Any suggestions for the translation of Psalm 36:2 (in the Hebrew text, i.e., the verse after the title)?HH: This is a difficult verse, with numerous translation suggestions. Yes, the idea at the top of the last real paragraph of your comments is taken by some (including the NIV). Here is the HCSB: "An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no dread of God before his eyes, for in his own eyes he flatters himself [too much] to discover and hate his sin.
The opening words ("a declaration/oracle of rebellion") are unusual, since it's normal to have the second word in this construction be the name of the person making the declaration (e.g., "an oracle of Yahweh" or "an oracle of David"). It's possible, I suppose, that Rebellion is here personified and is the one making the declaration.
The next phrase may mean "belonging to the wicked" or "by the wicked" (on the lines of "by David" in the title), so that it's a declaration of the rebellion which belongs to or is committed by the wicked. Or it could be a declaration by Rebellion (personified) *to* the wicked person, as if Rebellion is his god (comparable to "an oracle of Yahweh").
But then we get "within my heart." That's the MT. I realize that some Hebrew manuscripts have "his heart," so that it's possible to take this a statement within the heart of the wicked man. Maybe.
But is it possible (with some translations) to take this as an oracle which is within the heart of the Psalmist? That is, an oracle ABOUT the rebellion of the wicked man? That would be a different use of the "oracle of..." construction, which normally involves a word indicating the speaker, not a word indicating the subject.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
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