Lectionary Year B
April 27, 2003
Psalm 133

Initial Acquaintance/Rough Translation

A. Comparing Translations

(JFC) The Contemporary English Version of 1995 and the New Living Translation of 1966 and the New Revised Standard Version of 1989 differ some:

1 It is truly wonderful when relatives live together in peace. - CEV
How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! - NLT
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! - NRSV

2 It is as beautiful as olive oil poured on Aaron's head - CEV
For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, - NLT
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard - NRSV

B. Textual Criticism

(JFC) 2c and d The editors of BH3 question whether were added what amounts to the second half of this entire verse, wyt'ADmi yPi-l[; dreYOv, !roh]a;-!q;z., making it longer to include it and therefore unlikely to be original. The picture this verse paints really doesn't need the additional words, either, the portrait is quite clear as printed without the questioned addition.

C. Rough Translation

(JFC) 1 Behold how good and how pleasant/delightful/sweet/lovely/agreeable to dwell/remain/sit/abide [qal, infinitive] in togetherness/united-ness. 2 Like the olive oil the good upon the head upon the head running [qal, participle] upon the beard/chin the beard/chin of Aaron running into the opening/mouth of his garment. 3 Like the dew/night mist of Hermon coming down [qal, participle] upon the hills/mountains/hill country of Zion. For there did command [piel, perfect] Yahweh the blessing/prosperity/treaty of peace of lives until forever.



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