Lectionary Year A
July 14, 2002
Psalm 119:105-112

Initial Acquaintance/Rough Translation


A. Comparing Translations

(JFC) The Contemporary English Version and the New Living Translation differ some, as these notes indicate.

105 lamp that gives light wherever I walk. - CEV
lamp for my feet and a light for my path. - NLT

106 Your laws are fair and I have given my word to respect them all. - CEV
I've promised it once, and I'll promise again: I will obey your wonderful laws. - NLT

107 I am in terrible pain! Save me, LORD, as you said you would. - CEV
I have suffered much, O LORD; restore my life again, just as you promised. - NLT

109 I never forget your teachings, although my life is always in danger. - CEV
My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your law. - NLT

110 Some merciless people are trying to trap me, - CEV
The wicked have set their traps for me along your path, - NLT

112 I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what. - CEV
I am determined to keep your principles, even forever, to the very end. - NLT

B. Textual Criticism

(JFC) 108 For ^yj,P'v.miW, the editors of BH3 suggest a reading of ^yj,wooooooc.miW, a different word meaning the same thing with perhaps a little more of a verbal mood to it. It could be more appropriate, but more nearly original? I call it doubtful. 111 For yTil.x;n", it is suggested we read, with Jerome , yTil.x;]n;, a minor different pointing, the meaning of which seems negligible. So, probably the redaction is ill-advisable. Then for hM'he, we might read, hn'he, a totally different word that might add some emphasis to the line, but seems unnecessary to need same. So, no need for it.

C. Rough Translation

(JFC) 105 A lamp of my feet (is) Your Word and a light of my path. 106 I have sworn (niphal, perfect) and I shall fulfill/confirm (piel, imperfect) to keep the ordinances of Your righteousness. 107 I have humbled myself/become afflicted (niphal, perfect) forever exceedingly Yahweh give me life (piel, imperative) according to Your Word. 108 The offerings of my mouth accept (qal, imperative) now Yahweh Your judgment/justice/ordinance teach (piel, imperative) me. 109 My life in my hand continually and Your Law not am I forgetting/ignoring (qal, perfect). 110 Are giving/putting/setting the wicked/criminal a trap/snare for me and on account of Your statute/precept not am I going astray/wandering/erring (qal, perfect). 111 I am inheriting/taking possession of Your testimony forever as the joy/gladness of my heart (are) they. 112 I am inclining my heart to do/accomplish Your ordinance forever consequently.



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