Psalms 5–12
Psalm 5:1-12
Psa.5.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הנחילות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מזמור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 4:1 (verbal): Shares the same superscription pattern with an instrument-designation (Heb. על־נחילין/הנחילות) and the ascription 'A Psalm of David,' linking both to chief-musician/instrumental use.
- Psalm 3:1 (structural): Same structural heading 'למנצח מזמור לדוד' (To the chief musician. A psalm of David), showing the common temple/tonal rubric used for Davidic psalms directed to the chief musician.
- 2 Samuel 6:5 (thematic): Describes David and Israel's use of various musical instruments in public worship ('harps, lyres, tambourines'), providing the liturgical/musical milieu behind instrument-specified psalm headings like 'for the flutes.'
- 1 Chronicles 15:21 (allusion): Reports David and the Levites playing before the LORD on appointed instruments and appointing musicians, reflecting the institutional role of 'the chief musician' and designated instrumentations indicated in psalm superscriptions.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
- To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A psalm of David.
Psa.5.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- האזינה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הגיגי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- Psalm 19:14 (verbal): Uses the paired language of 'words of my mouth' and 'meditation of my heart' (יהי לרצון אמרי פי והגיון לבי), closely echoing the wording and theme of Ps 5:2.
- Psalm 143:1 (verbal): Opens with a direct plea 'Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications,' paralleling the petitionary 'give ear' / 'consider my meditation' of Ps 5:2.
- Psalm 130:1 (thematic): 'Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; Lord, hear my voice'—a thematically similar cry for God to hear the speaker's words and distress.
- Psalm 4:1 (thematic): Begins 'Answer me when I call, O God'—another psalmic plea for God to listen and respond to the speaker's words, closely related in function to Ps 5:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my meditation.
- Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider the meditation of my heart.
Psa.5.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הקשיבה: VERB,hiph,impv,2,_,sg
- לקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שועי: NOUN,f,sg,suff-1,sg
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- ואלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אתפלל: VERB,hitp,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 61:1 (verbal): Directly echoes the petitionary formula: "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer," paralleling Ps 5:3's "Give ear to the sound of my cry."
- Psalm 86:6 (verbal): Uses the same imperative plea for God's attentive hearing—"Give ear, O Lord, and answer me"—matching Ps 5:3's request that God incline his ear to the psalmist's cry.
- Psalm 18:6 (17:6 MT) (verbal): Describes crying out to the LORD in distress and God hearing from his dwelling—language and motif closely parallel Ps 5:3's appeal for God to hear the psalmist's cry.
- Psalm 130:1 (thematic): A thematic parallel: the deep, urgent cry to the LORD ("Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!") reflects the same reliance on God to hear and respond as in Ps 5:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- Give heed to the sound of my cry, my King and my God; for to you I pray.
- Hearken to the sound of my cry, O my King and my God; for to you I will pray.
Psa.5.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- קולי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1
- בקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אערך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואצפה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 55:17 (thematic): Like Ps 5:4, this verse emphasizes praying at set times (evening, morning, and noon) with the expectation that God hears the voice of the petitioner.
- Psalm 119:147 (structural): Both describe rising early/morning devotion to cry out to God and seek Him—an image of the worshiper who prays at dawn.
- Isaiah 50:4 (thematic): Speaks of being awakened morning by morning to listen and speak for the Lord—paralleling the psalmist’s morning address and attentive waiting before God.
- Daniel 6:10 (thematic): Describes habitual, timely prayer (including morning devotion) despite circumstances, echoing the psalmist’s practice of presenting prayer in the morning.
- Psalm 130:6 (verbal): Uses the imagery of waiting/watch for the morning; connects to the psalmist’s act of 'watching' or expecting God’s response in the morning.
Alternative generated candidates
- O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare my prayer to you and watch.
- O LORD, in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I will set my prayer before you and watch.
Psa.5.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- אל: NEG
- חפץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יגרך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Habakkuk 1:13 (verbal): Uses very similar language: God is of 'purer eyes' and 'cannot look on wickedness,' closely echoing the idea that God does not delight in or tolerate evil.
- Psalm 11:5 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD rejects the wicked and hates violence—a parallel moral stance to Ps 5:5's claim that evil will not dwell with God.
- Proverbs 15:9 (verbal): States that 'the way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,' a concise proverb form of the same truth that God takes no pleasure in wickedness.
- Nahum 1:3 (thematic): Describes God’s righteous response to evil (not leaving the guilty unpunished), echoing the Psalm's assertion that evil cannot abide with God.
- 1 John 1:5 (allusion): 'God is light; in him there is no darkness at all'—a New Testament theological parallel stating that God and moral/generic evil/darkness cannot coexist.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with you.
- For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil does not dwell with you.
Psa.5.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- יתיצבו: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,pl
- הוללים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לנגד: PREP
- עיניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- שנאת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- כל: DET
- פעלי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Habakkuk 1:13 (verbal): God is described as too holy to look on iniquity—parallels Psalm 5:6's claim that the wicked cannot stand before God's eyes and that He hates workers of evil.
- Psalm 11:5 (thematic): Both verses state God's hostile attitude toward the violent/evil: He tests righteous and wicked and hates those who love violence—echoing Psalm 5:6's rejection of evildoers.
- Psalm 34:16 (thematic): 'The face of the LORD is against them that do evil' parallels the idea that evildoers will not stand before God and are opposed by Him.
- Proverbs 15:9 (verbal): 'The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD' expresses the same divine hatred of the works/path of the wicked as Psalm 5:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- The arrogant will not stand in your presence; you hate all who do violence.
- No arrogant one will stand before your eyes; you hate all who do wrong.
Psa.5.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תאבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- כזב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומרמה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתעב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:22 (verbal): States directly that 'lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,' paralleling Ps 5:7's claim that God hates falsehood.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (thematic): Lists among the things the LORD hates both a lying tongue and 'hands that shed innocent blood,' echoing the combined denunciation of deceit and bloodthirstiness in Ps 5:7.
- Psalm 101:7 (verbal): Declares that those who practice deceit and tell lies will not dwell before the psalmist's eyes, closely reflecting Ps 5:7's rejection of deceitful and murderous men.
- Isaiah 59:3-4 (thematic): Describes people whose hands are stained with blood and whose lips speak lies, thematically mirroring Ps 5:7's coupling of bloodshed and falsehood as objects of divine abhorrence.
- Psalm 26:4-5 (thematic): The psalmist refuses association with men of falsehood and declares hatred for the assembly of evildoers, resonating with Ps 5:7's denunciation of deceitful, bloodthirsty persons.
Alternative generated candidates
- You destroy those who speak falsehood; the bloodthirsty and deceitful are an abomination to the LORD.
- May every lying word be driven away; the man of blood and deceit the LORD abhors.
Psa.5.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- ברב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חסדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- אבוא: VERB,qal,impf,1,NA,sg
- ביתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- אשתחוה: VERB,hithpael,impf,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- היכל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדשך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,ms
- ביראתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Psalm 27:4 (thematic): Expresses a single-minded desire to be in the LORD’s house to behold God’s beauty—same theme of entering God’s dwelling to worship in reverent awe.
- Psalm 84:2-4 (thematic): Speaks of longing for the courts of the LORD and blessing those who dwell in God’s house—parallels the yearning and joy of coming into God’s sanctuary to worship.
- Psalm 100:4 (verbal): Invites worshipers to ‘enter his gates’ and ‘bow down’ in praise—verbal parallel to entering God’s house and bowing (worship) before the holy temple.
- Psalm 63:2-4 (thematic): Describes seeking and worshiping God in the sanctuary and being satisfied by his presence—echoes the psalmist’s motive for coming into God’s house in reverent fear.
- Isaiah 6:1-5 (thematic): The prophet’s vision in the temple evokes awe and fear before God’s holiness and leads to prostrate worship—parallels the psalmist’s worship ‘in thy fear’ before the holy place.
Alternative generated candidates
- But as for me, by your abundant steadfast love I will enter your house; I will bow down toward your holy temple in reverence for you.
- But as for me, by your abundant steadfast love I will enter your house; I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary in reverence of you.
Psa.5.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נחני: VERB,hiph,imperfect,3,m,sg+1cs
- בצדקתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- למען: PREP
- שוררי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1,m,sg
- הישר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- דרכך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 23:3 (verbal): ‘He leadeth me in paths of righteousness’ closely parallels the petition to be led by God's righteousness and to have a straight way set before the psalmist.
- Psalm 27:11 (verbal): ‘Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path’ echoes the request for divine guidance and a straight/sure path before the believer.
- Psalm 25:5 (thematic): ‘Lead me in thy truth, and teach me’ shares the theme of asking God to guide and instruct the petitioner in the right way.
- Psalm 143:8 (thematic): ‘Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk’ parallels the plea for God’s guidance and direction in the believer’s path.
- Psalm 43:3 (verbal): ‘Send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me’ connects the imagery of divine guidance (light/truth) leading the psalmist along God's way.
Alternative generated candidates
- Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of those who oppose me; make your way straight before me.
- Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
Psa.5.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- בפיהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,ms
- נכונה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- קרבם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,mp
- הוות: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פתוח: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- גרונם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,mp
- לשונם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- יחליקון: VERB,piel,impf,3,pl
Parallels
- Romans 3:13-14 (quotation): Paul quotes/echoes the Psalms (including Ps.5:10 and Ps.140:3): 'Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit,' applying the image of deceitful speech to human sinfulness.
- Psalm 140:3 (verbal): Similar language about dangerous, deceitful speech—'They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips'—paralleling the imagery of a lethal, treacherous tongue.
- Psalm 12:2-3 (thematic): Speaks of flattering lips and double hearts—'Everyone lies to his neighbor... with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak'—echoing Ps.5:10's charge of no truth and flattering speech.
- Proverbs 26:28 (thematic): Proverbial summary of the destructive power of deceitful speech: 'A lying tongue hates those it wounds, and a flattering mouth works ruin,' resonating with Ps.5:10's condemnation of false, flattering tongues.
- Psalm 58:3-6 (verbal): Describes the wicked as speaking lies and their words like poison/venom; the parallel emphasizes hostile, treacherous speech portrayed as deadly or corrupting, similar to Ps.5:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- For there is no truth in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they flatter.
- For there is no integrity in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak smooth things.
Psa.5.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האשימם: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- א: PRT
- להים: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ממעצותיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr+PRON,3,m,pl
- ברב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פשעיהם: NOUN,m,pl,poss
- הדיחמו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- מרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl,m
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 9:15 (verbal): The nations 'have sunk in the pit they made'—the idea of enemies falling into the snare or counsels they themselves prepared matches Ps 5:11's 'let them fall from their counsels.'
- Proverbs 26:27 (verbal): The proverb 'Whoever digs a pit will fall into it' echoes the motif of enemies being caught by their own schemes, paralleling Ps 5:11's retributive language.
- Psalm 7:16 (thematic): Speaks of the wicked's mischief returning on their own head—a similar theme of enemies suffering from their own evil plans as in Ps 5:11.
- Psalm 35:4 (thematic): Prayer for the confounding and shame of those who seek the psalmist's harm, comparable to Ps 5:11's plea that God cause the enemies to fall because of their many sins.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let them be brought to shame; let them fall back in their counsels; by the multitude of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.
- Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own counsels. Thrust them out for the multitude of their transgressions—because they have rebelled against you.
Psa.5.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- חוסי: VERB,qal,ptc,act,m,pl
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירננו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- ותסך: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עלימו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויעלצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אהבי: NOUN,m,sg,poss-1s
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 5:11 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same psalm — both verses speak of those who take refuge in God rejoicing and of God’s protective blessing over them (shared vocabulary and theme).
- Psalm 33:21 (verbal): Both verses link rejoicing to trust in God’s name: 'our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name' echoes 'let all who take refuge in you rejoice… those who love your name will exult in you.'
- Psalm 89:16-17 (thematic): Speaks of rejoicing in God’s name and being exalted in his righteousness—parallels the psalm’s theme of God’s blessing and the joy of those who love his name.
- Psalm 97:12 (verbal): A call for the righteous to 'rejoice in the LORD' and give thanks for his holiness, closely matching the exhortation that God's people rejoice in him.
- Zephaniah 3:17 (thematic): Portrays God’s delight and protective presence toward his people ('He will take great delight in you… He will quiet you with his love; he will rejoice over you with gladness'), resonating with the psalm’s emphasis on God’s blessing, protection, and the joy of his lovers.
Alternative generated candidates
- But let all who take refuge in you rejoice forever; let them shout for joy. Spread your protection over them, and let those who love your name exult in you.
- But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. Cover them; let those who love your name exult in you.
To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A psalm of David.
Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my meditation.
Attend to the sound of my cry—my King and my God; for to you I will pray.
O LORD, you hear my voice in the morning; in the morning I present my case to you and wait.
For you are not a God who delights in evil; no wickedness can dwell with you.
No insolent man will stand before your eyes; you hate all who do violence.
Let lying words perish; the man of blood and deceit—the LORD abhors him. But as for me, by your abundant steadfast love I will enter your house; I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary in reverent awe of you.
Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
For there is no uprightness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction—an open grave is their throat; with their tongue they flatter.
Let them be put to shame and fall by their own counsels; because of their many transgressions cast them out—since they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, and let those who love your name exult in you.