Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Dave Washburn" <dwashbur AT nyx.net>]

This passage has some difficulties that I find fascinating.  I'd like to 
offer a translation and have the list critique it.  Here's the translation:

Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept 
watch on the path of the robber [NIV: violent] so my feet may cling 
to your paths (instead), lest my feet should stumble.

The biggest question that I see has to do with the inf. absolute 
TFMOK at the beginning of v.5.  BHS suggests reading it as a 
qatal 3pl, but doesn't give any ms. justification for the emendation.  
I'm thinking it might be a modal of some sort, giving a sense 
something like "I'm watching that road to be sure and avoid it."  
This, I think, makes sense out of $FMAR:TIY )FRXOWT PFRIYC, 
which seems like a rather odd phrase.  BHS even suggests moving 
the soph pasuq up 2 words so it comes right after $FMAR:TIY, and 
I can see why even though I'm not to that point yet.

What do others think?

Dave Washburn
http://www.nyx.net/~dwashbur
A Bible that's falling apart means a life that isn't.