Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Harold Holmyard <hholmyard3 AT earthlink.net>]

Philip,

By the way, a lot of translations seem a bit cutesy with their 
translation of Psalm 15, trying for too much conformity of expression. 
There is no conjunction at the start of verse 3, nor is there a 
relative. I think the NET represents the flow of the Hebrew well:

NET Psalm 15:1 A psalm of David. LORD, who may be a guest in your home? 
Who may live on your holy hill? 2 Whoever lives a blameless life, does 
what is right, and speaks honestly. 3 He does not slander, or do harm to 
others, or insult his neighbor. 4 He despises a reprobate, but honors 
the LORD's loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not 
renege on his promise. 5 He does not charge interest when he lends his 
money. He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent. The one 
who lives like this will never be upended.

HH: Verse 2 is briefly answering the question of verse 1. Verses 3-5a 
expand and illustrate the statement in verse 2, and verse 5b gives a 
promise concerning such a person.

HH: NASB handles it the same way:

NAS Psalm 15:1 A Psalm of David. O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent? Who 
may dwell on Thy holy hill? 2 He who walks with integrity, and works 
righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. 3 He does not slander with 
his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach 
against his friend; 4 In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who 
honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt, and does not 
change; 5 He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a 
bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Yours,
Harold Holmyard