Psalms 27–14
Psalm 27:1-14
Psa.27.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אורי: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- וישעי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- ממי: PREP+PRON,interr
- אירא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מעוז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ממי: PREP+PRON,interr
- אפחד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 118:6 (verbal): Declares 'The LORD is on my side; I will not fear,' echoing Psalm 27:1's claim that the Lord is one's salvation/light and the resulting confidence 'whom shall I fear?'.
- Isaiah 12:2 (verbal): 'Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid' closely parallels the language and theme of God as 'salvation' and the corresponding trust that banishes fear in Psalm 27:1.
- Psalm 23:4 (thematic): 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil' shares the central motif of confident trust in God's presence that removes fear, as in Psalm 27:1.
- Psalm 46:1-2 (thematic): 'God is our refuge and strength... therefore we will not fear' presents the same logic as Psalm 27:1: God as protector/redeemer is the basis for fearlessness.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): 'Fear not, for I am with you... I will strengthen you' echoes the refrain of not fearing because God is present and strong, paralleling the assurance of Psalm 27:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
- The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psa.27.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בקרב: PREP
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מרעים: VERB,qal,ptc,,m,pl
- לאכל: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- בשרי: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- צרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss1
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- כשלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ונפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 27:3 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same psalm; repeats the situation of hostile forces encamping and affirms trust despite enemies (same scene and movement).
- Psalm 35:8 (verbal): Uses similar language of enemies being confounded/put to shame and their plans frustrated—parallel imagery of the foe's downfall and confusion.
- Psalm 37:12-15 (thematic): Describes the wicked plotting to devour the righteous and then being overthrown or caught—theme of adversaries who intend harm but themselves perish or stumble.
- Psalm 17:12-13 (thematic): Employs predatory imagery (like a lion eager to tear) of enemies seeking to devour the psalmist and petitions God to rescue and strike down those foes, echoing the 'eat my flesh' motif and divine deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and enemies—they stumble and fall.
- When evildoers come upon me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—they stumble and fall.
Psa.27.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- תחנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מחנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יירא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- אם: CONJ
- תקום: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בזאת: PREP
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בוטח: PART,qal,act,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 27:1 (structural): Same psalm's opening affirmation of confidence in God — 'The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?' — framing the declaration of not fearing enemies in v.3.
- Psalm 3:6 (verbal): Parallels the language of fearlessness in the face of overwhelming foes: 'I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me.'
- Psalm 118:6 (verbal): Directly echoes the refrain of trust: 'The LORD is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'—a concise statement of confidence like Ps 27:3.
- Isaiah 41:10 (allusion): Shares the prophetic assurance against fear in trials: 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God,' connecting divine presence with fearless trust.
- Romans 8:31 (thematic): New Testament theological parallel: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?'—the same conviction that divine support removes the need to fear hostile forces.
Alternative generated candidates
- Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in this I will trust.
- Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, in this I will trust.
Psa.27.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- שאלתי: NOUN,f,sg,cstr+1s
- מאת: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אותה: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- אבקש: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- שבתי: VERB,qal,inf
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- לחזות: VERB,qal,inf
- בנעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולבקר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהיכלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def+3ms
Parallels
- Ps.23:6 (verbal): Uses the same motif and language of dwelling in the house of the LORD forever — a parallel desire to reside with God for life.
- Ps.84:4 (thematic): Explicitly celebrates those who 'dwell in your house' and expresses longing for God's courts, echoing the psalmist's wish to abide in the temple.
- Ps.122:1 (thematic): Expresses joy and longing to go to the house of the LORD, reflecting the communal/pilgrim aspect of seeking God's presence found in Ps 27:4.
- John 14:23 (allusion): Jesus' promise that he and the Father will 'make their home' with those who love him echoes the biblical theme of dwelling with God and seeking his presence.
- Matt.5:8 (thematic): 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God' parallels the aspiration in Ps 27:4 to 'behold the beauty of the LORD' — a longing to see/experience God's presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- One thing I have asked of the LORD, that I will seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
- One thing I have asked of the LORD; this I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Psa.27.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- יצפנני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- בסכה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יסתרני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- בסתר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהלו: NOUN,m,sg,construct+3,m,suf
- בצור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירוממני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 31:20 (verbal): Uses very similar language of being hidden in God's presence ('hide them in the secret of your presence' / בְּסֵתֶר פָּנֶיךָ), echoing the motif of divine concealment found in Ps 27:5.
- Psalm 91:1 (thematic): Both verses depict God as a place of refuge or shelter ('He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High' / 'hide me in his tabernacle'), emphasizing protection in times of danger.
- Exodus 33:22 (allusion): God places Moses in a cleft of the rock and covers him with his hand until his glory passes — an early Israelite image of being hidden/covered by God that parallels Ps 27:5's concealment and the rock metaphor.
- Psalm 18:2 (thematic): Describes the LORD as 'my rock, my fortress, my deliverer,' resonating with Ps 27:5's final phrase about being lifted up on a rock as a secure refuge.
- Psalm 61:2 (thematic): Prays for lead and refuge in a high rock ('lead me to the rock that is higher than I'), echoing the plea for elevation and safety in Ps 27:5's 'lift me up upon a rock.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me in the secrecy of his tent; on a rock he will raise me up.
- For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me in the secret place of his tent; upon a rock he will lift me high.
Psa.27.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- ירום: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- על: PREP
- איבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss=1s
- סביבותי: NOUN,f,pl,abs+1cs
- ואזבחה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- באהלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- זבחי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- תרועה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשירה: VERB,qal,impf,1,NA,sg
- ואזמרה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 118:15-17 (thematic): Both celebrate a voice of rejoicing in the tents/temple after deliverance and depict triumph over enemies—resulting in praise and life rather than defeat.
- Psalm 23:5 (verbal): Imagery of exaltation and a celebratory meal/feast in the presence of enemies (table prepared, anointing of the head) parallels the lifting of the head and offering of joyful sacrifices.
- Psalm 21:1-7 (thematic): A king/trustee set on high by God who rejoices in God's strength while enemies are subdued—similar motif of exaltation above foes followed by praise.
- Psalm 63:4-5 (verbal): Expressions of blessing and singing to God while sustained by him (’I will bless thee... I will sing unto thee’) echo the vow to offer joyful sacrifice and sing to the LORD.
- Isaiah 12:5-6 (thematic): Calls to ‘sing unto the LORD’ and to shout for joy in Zion (the LORD’s dwelling) connect to the psalm’s emphasis on singing and rejoicing in God’s tent/tabernacle.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies round about me; and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, I will sing praise to the LORD.
- And now my head shall be exalted above my enemies all around me; and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts—I will sing, I will make melody to the LORD.
Psa.27.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קולי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1
- אקרא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וחנני: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- וענני: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg+1cs
Parallels
- Psalm 17:6 (verbal): Directly parallels the imperative plea 'Hear... my cry'—both implore God to listen and respond to the psalmist's call.
- Psalm 86:6 (verbal): Uses the same petitional language ('give ear' / 'attend to the voice of my supplications'), echoing the request that God hear and answer prayer.
- Psalm 102:1 (verbal): Almost identical wording ('Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee'), a close verbal parallel of asking God to hear and answer.
- Psalm 34:17 (thematic): Shares the theme that the righteous cry to the LORD and He hears them—linking lament/plea with divine hearing and deliverance.
- Jonah 2:2 (thematic): Narrative parallel: Jonah's cry from distress and God's hearing of that cry reflects the wider biblical motif of crying out in trouble and receiving God's response.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me.
- Hear, O LORD, when I call; be gracious to me and answer me.
Psa.27.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- בקשו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- פניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אבקש: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 24:6 (verbal): Contains the exact phrase “who seek your face” (or “seek him, who seek your face, O Jacob”), a close verbal parallel emphasizing seeking God’s presence.
- Psalm 105:4 (verbal): “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually” (Hebrew: seek his face) — similar wording and liturgical call to seek God’s face.
- 1 Chronicles 16:11 (quotation): Repeats the wording of Psalm 105:4 in a worship/doxology context: an explicit liturgical quotation urging people to seek the LORD’s face.
- Jeremiah 29:13 (thematic): “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” — thematically echoes the earnest personal seeking of God’s presence found in Ps 27:8.
- Exodus 33:18 (thematic): Moses’ request “Show me your glory” (and the related concern to behold God’s presence/face) parallels the desire to seek God’s face and be in his presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
- My heart says to you, 'Seek my face.' Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psa.27.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תסתר: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- פניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תט: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- באף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- עזרתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss1,sg
- היית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תטשני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj1,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תעזבני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj1,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישעי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 13:1 (verbal): Uses the same petition 'Do you hide your face from me?' (תסתיר פניך ממני) — a direct verbal and thematic echo of pleading for God's presence.
- Psalm 143:7 (verbal): Explicitly pleads 'Do not hide your face from me' and asks for guidance and deliverance, paralleling the appeal for God’s help and presence.
- Psalm 69:17 (verbal): Contains the petition 'Do not hide your face from your servant' and requests a swift response in distress, closely matching the language and urgency of Psalm 27:9.
- Exodus 33:12–17 (allusion): Moses’ plea for God’s presence — 'show me Your glory' and the concern lest God be hidden — provides a narrative precedent for pleading that God not hide His face and to remain with the petitioner.
- Joshua 1:5 (thematic): God’s promise 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' parallels the Psalmist’s plea 'do not leave me nor forsake me,' contrasting divine assurance with the Psalmist’s urgent petition.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger—you have been my help; do not forsake me or abandon me, O God of my salvation.
- Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger—you have been my help; do not forsake me or abandon me, O God of my salvation.
Psa.27.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ואמי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1cs
- עזבוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,suff_1cs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאספני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 68:5 (thematic): Describes God as father of the fatherless and protector of widows, paralleling Ps 27:10’s theme that God cares for those abandoned by human kin.
- Isaiah 49:15-16 (thematic): God’s refusal to forget his people (even if a mother forgets her child) echoes Ps 27:10’s claim that when parents abandon, the LORD will gather and care for the speaker.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): God’s assurance 'do not be afraid... for the LORD goes with you; he will not leave you or forsake you' parallels Ps 27:10’s confidence that the LORD will take up and sustain the one forsaken by parents.
- Hebrews 13:5 (quotation): New Testament citation of God’s promise 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' functions as an echo of the same theological claim found in Ps 27:10 about God’s sustaining presence when human support fails.
- Psalm 37:25 (thematic): Though phrased differently, this verse (‘I have been young and now am old... I have not seen the righteous forsaken’) engages the same concern with God’s care for the righteous when human provision or familial support is lacking.
Alternative generated candidates
- For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
- For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will gather me.
Psa.27.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הורני: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- דרכך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ונחני: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- בארח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מישור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למען: PREP
- שוררי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1,m,sg
Parallels
- Ps.25:4-5 (verbal): Directly parallels the plea for divine instruction and guidance: 'Show me thy ways... Lead me in thy truth,' echoing 'Teach me thy way, O LORD; lead me in a plain path.'
- Ps.86:11 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language—'Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth'—expressing the same request for teaching and guidance.
- Ps.5:8 (verbal): Closely parallels the motive and petition: 'Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face,' reflecting the plea for a straight/plain path in view of enemies (למען שוררי).
- Ps.23:3 (thematic): Shares the pastoral image of divine guidance along right paths—'He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness'—emphasizing God as guide on a safe way.
- Prov.4:11 (structural): Speaks of imparting and leading in a right way—'I have taught thee the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths'—similar structure of teacher/leader directing one along a proper path.
Alternative generated candidates
- Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me on a level path because of my foes.
- Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Psa.27.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תתנני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בנפש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- קמו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עדי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 35:11 (verbal): Uses the same language of false witnesses rising up against the psalmist (עדי שקר קמו בי), closely mirroring the complaint in Ps 27:12.
- Exodus 23:1 (allusion): Legal prohibition against bearing a false report; provides the law-background for the grievance about עדי שקר (false witnesses) brought against the speaker.
- Psalm 109:2 (thematic): Describes hostile enemies and malicious attack (men who rise against the speaker), echoing the plea not to be delivered to violent foes.
- Matthew 26:60–61 (verbal): False witnesses are produced against Jesus in his trial—parallel instance of adversaries rising with false testimony against an innocent sufferer.
- 1 Kings 21:10 (thematic): Account of false witnesses brought against Naboth to procure his condemnation; an Old Testament narrative parallel to the misuse of testimony and violent intent described in Ps 27:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not give me over to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
- Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, breathing out violence.
Psa.27.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לולא: CONJ
- האמנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
- בטוב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 23:6 (thematic): Both verses express confident expectation of experiencing the LORD’s goodness and presence during life (trust in God’s blessing and dwelling with him).
- Psalm 42:11 (thematic): A similar turn from despair to hope: the psalmist urges the soul to hope in God and looks forward to praising him—parallel confidence in future good from the LORD.
- Psalm 31:19 (verbal): Shares the language and theme of ‘the LORD’s goodness’ being shown to the faithful; both celebrate God’s merciful provision for those who trust him.
- Hebrews 11:1 (thematic): Frames faith as assurance of what is hoped for—parallels the Psalm’s assertion that believing (faith) enables one to expect and ‘see’ the good of the LORD in the land of the living.
Alternative generated candidates
- I remain confident that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
- I am confident that I shall behold the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa.27.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קוה: VERB,qal,impv,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חזק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ויאמץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- וקוה: VERB,qal,impv,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 31:24 (verbal): Shares the exhortation to 'be strong' and the promise of strengthened heart for those who hope in the LORD — close verbal and thematic echo of Ps 27:14.
- Isaiah 40:31 (thematic): 'Those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength' parallels the call to wait on the LORD and receive strength/courage in Ps 27:14.
- Lamentations 3:25-26 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD is good to those who wait for him and commends waiting/hope — a sustained reflection on the same patient trust urged in Ps 27:14.
- Psalm 62:5 (verbal): 'My soul, wait thou only upon God' echoes the direct imperative to wait on the LORD found in Ps 27:14 (same root idea of קוה/hope).
- Psalm 33:20 (thematic): 'Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help' echoes the trust-in-waiting motif and confidence in God as rescuer present in Ps 27:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD.
- Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD.
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and my enemies—they stumbled and fell.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in this I will trust.
One thing I have asked of the LORD; this I will seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For he will hide me in his pavilion in the day of trouble; he will conceal me in the secret of his tent; on a rock he will lift me high. And now my head shall be exalted above my enemies all around me; I will offer in his tent sacrifices—shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me.
You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my help—do not cast me off; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will gather me in.
Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me on a level path because of my foes.
Do not deliver me over to the will of my enemies; for false witnesses have risen against me, breathing out violence.
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would behold the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Hope in the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; hope in the LORD.