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  • From: "Dave Washburn" <dwashbur AT nyx.net>
  • To: b-hebrew AT franklin.oit.unc.edu
  • Subject: Psalm 17:4-5
  • Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 12:46:37 -0700


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.



  • Psalm 17:4-5, Dave Washburn, 05/11/1999

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