun’s vigor.
5. Psalm 19:6 tn Heb “from the end of the heavens [is] its going forth.”
6. Psalm 19:6 tn Heb “and its circuit [is] to their ends.”
7. Psalm 19:6 tn Heb “is hidden from.”
8. Psalm 19:7 tn Heb “[it] restores life.” Elsewhere the Hiphil of שׁוּב (shuv, “return”) when used with נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, “life”) as object, means to “rescue or preserve one’s life” (Job 33:30; Ps 35:17) or to “revive one’s strength” (emotionally or physically; cf. Ruth 4:15; Lam 1:11, 16, 19). Here the point seems to be that the law preserves the life of the one who studies it by making known God’s will. Those who know God’s will know how to please him and can avoid offending him. See v. 11a.
9. Psalm 19:7 tn Traditionally, “the testimony of the Lord.” The noun עֵדוּת (ʿedut) refers here to the demands of God’s covenant law.
10. Psalm 19:7 tn God’s covenant contains a clear, reliable witness to his moral character and demands.
11. Psalm 19:7 tn Or “the [morally] naive,” that is, the one who is young and still in the process of learning right from wrong and distinguishing wisdom from folly.