Bible in 90 Days

24 long, forever). (Mizmor of Dovid) Ha’aretz is Hashem’s, and the fullness thereof; the tevel (world), and they that dwell therein.

² For He hath founded it upon the yamim (seas), and established it upon the waters.

³ Who shall ascend the Har Hashem? Or who shall stand in His Makom Kodesh?

⁴ He that hath clean hands, and a bar levav (pure heart); who hath not lifted up his nefesh unto shahv (vanity), nor sworn l’mirmah (deceitfully).

⁵ He shall receive the brocha (blessing) from Hashem, and tzedakah from Elohei Yisho (the G-d of his Salvation).

⁶ This is the generation of them that seek Him, that seek Thy face, O Ya’akov. Selah.

⁷ Lift up your heads, O ye she’arim; and be ye lifted up, ye Pitchei Olam (everlasting doorways); and Melech HaKavod shall come in.

⁸ Who is this Melech HaKavod? Hashem strong and mighty, Hashem Gibbor Milchamah.

⁹ Lift up your heads, O ye she’arim; even lift them up, ye Pitchei Olam; and Melech HaKavod shall come in.

¹⁰ Who is this Melech HaKavod? Hashem Tzva’os, He is Melech HaKavod. Selah.

25 (Of Dovid) [Aleph] Unto Thee, Hashem, do I lift up my nefesh.

² [Bais] O Elohai, I trust in Thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine oyevim triumph over me.

³ [Gimel] Yea, let none that wait [hoping in] Thee be ashamed; let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

⁴ [Dalet] Show me Thy ways, Hashem; teach me Thy paths.

⁵ [Heh Vav] Lead me in Thy emes, and teach me; for Thou art the Elohei of my Salvation; on Thee do I wait kol hayom.

⁶ [Zayin] Remember, Hashem, Thy rachamim and Thy lovingkindnesses; for they have ever been of old.

⁷ [Chet] Remember not the chattot of my youth, nor my peysha’im; according to Thy chesed remember Thou me for the sake of Thy goodness, Hashem.

⁸ [Tet] Tov and yashar is Hashem; therefore will He teach chatta’im in the Derech.

⁹ [Yod] The meek will He guide in mishpat; and the aniyim will He teach His way.

¹⁰ [Kaph] All the paths of Hashem are chesed and emes unto such as keep His Brit (covenant) and His Edot (covenant demands, urgings, reminders, testimonies).

¹¹ [Lamed] For the sake of Thy Shem, Hashem, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

¹² [Mem] What man is he that feareth Hashem? Him shall He teach in the Derech that he shall choose.

¹³ [Nun] His nefesh (soul) shall dwell in prosperity; and his zera shall inherit the earth.

¹⁴ [Samech] The secret of Hashem is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His Brit (covenant).

¹⁵ [Ayin] Mine eyes are ever toward Hashem; for He shall pluck my feet out of the reshet (net).

¹⁶ [Peh] Turn Thee unto me, and be gracious unto me; for I am yachid (alone, lonely) and afflicted.

¹⁷ [Tzade] The tzoros of my lev are multiplied; O bring Thou me forth out of my distresses.

¹⁸ [Resh] Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and take away all my chattot.

¹⁹ Resh] Look upon mine enemies; for they are increased; and they hate me with sinas chamas.

²⁰ Shin] Be shomer over my nefesh, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed; for I take refuge in Thee.

²¹ [Tav] Let tohm (integrity, guilelessness) and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee.

²² Redeem Yisroel, O Elohim, out of all his tzoros.

26 (Of Dovid) Vindicate me, Hashem; for I have walked in mine tohm (guilelessness); I have trusted also in Hashem without wavering.

² Examine me, Hashem, and prove me; try my heart and my mind.

³ For Thy chesed is before mine eyes; and I have walked in Thy emes.

⁴ I do not sit with meteishav (men of vanity), neither will I go in with dissemblers.

⁵ I have hated the kehal mere’im (congregation of evil doers); and will not sit with the resha’im.

⁶ I will wash mine hands in nikkayon (innocency, cleanness, freedom from punishment); so will I encompass Thine Mizbe’ach, Hashem;

⁷ That I may publish with the voice of todah, and tell of all Thy wondrous works.

⁸ Hashem, I have loved the ma’on of Thy Bais [HaMikdash], and the Mishkan where Thine kavod dwelleth.

⁹ Take not away my nefesh with chatta’im (sinners), nor my Chai (life) with anshei damim;

¹⁰ In whose hands is zimmah (wicked plans), and their right hand is full of shochad (bribery).

¹¹ But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity; redeem me, v’chaneini (and be merciful and gracious unto me).

¹² My regel standeth on level ground; in the great assemblies unto Hashem will I render brocha.

27 (Of Dovid) Hashem is my ohr and Yishi (my Salvation); whom shall I fear? Hashem is the ma’oz (stronghold) of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the resha’im, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to devour my basar, they stumbled and fell.

³ Though an army should encamp against me, my lev shall not fear; though milchamah should break out against me, in this will I be confident.

⁴ One thing have I asked of Hashem, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the Bais Hashem all the days of my life, to behold the gracefulness of Hashem, and to inquire in His Heikhal.

⁵ For in the Yom Ra’ah (day of evil) He shall keep me safe in His Sukkah; in the shelter of His Ohel shall He conceal me; He shall set me up upon a Tzur (rock).

⁶ And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies around about me; therefore will I offer in His Ohel sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yea, I will make music unto Hashem.

⁷ Shema, Hashem, when I call with my voice; chaneini also upon me, and answer me.

⁸ When my lev said of Thee, Seek ye My face, my lev said unto Thee, Thy face, Hashem, will I seek.

⁹ Hide not Thy face far from me; turn not Thy eved away in anger; Thou hast been my ezer; leave me not, neither forsake me, Elohei Yishi (G-d of my Salvation).

¹⁰ When avi and immi forsake me, then Hashem will take me up.

¹¹ Teach me Thy Derech, Hashem, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

¹² Deliver me not over unto the desire of mine enemies; for edei sheker are risen up against me, and such as breathe out chamas.

¹³ Did I not believe to see Hashem’s goodness in the Eretz Chayyim!

¹⁴ Wait for Hashem: Chazak! And strengthen thine lev. Wait, I say, for Hashem.

28 (Of Dovid) Unto Thee will I cry, Hashem my Tzur; do not turn a deaf ear to me: lest, if Thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

² Shema (hear) kol (voice) of my supplications, when I cry unto Thee, when I lift up my hands toward Thy Devir Kodesh (Innermost Sanctuary, Kodesh HaKodashim).

³ Draw me not away with the resha’im, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak shalom to their neighbors, but malice is in their hearts.

⁴ Give to them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them after the work of their hands; render to them their gemul (deserts).

⁵ Because they regard not the Pe’ulot Hashem, nor the Ma’aseh of His hands, He shall tear them down, and not build them up.

⁶ Baruch Hashem, because He hath heard the kol (voice) of my supplications.

⁷ Hashem is my strength and my mogen; my lev trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my lev greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I thank Him.

⁸ Hashem is their oz (strength), and He is the Ma’oz Yeshu’ot (saving refuge) of His Moshiach.

⁹ Save Thy people, and bless Thine nachalah; shepherd them also, and carry them ad olam.

29 (Mizmor of Dovid) Ascribe unto Hashem, O ye bnei elim (sons of the mighty), ascribe unto Hashem kavod and oz (strength).

² Ascribe unto Hashem the Kavod Shmo; worship Hashem in the Hadrat Kodesh (beauty of holiness).

³ The voice of Hashem is upon the waters; El HaKavod thundereth; Hashem is over the mayim rabbim.

⁴ The voice of Hashem is in Ko’ach; the voice of Hashem is in hadar (majesty).

⁵ The voice of Hashem breaketh the cedars; Hashem breaketh the cedars of the Levanon.

⁶ He maketh them also to skip like an egel (calf); Levanon and Siryon, like a young reimim (wild ox).

⁷ The voice of Hashem hews out with flashes of eish.

⁸ The voice of Hashem shaketh the midbar; Hashem shaketh the Midbar Kadesh.

⁹ The voice of Hashem causes the deer to calve, and strips bare the ye’arot (forests); and in His Heikhal doth everyone say, Kavod!

¹⁰ Hashem sitteth upon the mabbul (flood); yea, Hashem sitteth enthroned as Melech l’olam.

¹¹ Hashem will give oz (strength) unto His people; Hashem will bless His people with shalom.

30 (Mizmor. Shir Chanukat HaBeis. Of Dovid) I will exalt Thee, Hashem, for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to gloat over me.

^2 (3) Hashem Elohai, I cried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me.

^3 (4) Hashem, Thou hast brought up my nefesh from Sheol; Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

^4 (5) Sing unto Hashem, O ye chasidim of His, and give thanks to His Zekher Kodesh.

^5 (6) For His anger endureth but a rega; in His favor is Chayyim; weeping may endure for an erev, but joy cometh in the boker.

^6 (7) And in my shalvah (security) I said, I shall never be moved.

^7 (8) Hashem, by Thy favor Thou hast made my mountain to stand firm; Thou didst hide Thy face, and I was troubled.

^8 (9) I cried to Thee, Hashem; and unto Adonoi I made supplication.

^9 (10) What profit is there in my dahm, in my going down into the pit? Shall the aphar (dust) praise Thee? Shall it declare Thy emes?

^10 (11) Shema, Hashem, and channeini; Hashem, be Thou my helper.

^11 (12) Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with simcha;

^12 (13) That kavod (my glory, my soul) may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. Hashem Elohai, I will give thanks unto Thee l’olam.

31 (For the one directing. Mizmor Dovid) In Thee, Hashem, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in Thy tzedakah.

^2 (3) Incline Thine ear to me; deliver me speedily; be Thou for me a Tzur Ma’oz, a Bais Metzudot (fortress) to save me.

^3 (4) For Thou art my Sela (rock) and my Metzudah (fortress); therefore for the sake of Thy Name, lead me, and guide me.

^4 (5) Pull me out of the reshet (trap, net) that they have laid for me; for Thou art my ma’oz (stronghold).

^5 (6) Into Thine yad I commit my ruach; Thou hast redeemed me, Hashem El Emes [Lk 23:46; Ac 7:59].

^6 (7) I hate them that are the shomrim of lying vanities [i.e., idols]; but I trust in Hashem.

^7 (8) I will be glad and rejoice in Thy chesed; for Thou hast seen my affliction; Thou hast known the tzoros (troubles) of my nefesh;

^8 (9) And hast not shut me up into the yad of the oyev (enemy); Thou hast set my feet in a merkhav (large place, spacious or broad place).

^9 (10) Channeni, Hashem, for I am in tzoros; mine eye is consumed with ka’as (grief), my nefesh and my beten.

^10 (11) For my life is spent with grief, and my years with groaning; my ko’ach faileth because of mine avon (iniquity), and my atzmot waste away.

^11 (12) I was a cherpah (reproach, scorn, disgrace) among all mine enemies, but especially among my shchenim (neighbors), and a dread to mine acquaintance; they that did see me outside fled from me.

^12 (13) I am forgotten like a dead man out of mind; I am like a keli oved (broken vessel).

^13 (14) For I have heard the dibbah (evil report, slander) of many; terror was on every side; while they conspire against me, they plot to take my nefesh.

^14 (15) But I trust in Thee, Hashem; I said, Thou art Elohai.

^15 (16) My times are in Thy yad; deliver me from the yad of mine oyevim (enemies), and from them that persecute me.

^16 (17) Make Thy face to shine upon Thy eved; hoshi’eini (save me) for the sake of Thy chesed.

¹⁷ Let me not be put to shame, Hashem; for I have called upon Thee; let the resha’im be put to shame, and let them keep silent in Sheol.

^18 (19) Let the siftei sheker (lying lips) be put to silence; which speak insolent things with ga’avah (pride) and contemptuously against the tzaddik.

^19 (20) Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in Thee before the Bnei Adam!

^20 (21) Thou shalt hide them b’seter (in the shelter) of Thy presence from the intrigues of ish; Thou shalt keep them safe in a sukkah from the riv l’shonot (the strife of tongues, contentious lashon hora, backbiting, slander).

²¹ Baruch Hashem! For He hath showed me His wondrous chesed in an Ir Matzor (besieged city).

^22 (23) For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Thine eyes; nevertheless Thou heardest the voice of my tachanun (supplications) when unto Thee I cried for help.

^23 (24) O love Hashem, all ye His Chasidim; for Hashem preserveth the emunim (the faithful ones), but He pays back in full the oseh ga’avah (the one acting in pride, haughtily).

^24 (25) Chazak! Be strong, let your levav take courage, all ye that hope in Hashem.

32 (Of David. A maskil). Ashrei is he whose peysha (rebellion) is forgiven, whose chata’ah (sin) is covered.

² Ashrei is the adam unto whom Hashem imputeth not avon (iniquity), and in whose ruach there is no remiyyah (guile, deceit).

³ When I kept silent [i.e., refused to confess my sin, which was still naked and uncovered (see 32:1) and had no kapporah covering for my guilt before G-d], my atzmot wasted away through my groaning kol hayom (all the day).

⁴ For yomam valailah Thy yad was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as by the droughts of kayitz (summer). Selah.

⁵ I acknowledge my chattat unto Thee, and mine avon (iniquity) have I not covered up. I said, I will confess my peysha’im (rebellions) unto Hashem; and Thou forgavest the avon (iniquity) of my chattat. Selah.

⁶ Therefore shall every Chasid pray unto Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found; surely in the floods of mayim rabbim they shall not overtake him.

⁷ Thou art my seter (hiding place, shelter); Thou shalt preserve me from tzoros; Thou shalt envelop me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

⁸ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the Derech which thou shalt go; I will counsel thee with Mine eye.

⁹ Be ye not like the sus, or like the pered (mule), which have no binah; whose mouth must be harnassed with bit and bridle, else they come not near thee.

¹⁰ Many sorrows shall be to the resha’im, but he that trusteth in Hashem, chesed shall envelop and cover him.

¹¹ Be glad in Hashem, and rejoice, ye tzaddikim; and shout for joy, all ye yishrei lev (upright in heart).

33 Sing with joy in Hashem, O ye tzaddikim; for tehillah is fitting for the yesharim (upright ones).

² Hodu l’Hashem with kinnor (harp); make music unto Him with the ten stringed nevel (lyre).

³ Sing unto Him a shir chadash (new song); play skillfully with a teru’ah (shout of joy).

⁴ For the Devar Hashem is yashar; and kol ma’aseihu (all His deeds) are done in emunah (faithfulness).

⁵ He loveth Tzedakah and Mishpat; ha’aretz is full of the chesed Hashem.

⁶ By the Devar Hashem were Shomayim made; and all the tz’va (host) of them by the ruach (breath) of His mouth [MJ 11:3; Yn 1:1; Psa 56:5].

⁷ He gathereth the mey hayam (waters of the sea) like a mound; He layeth up the tehomot (ocean depths) in otzarot (storehouses, vaults).

⁸ Let kol ha’aretz fear Hashem; let kol yoshvei tevel (all the inhabitants of the world) stand in awe of Him.

⁹ For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood firm.

¹⁰ Hashem annuls the atzat Goyim (plan of the Goyim); He foils the machsh’vot Amim (schemes of the peoples).

¹¹ The atzat Hashem standeth firm l’olam, the machsh’vot of His lev l’dor va’dor (from generation to generation).

¹² Ashrei is the Goy whose Elohav is Hashem; and HaAm whom He hath chosen for His own nachalah.

¹³ Hashem looketh down from Shomayim: He beholdeth kol Bnei HaAdam.

¹⁴ From the place of His habitation He looketh upon kol yoshvei ha’aretz.

¹⁵ He formeth their hearts yachad; He considereth all their ma’asim (deeds).

¹⁶ There is no melech saved by the multitude of an army; a gibbor is not delivered by rav ko’ach.

¹⁷ A sus is a sheker (vain, false thing) for teshu’ah (deliverance, salvation, safety); neither shall it save any by its great strength.

¹⁸ Hinei, the eye of Hashem is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His chesed;

¹⁹ To deliver their nefesh from mavet (death), and to keep them alive in ra’av (famine).

²⁰ Our nefesh waiteth for Hashem; He is ezrienu (our help) and moginneinu (our shield).

²¹ For libeinu (our heart) shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted b’Shem Kadsho (in His holy Name).

²² Let Thy chesed, Hashem, be upon us, even as we have hoped in Thee.

34 (Of Dovid, when he feigned insanity before Avimelech, who drove him away, and he went out) ^1 (2) I will make a bracha of praise unto Hashem at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

^2 (3) My nefesh shall make its boast in Hashem; the anavim (humble) shall hear thereof, and be glad.

^3 (4) O magnify Hashem with me, and let us exalt Shmo together.

^4 (5) I sought Hashem, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

^5 (6) They looked unto Him, and were radiant; and their panim were not ashamed.

^6 (7) The oni (poor man) cried, and Hashem heard him, and saved him out of all his tzoros.

^7 (8) The Malach Hashem encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

^8 (9) O taste and see that Hashem is tov; ashrei is the man that taketh refuge in Him.

^9 (10) O fear Hashem, ye His Kedoshim; for there is no lack to them that fear Him.

^10 (11) The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek Hashem shall not lack any good thing.

^11 (12) Come, ye banim, pay heed unto me; I will teach you the fear of Hashem.

^12 (13) What ish is he that desireth chayyim, and loveth many days, that he may see tov?

^13 (14) Keep thy tongue from rah, and thy lips from speaking mirmah (guile, see Isaiah 53:9 where it says Moshiach will lack mirmah).

^14 (15) Depart from rah, and do tov; seek shalom, and pursue it.

^15 (16) The eyes of Hashem are upon the tzaddikim, and His ears open to their cry.

^16 (17) The face of Hashem is against them that do rah, to cut off the zekher (remembrance) of them from ha’aretz.

^17 (18) The tzaddikim cry, and Hashem heareth, and delivereth them out of all their tzoros.

^18 (19) Hashem is near unto them whose lev is broken; and saveth such whose ruach is contrite.

^19 (20) Many are the afflictions of the tzaddik; but Hashem delivereth him out of them all.

^20 (21) He keepeth shomer over all his bones; not one of them is broken [Yn 19:36].

^21 (22) Evil shall slay the resha’im; and they that hate the tzaddik shall be desolate.

^22 (23) Hashem redeemeth the nefesh of His avadim; and none of them that take refuge in Him shall be condemned [see Ro 5:1; 8:1 OJBC].

35 (Of Dovid) Contend, Hashem, with them that contend with me; fight against them that fight against me.

² Take hold of mogen and tzinnah (large shield) and arise to my aid.

³ Draw out also the khanit (spear), and block the way against them that persecute me; say unto my nefesh, I am Thy Yeshuah (salvation).

⁴ Let them be put to shame and disgraced that seek after my nefesh; let a rout in retreat be theirs and let them be brought to dismay that plot my ruin.

⁵ Let them be like motz (chaff) before the ruach; and let the Malach Hashem drive them away.

⁶ Let their derech be choshech and slippery; and let the Malach Hashem pursue them.

⁷ For without cause have they hid for me their reshet (net) in a shachat (pit), which without cause they dug for my nefesh.

⁸ Let sho’ah (disaster) come upon him unawares; and let his own reshet (net) that he hath hid ensnare him; into that very sho’ah let him fall.

⁹ And my nefesh shall rejoice in Hashem; it shall be joyful in His Yeshuah (salvation).

¹⁰ All my atzmot shall say, Hashem, mi khamocha (who is like Thee), Who deliverest the oni (poor) from him that is too strong for him, yes, the oni and the evyon (needy) from him that despoileth him?

¹¹ Edei chamas (witnesses of violence, false witnesses) rise up; they lay to my charge things, questioning me of that which I have no da’as.

¹² They repay me ra’ah for tovah to the forlornness of my nefesh.

¹³ But as for me, when they were choleh (ill), my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my nefesh with tzom (fasting); and my tefillah (prayer) turned back on mine own kheyk (bosom).

¹⁴ I went about as though he had been my re’a or ach; I bowed in sadness, as one that mourneth for his em.

¹⁵ But at mine stumbling they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together; yes, the attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I had no da’as; they did tear at me [with slander], and ceased not:

¹⁶ Like chanef (hypocritical) mockers at cake, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

¹⁷ Adonoi, how long wilt Thou look on? Rescue my nefesh from their destructions, my yechidah (only one, my life) from the lions.

¹⁸ I will give Thee thanks in the kahal rav (great congregation); I will praise Thee among the mighty throng.

¹⁹ Let not them that are mine oyevim gloat over me; neither let them wink with the eye that have sinas chinom (baseless hatred) toward me.

²⁰ For they speak not shalom, but they scheme divrei mirmot (deceitful matters) against the rigei eretz (them that are quiet in the land).

²¹ Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

²² This Thou hast seen, Hashem; keep not silent; Adonoi, be not far from me.

²³ Stir up Thyself, and awake to my mishpat, even to my cause, Elohai and Adonoi.

²⁴ Vindicate me, Hashem Elohai, according to Thy tzedakah; and let them not gloat over me.

²⁵ Let them not say in their lev, Ah, so would we have it; let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

²⁶ Let them be put to shame and brought to confusion together that gloat at mine ra’ah (disaster, distress); let them be clothed with boshet (shame) and kelimah (dishonor, disgrace) that exalt themselves against me.

²⁷ Let them sing for joy, and be glad, that favor my tzedek (righteousness, vindication); yes, let them say tamid (continually), Let Hashem be magnified, which hath pleasure in the shalom (welfare) of His eved.

²⁸ And my leshon (tongue) shall speak of Thy tzedek (righteousness) and of Thy tehillah (praise) kol hayom (all the day).

36 (For the one directing. Of Dovid, the eved Hashem) Peysha speaketh to the rashah within my lev, that there is no pachad Elohim (fear of G-d) before his eyes.

^2 (3) For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his avon (iniquity) be found to be hateful.

^3 (4) The words of his mouth are iniquity and mirmah (deceit); he hath ceased to be wise, and to do tov (good).

^4 (5) He deviseth evil upon his mishkav (bed); he setteth himself in a derech that is not tov; he abhorreth not rah.

^5 (6) Thy chesed, Hashem, is in HaShomayim; and Thy emunah (faithfulness) reacheth unto the clouds.

^6 (7) Thy tzedakah is like the great mountains; Thy mishpatim are tehom rabbah (a great deep); Hashem, Thou preservest adam (man) and behemah (beast).

^7 (8) How precious is Thy chesed, O Elohim! Therefore the Bnei Adam find refuge under the shadow of Thy wings.

^8 (9) They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of Thy Beis [Hamikdash]; and Thou shalt give them to drink of Thy river of delight.

^9 (10) For with Thee is the Makor Chayyim (fountain of life); in Thy Ohr shall we see ohr.

^10 (11) O continue Thy chesed unto them that know Thee; and Thy tzedakah to the yishrei lev (the ones upright of heart).

^11 (12) Let not the regel ga’avah (foot of pride) come against me, and let not the yad of the resha’im drive me away.

^12 (13) There are the po’alei aven (workers of iniquity) fallen; they are thrown down, and shall not be able to rise.

37 (Of Dovid) Fret not thyself because of re’im (evildoers); neither have thou kina (jealousy, envy) of the workers of iniquity.

² For they shall soon be cut down like the khatzir (grass), and wither as the green desheh (herb, plant).

³ Trust in Hashem, and do tov; so shalt thou dwell in the Eretz (land), ure’eh emunah (and thou be pastured securely).

⁴ Delight thyself also in Hashem, and He shall give thee the desires of thine lev.

⁵ Commit thy derech (road, way) unto Hashem; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.

⁶ And He shall bring forth thy tzedakah (righteousness) as the ohr (light), and thy mishpat (justice) as the tzohorayim (noonday).

⁷ Rest in Hashem, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his derech, because of the ish who bringeth wicked schemes to pass.

⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake chemah (wrath); fret not thyself in any wise to do rah.

⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon Hashem, they shall inherit the Eretz (land).

¹⁰ For yet a little while, and the rasha shall not be; yes, thou shalt watch his place, and he will not be.

¹¹ But the anavim (meek ones) shall inherit Eretz; and shall delight themselves in rov shalom (great peace; see Psa 119:165).

¹² The rasha plotteth against the tzaddik, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

¹³ Adonoi shall laugh at him, for He seeth that his yom is coming.

¹⁴ The resha’im have drawn out the cherev, and have bent their keshet, to cast down the oni (poor) and evyon (needy), and to slay such as be yishrei derech (upright ones on the road, that walk uprightly).

¹⁵ Their cherev shall enter into their own lev, and their keshatot (bows) shall be broken.

¹⁶ A little that a tzaddik hath is better than the riches of resha’im rabbim.

¹⁷ For the zero’ot (arms, powers) of the resha’im shall be broken; but Hashem upholdeth the tzaddikim.

¹⁸ Hashem knoweth the yamim of the temimim (blameless ones); and their nachalah (inheritance) shall be l’olahm (forever).

¹⁹ They shall not be put to shame in time of evil; and in the days of famine yisba’u (they shall be satisfied, enjoy plenty).

²⁰ But the resha’im shall perish, and the oyvei Hashem (enemies of Hashem) shall be like the glory of the meadows; they shall disappear like ashan (smoke), they shall vanish.

²¹ The rasha borroweth, and repayeth not; but the tzaddik showeth chonen (generosity), and giveth.

²² For such as be blessed of Him shall inherit Eretz; and they that be cursed of Him shall be cut off.

²³ The steps of a gever (man) konanu (are ordered, made firm) by Hashem and He delighteth in his derech.

²⁴ Though he stumble, he shall not utterly fall; for Hashem upholdeth him with His yad (hand, power).

²⁵ I have been na’ar (young), and now am old; yet I have not seen the tzaddik forsaken, nor his zera begging lechem.

²⁶ He is ever chonen (generous, merciful; see verse 21), and lendeth; and his zera is blessed.

²⁷ Depart from rah, and do tov; and dwell l’olahm (for evermore).

²⁸ For Hashem loveth mishpat, and forsaketh not His chasidim; they are preserved l’olahm; but the zera resha’im shall be cut off.

²⁹ The tzaddikim shall inherit Eretz, and dwell therein forever.

³⁰ The mouth of the tzaddik speaketh chochmah, and his leshon uttereth mishpat.

³¹ The torat Elohav is in his lev; no steps of his shall slip.

³² The rashah lieth in wait to ambush the tzaddik, and seeketh to slay him.

³³ Hashem will not leave him in his yad (hand, power), nor condemn him b’hishshafto (when he is judged, brought to trial).

³⁴ Wait on Hashem, and be shomer over His Derech, and He shall exalt thee to inherit Eretz; when the resha’im are cut off, thou shalt see it.

³⁵ I have seen the violently powerful rashah, spreading himself like an indigenous green tree.

³⁶ Yet he passed away, and, hinei, he was no more; yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.

³⁷ Mark the blameless man, and observe the yashar (upright); for the end of that ish is shalom.

³⁸ But the poshe’im (rebels, transgressors) shall be made shmad together; the latter end [i.e., future] of the resha’im shall be cut off.

³⁹ But the Teshu’at Tzaddikim is of Hashem; He is their ma’oz (stronghold, refuge) in the time of tzoros.

⁴⁰ And Hashem helps them, and delivers them; He shall deliver them from the resha’im, and save them, because they take refuge in Him.

38 (Mizmor Dovid. For the memorial portion of the mincha) Hashem, rebuke me not in Thy wrath; neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure.

^2 (3) For Thine khitzim (arrows) pierce me, and Thy Yad presseth upon me.

^3 (4) There is no health in my basar because of Thine anger; neither is there any shalom in my atzmot because of my chattat.

^4 (5) For mine avonot (iniquities) are gone over mine head; as a weighty massa (burden) they are too heavy for me.

^5 (6) My chaburot (wounds) are foul and festering because of my wicked folly.

^6 (7) I am bent down; I am brought low ad me’od; I go about mourning all day long.

^7 (8) For my loins are filled with burning; and there is no health in my basar.

^8 (9) I am feeble and broken ad me’od; I have groaned by reason of the disquietness of my lev.

^9 (10) Adonoi, all my ta’avah (desire, longing) is before Thee; and my groaning is not hid from Thee.

^10 (11) My lev panteth, my ko’ach faileth me; as for the ohr of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

^11 (12) My loved ones and my re’a stand aloof from my nega [see Isa 53:8 on Moshiach’s nega]; and my neighbors stand afar off.

^12 (13) They also that seek after my nefesh lay snares for me; and they that seek my hurt speak of ruin, and plot mirmot (deceptions, deceits) all the day long.

^13 (14) But I, like a cheresh (deaf man), heard not; and I was like a mute that openeth not his mouth.

^14 (15) Thus I was like an ish that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no tokhachot (reproofs).

^15 (16) For I wait for Thee, Hashem; Thou wilt hear, Adonoi Elohai.

^16 (17) For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should gloat over me; when my regel slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

^17 (18) For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is before me tamid.

^18 (19) For I will declare mine avon; I will be in anguish over my chattat.

^19 (20) But mine oveyim are chayyim (vigorous), and they are strong; and they that hate me sheker (wrongfully) are multiplied.

^20 (21) They also that repay ra’ah for tovah are mine adversaries; because I pursue the thing that is tov.

^21 (22) Forsake me not, Hashem Elohai; be not far from me.

^22 (23) Make haste to help me, Adonoi Teshuati (L-rd of my salvation).

39 (For the one directing, even to Yedutun. Mizmor Dovid). I said, I will be shomer over my ways, that I sin not with my leshon; I will be shomer over my mouth with a muzzle, while the rashah is before me.

^2 (3) I was dumb with silence, I held my peace for the sake of tov; and my distress grew severe.

^3 (4) My lev became hot within me; while I was musing the eish burned; then I spoke with my leshon,

^4 (5) Hashem, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my yamim, what it is; that I may have da’as of how chadel (fleeting, frail) I am.

^5 (6) Hinei, Thou hast made my yamim as a handbreadth, and mine lifespan is as nothing before Thee; verily kol adam stand as kol hevel (altogether vanity). Selah.

^6 (7) Surely every ish walketh in a tzel (shadow); surely they are in turmoil in vain; he heapeth up riches, and hath no da’as of who shall gather them.

^7 (8) And now, Adonoi, what do I wait for? My hope is in Thee.

^8 (9) Save me from all my peysha’im; make me not the reproach of the foolish.

^9 (10) I was silent, I opened not my mouth; because Atah (Thou) did it.

^10 (11) Remove Thy nega (stroke, scourge) away from me; I am consumed by the blow of Thine yad.

^11 (12) When Thou with rebukes dost correct man for avon (iniquity), Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely kol adam are hevel (vanity). Selah.

^12 (13) Hear my tefillah, Hashem, and give ear unto my cry; hold not Thy peace at my weeping; for I am a ger with Thee, and a sojourner, as were all my Avot.

^13 (14) O spare me from Thy frown, that I may recover strength, before I depart, v’eineni (and I be no more). [T.N. Animal sacrifices cannot take away sin; they are only a shadow of the korban nefesh of Moshiach. See Ps 40 and MJ chp 10; Isa 53:10.]

40 (40:2)(For the one directing, Of Dovid. Mizmor) I waited patiently for Hashem; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

^2 (3) Hashem brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

^3 (4) And He hath put a shir chadash in my mouth, even tehillah (hymn of praise) unto Eloheinu; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Hashem.

^4 (5) Ashrei is that man that maketh Hashem his trust, and looketh not to the proud ones, nor such as turn aside to lies (false g-ds).

^5 (6) Many, O Hashem Elohai, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward; they cannot be recounted unto Thee; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

^6 (7) Zevach and minchah Thou didst not desire; mine ears hast Thou pierced [cf Psa 22:17]; olah (burnt offering) and chata’ah (sin offering) hast Thou not required.

^7 (8) Then said I, Hinei, I come; in the megillat sefer it is written of me [cf MJ 10:5-7],

^8 (9) I delight to do Thy will, O Elohai; yea, Thy torah is within my heart.

^9 (10) I have preached tzedek in the kahal rav (great congregation); hinei, I have not restrained my lips, O Hashem, Thou knowest.

^10 (11) I have not hid thy tzedek within my lev; I have declared Thy emunah (faithfulness) and Thy teshuah (salvation); I have not concealed Thy chesed and Thy emes from the kahal rav.

^11 (12) Withhold not Thou thy rachamim from me, O Hashem; let Thy chesed and Thy emes continually preserve me.

^12 (13) For innumerable evils have compassed me about; mine avonot (iniquities) have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head; therefore my lev faileth me.

^13 (14) Be pleased, O Hashem, to deliver me; O Hashem, make haste to help me.

^14 (15) Let them be ashamed and mutually confounded that seek after my nefesh to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

^15 (16) Let them be appalled because of their boshet (shame) that say unto me, Aha, aha.

^16 (17) Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; let such as love Thy teshuah say continually, Hashem be magnified.

^17 (18) But I am poor and needy; yet Adonoi thinketh upon me; Thou art my ezer and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O Elohai.

41 (For the one directing, Mizmor of Dovid).

^2 (1) Blessed is he that considereth the helpless; Hashem will deliver him in time of ra’ah (evil, trouble).

^3 (2) Hashem will be shomer over him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed in ha’aretz; and Thou wilt not surrender him unto the desire of his enemies.

^4 (3) Hashem will support him upon the sickbed; in his illness, all his bedridden languishing Thou wilt change (i.e., toward recovery).

^5 (4) I said, Hashem, channeni (be gracious unto me); heal my nefesh; for I have sinned against Thee.

^6 (5) Mine enemies speak rah (evil) of me: When will he die, and shmo (his name) perish?

^7 (6) And if one cometh to see me, he speaketh falsely; his lev gathereth wickedness to itself; when he goeth lachutz (outside, around) he telleth it.

^8 (7) All that hate me whisper together against me; against me do they devise my hurt.

^9 (8) A thing of beliya’al (a wicked fate, i.e., a terminal illness), say they, cleaveth fast unto him, that when he lieth he shall rise up no more.

^10 (9) Yea, mine own ish shalom (familiar friend, close friend), in whom I trusted, which did eat of my lechem, hath lifted up his heel (i.e., deceitfully showed enmity) against me [see Yn 13:18].

^11 (10) But Thou, O Hashem, channeni (be gracious, merciful unto me), and raise me up, that I may repay them.

^12 (11) By this I know that Thou favorest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

^13 (12) And as for me, Thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before Thy face l’olam (forever).

^14 (13) Baruch Hashem Elohei Yisroel m’haolam v’ad haolam. Omein and Omein.

42 (For the one directing, Maskil, for the Bnei Korah). As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my nefesh after Thee, O Elohim.

^2 (3) My nefesh thirsteth for Elohim, for El Chai. When shall I come and appear before Elohim [in the Beis Hamikdash]?

^3 (4) My tears have been my lechem yomam valailah, while they continually say unto me, Where is Eloheicha?

^4 (5) When I remember these things, I pour out my nefesh within me; for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the Beis Elohim with the voice of rinnah and todah, with the multitude keeping Chag (holy day, pilgrim feast).

^5 (6) Why art thou cast down, O my nefesh? And why groanest thou (i.e., murmuring in discouragement) within me? Hope thou in (i.e., wait for) Elohim; for I shall yet give Him thanks, for He is the yeshuah (salvation) of my countenance and Elohai.

^6 (7) My nefesh is cast down within me; therefore will I remember Thee from Eretz Yarden, and from Chermon’s peaks, from Har Mitzar [mountain near Mt Chermon].

^7 (8) Tehom el Tehom ([oceanic] deep unto [oceanic] deep) calleth at the noise of Thy waterfalls; all Thy breakers and Thy billows are passed over me.

^8 (9) Yet Hashem will command His chesed by day, and in the night His shir (song) shall be with me, my tefillah (prayer) unto the El Chayyai (G-d of my life).

^9 (10) I will say unto El Sali (G-d my Rock), Why hast Thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the oyev (enemy)? [Mt 27:46]

^10 (11) As with the crushing of my atzamot (bones), mine tzorer (vexers, harassers) reproach me; while they say all day long unto me, Where is Eloheicha?

^11 (12) Why art thou cast down, O my nefesh? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in (wait for) Elohim; for I shall yet give Him thanks, for He is the yeshuah (salvation) of my countenance and Elohai.

43 Vindicate me, O Elohim, and plead my cause against a nation lo chasid; O deliver me from the ish mirmah v’avlah (deceitful and unjust man).

² For Thou art the Elohei Ma’oz of me. Why dost Thou cast me off? Why must I go mourning because of the oppression of the oyev?

³ O send out Thy Ohr and Thy Emes; let them guide me; let them bring me unto Thy Har Kodesh, and to Thy Mishkan.

⁴ Then will I go unto the Mizbe’ach of Elohim, unto El my exceeding joy; yea, upon the kinnor will I praise Thee, O Elohim Elohai.

⁵ Why art thou cast down, O my nefesh? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in Elohim; for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the Yeshu’ot of my countenance, and Elohai.

44 (For the one directing. Of the Bnei Korach. A maskil). We have heard with our oznayim, O Elohim, Avoteinu have told us, what po’al (work) Thou hast wrought in their days, in the times of old.

^2 (3) How Thou didst drive out the Goyim with Thy Yad, but plantedst them; how Thou didst afflict the people, but for them Thou madest room.

^3 (4) For they got not eretz in possession by their own cherev, neither did their own zero’a save them, but Thy Yamin (Right Hand), and Thine Zero’a, and the ohr (light) of Thy countenance, because Thou favored them.

^4 (5) Thou art my Melech, O Elohim; command yeshu’ot (deliverances) for Ya’akov.

^5 (6) Through Thee will we push down our enemies; through Thy Shem will we trample them under that rise up against us.

^6 (7) For I will not trust in my keshet (bow), neither shall my cherev save me.

^7 (8) But Thou hast saved us from tzareinu (our enemies), and hast put them to shame that hated us.

^8 (9) In Elohim we boast kol hayom, and praise Thy Shem l’olam (forever). Selah.

^9 (10) But Thou hast cast off, and disgraced us; and goest not forth with tzivoteinu (our armies).

^10 (11) Thou makest us to turn back from before the tzar (enemy); and they which hate us have taken plunder for themselves.

^11 (12) Thou hast given us up like tzon appointed for food; and hast scattered us among the Goyim.

^12 (13) Thou sellest Amecha (Thy People) for a mere nothing, and art not enriched by their price.

^13 (14) Thou makest us a cherpah (reproach) to our shchenim (neighbors), a scorn and a derision to them that are all around us.

^14 (15) Thou makest us a mashal (byword) among the Goyim, a shaking of the rosh among the peoples.

^15 (16) Kol hayom my dishonor is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

^16 (17) At the voice of him that reproacheth and revileth; by reason of the oyev (enemy) and avenger.

^17 (18) All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten Thee, neither have we dealt falsely in Thy Brit.

^18 (19) Libenu (our heart) is not turned back, neither have our steps departed from Thy way;

^19 (20) Though Thou hast crushed us in the makom (place, home, haunt) of jackals, and covered us with the tzalmavet (shadow of death).

^20 (21) If we have forgotten the Shem of Eloheinu, or stretched out our palms [in worship] to an el zar (foreign g-d);

^21 (22) Shall not Elohim search this out? For He knoweth the secrets of the lev.

^22 (23) Yes, for Thy sake are we killed kol hayom; we are counted as tzon (sheep) for the tivchah (slaughter).

^23 (24) Awake. Why sleepest Thou, Adonoi? Arise, cast us not off lanetzach (forever).

^24 (25) Why hidest Thou Thy face, and forgettest our oni (misery, affliction) and our oppression?

^25 (26) For our nefesh is bowed down to the aphar (dust); our beten (belly, body) has deveykus with the dirt.

^26 (27) Arise for our help, and redeem us for the sake of Thy chesed.

45 (For the one directing upon Shoshannim, for the Bnei Korach. A Maskil. Shir yedidot, i.e., a love song). My lev is stirred with davar tov; I speak my verses to HaMelech; my leshon (tongue) is the et (pen, stylus) of a sofer mahir (ready scribe, skillful writer).

^2 (3) Thou art fairer than Bnei Adam; chen (grace, favor) is poured upon Thy sfatayim (lips); therefore Elohim hath blessed Thee l’olam. [T.N. The coming Messianic King is called Elohim [Ps 45:6(7)] just as this coming personage is called El Gibbor in Isa 9:5; see MJ 1:8; The Targumist renders Psa 45:2(3) as a reference to Moshiach.]

^3 (4) Gird Thy cherev upon Thy side, O Gibbor [See Isaiah 9:5(6)], with Thy hod (glory, splendor) and Thy hadar (majesty).

^4 (5) And in Thy hadar (majesty) ride forth victoriously for the sake of emes and anavah and tzedek; and Thy Yamin (Right Hand) shall guide Thee to nora’ot (things of awe).

^5 (6) Thine khitzim (arrows) are sharp in the lev oyvei HaMelech (in the heart of the King’s enemies); the Amim (nations) fall under Thee.

^6 (7) Thy kisse (throne), O Elohim, is olam va’ed; the shevet (sceptre) of Thy Malchut is a shevet of uprightness.

^7 (8) Thou lovest tzedek, and hatest resha; therefore Elohim, Eloheicha, hath anointed Thee with shemen sasson (the oil of gladness) above Thy chaverim.

^8 (9) All Thy robes smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; out of the ivory heikhalim stringed instruments have made Thee glad.

^9 (10) Banot Melachim were among Thy ladies of honor; upon Thy Yamin (Right Hand) is stationed the Shegal (Queen consort, spouse of the reigning monarch) in golden jewelry of Ophir.

^10 (11) Pay heed, O Bat (daughter), and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy Bais Avi;

^11 (12) Then shall HaMelech be enthralled with thy beauty; since He is thy Adon, hishtachavi lo (bow to Him).

^12 (13) And the Bat Tzor (Tyre) shall be there with a minchah (gift); even the ashirim (rich ones) among the people shall entreat thy favor.

^13 (14) The Bat Melech is all glorious within; her clothing is zahav embroidered.

^14 (15) She shall be brought unto HaMelech in woven apparel; the betulot (virgins), her companions that follow her, shall be brought unto Thee.

^15 (16) With simchah and gladness shall they be led forth; they shall enter into the Heikhal Melech.

^16 (17) Instead of thy avot shall be thy sons, whom thou mayest make sarim (princes) in kol ha’aretz.

^17 (18) I will make Thy Shem to be remembered kol dor vador; therefore shall the Amim (nations) praise Thee l’olam va’ed.

46 (For the one directing. Of the Bnei Korach. Al- alamot [after the manner of virgins, i.e., in the treble]. Shir.) Elohim is our refuge and strength, a very present help in tzoros.

^2 (3) Therefore we will not fear, though eretz be shaken, and though the harim (mountains) fall into the lev yamim (heart of the seas);

^3 (4) Though the mayim thereof roar and be troubled, though the harim shake with the surging thereof. Selah.

^4 (5) There is a nahar (river), the streams whereof shall make glad the Ir Elohim, the Kedosh Mishkenei Elyon (the holy dwelling of the Most High).

^5 (6) Elohim is in the midst of it [i.e., the Ir Elohim}; it shall not be moved; Elohim shall help it at early boker.

^6 (7) The Goyim raged, the kingdoms totter; He uttered His voice, eretz melted.

^7 (8) Hashem Tzva’os is with us; Elohei Ya’akov is our stronghold. Selah.

^8 (9) Come, behold the works of Hashem, what desolations He hath made in ha’aretz.

^9 (10) He maketh milchamot to cease unto the end of ha’aretz; He breaketh the keshet (bow), and cutteth the khanit (spear); He burneth the chariots in the eish.

^10 (11) Be still, and know that I am Elohim: I will be exalted among the Goyim, I will be exalted in ha’aretz.

^11 (12) Hashem Tzva’os is with us; Elohei Ya’akov is our stronghold. Selah.

47 (For the one directing. Of the Bnei Korach. A Mizmor.) O clap your hands, all ye nations; shout unto Elohim with the voice of joy.

^2 (3) For Hashem Elyon is awesome; He is Melech Gadol over kol ha’aretz.

^3 (4) He shall subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our raglayim.

^4 (5) He shall choose nachalateinu for us, the ga’on Ya’akov (pride, glory of Jacob) whom He loves. Selah.

^5 (6) Elohim is ascended with a shout of joy, Hashem with the sound of a shofar.

^6 (7) Sing praises to Elohim, sing praises; sing praises unto Malkeinu, sing praises.

^7 (8) For Melech kol ha’aretz is He; sing ye praises with understanding.

^8 (9) Elohim reigneth over the Goyim; Elohim sitteth upon the Kisse Kadsho.

^9 (10) The princes of the nations are gathered together, even the Am Elohei Avraham; for the moginei Eretz (shields of the Earth) belong unto Elohim; He is greatly exalted.

48 (Shir. Mizmor. Of the Bnei Korach.) Gadol is Hashem, and greatly to be praised in the Ir Eloheinu, in His Har Kodesh.

^2 (3) Yafeh in its loftiness, the joy of kol ha’aretz, is Mt Tziyon, on the sides of the north, the City of Melech Rav.

^3 (4) Elohim is in her citadels, known as her fortress.

^4 (5) For, hinei, the melachim were assembled, they advanced together.

^5 (6) They saw, and ken (thus) they marvelled; they were troubled, and fled.

^6 (7) Trembling took hold upon them sham (there), and pain, as of a woman in labor.

^7 (8) Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

^8 (9) As we have heard, so have we seen in the Ir Hashem Tzvaos, in the Ir Eloheinu; Elohim will establish it ad olam. Selah.

^9 (10) We meditate on Thy chesed, O Elohim, in the midst of Thy Heikhal.

^10 (11) According to Thy Shem, O Elohim, so is Thy tehillah unto the ends of ha’aretz; Thy right hand is full of tzedek.

^11 (12) Let Mt Tziyon rejoice, let the Banot Yehudah (Daughters of Judah) be glad, because of Thy mishpatim.

^12 (13) Walk about Tziyon, and go around her; count the towers thereof.

^13 (14) Mark ye well her ramparts, consider her citadels; that ye may tell it to the dor acharon.

^14 (15) For this Elohim is Eloheinu olam vaed; He will be our guide even unto death. [T.N. Notice v.8(9)-9(10) in Psa 49, which tells why Moshiach can not be a mere man, in which case he could not redeem another, or be Hashem’s Isa 53 redemption lamb or the Isa 53 sa’ir l’azazel kapporah.]

49 (For the one directing. A Mizmor for the Bnei Korach). Hear this, kol HaAmim; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the cheled (world, duration):

^2 (3) Bnei Adam and bnei ish, ashir (rich) and evyon (poor) alike,

^3 (4) My mouth shall speak chochmot; and the meditation of my lev tevunot (understanding).

^4 (5) I will incline mine ear to a mashal; I will disclose my dark saying upon the kinnor (harp).

^5 (6) Why should I fear in the days of rah, when the avon (iniquity) of my akev (supplanters, deceivers) surrounds me?

^6 (7) They that trust in their chayil (wealth), and boast themselves in the rov of their oshir (riches);

^7 (8) A brother cannot by any means redeem ish (man), nor give to Elohim a kofer (ransom) for him—

^8 (9) For the pidyon [ransom] of their nefesh is costly, and is forever beyond their power to pay—

^9 (10) That he should live on lanetzach, and not see shachat (corruption, decay, the pit [cf Psa16:10]).

^10 (11) For he seeth that chachamim die, likewise the kesil (foolish) and the ba’ar (brutish, senseless person, dolt) perish, and leave their chayil (wealth) to others.

^11 (12) Their inward thought is, that their batim (houses) shall continue l’olam and their mishkenot (dwelling places) l’odor vador; though they call their lands by their shmot (names).

^12 (13) Nevertheless adam in his pomp endureth not; he is like the behemot (beasts) that perish.

^13 (14) This is their derech, kesel (folly, imprudent confidence) is theirs; and the fate after them of those who approve their words.

^14 (15) Like tzon they are destined for She’ol; mavet shall pasture them; and the yesharim (upright ones) shall have dominion over them in the boker; and their tzir (form) shall waste away to Sheol, so there is no dwelling place for it.

^15 (16) But Elohim will redeem my nefesh from the yad (hand, power) of Sheol; for He shall receive me. Selah.

^16 (17) Be not thou afraid when one is made an ish oishir, when the kavod of his bais is increased;

^17 (18) For in his mot (death), he shall carry nothing away; his kavod (glory, wealth) shall not descend after him.

^18 (19) Though his nefesh during his life yevarech (he blessed)—for they praise thee when thou doest well for thyself—

^19 (20) He shall go to the dor (generation) of his avot; they shall never see ohr (light).

^20 (21) Adam that is in his pomp, and understandeth not, is like the behemot (beasts) that perish.

50 (Mizmor of Asaph) El Elohim, even Hashem, hath spoken, and called Eretz from the mizrach shemesh (rising of sun) unto the going down thereof.

² Out of Tziyon, the perfection of yofi, Elohim shineth forth.

³ Eloheinu shall come, and shall not keep silent; an eish shall devour before Him, and it shall be tempestuous me’od round about Him.

⁴ He shall summon Shomayim from above, and ha’aretz, that He may judge His people.

⁵ Gather My chasidim together unto Me; those that have cut a Brit (covenant) with Me by zevach (blood sacrifice, T.N. cf Gn 4:5 on the true Jewish religion).

⁶ And Shomayim shall declare His tzedek; for Elohim Shofet hu. Selah.

⁷ Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Yisroel, and I will testify against thee; I am Elohim, even Eloheicha.

⁸ I will not reprove thee for thy zevakhim. And thy olot are before Me tamid.

⁹ I will accept no par (bull) from thy bais, nor he-goats out of thy folds.

¹⁰ For every beast of the ya’ar (forest) is Mine, and the behemot upon a thousand hills.

¹¹ I know kol oph (every bird) of the harim; and the animals of the wild are Mine.

¹² If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the tevel is Mine, and the fulness thereof.

¹³ Will I eat the basar of bulls, or drink the dahm of goats?

¹⁴ Sacrifice unto Elohim todah; and pay thy nedarim (vows, pledges) unto Elyon;

¹⁵ And call upon Me in the Yom Tzarah; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

¹⁶ But unto the rasha, Elohim saith, What right hast thou to declare My chukkot, or that thou shouldest take My Brit in thy mouth?

¹⁷ Seeing thou hatest musar (correction), and casteth My devarim behind thee.

¹⁸ When thou sawest a ganav (thief), then thou consentedst with him, and hast taken thy chelek (lot) with mena’afim (adulterers).

¹⁹ Thou lettest loose thy mouth to ra’ah, and thy leshon frameth mirmah (deceit).

²⁰ Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own ben immecha.

²¹ These things hast thou done, and I kept silent; thou thoughtest that I was altogether like thee; but I will reprove thee, and set the charge before thine eyes.

²² Now consider this, ye that forget Elo’ah (G-d), lest I tear you to pieces, and there be none to rescue.

²³ Whoso offereth todah glorifieth Me; and to him that ordereth his derech aright will I show the Salvation of Elohim.

51 (For the one directing. Mizmor Dovid. When Natan HaNavi confronted him after he went into Bat- Sheva—2Sm. 11:2) Have mercy upon me, O Elohim, according to Thy chesed; according unto the multitude of Thy rachamim blot out my peysha’im (transgressions, rebellions).

^2 (4) Wash me thoroughly from mine avon (iniquity), and cleanse me from my chattat (sin).

^3 (5) For I acknowledge my peysha’im (transgressions, rebellions); and my chattat (sin) is ever before me.

^4 (6) Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done the rah in Thy sight; that Thou mightest be found just when Thou speakest, and be blameless when Thou judgest.

^5 (7) Surely, I was brought forth in avon; and in chet did immi conceive me [i.e., I was a sinner from conception].

^6 (8) Surely Thou desirest emes in the inward parts; and in the inmost place Thou shalt make me to know chochmah.

^7 (9) Purge me with ezov (hyssop), and I shall be tahor; wash me, and I shall be whiter than sheleg (snow).

^8 (10) Make me to hear sasson and simchah; that the atzmot which Thou hast broken may rejoice.

^9 (11) Hide Thy face from my chatta’im, and blot out all mine avonot.

^10 (12) Create in me a lev tahor, O Elohim; and renew a ruach nekhon (steadfast spirit [i.e., regeneration Ezek 36:26; Yn 3:3,6]) within me.

^11 (13) Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Ruach Hakodesh from me.

^12 (14) Restore unto me the sasson of Thy salvation; and uphold me with a ruach nedivah (a willing spirit; see Jer 31:31-34).

^13 (15) Then will I teach poshe’im (transgressors) Thy drakhim; and chatta’im (sinners) shall be converted [have a spiritual turnaround; see Isa 6:10] unto Thee.

^14 (16) Save me from damim (bloodguiltiness), O Elohim, Thou Elohei Teshuati; and my leshon shall sing aloud of Thy tzedakah.

^15 (17) Adonoi, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Thy tehillah (praise).

^16 (18) For Thou desirest not zevach (sacrifice); else would I give it; Thou delightest not in olah (burnt offering).

^17 (19) The zivkhei Elohim are a ruach nishbarah (broken spirit); a broken and contrite lev, O Elohim, Thou wilt not despise.

^18 (20) Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Tziyon; build Thou the chomot Yerushalayim.

^19 (21) Then shalt Thou be pleased with zivkhei tzedek (true sacrifices, sacrifices of righteousness), with olah (burnt offering) and whole burnt offering; then shall they offer parim (bulls) upon Thine Mizbe’ach. [T.N. This Psalm, Ps 51, teaches the doctrine of Chet Kadmon from which comes the seminal corrupting human condition necessitating hitkhadshut for all fallen Bnei Adam]

52 (For the one directing. A maskil of Dovid. When Doeg HaAdomi [the Edomite] went to Sha’ul and said to him, Dovid has gone to Bais Achimelech). Why boastest thou thyself in ra’ah, O gibbor? The chesed El is kol hayom.

^2 (4) The leshon (tongue) deviseth treachery; like a sharp ta’ar (razor), working remiyyah (deceit).

^3 (5) Thou lovest rah more than tov; and sheker rather than to speak tzedek. Selah.

^4 (6) Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou leshon mirmah (deceitful tongue).

^5 (7) El shall likewise demolish thee for netzach (eternity), He shall break thee, and pluck thee out of thy ohel, and uproot thee out of the Eretz Chayyim. Selah.

^6 (8) The tzaddikim also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:

^7 (9) Hinei, this is the gever (man) that made not Elohim his ma’oz; but trusted in the abundance of his osher (riches), and strengthened himself in his treachery.

^8 (10) But I am like a green zayit (olive tree) in the Beis Elohim; I trust in the chesed Elohim olam va’ed.

^9 (11) I will give Thee thanks l’olam, because Thou hast done it; and I will wait on Shimecha; for it is tov before Thy chasidim.

53 (For the one directing. According to ma’alot. Maskil of Dovid). The naval (fool) hath said in his lev, Ein Elohim (There is no G-d). Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none that doeth tov.

^2 (3) Elohim looked down from Shomayim upon Bnei Adam, to see if there were any of seichel, that did seek Elohim.

^3 (4) Every one of them has fallen away; they are altogether perverse; there is none that doeth tov, no, not echad (one).

^4 (5) Have the workers of iniquity no da’as? Who eat up My people as they eat lechem; they have not called upon Elohim.

^5 (6) There were they in great pachad (fear), pachad such as never was; for Elohim hath scattered the atzmot of him that encampeth against thee; thou [Yisroel] hast put them to shame, because Elohim hath rejected them.

^6 (7) Oh that the Yeshuat Yisroel would come out of Tziyon! When Elohim bringeth back the captivity of Amo (His people), Ya’akov shall rejoice, and Yisroel shall be glad.

54 (For the director. With stringed instruments. A maskil. For Dovid, when the Ziphim came and said to Sha’ul, Dovid is in hiding among us.) Hoshieini (save me), O Elohim, by Shimecha, and vindicate me by Thy gevurah (might, power).

^2 (4) Hear my tefillah, O Elohim; give ear to the words of my mouth.

^3 (5) For zarim (strangers) are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my nefesh; they have not set Elohim before them. Selah.

^4 (6) Hinei, Elohim is mine Ozer (helper); Adonoi is with them that uphold my nefesh.

^5 (7) He shall recompense the rah (evil) unto mine enemies; in Thy emes cut them off.

^6 (8) I will sacrifice a nedavah (freewill offering) unto Thee; I will praise Shimecha, Hashem; for it is tov (good).

^7 (9) For He hath delivered me out of all my tzoros; and mine eye hath looked in triumph upon mine oyevim (enemies.)

55 (For the one directing. With Neginos. Maskil of Dovid) Give ear to my tefillah, O Elohim; and veil not Thyself from my techinnah (supplication).

^2 (3) Attend unto me, and hear me; I wander restlessly in my si’ach (anxiety), and aloud I groan;

^3 (4) Because of the voice of the oyev (enemy), because of the oppression of the rasha (evildoer); for they cast aven (iniquity) upon me, and in af (wrath, anger) cherish their malice against me.

^4 (5) My lev writhes within me; and the terrors of mavet are fallen upon me.

^5 (6) Yirah va’ra’ad (fear and trembling) are come upon me, and pallatzut (horror, shuddering) overwhelmed me.

^6 (7) And I said, Oh that I had wings like a yonah! For then would I fly away and be at rest.

^7 (8) Hinei, then would I flee far off and lodge in the midbar. Selah.

^8 (9) I would hasten to my place of shelter from the ruach so’ah (wind of the tempest) and storm.

^9 (10) Destroy, Adonoi, and confuse their leshon; for I see chamas (violence) and riv (strife) in the Ir (city, i.e., Jerusalem).

^10 (11) Yomam and lailah they go about her [Yerushalayim] upon the chomot thereof; aven also and amal are in the midst of her [Yerushalayim].

^11 (12) Ruin is in the midst thereof; oppression and mirmah (guile, fraud, deceit) depart not from her rechov.

^12 (13) For it was not an oyev (enemy) that reproached me; then I could bear it; neither was it he that had sinah (hatred) for me that did exalt himself against me; then I could have hid myself from him;

^13 (14) But it was thou, an enosh (a man) equally [valued with myself], my aluf (intimate, friend), and me’yuda’i (deep acquaintance, familiar friend, see Psalm 41:9)

^14 (15) Together we took sweet sod (intimate conversation, fellowship, counsel), and walked unto the Beis Elohim with the throng.

^15 (16) Let mavet seize upon them, and let them go down chayyim into Sheol; for ra’ot (evils) are in their dwellings, and among them.

^16 (17) As for me, I will call upon Elohim; and Hashem shall save me.

^17 (18) Erev, and boker, and at tzohorayim (noon), will I pray, and cry aloud; and He shall hear my kol (voice).

^18 (19) He hath redeemed my nefesh in shalom from the battle that was against me; for there were rabbim against me.

^19 (20) El (G-d) shall hear, and afflict them, even He that abideth kedem (of old, forever). Selah. Because they do not change, therefore they fear not Elohim.

^20 (21) He [the faithless friend of verse 13-14] hath laid his hands on such as are at shalom with him; he hath broken his Brit.

^21 (22) The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his lev; his devarim were softer than shemen, yet they were drawn swords.

^22 (23) Cast thy burden upon Hashem, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the tzaddik to be moved.

^23 (24) But Thou, O Elohim, shalt bring them down into the pit of shachat; anshei damim umirmah (bloody and deceitful men) shall not live out half their yamim; but I will trust in Thee.

56 (For the director. Set to The Silent, Distant Yonah. Of Dovid. A mikhtam—when the Pelishtim seized him in Gat.) Chaneini (be merciful) unto me, O Elohim: for enosh (man) tramples upon me; kol hayom they press their attack against me.

^2 (3) Mine adversaries kol hayom trample me; for they be rabbim that fight against me, Marom (Most High).

^3 (4) What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.

^4 (5) In Elohim I will praise His Word [See Yn 1:1,14]. In Elohim I have put my trust; I will not fear what basar can do unto me.

^5 (6) Kol hayom they twist my words; all their machsh’vot (thoughts) are against me for rah (evil).

^6 (7) They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they are shomer over my steps, when they wait for my nefesh.

^7 (8) Shall they escape by iniquity? In Thine anger cast down the amim (peoples), O Elohim.

^8 (9) Thou hast acted as a sofer, recording my wanderings; put Thou my tears into Thy wineskin; are they not in Thy Sefer (Book)?

^9 (10) On the day when I cry unto Thee, then shall mine oyevim turn back; of this I have da’as; for Elohim is for me [Ro 8:31].

^10 (11) In Elohim will I praise His Word; in Hashem will I praise His Word [Yn 1:1; Mishlei 30:4; Ps 33:6; Mishlei 8:30].

^11 (12) In Elohim have I put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can adam do unto me?

^12 (13) Thy nederim are upon me, O Elohim; I will render todot (thank offerings) unto Thee.

^13 (14) For Thou hast delivered my nefesh from mavet (death). Wilt not Thou deliver my feet from stumblimg, that I may walk before Elohim in the Ohr HaChayyim (the light of the living)?

57 (For the one directing. Set to Do Not Destroy. Mikhtam of Dovid, when he had fled from Sha’ul into the me’arah [cave]). Channeni, O Elohim, channeni; for my nefesh taketh refuge in Thee; yes, in the tzel (shadow) of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these devastations pass by.

^2 (3) I will cry out unto Elohim Elyon; unto El that fulfilleth all things for me.

^3 (4) He shall send from Shomayim, and save me from the disgrace of him that would swallow me up. Selah. Elohim shall send forth His chesed (lovingkindness) and His emes (truth).

^4 (5) My nefesh is among lions, and I lie even among them that devour Bnei Adam, whose shinayim (teeth) are spears and khitzim (arrows), and their leshon a sharp cherev.

^5 (6) Be Thou exalted, O Elohim, above Shomayim; let Thy kavod be above kol ha’aretz.

^6 (7) They have prepared a reshet (net) for my steps; my nefesh is bowed down; they have dug a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

^7 (8) My lev is nachon (steadfast), O Elohim, my lev is nachon; I will sing and make music.

^8 (9) Awake, my kavod (glory, soul, life); awake, nevel and kinnor; I myself will awake the shachar (dawn).

^9 (10) I will give thanks unto Thee, Adonoi, among the peoples; I will sing of Thee among the peoples.

^10 (11) For Thy chesed is gadol unto Shomayim, and Thy emes unto the heights.

^11 (12) Be Thou exalted, O Elohim, above Shomayim; let Thy kavod be above kol ha’aretz (all the earth).

58 (For the one directing. Set to Do Not Destroy. Mikhtam Dovid). Do ye indeed decree tzedek, O elim (g-ds, Ex 22:28[27])? Do ye judge uprightly the Bnei Adam?

^2 (3) No, in lev (heart) ye work wickedness; ye weigh out the chamas (violence) of your hands in Ha’Aretz.

^3 (4) The resha’im are perverted from the rekhem (womb); gone astray from birth are they, speaking kazav (lie, falsehood).

^4 (5) Their venom is like the venom of a nachash; they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth its ear;

^5 (6) That it may not pay heed to the voice of charmers, casting spells ever so cunningly.

^6 (7) Break their teeth, O Elohim, in their mouth; tear out the fangs of the young lions, Hashem.

^7 (8) Let them melt away like draining mayim; when he bendeth his bow to shoot his khitzim (arrows), let them be crumbled to pieces.

^8 (9) As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away; like the stillborn child of an isha, that they may not see the shemesh.

^9 (10) Before your sirot (pots) can feel the burning thorns, may He with a whirlwind blow them away, both green and dry alike.

^10 (11) The tzaddik shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance; he shall wash feet in the dahm harasha.

^11 (12) So that adam shall say, Verily there is a reward for the tzaddik; verily yesh Elohim Shofetim ba’aretz (there is a G-d that judgeth in the earth).

59 (For the one directing. Set to Do Not Destroy. Mikhtam Dovid. When Sha’ul sent and they watched [Dovid’s] bais to kill him) Save me from mine enemies, O Elohai; protect me from them that rise up against me.

² Deliver me from the po’alei aven (workers of iniquity), and save me from anshei damim (bloody men).

³ For, hinei, they lie in wait for my nefesh; the fierce stir up strife against me; not for my peysha, nor for my chattat, Hashem.

⁴ They run and prepare themselves without my avon (wrong, fault); awake to help me, and see.

⁵ Thou therefore, Hashem Elohim Tzva’os, Elohei Yisroel, rouse Thyself to visit [in punishment] kol HaGoyim; be not merciful to any bogedei aven (wicked boged [traitor]). Selah.

⁶ They return at erev; they growl like a kelev (dog), and prowl around the Ir.

⁷ Hinei, they belch out with their mouth; charavot (swords) are in their sfatot (lips); for who, say they, doth hear?

⁸ But Thou, Hashem, shalt laugh at them; Thou shalt have all the Goyim in derision.

⁹ O my Strength, I will be shomer to watch for Thee; for Elohim is my stronghold.

¹⁰ The G-d of my chesed shall come to meet me; Elohim shall let me see [the end] of my shorer (watchers, [i.e., slandering foes insidiously fixated on me and lying in wait]).

¹¹ Slay them not, lest my people forget; scatter them by Thy power; and bring them down, Adonoi mogineinu (our Shield).

¹² For the chattat of their mouth and the davar of their sfatayim let them even be caught in their ga’on (pride); and for the cursing and lying which they speak.

¹³ Consume them in chemah (wrath), consume them, till they are no more; and let them know that Elohim ruleth in Ya’akov unto the ends of ha’aretz. Selah.

¹⁴ And at erev let them return; and let them growl like a kelev, and prowl around the Ir.

¹⁵ Let them wander up and down for okhel (food), and howl if they be not satisfied.

¹⁶ But I will sing of Thy oz; yes, I will sing aloud of Thy chesed in the boker; for Thou hast been my stronghold and refuge in the day of my tzoros.

¹⁷ Unto Thee, O my Strength, will I sing; for Elohim is my strongold, and the Elohim of my chesed.

60 (For the one directing. Set to The Shushan of the Edut. Mikhtam Dovid to instruct. When he fought Aram Naharayim and Aram Tzovah and when Yo’av returned and struck down 12,000 of Edom in the Gey Melach.) O Elohim, Thou hath rejected us, scattered us; Thou hast been angry; O restore us!

^2 (4) Thou hast made eretz to tremble; Thou hast torn it asunder, heal the fractures thereof; for it tottereth.

^3 (5) Thou hast showed Thy people kashah (hard times); Thou hast made us to drink the yayin of tarelah (bewilderment, reeling).

^4 (6) Thou hast set up a nes (banner) to them that fear Thee, that it may be unfurled on account of the truth. Selah.

^5 (7) That Thy Yedidot (beloved ones) may be saved; save with Thy Yamin (Right Hand) and hear me.

^6 (8) Elohim hath spoken in His Kodesh (Holiness); I will exult, I will parcel Shechem as chelek, and measure out the Valley of Sukkot.

^7 (9) Gil‘ad is Mine, and Menasheh is Mine; Ephrayim also is the ma’oz of Mine Rosh; Yehudah is My Mekhokek (prescriber of laws, lawgiver; see Gn 49:10; Isa 42:4 on Moshiach’s torah).

^8 (10) Moav is My washpot; over Edom will I cast My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.

^9 (11) Who will bring me to the Ir Matzon (city of fortification)? Who will bring me to Edom?

^10 (12) Wilt not Thou, O Elohim, which hadst cast us off? And Thou, O Elohim, which didst not go out with tzivoteinu (our armies)?

^11 (13) Give us help against the enemy; for vain is the teshuat adam (help, salvation of or from Man).

^12 (14) In Elohim shall we obtain the victory; for He it is that shall tread down tzareinu (our enemies, oppressors).

61 (For the one directing. With stringed instruments. Of Dovid). Hear my cry, Elohim; attend unto my tefillah.

^2 (3) From the end of ha’aretz will I call unto Thee, when my lev is overwhelmed; lead me to the Tzur that is higher than I.

^3 (4) For Thou hast been a refuge for me, and a migdal oz (tower of strength) from the enemy.

^4 (5) I will abide in Thy ohel forever; I will take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah.

^5 (6) For Thou, Elohim, hast heard my nederim; Thou hast given me the yerushat yirei Shemecha (inheritance of those that fear Thy Name).

^6 (7) Thou wilt prolong days of the Melech, and his shanot dor vador.

^7 (8) He shall abide before Elohim forever; O appoint chesed and emes, to preserve him.

^8 (9) So will I sing praise unto Shimecha forever, that I may yom yom (daily) perform my nederim.

62 (For the one directing. According to Yedutun. Mizmor of Dovid.) Truly my nefesh waiteth silently [in submission] upon Elohim; from Him cometh my Yeshuah (salvation).

^2 (3) Truly He is my Tzur and my Yeshuah (salvation); He is my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

^3 (4) How long will ye rush to attack an ish? To thrust at, all of you, as at a leaning kir (wall), and as at a tottering gader (fence).

^4 (5) Truly they consult to bring down a person of prominence; they delight in kazav (lie, falsehood, deceptive thing); they make a brocha with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

^5 (6) Truly in Elohim wait silently [in submission], my nefesh, for my tikvah (hope) is from Him.

^6 (7) Truly He is my Tzur and my Yeshuah (salvation); He is my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

^7 (8) In Elohim is my salvation and my Kavod: the Tzur of my strength, and my refuge, is in Elohim.

^8 (9) Trust in Him at all time; ye people, pour out your lev before Him; Elohim is a refuge for us. Selah.

^9 (10) Truly Bnei Adam (those of low estate) are hevel (vanity), and Bnei Ish (those who are highborn) are kazav (a lie); they go up in the balances; they are altogether lighter than hevel (vanity).

^10 (11) Trust not in oshek (oppression, extortion) and become not vain in gazel (the thing taken as plunder); if riches increase, set not your lev upon them.

^11 (12) Elohim hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that oz (strength) belongeth unto Elohim.

^12 (13) Also unto Thee, Adonoi, belongeth chesed; for Thou renderest to ish (every man) according to his ma’asim (deeds).

63 (Mizmor Dovid. When he was in the midbar Yehudah). O Elohim, Thou art Eli; early will I seek Thee; my nefesh thirsteth for Thee; my basar longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no mayim is;

^2 (3) To see Thy oz (might, power) and Thy kavod, as I have beheld Thee in the Kodesh (holy place, sanctuary).

^3 (4) Because Thy chesed is better than chayyim, my lips shall praise Thee.

^4 (5) Thus will I bless Thee while I live; I will lift up my hands b’Shimcha (in Thy Name.)

^5 (6) My nefesh shall be satisfied as with chelev (fat) and deshen (abundance); and my mouth shall praise Thee with lips of joyful singing;

^6 (7) When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the ashmurot (night watches).

^7 (8) Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the tzel (shadow) of Thy wings will I sing with joy.

^8 (9) My nefesh followeth hard after Thee; Thy Yamin (Right Hand) upholdeth me.

^9 (10) But those that seek my nefesh, to destroy it, shall go into the abysses of ha’aretz.

^10 (11) They deliver him into the power of the cherev; they shall be a portion for jackals.

^11 (12) But HaMelech shall rejoice in Elohim; every one that sweareth by Him shall glory; but the mouth of them that speak sheker shall be stopped.

64 (For the one directing. Mizmor of Dovid). Hear my voice, O Elohim, in my si’akh (complaint); preserve my life from the pachad (terror) of the oyev (enemy).

^2 (3) Hide me from the sod (secret counsel, conspiracy) of the re’im; from the rigshah (insurrection, noisy crowd, assembly) of the workers of iniquity;

^3 (4) Who whet their tongue like a cherev, and aim their khitzim (arrows), even davar mar (bitter words);

^4 (5) That they may shoot in secret at the tam (innoent); pitom (suddenly) do they shoot at him, and fear not.

^5 (6) They encourage themselves in a davar rah (an evil plan); they speak in order to set mokshim (snares, hidden traps); they say, Who shall see them?

^6 (7) Or search out their iniquities? They have accomplished a cunningly devised plot; for the mind of ish (man) and the lev (heart) are deep,

^7 (8) But Elohim shall shoot at them with a khetz (arrow); pitom (suddenly) shall their wounds be.

^8 (9) So the leshon of them will bring ruin upon them; all that see them shall shake their head.

^9 (10) And kol adam shall fear, and shall declare the po’al Elohim (work of G-d); for they shall ponder His ma’aseh.

^10 (11) The tzaddik shall be glad in Hashem, and shall take refuge in Him; and all the yishrei lev (upright of heart) shall glory.

65 (For the one directing. Mizmor Dovid. Shir). Tehillah (praise) is due Thee, O Elohim, in Tziyon; And unto Thee shall the neder (vow) be performed.

^2 (3) O Thou that hearest tefillah (prayer), unto Thee shall kol basar come.

^3 (4) Divrei avonot (instances of iniquity) overwhelm me; as for peysha’einu (our transgressions), Thou hast made kapporah for them.

^4 (5) Ashrei is the one whom Thou choosest, and causest to come near unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy khatzerot; we shall be satisfied with the tov of Thy Beis, even of Thy Heikhal Kodesh.

^5 (6) By nora’ot (awesome deeds, awe-inspiring things) of tzedek (justice) wilt Thou answer us, O Elohei Yish’einu (G-d of our salvation); Who art the hope of all the ends of eretz, and of them that are on the farthest seas;

^6 (7) Which by His ko’ach established the harim (mountains), being girded with gevurah;

^7 (8) Which stilleth the roar of the seas, the roar of their waves, and the tumult of the Amim (peoples, nations).

^8 (9) They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at Thy otot (signs); Thou makest the outgoing exits of boker and erev to resound with joy.

^9 (10) Thou visitest ha’aretz, and waterest it; Thou greatly enrichest it with the peleg Elohim (fountain of G-d), which is full of mayim; Thou preparest them dagan (grain), for so Thou didst prepare it.

^10 (11) Thou waterest the furrows thereof abundantly; Thou settlest the ridges thereof; Thou makest it soft with showers; Thou blessest the tzemach (sprout, branch, see Zech 6:12) thereof.

^11 (12) Thou crownest shnat tovatecha (the year with Thy goodness, bounty); and Thy paths drip with plenty.

^12 (13) They drip upon the pastures of the midbar; and the hills are enrobed with gladness.

^13 (14) The meadows are clothed with tzon; the amakim (valleys) also are covered over with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing.

66 (For the one directing. Shir. Mizmor.) Make a joyful shout unto Elohim, kol HaAretz;

² Sing forth the kavod Shmo; make kavod (glorious) His tehillah (praise).

³ Say unto Elohim, How norah (awesome) art Thou in Thy ma’asim (works)! Through the greatness of Thy oz (might) shall Thine oyevim cower before Thee.

⁴ Kol ha’aretz shall prostrate before Thee, and shall sing unto Thee; they shall sing praise to Shimecha. Selah.

⁵ Come and see the works of Elohim; He is norah (awesome) in deed toward Bnei Adam.

⁶ He turned the yam into yabashah (dry land; see Gn 1:10); they passed through the nahar on regel; there did we rejoice in Him.

⁷ He ruleth by His gevurah (power) olam (forever); His eyes are a watchman’s eyes over the Goyim; let not the sorerim (rebellious ones) exalt themselves. Selah.

⁸ Barchu Eloheinu, Amim, and make the kol (sound) of His tehillah (praise) to be heard.

⁹ He is the One who set nafsheinu in chayyim and does not permit ragleinu (our foot) to slip.

¹⁰ For Thou, Elohim, hath tested us and hast proved us; Thou hast put us in the crucible’s refining and refined us as kesef.

¹¹ Thou broughtest us into the metzudah (prison); Thou laidst a mu’akah (burden) upon our loins.

¹² Thou hast caused enosh (mankind) to ride over rosheinu (our head); we went through eish and through mayim; but Thou broughtest us out into plenty.

¹³ I will come into Thy Beis [HaMikdash] with olot; I will fulfill for Thee my nedarim,

¹⁴ Which my sfatayim have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in tzoros.

¹⁵ I will offer unto Thee olot mekhim (burnt offerings of fat animals), with the ketoret (incense, offering) of rams; I will offer bakar with goats. Selah.

¹⁶ Come and hear, Kol Yirei Elohim, and I will declare what He hath done for my nefesh.

¹⁷ I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my leshon.

¹⁸ If I regard avon (iniquity, sin) in my lev, Adonoi will not hear me;

¹⁹ But surely Elohim hath heard me; He hath attended to the kol tefillati (voice of my prayer).

²⁰ Baruch Elohim, Who hath not turned away my tefillah, nor His chesed from me.

67 (For the one directing. On Neginot. With stringed instruments. Mizmor. Shir.) Elohim be channun (gracious) unto us, and put a brocha upon us; and may He make His face to shine upon us. Selah.

^2 (3) That Thy Derech may be known upon HaAretz, Thy Yeshuah (salvation) among kol Goyim.

^3 (4) Let the Amim praise Thee, O Elohim; let kol Amim praise Thee.

^4 (5) O let the peoples be glad and sing for joy, for Thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the peoples upon HaAretz. Selah.

^5 (6) Let the people praise Thee, O Elohim; let kol Amim praise Thee.

^6 (7) Then shall eretz yield her yevul (increase, produce, harvest); and Elohim, even Eloheinu, shall put a brocha upon us.

^7 (8) Elohim shall bless us; and kol afsei aretz (all the ends of the earth) shall fear Him.

68 (For the one directing. Of Dovid. Mizmor. Shir.) Let Elohim arise, let His oyevim be scattered; let them also that hate Him flee before Him.

^2 (3) As ashan (smoke) is blown away, so drive them away; as wax melteth before the eish, so let the resha’im perish at the presence of Elohim.

^3 (4) But let the tzaddikim have simchah; let them rejoice before Elohim; and, let them rejoice with simchah.

^4 (5) Sing unto Elohim, sing praises to Shmo; extol Him that rideth on the clouds by Shmo Hashem, and rejoice before Him.

^5 (6) Avi yetomim (father of orphans), and a dayan (judge) of almanot (widows), is Elohim in His Ma’on Kodesh.

^6 (7) Elohim setteth the yechidim (alone ones) in a family; He bringeth out those which are asirim (prisoners, those bound with chains); but the sorerim (rebels) dwell in a dry land.

^7 (8) O Elohim, when Thou wentest forth before Thy people, when Thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah;

^8 (9) Eretz shook, Shomayim also poured rain at the presence of Elohim; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of Elohim, Elohei Yisroel.

^9 (10) Thou, O Elohim, didst send a plentiful geshem (rain), whereby Thou didst restore Thine nachalah, when it was parched.

^10 (11) Thy congregation hath dwelt therein; Thou, O Elohim, hast prepared of Thy bounty for the oni.

^11 (12) Adonoi gave the word; rav (great) was the tzava (company, army) of the mevaserot (heralds, those that published it, the lady evangelists).

^12 (13) Melachim of tzeva’ot (armies) shall flee, they flee; and she that tarried at home shall divide the plunder.

^13 (14) Though ye have lain among the cooking pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a yonah covered with kesef, and her feathers with glistening gold.

^14 (15) When Shaddai scattered melachim therein, it was white as snow in Tzalmon.

^15 (16) The Har Elohim is the Har Bashan; a mountain of peaks is the Har Bashan.

^16 (17) Why gaze ye in envy, ye many-peaked harim? This is the har which Elohim hath chosen to dwell in; indeed, Hashem will dwell in it lanetzach (forever).

^17 (18) The merkavot of Elohim are myriads, a thousand thousands; Adonoi is among them, as in Sinai, in kodesh (holiness).

^18 (19) Thou hast ascended on marom (high), Thou hast led captivity captive; Thou hast received mattanot among adam; yes, even from the sorerim (the rebellious) also, that Hashem Elohim might dwell [there].

^19 (20) Baruch Adonoi, Who yom yom bears us up, even HaEl Yeshuateinu (the G-d of our salvation). Selah.

^20 (21) Our G-d is a G-d who saves; and from Hashem Adonoi come escapes from mavet (death).

^21 (22) But Elohim shall shatter the rosh of His oyevim, and the hairy kodkod (crown of the head, scalp) of such a one as continueth on in his trespasses.

^22 (23) Adonoi said, I will bring back from Bashan, I will bring back from the depths of the sea;

^23 (24) That thy regel may be bathed in dahm, that the leshon of thy klavim (dogs) may partake of the oyevim.

^24 (25) They have seen Thy processions, O Elohim; even the goings of my G-d, my Melech, in the Kodesh.

^25 (26) The sharim (singers) went before, the nogenim (players on instruments) followed after; among them were the alamot (young unmarried virgins) playing timbrels.

^26 (27) Barchu Elohim in the congregations, even Hashem, out of the Makor Yisroel (Fountain of Israel).

^27 (28) There is Binyamin, the youngest at the head; the sarim (princes) of Yehudah and the throng of them, the sarim (princes) of Zevulun, and the sarim (princes) of Naphtali.

^28 (29) Eloheicha hath commanded thy oz; strengthen, O Elohim, that which Thou hast wrought for us.

^29 (30) Because of Thy Heikhal at Yerushalayim shall melachim bring offerings unto Thee.

^30 (31) Rebuke the company of spearmen, the adat (herd) of bulls, with the agalim (calves) of the nations, till every one prostrate himself with ingots of kesef; He scatters the people that delight in wars.

^31 (32) Magnates shall come out of Mitzrayim; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto Elohim.

^32 (33) Sing unto Elohim, ye mamlechot of ha’aretz; O sing praises unto Adonoi. Selah.

^33 (34) To Him that rideth upon the skies of Shomayim of old; lo, He doth send out His voice, and that a kol oz (mighty voice).

^34 (35) Ascribe ye oz (power) unto Elohim; His majesty is over Yisroel, and His oz is in the skies.

^35 (36) O Elohim, Thou art norah (awesome, terrible) out of Thy Mikdashim; the El (G-d) of Yisroel is He that giveth oz and strength unto His people. Baruch Elohim.

69 (For the one directing. Al Shoshanim. Of Dovid.) Hoshi’eini, O Elohim; for the mayim are come unto my nefesh (i.e., neck).

^2 (3) I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I am come into the depths of the mayim, where the floods overflow me.

^3 (4) I am weary of my crying out; my garon (throat) is dry; mine eyes fail while I wait for Elohai.

^4 (5) They that have sinas chinom (baseless hatred) toward me are more than the hairs of mine rosh; they that would destroy me, being mine oyevim (enemies) sheker (baselessly) are mighty; then I restored that which I did not steal.

^5 (6) O Elohim, Thou knowest my folly; and my ashmot (guiltinesses) are not hid from Thee.

^6 (7) Let not them that wait on Thee, Adonoi Hashem Tzva’os, be ashamed because of me; let not those that seek Thee be disgraced because of me, O Elohei Yisroel.

^7 (8) Because for Thy sake I have borne cherpah; shame hath covered my face.

^8 (9) I am become a stranger unto my achim, and a nochri (foreigner) unto the bnei immi (sons of my mother).

^9 (10) For kinas Beitcha (zeal for Thy House) hath consumed me; and the cherpot of them that scorned Thee are fallen upon me [Yn 2:17].

^10 (11) When I wept, and chastened my nefesh in the tzom (fast), that became my cherpot (reproaches).

^11 (12) I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a mashal (byword) to them.

^12 (13) They that sit [as judges] in the sha’ar (gate) speak against me; and I was the neginot (drinking songs) of the drunkards.

^13 (14) But as for me, may my tefillah be unto Thee, Hashem, in an et ratzon (acceptable time, time of favor); O Elohim, in the multitude of Thy chesed hear me, in the emes of Thy salvation.

^14 (15) Save me out of the teet (mire, clay, soil) and let me not sink; let me be saved from them that hate me, and out of the depths of the mayim.

^15 (16) Let not the floodwaters overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the be’er (pit) shut her mouth upon me.

^16 (17) Hear me, Hashem, for Thy chesed is tov; turn unto me according to the multitude of Thy rachamim;

^17 (18) And hide not Thy face from Thy eved; for I am in tzoros. Hear me speedily.

^18 (19) Draw near unto my nefesh, and make the go’el redemption of it; deliver me because of mine oyevim (enemies).

^19 (20) Thou hast known the cherpah (scorn) I bear, and my shame, and my dishonor; mine adversaries are all before Thee.

^20 (21) Reproach hath broken my lev; and I have sickness as unto death; and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for menachamim (comforters), but I found none.

^21 (22) They gave me also gall in my food; and in my tzamah (thirst) they gave me chometz (vinegar) to drink [See Mt.27:34,48; Mk.15:23,36; Lk.23:36 Yn.19:28-30 OJBC].

^22 (23) Let their shulchan become a pach (snare, trap) before them; and that which should have been for their shlomim (peacefulnesses), let it become a mokesh (trap).

^23 (24) Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins shake tamid.

^24 (25) Pour out Thine indignation upon them, and let Thy charon af (burning wrath) overtake them.

^25 (26) Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their ohalim [See Ac 1:20 OJBC].

^26 (27) For they persecute him whom Thou hast struck; and they tell of the makh’ov (pain, grief) of those whom Thou hast wounded.

^27 (28) Add avon (iniquity) unto their avon; and let them not come into Thy tzedakah.

^28 (29) Let them be blotted out of the Sefer Chayyim, and not be recorded with the tzaddikim.

^29 (30) But I am ani (poor) and in pain; let Thy Yeshuah (salvation), O Elohim, set me up on high.

^30 (31) I will praise Shem Elohim b’shir (in song), and will magnify Him with todah (thanksgiving).

^31 (32) This also shall please Hashem better than shor (ox) or bull that hath keren (horn) and parsah (hoof).

^32 (33) Those that have anavah (meekness, humility) shall see this, and have simchah; and your [pl.] lev shall live that seek Elohim.

^33 (34) For Hashem heareth the evyonim (needy ones, poor), and despiseth not His prisoners.

^34 (35) Let the Shomayim v’Aretz praise Him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

^35 (36) For Elohim yoshi’a (will save) Tziyon, and will build the cities of Yehudah; that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

^36 (37) The zera also of His avadim shall inherit it; and they that love Shmo shall dwell therein.

70 (For the one directing. Mizmor of Dovid. For the memorial portion of the minchah) Make haste, Elohim, to deliver me; make haste to help me, Hashem.

^2 (3) Let them have bushah and be confounded that seek my nefesh; let them be turned back, and be put to confusion, that desire my hurt.

^3 (4) Let them be turned back for a reward of their bushah that say, Aha, aha.

^4 (5) Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and have simcha in Thee; and let such as love Thy Yeshuah (salvation) say continually, Let Elohim be magnified.

^5 (6) But I am poor and needy; make haste unto me, Elohim; Thou art my help and my deliverer. Hashem, make no delay.

71 In Thee, Hashem, do I put my trust; let me not be put to shame l’olam.

² Deliver me in Thy tzedakah, and cause me to escape; incline Thine ear unto me, and hoshi’eini (save me).

³ Be Thou Tzur Ma’on (a rock of habitation), whereunto I may resort tamid (continually); Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my rock and my fortress.

⁴ Deliver me, O Elohai, out of the yad of the rasha, out of the palm of the unrighteous and cruel man.

⁵ For Thou art my tikveh (hope), Adonoi Hashem; Thou art my trust from my youth.

⁶ By Thee have I been upheld from the beten (womb); Thou art He that took me out of the womb of immi; my tehillah (praise) shall be of Thee tamid (continually).

⁷ I am as a mofet (portent) unto rabbim (many); but Thou art my strong refuge.

⁸ Let my mouth be filled with Thy tehillah (praise) and with Thy tiferet (glory) kol hayom.

⁹ Cast me not off in the time of ziknah (old age); forsake me not when my ko’ach faileth.

¹⁰ For mine oyevim speak against me; and they that lay in wait for my nefesh conspire together,

¹¹ Saying, Elohim hath forsaken him; persecute and lay hold of him; for there is none to rescue him.

¹² O Elohim, be not far from me; O Elohai, make haste for my help.

¹³ Let them be ashamed and consumed that are [satanic] adversaries to my nefesh; let them be covered with cherpah (reproach) and dishonor that seek my hurt.

¹⁴ But I will hope tamid (continually), and will yet give tehillah to Thee more and more.

¹⁵ My mouth shall proclaim Thy tzedakah and Thy Teshuah (salvation) kol hayom; for I know not the limits thereof.

¹⁶ I will come in the gevurot (mighty acts) of Adonoi Hashem; I will make mention of Thy tzedakah, even of Thine only.

¹⁷ O Elohim, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared Thy nifle’ot (wondrous works).

¹⁸ Now also when I am in ziknah (old age) and grayheaded, O Elohim, forsake me not; until I have declared Thy zero’a [Moshiach; see Isa 53:1] unto this generation, and Thy gevurah to everyone that is to come.

¹⁹ Thy tzedakah also, O Elohim, is ad marom (to the heights). Thou Who hast done gedolot (great things); O Elohim, mi khamocha (who is like unto Thee)?

²⁰ Thou, which hast showed me great and severe tzoros, shalt revive me again, and shalt bring me up again from the tehomot (abysses) of ha’aretz.

²¹ Thou shalt increase my gedolah, and comfort me on every side.

²² I will also praise Thee with the nevel (lyre), even Thy emes, O Elohai; unto Thee will I sing with the kinnor (harp), O Thou Kadosh Yisroel.

²³ My lips shall shout for joy when I sing unto Thee; and my nefesh, which Thou hast purchased for redemption.

²⁴ My leshon also shall tell of Thy tzedakah kol hayom; for they are brought unto shame, they are humiliated that seek my hurt.

72 (Of Sh’lomo). Give HaMelech Thy mishpatim, O Elohim, and Thy tzedakah unto the Ben Melech.

² He shall judge Thy people with tzedek, and Thy poor with mishpat.

³ The harim (mountains) shall bear shalom to the people, and geva’ot (hills) in tzedakah.

⁴ He shall judge the poor of the people; yoshia (He shall save) the bnei evyon (children of the needy), and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

⁵ They shall fear Thee as long as the shemesh and yarei’ach endure, dor dorim (throughout all generations).

⁶ He shall come down like matar (rain) upon the mown field, as showers watering eretz.

⁷ In his yamim shall the tzaddik flourish; and abundance of shalom so long as the yarei’ach endureth.

⁸ He [Moshiach Ben Dovid] shall have dominion also from yam to yam, and from nahar (river) unto the afsei eretz (the ends of the earth).

⁹ They that dwell in the desert shall bow before him; and his oyevim (enemies) shall lick the aphar (dust).

¹⁰ The melachim of Tarshish and of the iyim (islands) shall bring minchah (tribute); the melachim of Sheva and Seva shall offer gifts.

¹¹ Kol melachim shall fall down before him [Moshiach]; kol Goyim shall serve him.

¹² For he shall deliver the evyon (needy) when he crieth; the oni (poor, afflicted) also, and him that hath no ozer (helper).

¹³ He shall pity the weak and evyon (needy), and yoshi’a (he shall save) the nefashot of the evyonim (needy).

¹⁴ He shall be the Go’el Redeemer of their nefesh from deceit and chamas; and precious shall their dahm be in his sight.

¹⁵ And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the zahav of Sheva; and prayer shall be for him continually; and daily shall a brocha be made on him.

¹⁶ There shall be an abundance of grain on ha’aretz upon the top of the harim (mountains); the fruit thereof shall shake [in the trees like in] Levanon; and they of the city shall flourish like esev ha’aretz.

¹⁷ Shmo (His Name) shall endure l’olam; Shmo shall be continued as long as the shemesh; and men shall be blessed in him; kol Goyim shall call him blessed.

¹⁸ Baruch Hashem Elohim, Elohei Yisroel, who only doeth nifla’ot (wondrous things).

¹⁹ And baruch Shem kevodo l’olam (and blessed be His Glorious Name forever); and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Omein, and Omein.

²⁰ The tefillot Dovid Ben Yishai are ended. [T.N. The next Psalm concerns a revelation received in the Holy Place, namely the fate of the wicked whose prosperity is delusional since the riches of G-d’s house is wealth they can never attain to, revealing their true eternal poverty. See Ps 73:24 on afterlife in G-d’s presence.]

73 (Mizmor of Asaph). Truly Elohim is tov to Yisroel, even to the barei levav (pure of heart).

² But as for me, my raglayim had almost stumbled; my steps had well near slipped.

³ For I had kina (envy) of the holelim (arrogant ones), when I saw the shalom of the resha’im.

⁴ For there are no chartzubot (fetters, bonds, pains) in their mot; healthy is their belly.

⁵ They are not in amal (trouble) as enosh; neither are they plagued like adam.

⁶ Therefore ga’avah encircleth them like a chain necklace; chamas enwraps them like a garment.

⁷ Their eyes bulge with chelev; they have more than levav could imagine.

⁸ They mock, and speak wickedly concerning oshek (oppression); they speak from marom (on high).

⁹ They set their mouth against Shomayim, and their leshon stalketh in ha’aretz.

¹⁰ Therefore their people return here; and mayim to the full are swallowed down by them.

¹¹ And they say, How doth El (G-d) know? And is there knowledge in Elyon?

¹² Hinei, these are the resha’im; at ease olam, they increase in riches.

¹³ Surely in vain have I cleansed my lev, and washed my hands in innocency.

¹⁴ For kol hayom have I been plagued, and chastened in the bekarim (mornings).

¹⁵ If I say, I will speak thus; hinei, I would have dealt faithlessly with the dor banecha (the generation of Thy children).

¹⁶ When I thought to comprehend this, it was amal (difficulty) in my eyes;

¹⁷ Until I went into the Mikdeshei El; then I had binah (understanding) of their (the wicked’s) destiny.

¹⁸ Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places; Thou castedst them down into mashu’ot (ruins, destruction).

¹⁹ How are they brought into desolation, as in a rega (moment)! They are utterly consumed with balahot (terrors).

²⁰ As a chalom when one awaketh; so, Adonoi, when Thou art aroused [in judgment], Thou shalt despise their tzelem (shadowy form).

²¹ Thus my levav was grieved, and I was pricked in my mind.

²² So senseless was I, and ignorant; I was like behemot before Thee.

²³ Nevertheless I am with Thee tamid (always); Thou hast taken hold of me by my yamin.

²⁴ Thou shalt guide me with Thy etzah (counsel), and afterward take me to kavod (glory).

²⁵ Whom have I in Shomayim but Thee? And there is none upon HaAretz that I desire beside Thee.

²⁶ My flesh and my levav may fail; but Elohim is the Tzur of my levav, and my chelek l’olam.

²⁷ For, hinei, they that are far from Thee shall perish; Thou hast destroyed all them that go zoneh (a-whoring) from Thee.

²⁸ But kiravat Elohim (drawing near to Elohim) is tov for me; I make in Adonoi Hashem my refuge, that I may declare all Thy deeds.

74 (A Maskil of Asaph) O Elohim, why hast Thou cast us off lanetzach? Why doth Thine anger smoke against the tzon (sheep) of Thy mireh (pasture)?

² Remember Thy Edah (congregation), which Thou hast purchased of old; the shevet (tribe) of Thine nachalah, which Thou hast redeemed: this Har Tziyon, wherein Thou hast dwelt.

³ Lift up Thy footsteps unto the mashu’ot netzach (perpetual ruins); even all that the oyev hath done wickedly in the Kodesh [the Beis HaMikdash].

⁴ Thine enemies roar in the midst of Thy Mo’ed (place of meeting); they set up their banners for otot (signs, i.e., their heathen insignia).

⁵ It had been as though one lifted up kardumim (axes) upon the thicket of etz.

⁶ But now they break down the carved panels [of the Beis HaMikdash] at once with hammers and chisels.

⁷ They have set ablaze Thy Mikdash, burning it to the ground; they have brought chillul to the Mishkan Shemecha (the dwelling place of Thy Name).

⁸ They said in their hearts, Let us crush them altogether; they have burned up all the Mo’adei El in HaAretz.

⁹ We see not our otot (signs); there is no longer any navi; neither is there among us any that knoweth ad mah (until when).

¹⁰ O Elohim ad mosai, (how long) shall the adversary revile? Shall the oyev (enemy) blaspheme Thy Shem lanetzach (forever)?

¹¹ Why withdrawest Thou Thy Yad, even Thy Yamin (Right Hand)? Take it out of Thy Kheyk (bosom) and destroy [them].

¹² For Elohim is my Melech mikedem (from of old), working Yeshuah (salvation) in the midst of Ha’Aretz.

¹³ Thou didst divide the yam by Thy oz (power); Thou didst break the heads of the sea serpents in the waters.

¹⁴ Thou didst break the head of Leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be ma’akhal (food) to the people inhabiting the wilderness.

¹⁵ Thou didst break open the fountain and the flood; Thou driedst up mighty naharot (rivers).

¹⁶ The yom is Thine, the lailah also is Thine; Thou hast prepared the ma’ohr (luminary, moon) and the shemesh.

¹⁷ Thou hast set all the boundaries of Eretz; Thou hast made kayitz (summer) and choref (winter).

¹⁸ Remember this, that the oyev (enemy) hath reproached Hashem, and that the am naval (foolish people) have blasphemed Shimcha.

¹⁹ O deliver not the nefesh of Thy turtledove unto the wild beast; forget not the life of Thy aniyim (poor) lanetzach (forever).

²⁰ Have regard unto the Brit (covenant); for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of chamas.

²¹ O let not the oppressed return in shame; let the oni and evyon praise Thy Shem.

²² Arise, O Elohim, fight for Thine Own cause; remember how the naval (foolish man) revileth Thee kol hayom.

²³ Forget not the kol (voice) of Thine enemies, the tumult of those against Thee that rises up tamid (continually). [T.N. Cf Lk 2:23-24 and Ps 74:19 remembering that the turtledove was the sacrifice of the poor, which Moshiach would be, not a rich man but ani, according to Zech 9:9.]

75 (For the one directing. Set to Do Not Destroy. Mizmor Asaph. Shir) Hodinu l’cha Elohim (Unto thee, Elohim, do we give thanks). Hodinu; that Thy Shem is near Thy wondrous works declare.

^2 (3) I shall seize the mo’ed (appointed time, Chabakuk 2:3) I will judge uprightly.

^3 (4) Eretz and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolving; I, even I, hold up the ammudim (pillars) of it. Selah.

^4 (5) I said unto the hollelim (arrogant), Deal not boastfully; and to the resha’im, Lift not up the keren;

^5 (6) Lift not up your keren on high; speak not with a stiff neck.

^6 (7) For promotion cometh lo (not) from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert.

^7 (8) But Elohim is the Shofet; He bringeth down one, and setteth up another.

^8 (9) For in the yad Hashem there is a kos, and the yayin is foaming; full of mixture; and He poureth out of the same; but the dregs thereof, all rishei aretz (wicked of the earth) shall drain them down, and drink them [Lk 22:42].

^9 (10) But I will proclaim l’olam; I will sing zemirot to Elohei Ya’akov.

^10 (11) All the karnayim of the resha’im also will I cut off; but the karnayim of the tzaddik shall be exalted. [T.N. In this Psalm we see that G-d is Judge. The Bible speaks of a great Assize where there will be a verdict regarding the sheep and the goats, the redeemed and the reprobate. See Rev 19:11 and 20:4-5.]

76 (For the one directing. On stringed instruments. Mizmor of Asaph. Shir.) In Yehudah is Elohim known; Shmo is gadol in Yisroel.

^2 (3) In Shalem [i.e., Yerushalayim] also is His Sukkah, and His Ma’on (dwelling place) in Tziyon [see Yochanan chp 14 OJBC].

^3 (4) There He broke the flashing arrows, the mogen, and the cherev, and the milchamah. Selah.

^4 (5) Thou art more glorious and adir (majestic) than the mountains of prey.

^5 (6) The stouthearted are plundered; now their last sleep they sleep; and none of the anshei chayil can find their hands.

^6 (7) At Thy rebuke, O Elohei Ya’akov, both the merkavah and sus are cast into a dead sleep.

^7 (8) Thou, even Thou, art to be feared; and who may stand in Thy sight when once Thou art angry?

^8 (9) Thou didst pronounce din (sentence, judgment) from Shomayim; Eretz feared, and was still,

^9 (10) When Elohim arose to mishpat, to save all the meek of Eretz. Selah.

^10 (11) Surely the chamat adam (the wrath of man) shall praise Thee; the she’erit (remnant, survivor) of wrath shalt Thou restrain [from doing evil].

^11 (12) Make neder (vow), and pay unto Hashem Eloheichem; let all that be around Him bring gifts unto Him that ought to be feared.

^12 (13) He shall cut short the ruach of negidim (nobles); He is fearsome to the Malkhei-Aretz (Kings of the Earth).

77 (For the one directing. Set to Yedutun. Mizmor of Asaph) I cried unto Elohim with my voice, even unto Elohim with my voice; and He gave ear unto me.

^2 (3) In my yom tzoros (day of trouble) I sought Adonoi; my hand was stretched up in the lailah, and ceased not; my nefesh refused to be comforted.

^3 (4) I remembered Elohim, and groaned; I pondered, and my ruach was overwhelmed. Selah.

^4 (5) Thou holdest mine eyelids awake; I am so troubled that lo adaber (I cannot speak).

^5 (6) I have considered the yamim mikedem (days of old), the shnot olamim (years long past).

^6 (7) I called to remembrance my neginah balailah (song in the night); I communed with mine own lev; and my ruach pondered with diligent search.

^7 (8) Will Adonoi cast off forever? And will He show favor no more?

^8 (9) Is His chesed passed away forever? Is His promise at an end l’dor vador?

^9 (10) Hath El (G-d) forgotten to be channot (gracious)? Hath He in anger shut up His rachamim (mercy)? Selah.

^10 (11) And I said, This is my affliction; but I will remember the shanot of the Yemin Elyon (Right Hand of the Most High).

^11 (12) I will remember the deeds of Hashem; surely I will remember Thy wonders mikedem (of old, of long ago).

^12 (13) I will meditate also on kol po’al (all work) of Thine, and consider Thy mighty deeds.

^13 (14) Thy Derech, O Elohim, is bakodesh (in holiness). Who is so gadol El as Elohim?

^14 (15) Thou art HaEl oseh peleh (the G-d that doest wonders); Thou hast declared Thy oz (strength) among the amim (peoples, nations).

^15 (16) Thou hast with Thine zero’a (strong arm) redeemed Thy people, the Bnei Ya’akov and Yosef. Selah.

^16 (17) The mayim saw Thee, O Elohim, the mayim saw Thee; they were afraid; the tehomot (ocean depths) also writhed.

^17 (18) The clouds poured down mayim; the skies resounded in thunder; Thine khitzim (arrows, i.e., lightning bolts) also went forth

^18 (19) The voice of Thy thunder was in the galgal (whirlwind); the lightning lit up the tevel (world); ha’aretz trembled and quaked.

^19 (20) Thy derech is in the yam (sea), and Thy path is through the mayim rabbim (great waters), and Thy footsteps are not to be discerned.

^20 (21) Thou didst lead Thy people like a tzon (flock) by the yad Moshe and Aharon.

78 (Maskil of Asaph.) Give ear, O my people, to my torah; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

² I will open my mouth in a mashal; I will utter dark sayings from of old,

³ Which we have heard and known, and Avoteinu have told us.

⁴ We will not hide them from their banim, recounting to the dor acharon the tehillot Hashem, and His power, and His nifla’ot (wonderful works) that He hath done.

⁵ For He established edut in Ya’akov, set torah in Yisroel, which He commanded Avoteinu, that they should make them known to their banim;

⁶ So that the dor acharon might know them, even the banim which should be born; who should arise and recount them to their banim;

⁷ That they might put their confidence in Elohim, and not forget the ma’allei El (works of G-d), but keep His mitzvot;

⁸ And might not be as their Avot, a dor sorer u’moreh (stubborn and rebellious generation); a generation that set not its lev aright, and whose ruach was not faithful to G-d.

⁹ The Bnei Ephrayim, being armed, and shooting keshet (the bows), turned back in the day of battle.

¹⁰ They kept not the Brit Elohim, and refused to walk in His torah;

¹¹ And forgot His works, and His nifla’ot (wonders) that He had shown them.

¹² Peleh (marvellous things) did He in the sight of their avot, in Eretz Mitzrayim, in the sadeh (area) of Tzoan.

¹³ He divided the yam, and caused them to pass through; and He made the mayim to stand like a heap.

¹⁴ In the daytime also He led them with an anan, and all the lailah with an ohr of eish.

¹⁵ He split the rocks in the midbar, and gave them drink as out of the great tehomot.

¹⁶ He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused mayim to run down like rivers.

¹⁷ And they sinned yet more against Him by provoking Elyon in the wilderness.

¹⁸ And they tested G-d by their lev by demanding ochel for their lust.

¹⁹ And they spoke against Elohim; they said, Can G-d spread a shulchan in the midbar?

²⁰ Behold, He struck the Tzur, that the mayim gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can He give lechem also? Can He provide meat for His people?

²¹ Therefore Hashem heard this, and was in wrath; so an eish was kindled against Ya’akov, and anger also came up against Yisroel;

²² Because they believed not in Elohim, and trusted not in His Yeshuah (salvation);

²³ Though He had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the daletei Shomayim (doors of heaven),

²⁴ And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the bread of Shomayim [see Yn 6:31 OJBC].

²⁵ Ish did eat the bread of angels; He sent them lechem to the full.

²⁶ He caused an east wind to blow from Shomayim; and by His oz He brought in the south wind.

²⁷ He rained meat also upon them like aphar, and winged fowls like the chol (sand) of the sea;

²⁸ And He let it fall in the midst of their machaneh, all around their mishkenot (habitations).

²⁹ So they did eat, and were well filled; for He gave them their own ta’avah (evil desire).

³⁰ They were not estranged from their ta’avah. But while their food was yet in their mouths,

³¹ The Af Elohim (wrath of G-d) came upon them, and slaughtered the stoutest of them, and cut down the bochurim of Yisroel.

³² For all this they sinned still, and believed not in His nifla’ot (wondrous works).

³³ Therefore their yamim did He consume in hevel (futility, vanity) and their shanim in terror.

³⁴ When He slaughtered them, then they sought Him; and they returned and inquired diligently after G-d.

³⁵ And they remembered that Elohim was their Tzur, and the El Elyon their Go’el (Redeemer).

³⁶ Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their leshon.

³⁷ For their lev was not right with Him, neither were they faithful in His Brit.

³⁸ But He, being full of compassion, made kapporah for their avon and destroyed them not; and He many times turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath.

³⁹ For He remembered that they were but basar; a ruach (wind) that passeth away, and cometh not again.

⁴⁰ How oft did they provoke Him in the midbar, and grieve Him in the desert!

⁴¹ Again and again they turned back and tested G-d, and imposed limits on Kadosh Yisroel.

⁴² They remembered not His Yad (Hand, Power), nor the yom (day) when He redeemed them from the enemy.

⁴³ How He had wrought His otot in Mitzrayim, and His mofetim in the area of Tzoan.

⁴⁴ And had turned their rivers into dahm; and their streams, that they could not drink.

⁴⁵ He sent swarms of flies among them, which devoured them; and tzfarde’a (frogs), which destroyed them.

⁴⁶ He gave also their crop unto the grasshopper, and their produce unto the arbeh (locust).

⁴⁷ He destroyed their gefen with barad (hail), and their fig trees with frost.

⁴⁸ He gave up their cattle also to the barad (hail), and their livestock herds to hot thunderbolts.

⁴⁹ He cast upon them His charon af, evrah (wrath), and za’am (indignation), and tzarah, by sending malachim ra’im among them.

⁵⁰ He made a way for His anger; He spared not their nefesh from mavet (death), but gave their beasts over to the dever (plague);

⁵¹ And struck all the bechor in Mitzrayim; the reshit (first fruit) of their strength in the ohalim of Cham;

⁵² But made His own people to go forth like tzon, and guided them in the midbar like an eder (flock).

⁵³ And He led them in safety, so that they had no terror; but the yam overwhelmed their oyevim.

⁵⁴ And He brought them to His gevul kadosh (His holy border), even to this Har, which His Yamin had purchased.

⁵⁵ He cast out the Goyim also before them, and divided by measure a nachalah for them, and made the Shivtei Yisroel to dwell in their ohalim.

⁵⁶ Yet they tested and provoked Elohim Elyon, and were not shomer over His edot;

⁵⁷ But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their avot; they turned like a treacherous keshet.

⁵⁸ For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their pesilim.

⁵⁹ When Elohim heard this, He was in wrath, and greatly abhorred Yisroel;

⁶⁰ So that He forsook the Mishkan of Shiloh, the Ohel which He placed among adam (men);

⁶¹ And delivered His oz (strength) into captivity, and His tiferet into the hand of the enemy.

⁶² He gave His people over also unto the cherev; and was in wrath with His nachalah.

⁶³ The eish consumed their bochurim; and their betulot had no wedding celebration.

⁶⁴ Their kohanim fell by the cherev; and their almanot made no lamentation.

⁶⁵ Then Adonoi awaked as one from sleep, and like a gibbor that shouteth from yayin.

⁶⁶ And He struck down His enemies behind; He put them to cherpat olam (perpetual reproach).

⁶⁷ Moreover He rejected the Ohel Yosef, and chose not the Shevet Ephrayim;

⁶⁸ But chose the Shevet Yehudah, Har Tziyon which He loved.

⁶⁹ And He built His Mikdash like heavenly heights, like Eretz which He hath established l’olam.

⁷⁰ He chose Dovid also His Eved, and took him from the mikhle’ot tzon (sheepfolds);

⁷¹ From following the nursing ewes He brought him to shepherd Ya’akov His people, and Yisroel His nachalah.

⁷² So he shepherded them according to the tohm (integrity, guilelessness) of his lev; and led them by the skillfulness of his hands.

79 (A Mizmor. Of Asaph) O Elohim, the Goyim are come into Thine Nachalah; Thy Heikhal Kodesh have they defiled; they have reduced Yerushalayim to rubble.

² The dead bodies of Thy avadim have they given to be food unto the oph HaShomayim, the basar of Thy Chasidim, unto the beasts of the earth.

³ Their shefach dahm (shedding of blood) is like mayim all around Yerushalayim; and there is none to bury them.

⁴ We are become a reproach to our shekhenim (neighbors), a scorn and derision to them that are around us.

⁵ How long, Hashem? Wilt Thou be angry lanetzach (forever)? Shall Thy kina (jealousy) burn like eish?

⁶ Pour out Thy wrath upon the Goyim that have no da’as of Thee, and upon the mamlachot that have not called upon Thy Shem.

⁷ For they have devoured Ya’akov, and laid waste his naveh (home).

⁸ O remember not against us avonot rishonim (former iniquities); let Thy rachamim speedily come to us; for we are brought very low.

⁹ Help us, O Elohei Yisheinu, (G-d of our salvation), for the kavod of Thy Shem; and deliver us, and make kapporah for our sins, for Thy Name’s sake.

¹⁰ Why should the Goyim say, Where is Eloheihem? Let there be known among the Goyim in our sight, vengeance for the shefach dahm of Thy avadim.

¹¹ Let the groaning of the asir (prisoner) come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy Zero’a preserve Thou those that are Bnei Temutah (sons of death, i.e., appointed to die, doomed to die);

¹² And repay unto our shekhenim (neighbors) sevenfold into their kheyk their reproach, wherewith they have reproached Thee, Adonoi.

¹³ So we Thy people and tzon of Thy pasture will give Thee thanks l’olahm (forever); we will show forth Thy praise l’dor vador.

80 (For the one directing. Set to The Lilies of the Edut. Of Asaph. Mizmor.) Give ear, O Ro’eh Yisroel, Thou that leadest Yosef like a tzon; Thou that art enthroned between the Keruvim, shine forth.

^2 (3) Before Ephrayim and Binyamin and Menasheh, Stir up Thy gevurah (might), and come and save us.

^3 (4) Turn us again, O Elohim, and cause Thy face to shine that we may be saved.

^4 (5) Hashem Elohim Tzva’os, ad mosai (how long) wilt Thou be angry against the tefillat amecha (prayer of Thy people)?

^5 (6) Thou feedest them with the lechem dimah (bread of tears); and givest them dima’ot (tears) to drink in great measure.

^6 (7) Thou makest us a madon (strife, contention) unto shcheneinu (our neighbors), and oyveinu (our enemies) mock us.

^7 (8) Turn us again, O Elohim Tzva’os, and cause Thy face to shine that we may be saved.

^8 (9) Thou hast brought a gefen (vine) out of Mitzrayim; Thou hast drove out Goyim, and planted it.

^9 (10) Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the eretz.

^10 (11) The harim were covered with the tzel (shadow) of it, and the branches thereof were like the mighty cedars.

^11 (12) It sent out its branches unto the yam (sea, i.e., Mediterranean Sea) and its shoots unto the Nahar (river, i.e., the Euphrates).

^12 (13) Lammah (why) hast Thou then broken down her walls, so that all they which pass by the derech do pluck her?

^13 (14) The chazir (wild boar) out of the forest doth lay it waste, and the beasts of the sadeh doth devour it.

^14 (15) Shuv nah (return now), we beseech Thee, O Elohim Tzva’os; look down from Shomayim, and behold, and visit gefen zot (this vine);

^15 (16) And the stock which Thy Yamin (Right Hand) hath planted, and the Ben that Thou madest strong for Thyself.

^16 (17) It is burned with eish, it is cut down; they perish at the ge’arah (rebuke) of Thy countenance.

^17 (18) Let Thy Yad be upon the Ish Yeminecha (the Man of your Right Hand), upon the Ben Adam whom Thou madest strong for Thyself [cf Psalm 110:1; Dan 7:13].

^18 (19) So will we never turn back from Thee; revive us, and we will call upon Thy Shem.

¹⁹ Turn us again, Hashem Elohim Tzva’os; cause Thy face to shine that we may be saved.

81 (For the one directing. On the gittis. Of Asaph.) Sing with joy unto Elohim uzeinu (our strength); make a joyful noise unto Elohei Ya’akov.

^2 (3) Begin a song, and bring hither the tambourine, the pleasant kinnor (harp) with the nevel (lyre).

^3 (4) Blow the shofar at Rosh Chodesh, at the full moon, on Yom Chageinu.

^4 (5) For this was a chok for Yisroel, and a mishpat of the Elohei Ya’akov.

^5 (6) This He ordained in Yosef for an edut, when He went out over Eretz Mitzra- yim; where a language of one not known did I hear.

^6 (7) I removed his shekhem (shoulder) from the burden; his hands were delivered from the basket.

^7 (8) In tzoros thou calledst, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the seter ra’am (secret place of thunder); I tested thee at the waters of Merivah. Selah.

^8 (9) Shema, O My people, and I will admonish thee; O Yisroel, if thou wilt pay heed unto Me;

^9 (10) There shall no el zar (strange, foreign g-d) be among thee; neither shalt thou worship any el nechar (foreign g-d).

^10 (11) I am Hashem Eloheicha Who brought thee out of Eretz Mitzrayim; open thy mouth wide, I will fill it.

^11 (12) But My people would not pay heed to My voice; and Yisroel would have none of Me.

^12 (13) So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ sherirut (stubbornness); and they walked in their own mo’atzot (counsels).

^13 (14) Oh that My people had paid heed unto Me, and Yisroel had walked in My ways!

^14 (15) I should soon have subdued their oyevim and turned My Yad (hand, power) against their adversaries.

^15 (16) The haters of Hashem should have cringed before Him; their et (time, fate, punishment) endures l’olam.

^16 (17) He would have fed them also with the finest of the chittah (wheat); and with devash (honey) from the Tzur would I have satisfied thee.

82 (Mizmor of Asaph.) Elohim standeth in the Adat El; He judgeth among the elohim [See Ps 82:6 and Yn 10:34].

² Ad mosai (How long) will ye judge unjustly, and show partiality to the resha’im? Selah.

³ Defend the poor and yatom (fatherless); do justice to the oni (afflicted) and needy.

⁴ Deliver the poor and needy; rid them out of the yad resha’im.

⁵ They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in choshech; all the foundations of ha’aretz are shaken.

⁶ I have said, elohim ye are; and all of you are Bnei HaElyon.

⁷ But ye shall die like adam, and fall like one of the sarim (princes).

⁸ Arise, Elohim, judge ha’aretz; for Thou shalt inherit kol HaGoyim.

83 (Shir. Mizmor of Asaph). Keep not Thou silent, O Elohim; hold not Thy peace, and be not still, O El (G-d).

^2 (3) For, hinei, Thine oyevim are in tumult; and they that hate Thee have lifted up the rosh.

^3 (4) They lay out a crafty conspiracy against Amecha (Thy people), and plot against Tzefunecha (Thy sheltered, protected, hidden ones).

^4 (5) They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a goy (nation); that the shem Yisroel may be no more remembered.

^5 (6) For they have plotted together with one lev; they cut a brit against Thee;

^6 (7) The ohalim Edom, and the Yishm’elim; of Moav, and the Hagerim;

^7 (8) Geval, and Ammon, and Amalek; Peleshet (Philistia) with the inhabitants of Tzor;

^8 (9) Assyria also is joined with them; they are the zero’a (strong arm) of the Bnei Lot. Selah.

^9 (10) Do unto them as unto Midyan; as to Sisra, as to Yavin, at the Wadi Kishon [see Shofetim chp 4-8];

^10 (11) Which became shmad at Ein-Dor; they became like domen (dung, fertilizer) for ha’adamah.

^11 (12) Make their nobles like Orev, and like Ze’ev; yes, all their princes like Zevach, and like Tzalmunna;

^12 (13) Who said, Let us take possession for ourselves of the pasturelands of Elohim.

^13 (14) O Elohai, make them like galgal (tumbleweed); like chaff before the ruach (wind).

^14 (15) As the eish consumeth the forest, and as the flame setteth ablaze harim;

^15 (16) So pursue them with Thy sa’ar (tempest, storm), and make them afraid with Thy storm.

^16 (17) Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek Shimcha, Hashem.

^17 (18) Let them be put to shame and dismayed adei ad (forever); yes, let them perish in disgrace;

^18 (19) Let them have da’as that Thou alone, Shimcha Hashem, art Elyon al kol HaAretz.

84 (For the one directing. On the gittit. Mizmor for the Bnei Korach). How yedidot (lovely) are thy mishkanot, O Hashem Tzva’os!

^2 (3) My nefesh longeth, yea, even fainteth for the khatzrot Hashem (courts of Hashem); my lev and my basar crieth out for El Chai.

^3 (4) Yea, the sparrow hath found a bais, and the swallow a ken (nest) for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine mizbechot, O Hashem Tzva’os Malki v’Elohai.

^4 (5) Ashrei are they that dwell in Thy Beis [Hamikdash]; they are ever praising Thee. Selah.

^5 (6) Ashrei is the adam whose oz (strength) is in Thee; in whose lev are their highways [to Tziyon; see verse 7(8)].

^6 (7) Who passing through the valley of Baca (weeping) make it a ma’ayon (spring, fountain); the moreh (early rain) also covereth it with berakhot (blessings).

^7 (8) They go from strength to strength, every one of them who appeareth before Elohim in Tziyon.

^8 (9) O Hashem Elohim Tzva’os, hear my tefillah; give ear, O Elohei Ya’akov. Selah.

^9 (10) Behold mogineinu (our shield), O Elohim, and look upon the face of Thine Moshiach.

^10 (11) For a yom in Thy khatzrot is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the Beis Elohai, than to dwell in the ohalim resha (tents of wickedness).

^11 (12) For Hashem Elohim is a shemesh and a mogen; Hashem will give chen and kavod; no good thing will He withhold from the holekhim b’tamim (them that walk uprightly).

^12 (13) O Hashem Tzva’os, ashrei is the adam bote’ach (man that trusteth, hath confident faith) in Thee.

85 (For the one directing. Of the Bnei Korach. Mizmor.) Hashem, Thou hast been favorable unto Thy land; Thou hast brought back the captivity of Ya’akov.

^2 (3) Thou hast forgiven the avon (iniquity) of Amecha (Thy people); Thou hast covered all their chattat (sin). Selah.

^3 (4) Thou hast withdrawn all Thy wrath; Thou hast turned from Thine charon af.

^4 (5) Turn us, O Elohei Yisheinu (G-d of our salvation), and put away Thine ka’as (anger) toward us.

^5 (6) Wilt Thou be angry with us l’olam? Wilt Thou draw out Thine anger l’dor vador?

^6 (7) Wilt Thou not revive us again; that Amecha (Thy people) may rejoice in Thee?

^7 (8) Show us chasdecha (Thy chesed, kindness, steadfast love), Hashem, and grant us Thy salvation.

^8 (9) I will hear what HaEl Hashem will say; for He will speak shalom unto His people, and to His Chasidim; but let them not turn again to folly.

^9 (10) Surely His salvation is karov (near) them that fear Him; that kavod may dwell in Artzeinu (our land).

^10 (11) Chesed and emes will meet together; tzedek and shalom will kiss each other.

^11 (12) Emes shall titzmach (sprout forth [T.N. Tzemach—Branch, Sprout—is the code name for Moshiach and the coming Tzemach’s Namesake in Zecharyah 6:11-12 is Yehoshua, Yeshua—see Ezra 3:8; Zech 3:8; 6:11-12. Go to Jer 23:5 and look at all the references. These are among the most important Scriptures in the Bible because it is here that the saving Name of Moshiach Tzidkeinu is prophetically communicated for salvation; the word Tzemach means “Moshiach” and it is the code word par excellence for Moshiach in the post-Exilic references in the minor prophets; this veiled reference to Moshiach was necessary in the situation of the Return under Persian rule when talk of a coming king was a delicate matter.]) out of ha’aretz; and tzedek shall look down from Shomayim.

^12 (13) Yes, Hashem shall give that which is tov; and Artzeinu (our land) shall yield her yevul (increase, produce).

^13 (14) Tzedek shall go before Him; and shall set us in the Derech of His steps.

86 (A tefillah of Dovid) Incline Thine ear, Hashem; hear me; for I am ani (poor) and evyon (needy).

² Be shomer over my nefesh; for I am chasid; O Thou Elohai, save Thy eved that trusteth in Thee.

³ Channeni (be merciful) unto me, Adonoi; for I cry unto Thee kol hayom.

⁴ Samei’ach (rejoice) the nefesh of Thy eved; for unto Thee, Adonoi, do I lift up my nefesh.

⁵ For Thou, Adonoi, art tov, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in chesed unto all them that call upon Thee.

⁶ Give ear, Hashem, unto my tefillah (prayer); and attend to the voice of my techinnot (supplications).

⁷ In my yom tzoros I will call upon Thee; for Thou wilt answer me.

⁸ Ein kamocha vaelohim (there is none like Thee among the g-ds), Adonoi; nor are there any ma’asim like Thine.

⁹ Kol Goyim whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, Adonoi; and shall glorify Shimcha.

¹⁰ For Thou art gadol, and doest nifla’ot (wondrous things); Thou alone art Elohim.

¹¹ Teach me Thy Derech, Hashem; I will walk in Thy emes; Yachad (make undivided) levavi (my heart) to fear Thy Shem.

¹² I will praise Thee, Adonoi Elohai, with all my lev; and I will glorify Shimecha l’olam.

¹³ For gadol is Thy chesed toward me; and Thou hast saved my nefesh from the lowermost Sheol.

¹⁴ O Elohim, the zedim (arrogant ones, proud, insolent ones) are risen up against me, and the adat aritzim (band of violent men) seek my nefesh; and have not set Thee before them.

¹⁵ But Thou, Adonoi, art El Rachum and Channun, slow to anger, and plenteous in chesed and emes.

¹⁶ O turn unto me, and be gracious upon me; give Thy oz (strength) unto Thy eved, and save the ben amatecha (the son of Thy handmaid).

¹⁷ Show me an ot (sign) for tovah; that they which hate me may see it, and be put to shame; because Thou, Hashem, hast helped me, and comforted me.

87 (Of the Bnei Korach. A mizmor. A shir) On the Harei Kodesh (Holy Mountain) stands His foundation.

² Hashem loveth the sha’arei Tziyon more than all the mishkenot Ya’akov.

³ Glorious things are spoken of thee, O Ir HaElohim. Selah.

⁴ To them that know me, I will make mention of Rachav and Babylon; hinei, Philistia, and Tzor, with Ethiopia: this man was born there.

⁵ But of Tziyon it shall be said, This one and that one were born in her; and Elyon Himself shall establish it.

⁶ Hashem shall register, when He writeth up the people, that this one was born there. Selah.

⁷ The sharim (ones singing) as well as the cholelim (players on instruments) shall be there; all my fountains are in thee.

88 (Shir. Mizmor of the Bnei Korach. For the one directing. According to Machalat le‘annot. Maskil of Herman the Ezrachi.) Hashem Elohei Yeshuati (G-d of my salvation), I have cried out yom valailah before Thee.

^2 (3) Let my tefillah come before Thee; incline Thine ear unto my cry;

^3 (4) For my nefesh is full of troubles; and my life draweth near unto Sheol.

^4 (5) I am counted with them that go down into the bor (pit); I am like a gever (man) that hath no strength;

^5 (6) Forsaken among the mesim, like the slain that lie in the kever, whom Thou rememberest no more; and nigzaru (they are cut off, excluded; see Isa 53:8) from Thy Yad (hand, power, care).

^6 (7) Thou hast laid me in the lowest bor (pit), in darkness, in the deeps.

^7 (8) Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and Thou hast overwhelmed me with kol mishbarecha (all Thy waves, breakers). Selah.

^8 (9) Thou hast estranged mine acquaintances far from me; Thou hast made me to’evot unto them; I am shut up, and I cannot escape.

^9 (10) Mine eye groweth dim by reason of oni (affliction); Hashem, I have called daily upon Thee, I have stretched up my hands unto Thee.

^10 (11) Wilt Thou show wonders to the mesim? Shall the lifeless arise and praise Thee? Selah.

^11 (12) Shall Thy chesed be declared in the kever? Or Thy emunah in Avaddon?

^12 (13) Shall Thy wonders be known in the choshech? And Thy tzedakah in the Eretz Neshiyyah (land of forgetfulness, oblivion)?

^13 (14) But unto Thee have I cried, Hashem; and in the boker shall my tefillah come before Thee.

^14 (15) Hashem, why castest Thou off my nefesh? Why hidest Thou Thy face from me?

^15 (16) I am afflicted and govei’a (one being close to death) from my youth up; while I suffer Thy terrors I am distraught.

^16 (17) Thy charon (fierce wrath) goeth over me; Thy terrors have flayed me.

^17 (18) They came round about me daily like mayim; they close in, engulfing me.

^18 (19) Ohev (lover) and re’a (companion) hast Thou estranged from me, and mine acquaintances are in darkness. [T.N. Ps 89 is a messianic Ps.]

89 (A maskil of Eitan the Ezrachi). I will sing of the mercies of Hashem olam; with my mouth will I make known Thy emunah (faithfulness) to dor vador.

^2 (3) For I have said, Chesed shall be built up olam; Thy emunah (faithfulness) shalt Thou establish in Shomayim itself.

^3 (4) I have made a Brit with My Bechir (Chosen one), I have sworn unto Dovid Avdi,

^4 (5) Thy Zera will I establish ad olam, and build up thy kisse to dor vador. Selah.

^5 (6) And Shomayim shall praise Thy wonders, O Hashem; Thy emunah (faithfulness) also in the Kahal Kedoshim.

^6 (7) For who in the heavens can be compared unto Hashem? Who among the bnei elim can be likened unto Hashem?

^7 (8) G-d is greatly to be feared in the sod Kedoshim (council of the holy ones), and is awesome over all them that are around Him.

^8 (9) Hashem Elohei Tzva’os, who is like Thee, O Mighty One, Hashem? Thy emunah also surrounds Thee!

^9 (10) Thou rulest the raging of the yam; when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them [see Mk 4:41].

^10 (11) Thou hast broken Rachav in pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered Thine oyevim with Thy strong Zero’a.

^11 (12) Shomayim are Thine, Eretz also is Thine; as for the tevel (world) and the fulness thereof, Thou hast founded them.

^12 (13) The tzafon (north) and the yamin (south) Thou hast created them; Tavor and Chermon shall sing for joy in Thy Shem.

^13 (14) Thou hast a mighty Zero’a; strong is Thy Yad, and exalted is Thy Yamin.

^14 (15) Tzedek and mishpat are the foundation of Thy kisse; chesed and emes shall go before Thy face.

^15 (16) Ashrei is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, Hashem, in the ohr (light) of Thy countenance.

^16 (17) In Thy Shem shall they rejoice kol hayom; and in Thy tzedakah shall they be exalted.

^17 (18) For Thou art the tiferet (splendor, glory) of their strength; and in Thy favor our keren shall be exalted.

^18 (19) For Hashem is our mogen; and the Kadosh Yisroel is Malkeinu (our king).

^19 (20) Then Thou spoke in chazon (vision) to Thy chasidim, and saidst, I have laid ezer (help) upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

^20 (21) I have found Dovid Avdi; with My shemen kadosh (holy oil) meshachtiv (I anointed him);

^21 (22) With whom My yad shall be established; Mine zero’a also shall strengthen him.

^22 (23) The oyev (enemy) shall not ensnare him; nor the ben avlah (son of wickedness) afflict him.

^23 (24) And I will beat down his tzar before his face, and strike down them that hate him.

^24 (25) But My emunah (faithfulness) and My chesed shall be with him; and in My Shem shall his keren be exalted.

^25 (26) I will set his yad also upon the yam, and his yamin upon the neharot (rivers).

^26 (27) He shall cry out unto Me, Thou art Avi, Eli, and the Tzur of my Yeshuah (salvation) [Mt 16:16].

^27 (28) Also I will make him My Bechor, elyon (most exalted) of the Malkhei Aretz.

^28 (29) My chesed will I be shomer over for him forevermore, and My Brit shall stand unfailing with him.

^29 (30) His zera also will I make to endure forever, and his kisse as the days of Shomayim.

^30 (31) If his banim forsake My torah, walk not in My mishpatim,

^31 (32) If they violate My chukkot, and are not shomer over My mitzvot;

^32 (33) Then will I visit their peysha with shevet (rod), and their avon (iniquity) with stripes.

^33 (34) Nevertheless My chesed will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My emunah (faithfulness) to fail.

^34 (35) My Brit will I not violate, nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips.

^35 (36) Once have I sworn by My Kodesh; I will not lie unto Dovid.

^36 (37) His zera shall endure l’olam, and his kisse as the shemesh before Me.

^37 (38) It shall be established olam as the yarei’ach, and as an ed ne’eman (a faithful witness) in the heavens. Selah.

^38 (39) But Thou hast cast off [mem-alef-samech, see same word Psalm 118:22] and abhorred, Thou hast been in wrath with Thine Moshiach.

^39 (40) Thou hast made void the Brit of Thy eved; Thou hast profaned his nezer (diadem) to the ground.

^40 (41) Thou hast broken down all his gederot (hedges); Thou hast brought his strongholds to ruin.

^41 (42) All that pass by the derech plunder him; he is a cherpah (reproach) to his shchenim [Mt 27:39].

^42 (43) Thou hast exalted the yamin of his adversaries; Thou hast made all his oyevim to rejoice.

^43 (44) Thou hast also turned back the edge of his cherev, and hast not made him to stand in the milchamah.

^44 (45) Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his kisse down to the ground.

^45 (46) The days of his youth hast thou shortened; Thou hast covered him with bushah (shame). Selah.

^46 (47) How long, Hashem? Wilt Thou hide Thyself lanetzach (forever)? Shall Thy wrath burn like eish?

^47 (48) Remember how short my time is. For what vanity hast Thou created kol bnei adam?

^48 (49) What gever is he that liveth, and shall not see mavet? Shall he deliver his nefesh from the yad Sheol (power of Sheol)? Selah.

^49 (50) Adonoi, where are Thy former lovingkindnesses, which Thou didst swear unto Dovid in Thy emunah?

^50 (51) Remember, Adonoi, the reproach of Thy avadim; how I do bear in my kheyk (bosom) the reproach of all rabbim amim (many peoples);

^51 (52) Wherewith Thine oyevim have reproached, Hashem; wherewith they have reproached the ikkevot (footsteps) of Thine Moshiach.

^52 (53) Baruch Hashem l’olam. Omein and Omein.

90 (Tefillah of Moshe, ish HaElohim) Adonoi, Thou hast been our ma’on (dwelling place) b’dor vador.

² Before the harim were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed eretz and the tevel (inhabited world), even from olam ad olam, Thou art El (G-d).

³ Thou turnest enosh to dakka (dust); and sayest, Shuvu, ye Bnei Adam.

⁴ For an elef shanim in Thy sight are but as yom etmol (yesterday) when it is past, and as an ashmurah (watch, division of time) in the lailah.

⁵ Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sheinah (sleep); in the boker they are like khatzir (grass) which withereth.

⁶ In the boker it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the erev it is cut down, and drieth up.

⁷ For we are consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy chemah are we troubled.

⁸ Thou hast set avonoteinu before Thee, our secret sins in the ohr of Thy countenance.

⁹ For kol yameinu are passed away in Thy evrah (fury); we spend shaneinu (our years) like a sigh.

¹⁰ The yamim of shnoteinu (our years, life) are threescore shanah and ten; and if by reason of gevurot they are fourscore shanah, yet is their boast amal (trouble, toil) and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

¹¹ Who has da’as of the oz (power) of Thine anger? Thy evrah is as great as Thy yirah (fear of, reverence owed G-d).

¹² So teach us to number yameinu, that we may apply levav unto chochmah.

¹³ Shuvah, Hashem. Ad mosai? Have compassion on Thy avadim.

¹⁴ O satisfy us baboker with Thy chesed; that we may sing for joy and be glad kol yameinu (all our days).

¹⁵ Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen ra’ah.

¹⁶ Let Thy work appear unto Thy avadim, and Thy glory unto their banim.

¹⁷ And let the no’am (favor, delightfulness) of Adonoi Eloheinu be upon us; and establish Thou the ma’aseh yadeinu upon us; yes, the ma’aseh yadeinu establish Thou it.

91 He that dwelleth in the seter Elyon (covering, hiding place of the Most High) shall abide under the tzel Shaddai (shadow of the Almighty).

² I will say of Hashem, He is my refuge and my fortress; Elohai (my G-d); in Him will I trust.

³ Surely He shall save thee from the pach yakosh ([deadly] snare of the fowler), and from the devastating dever (plague).

⁴ He shall cover thee with His evrah (pinion, flight feathers), and under His kenafayim (wings) shalt thou find defense; His Emes shall be thy shield and buckler.

⁵ Thou shalt not be afraid of the pachad (terror) by lailah; nor of the khetz (arrow) that flieth yomam (by day);

⁶ Nor for the dever (plague) that walketh in darkness; nor for the ketev (pestilence, destruction) that destroyeth at tzohorayim (noon).

⁷ An elef (thousand) may fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy yamin (right hand); but it shall not come near thee.

⁸ Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the shillumah (recompense, retribution) of the resha’im.

⁹ Because thou hast made Hashem, which is my refuge, even Elyon, thy ma’on (habitation, dwelling; see Yn 14:2 OJBC)

¹⁰ There shall no ra’ah (evil, disaster) befall thee, neither shall any nega come near thy ohel.

¹¹ For He shall give charge to His malachim (angels) concerning thee, to be shomer over thee in kol drakhim of thee.

¹² They [the malachim of Hashem] shall bear thee up on their palms, lest thou dash thy regel against an even (stone).

¹³ Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the tannin (serpent) shalt thou trample under foot.

¹⁴ Because he hath set his longing upon Me, therefore will I rescue him; I will set him on high, because he hath da’as of Shmi (My Name).

¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in tzoros; I will deliver him, and honor him.

¹⁶ With orech yamim (length of days, long life) will I satisfy him, and show him My Yeshuah (salvation).

92 (Mizmor. Shir. For Shabbos) It is tov to give thanks unto Hashem, and to make music unto Thy Shem, O Elyon;

^2 (3) To proclaim Thy chesed in the boker, and Thy emunah baleilot,

^3 (4) Upon a ten-stringed instrument, and upon the nevel (lyre); to the melody of the kinnor (harp).

^4 (5) For Thou, Hashem, hast made me glad through Thy work; I will joy in the works of Thy hands.

^5 (6) Hashem, how great are Thy works! And Thy machshe’vot (thoughts) are very deep.

^6 (7) An ish ba’ar (brutish, senseless man, dolt) knoweth not; neither doth a kesil (fool) understand this.

^7 (8) When the resha’im spring up like the esev (grass), and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed adei-ad (forever).

^8 (9) But Thou, Hashem, art exalted l’olam.

^9 (10) For, hinei, Thine enemies, Hashem, for, hinei, Thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

^10 (11) But my keren shalt Thou exalt like the keren of a re’eim (wild ox); I shall be anointed with fresh shemen.

^11 (12) Mine eye also shall look on mine foes, and mine ears shall hear of the resha’im that rise up against me.

^12 (13) The tzaddik shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Levanon.

^13 (14) Those that are planted in the Beis Hashem shall flourish in the khatzerot Eloheinu (courts of our G-d).

^14 (15) They shall still bear forth fruit in old age; they shall be deshenim (stalwart, vigorous) and ra’ananim (luxuriant, fresh);

^15 (16) To proclaim that Hashem is yashar; He is my Tzur, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

93 Hashem reigneth, He is robed with majesty; Hashem is clothed with strength, wherewith He hath girded Himself; the tevel (world) also is established, that it cannot be moved.

² Thy kisse is established of old; Thou art me’olam (from everlasting).

³ The floods have lifted up, Hashem, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

⁴ Hashem on high is mightier than the noise of mayim rabbim, yea, than the mighty waves of the yam.

⁵ Thy testimonies are very sure; Kodesh becometh Thine Beis, Hashem, forever.

94 Hashem G-d, to whom vengeance belongeth; O G-d, to whom vengeance belongeth, show Thyself.

² Rise up, Thou Shofet HaAretz; render gemul (recompense, desert) to the ge’im (proud ones).

³ Ad mosai, Hashem, shall the resha’im, how long shall the resha’im triumph?

⁴ How long shall they utter and speak malicious lies? And all the po’alei aven (workers of iniquity) glorify themselves?

⁵ They crush Thy people, Hashem, and afflict Thine nachalah.

⁶ They slay the almanah and the ger, and murder the yetomim (fatherless, orphans).

⁷ Yet they say, Hashem shall not see, neither shall the Elohei Ya’akov regard it.

⁸ Understand, ye brutish among the people; and ye kesilim (fools), when will ye get seichel?

⁹ He that planted the ozen (ear), shall He not hear? He that formed the ayin (eye), shall He not see?

¹⁰ He that chastiseth the Goyim, shall not He reprove? He that is the melamed (teacher) of da’as to adam?

¹¹ Hashem knoweth the machshevot (thoughts) of adam, that they are hevel (vanity, futile).

¹² Ashrei (blessed) is the gever whom Thou chastenest, Hashem, and teachest him out of Thy torah;

¹³ That Thou mayest grant him relief from the days of rah, until a shachat (pit) is dug for the rasha.

¹⁴ For Hashem will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His nachalah.

¹⁵ But mishpat shall revert unto tzedek; and all the yishrei lev (upright in heart) shall follow after it.

¹⁶ Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Or who will take a stand for Me against the po’alei aven (workers of iniquity)?

¹⁷ Unless Hashem had been my help, my nefesh had almost dwelt in dumah (silence).

¹⁸ When I said, My regel (foot) slippeth, Thy chesed, Hashem, held me up.

¹⁹ In the multitude of my anxieties within me Thy comforts delight my nefesh.

²⁰ Shall the kisse of corruption have chavurah (fellowship) with Thee, those, which deviseth evil by a chok (statute)?

²¹ They band together against the nefesh of the tzaddik, and condemn dahm naki (innocent blood).

²² But Hashem is my stronghold; and Elohai is the Tzur of my refuge.

²³ And He shall turn back upon them their own iniquity, and shall destroy them for their own wickedness; Hashem Eloheinu shall destroy them.

95 O come, let us sing unto Hashem; let us make a joyful noise to the Tzur of our salvation.

² Let us come before His presence with todah, and extol Him with zemirot (joyful songs).

³ For Hashem is El Gadol, and Melech Gadol above kol elohim (g-ds).

⁴ In His yad are the deep places of ha’aretz; the peaks of the harim are His also.

⁵ The yam is His, and He made it; and His hands formed the yabashah (dry land).

⁶ O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Hashem Oseinu (our Maker).

⁷ For He is Eloheinu; and we are the people of His pasture, and the tzon of His yad. Today if ye will hear His voice,

⁸ Harden not your lev, as in Merivah, and as in the Yom Massah in the midbar;

⁹ When your avot tested Me, tried Me, and saw My work.

¹⁰ Arba’im shanah was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do stray in their lev, and they have no da’as of My ways;

¹¹ Unto whom I swore an oath in My wrath that they should not enter into My menuchah.

96 O sing unto Hashem a shir chadash; sing unto Hashem, kol ha’aretz.

² Sing unto Hashem, barakhu Shmo, show forth His Yeshuah (salvation) from day to day.

³ Declare His kavod among the Goyim, His nifle’ot (marvelous deeds) among all peoples.

⁴ For Hashem is gadol, and me’od to be praised; He is to be feared above all elohim.

⁵ For kol elohei HaAmim are elilim (idols); but Hashem made Shomayim.

⁶ Hod and hadar are before Him; oz and tiferet are in His Mikdash.

⁷ Render unto Hashem, O ye mishpekhot of the nations, render unto Hashem kavod and oz.

⁸ Render unto Hashem the kavod due unto Shmo; bring a minchah, and come into His khatzerot (courtyards).

⁹ O worship Hashem in the hadrat Kodesh; fear before Him, kol ha’aretz.

¹⁰ Say among the Goyim that Hashem reigneth; the tevel also is established that it shall not be moved; He shall judge the Amim bemeysharim (in equity, in uprightness).

¹¹ Let Shomayim rejoice, and let ha’aretz be glad; let the yam roar, and the fullness thereof.

¹² Let the sadeh be jubilant, and all that is therein; then shall kol atzei ya’ar (all the trees of the forest) sing for joy

¹³ Before Hashem; for He cometh, for He cometh to judge ha’aretz; He shall judge tevel betzedek (world in righteousness), and Amim with His emunah (truth).

97 Hashem reigneth; let ha’aretz rejoice; let the multitude of isles thereof be glad.

² Anan and darkness are round about Him; tzedek and mishpat are the foundation of His kisse.

³ Eish goeth before Him, and burneth up His enemies on every side.

⁴ His lightnings light up the tevel; ha’aretz saw, and trembled.

⁵ The harim melted like wax at the presence of Hashem, at the presence of Adon kol HaAretz.

⁶ HaShomayim declare His tzedek, and kol ha’amim see His kavod.

⁷ Shamed be all they that serve pesel, that boast themselves of elilim; worship Him, kol elohim.

⁸ Tziyon heard, and was glad; and the banot Yehudah rejoiced because of Thy mishpatim, Hashem.

⁹ For Thou, Hashem, art Elyon above kol ha’aretz; Thou art exalted far above kol elohim.

¹⁰ Ye that love Hashem, hate rah; He preserveth the nefashot of His chasidim; He delivereth them out of the yad resha’im.

¹¹ Ohr dawns for the tzaddik, and simchah for the yishrei lev (upright in heart).

¹² Rejoice in Hashem, ye tzaddikim; and give thanks at the remembrance of His kodesh (holiness).

98 (A Mizmor) O sing unto Hashem a shir chadash; for He hath done marvellous things; His right hand, and His zero’a kodesh, hath gotten Him victory.

² Hashem hath made known His Yeshuah (salvation); His tzedek hath He openly showed in the sight of the Goyim.

³ He hath remembered His chesed and His emes toward the Bais Yisroel; all the ends of ha’aretz have seen the Yeshu’at Eloheinu (salvation of our G-d).

⁴ Make a joyful noise unto Hashem, kol ha’aretz; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

⁵ Sing unto Hashem with the kinnor; with the kinnor, and the voice of singing.

⁶ With trumpets and sound of the shofar make a joyful noise before HaMelech Hashem.

⁷ Let the yam roar, and the fullness thereof; the tevel, and they that dwell therein.

⁸ Let the floods clap their hands; let the harim be joyful together

⁹ Before Hashem; for He cometh to judge ha’aretz; with tzedek shall He judge the tevel, and the people with meisharim (uprightness).

99 Hashem reigneth; let the nations tremble; He sitteth between the keruvim; let ha’aretz be shaken.

² Hashem is great in Tziyon; and He is high above all the nations.

³ Let them praise Thy Shem gadol v’nora; for it is kadosh.

⁴ The Mighty King also loveth mishpat; Thou dost establish equity, Thou executest mishpat and tzedakah in Ya’akov.

⁵ Exalt ye Hashem Eloheinu, and worship at His footstool; for He is kadosh.

⁶ Moshe and Aharon among His kohanim, and Shmuel among them that call upon Shmo; they called upon Hashem, and He answered them.

⁷ He spoke unto them in the ammud anan (pillar of cloud); they were shomer over His statutes, and the chok (ordinance) that He gave them.

⁸ Thou answeredst them, Hashem Eloheinu; Thou wast El (G-d) that forgavest them, though Thou tookest vengeance of their misdeeds.

⁹ Exalt Hashem Eloheinu, and worship at His Har Kodesh; for Hashem Eloheinu is kadosh.

100 (Mizmor l’todah) Make a joyful shout unto Hashem, all ye lands.

² Serve Hashem with simchah; come before His presence with joyful singing.

³ Know ye that Hashem He is Elohim; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves, His people, the tzon of His pasture.

⁴ Enter into His she’arim (gates) with todah, and into His khatzerot (courts) with tehillah; be thankful unto Him, and bless Shmo.

⁵ For Hashem is good; His chesed is l’olam; and His emunah (faithfulness) endureth dor vador.

101 (Of Dovid. Mizmor) I will sing of chesed and mishpat; unto Thee, Hashem, will I sing.

² I will study the derech tamim. O when wilt Thou come unto me? I will walk within my bais with tam levav.

³ I will set no devar beliyya’al before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that fall away; it shall not cleave to me.

⁴ A lev ikkesh (perverse heart) shall be far from me; I will not tolerate rah.

⁵ The one who slandereth ba’seter (in secret) his neighbor, him will I destroy; him that hath haughty einayim (eyes) and a proud levav will I not endure.

⁶ Mine eyes shall be upon the ne’emenei eretz (faithful of the land), that they may dwell with me; he that walketh in a derech tamim, he shall minister to me.

⁷ He that worketh remiyyah (deceit) shall not dwell within my bais; he that speaketh shekarim (falsehoods, lies) shall not continue in my presence.

⁸ In the bokerim I will destroy all rishei eretz (wicked ones of the land); that I may cut off all doers of evil from the Ir Hashem.

102 (A tefillah of one afflicted; when he is faint, he pours out his si’akh [complaint] before Hashem) Hear my tefillah, Hashem, and let my cry for help come unto Thee.

^2 (3) Hide not Thy face from me in the yom tzar (day of distress); incline Thine ear unto me; in the yom when I call, answer me speedily.

^3 (4) For my yamim are consumed like ashan (smoke), and my atzmot burn like a furnace.

^4 (5) My lev is struck, and withered like esev; so that I forget to eat my lechem.

^5 (6) By reason of the voice of my groaning my atzmot have deveykus to my basar.

^6 (7) I am like a bird of the midbar; I am like an owl of the desert.

^7 (8) I keep watch, and am like a tzippor (bird) alone upon the gag (housetop, roof).

^8 (9) Mine oyevim (enemies) reproach me kol hayom; and they that revile me curse by me.

^9 (10) For I have eaten ashes like lechem, and mingled my drink with tears.

^10 (11) Because of Thine za’am (indignation) and Thy ketsef (wrath, anger); for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.

^11 (12) My days are like a tzel (shadow) that lengtheneth; and I am withered like esev (grass).

^12 (13) But Thou, Hashem, shall endure l’olam; and Thy memory unto dor vador.

^13 (14) Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Tziyon; for the time to favor her, the mo’ed (set time, appointed time) has come.

^14 (15) For Thy avadim cherish her avanim (stones), and pity her aphar.

^15 (16) So the Goyim shall fear the Shem Hashem, and all the melachim of ha’aretz will revere Thy glory.

^16 (17) When Hashem shall build up Tziyon, He shall appear in His Kavod.

^17 (18) He will regard the tefillah of the destitute, and not despise their tefillah.

^18 (19) This shall be written for a dor acharon (future generation); and the people which shall be created shall praise Hashem.

^19 (20) For He hath looked down from the height of His Kodesh; from Shomayim did Hashem behold Eretz;

^20 (21) To hear the groaning of the asir (prisoner); to release those that are bnei temutah (men [appointed to] death);

^21 (22) To declare the Shem Hashem in Tziyon, and His tehillah (praise) in Yerushalayim;

^22 (23) When the peoples are gathered together in assembly, and the mamlachot (kingdoms), to serve Hashem.

^23 (24) He bowed down my ko’ach in the derech; He cut short my yamim.

^24 (25) I said, O my G-d, take me not away in the midst of my yamim; Thy years are dor dorim (throughout all generations).

^25 (26) Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of ha’aretz; and Shomayim is the ma’aseh (work) of Thy hands.

^26 (27) They shall perish, but Thou shalt remain; and all of them shall wear out like a beged (garment); like a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed;

^27 (28) But Thou art the same, and Thy shanot (years) shall have no end.

^28 (29) The children of Thy avadim shall dwell, and their zera shall be established before Thee.

103 (Of Dovid). Barachi (Bless) Hashem, O my nefesh; and all that is within me, bless His Shem kodesh.

² Barachi Hashem, O my nefesh, and forget not all His gmulim (benefits);

³ Who forgiveth all thine avonim (iniquities); Who healeth all thy diseases;

⁴ Who is the Go’el (Redeemer) of thy life from shachat (corruption, pit, grave); Who crowneth thee with chesed and rachamim;

⁵ Who satisfieth thy mouth with tov; so that thy ne’urim is made chadash like the nesher.

⁶ Hashem executeth tzedakot and mishpatim for all that are oppressed.

⁷ He made known His drakhim unto Moshe, His deeds unto the Bnei Yisroel.

⁸ Hashem is rachum and channun, slow to anger, and plenteous in chesed.

⁹ He will not strive l’netzach; neither will He keep His anger l’olam.

¹⁰ He hath not dealt with us according to chata’einu (our sins); nor repaid us according to avonoteinu (our iniquities).

¹¹ For as Shomayim is high above ha’aretz, so great is His chesed toward them that fear Him.

¹² As far as the mizrach (east) is from the ma’arav (west), so far hath He removed peysha’einu (our transgressions) from us.

¹³ As an av has compassion on banim so Hashem has compassion on them that fear Him.

¹⁴ For He has da’as of yitzreinu (our nature); He remembereth that aphar anachnu (dust we are).

¹⁵ As for enosh (mankind), his yamim are like khatzir (green grass, herbage); like tzitz hasadeh (a flower of the field), so he flourisheth.

¹⁶ For the ruach (wind) passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall remember it no more.

¹⁷ But the chesed Hashem is me’olam v’ad olam (from everlasting to everlasting) upon them that fear Him, and His tzedakah unto bnei banim;

¹⁸ To such as are shomer over His Brit, and to those that remember His precepts to do them.

¹⁹ Hashem hath established His kisse (throne) in Shomayim; and His malchut ruleth over all.

²⁰ Barachu Hashem, ye His malachim, gibborei ko’ach (mighty ones of power), that do His bidding, paying heed unto the voice of His Davar.

²¹ Barachu Hashem, all ye His Tzivos; ye mesharetim (ministers) of His, that do His ratzon (will).

²² Barachu Hashem, all His ma’asim in all places of His memshalet (dominion); Barachi Hashem, O my nefesh.

104 Barachi (bless) Hashem, O my nefesh. Hashem Elohai, Thou art gadol me’od; Thou art clothed with hod (honor) and hadar (majesty).

² Who coverest Thyself with ohr (light) as with a garment; Who stretchest out Shomayim like a tent (curtain);

³ Who layeth the beams of His aliyyot (upper rooms) on the mayim; Who maketh the clouds His merkavah; Who walketh upon the wings of the ruach (wind);

⁴ Who maketh ruchot (spirits, winds) His malachim; His mesharetim (ministers), flaming eish;

⁵ Who laid the mekhonim (foundations) of ha’aretz, that it should not move out of place olam va’ed.

⁶ Thou coveredst it with the tehom (deep) as with a garment; the mayim stood above the harim (mountains).

⁷ At Thy ga’arah (rebuke) they fled; at the voice of Thy thunder they hasted away.

⁸ They go up by the harim (mountains); they go down by the beka’ot (valleys) unto the makom (place) which Thou hast assigned for them.

⁹ Thou hast set a boundary that they [the waters] may not pass over; that they return not to cover ha’aretz.

¹⁰ He sendeth the ma’ayanim (springs) into the ravines, which run among the harim.

¹¹ They give drink to every beast of the sadeh; the pera’im (donkeys) quench their thirst.

¹² By them shall the oph HaShomayim have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

¹³ He watereth the harim from His aliyyot (upper rooms); ha’aretz is satisfied with the p’ri (fruit) of Thy ma’asim.

¹⁴ He causeth the khatzir (grass) to grow for the behemah, and esev for the avodas ha’adam; that he may bring forth lechem out of ha’aretz;

¹⁵ And yayin that maketh glad levav enosh, and shemen to make panim (faces) to shine, and lechem which strengtheneth levav enosh.

¹⁶ The trees of Hashem are full of sap, the arazim (cedars) of Levanon, which He hath planted;

¹⁷ Where the tzipporim (birds) make their nests; as for the khasidah (stork), the beroshim (cypresses) are her bais.

¹⁸ The high hills are a makhseh (refuge, shelter) for the wild goats; and the rocks for the gophers.

¹⁹ He appointed the yarei’ach for mo’adim; the shemesh knoweth the place of its going down.

²⁰ Thou makest choshech, and it is lailah; wherein all the beasts of the ya’ar (forest) do creep forth.

²¹ The young lions roar after their teref (prey), and seek their okhel from G-d.

²² The shemesh ariseth, they retreat, and lay themselves down in their me’onot (dwelling places, dens, homes [Yn 14:2 OJBC]).

²³ Adam goeth forth unto his work and to his avodah (labor, service) until erev.

²⁴ Hashem, how manifold are Thy ma’asim! In chochmah (wisdom; cf Psa 33:6; Yn 1:1) hast Thou made them all; ha’aretz is full of Thy creatures.

²⁵ So is this gadol (great) and rekhav (wide, spacious) yam (sea), wherein are remes (creeping things), innumerable swarming chayyot (creatures), ketanot and gedolot.

²⁶ There go the oniyyot (ships); there is that Leviathan, whom Thou hast made lesakhek (to play, to sport, to frolic) therein.

²⁷ These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their ochel (food) in due season.

²⁸ That Thou givest them they gather; Thou openest Thine yad, they are satisfied with tov.

²⁹ Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled; Thou takest away their ruach, they expire, and return to their aphar.

³⁰ Thou sendest forth Thy Ruach [Hakodesh], they are created; and Thou renewest the face of adamah (earth).

³¹ The Kavod Hashem shall endure l’olam; Hashem shall rejoice in His ma’asim (works).

³² He looketh on ha’aretz, and it trembleth; He toucheth the harim, and they smoke.

³³ I will sing unto Hashem as long as I live; I will sing praise to Elohai while I have my being.

³⁴ May my si’akh (musing, meditation) be acceptable to Him; I will have simchah in Hashem.

³⁵ Let the chatta’im (sinners) be consumed from ha’aretz, and let the resha’im (wicked) be no more. Baruch Hashem, O my nefesh. Praise Hashem!

105 O give thanks unto Hashem; call upon Shmo; make known His deeds among the amim.

² Sing unto Him, sing praise unto Him; talk ye of all His nifle’ot (wondrous works).

³ Glory ye in the Shem Kadosh of Him; let the lev of them that seek Hashem be glad.

⁴ Seek Hashem, and His oz (strength); seek His face tamid.

⁵ Remember His nifla’ot (marvellous works) that He hath done; His mofetim (wonders), and the mishpatim of His mouth;

⁶ O ye zera Avraham His eved, ye Bnei Ya’akov His Bechirim (chosen ones).

⁷ He is Hashem Eloheinu; His mishpatim are in kol ha’aretz.

⁸ He hath remembered His Brit l’olam, the Dvar which He commanded to an elef dor (a thousand generations)

⁹ Which Brit He made with Avraham, and His shevu’ah (oath) unto Yitzchak;

¹⁰ And confirmed the same unto Ya’akov for a chok (decree), and to Yisroel as Brit Olam;

¹¹ Saying, Unto thee will I give Eretz Kena’an, the chevel (lot, portion) of your nachalah.

¹² When they were but few in mispar (number), very few, and gerim (strangers) in it.

¹³ When they went from one goy (nation) to another, from one mamlachah (kingdom) to am acher (another people);

¹⁴ He permitted no adam to oppress them; and He reproved melachim for their sakes;

¹⁵ Saying, Touch not Mine meshichim (anointed ones, My Messianics), and do My nevi’im no harm.

¹⁶ Moreover He called for a ra’av (famine) upon ha’aretz; He broke the kol matteh (whole staff of, all supply of) lechem.

¹⁷ He sent an ish before them, even Yosef, who was sold as an eved (slave);

¹⁸ Whose regel they hurt with the kevel (shackle); his nefesh was laid in barzel;

¹⁹ Until the time that his dvar (prophecy, word) came to pass; the Imrat Hashem (revelation, word of G-d, i.e., revelation of that which set forth saving promises) had tested him.

²⁰ The Melech sent and released him, the Moshel Amim, and set him free.

²¹ He made him adon of his bais, and moshel of all his possessions;

²² To bind [in prison] his sarim (princes) at his pleasure; and teach his zekenim chochmah.

²³ Yisroel also came into Mitzrayim; thus Ya’akov sojourned in Eretz Cham.

²⁴ And He increased Amo (His people) greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

²⁵ He turned their lev to hate Amo, to deal cunningly with His avadim.

²⁶ He sent Moshe His Eved; and Aharon whom He had chosen.

²⁷ They showed His Otot (signs) among them, and mofetim (wonders) in Eretz Cham.

²⁸ He sent choshech, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against His Devar.

²⁹ He turned their mayim into dahm, and made their dag (fish) die.

³⁰ Their land brought forth tzfarde’im (frogs) in abundance, even in the chadarim (rooms) of their melachim.

³¹ He spoke, and there came arov (flies), and kinim (lice) in all their territory.

³² He gave them barad (hail) for geshem (rain), and eish of lightning in their land.

³³ He struck down their gefen also and their te’enah (fig tree); and broke the trees of their territory.

³⁴ He spoke, and the arbeh (locusts) came, and grasshoppers, and that without number,

³⁵ And did eat up all the esev (herbs) in their land, and devoured their p’ri adamah (fruit of the ground).

³⁶ He struck down also kol bechor in their land, the reshit (firstfruit) of all their strength.

³⁷ He brought them forth also with kesef and zahav; and there was not one stumbling among His Shvatim (tribes).

³⁸ Mitzrayim was glad when they departed; for the pachad (terror, dread) of them had fallen upon them.

³⁹ He spread an anan for a curtain; and eish to give light in the lailah.

⁴⁰ The people asked, and He brought slav (quails), and satisfied them with the lechem Shomayim.

⁴¹ He opened the Tzur, and the mayim gushed out; it ran in the dry places like a nahar.

⁴² For He remembered His Davar Kadosh, and Avraham His eved.

⁴³ And He brought forth His people with sasson, and His chosen with joyful shouts;

⁴⁴ And gave them the lands of the Goyim; and they inherited the amal (labor, toil) of the amim;

⁴⁵ That they might be shomer over His chukkot, and observe His torot (laws). Praise Hashem.

106 Praise Hashem! O give thanks unto Hashem; for He is tov; for His chesed endureth l’olam.

² Who can speak of the gevurot (mighty acts) of Hashem? Who can show forth all His tehillah (praise)?

³ Ashrei (happy, blessed) are they who are shomrei mishpat, and he that doeth tzedakah at all times.

⁴ Remember me, Hashem, with the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people; O visit me with Thy Yeshuah (salvation);

⁵ That I may see the good of Bechireicha (Thy chosen ones), that I may rejoice in the simchah of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine nachalah (the people of Thy inheritance).

⁶ We have sinned with Avoteinu, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

⁷ Avoteinu had no seichal concerning Thy nifla’ot (wonders) in Mitzrayim; they remembered not the multitude of Thy mercies but provoked Him at the yam, even at the Yam Suf.

⁸ Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of Shmo, that He might make His gevu’rot (mighty power) to be known.

⁹ He rebuked the Yam Suf also, and it dried up; so He led them through the tehomot, as through the midbar.

¹⁰ And He saved them from the yad of him that hated them, and He acted to make the go’el redemption from the yad of the oyev (enemy).

¹¹ And the mayim covered their enemies; there was not echad (one) of them left surviving.

¹² Then believed they in His Devarim; they sang His tehillah.

¹³ Then they hurried, they forgot His ma’asim; they waited not for His etzah (counsel, advice, wisdom);

¹⁴ But lusted exceedingly in the midbar, and tempted G-d in the desert.

¹⁵ And He gave them their she’elah (request); but sent leanness into their nefesh.

¹⁶ They envied Moshe also in the machaneh, and Aharon the kadosh Hashem (Aaron the holy one of Hashem).

¹⁷ Eretz opened and swallowed up Datan and covered over the Adat Aviram (the company of Aviram).

¹⁸ And an eish was kindled in their edah (assembly); the flame burned up the resha’im.

¹⁹ They made an egel (a calf) in Chorev, and worshiped a massekhah (molden image).

²⁰ Thus they exchanged their kavod for a tavnit shor (likeness of an ox) that eateth esev (grass).

²¹ They forgot G-d their Moshi’a, Who had done gedolot in Mitzrayim;

²² Nifla’ot (wondrous works) in Eretz Cham, and nora’ot (awesome things) by the Yam Suf.

²³ Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moshe His bechir (chosen one) stood before Him in the peretz (breach), to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them.

²⁴ Then they despised the eretz chemdah (desirable land); they believed not His Devar;

²⁵ But murmured in their ohalim, and paid heed not unto the kol (voice) of Hashem.

²⁶ Therefore [in oath] He lifted up His yad against them, that He would overthrow them in the midbar;

²⁷ To make their zera fall also among the Goyim, and to scatter them among the aratzot (lands).

²⁸ They joined themselves also unto Ba’al-Pe’or, and ate the zivkhei mesim (sacrifices offered to the dead).

²⁹ Thus they provoked Him to anger with their inventions; and the magefah (plague) broke out among them.

³⁰ Then stood up Pinchas, and interposed; and so the magefah (plague) was halted.

³¹ And that was counted unto him for tzedakah l’dor vador ad olam.

³² They angered Him also at the waters of Merivah, so that it went ill with Moshe on their account;

³³ Because they provoked His Ruach [Hakodesh] and he [Moshe] spoke unadvisedly with his sfatayim (lips).

³⁴ They did not destroy the amim (peoples), as Hashem commanded them;

³⁵ But they mingled with the Goyim, and learned their ma’asim (works, customs).

³⁶ And they served their atzabim (idols); which were a mokesh (snare) unto them.

³⁷ And, they sacrificed their banim and their banot unto shedim (demons),

³⁸ And they shed dahm naki (innocent blood), even the dahm of their banim and of their banot, whom they sacrificed unto the atzabei Kena’an (idols of Canaan); and HaAretz was polluted with blood-guilt.

³⁹ Thus they made themselves tameh with their own ma’asim, and went awhoring with their own inventions.

⁴⁰ Therefore was the wrath of Hashem kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own nachalah.

⁴¹ And He gave them into the yad Goyim; and they that hated them ruled over them.

⁴² Their oyevim also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their yad.

⁴³ Many times did He deliver them; but they provoked Him with their etzah (counsel), and so perished in their avon (iniquity).

⁴⁴ Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their rinnah (cry of grief);

⁴⁵ And He remembered for their sake His Brit, and relented according to the multitude of His chasadim (lovingkindnesses).

⁴⁶ He made them also to be pitied with rachamim by all those that carried them away as captives.

⁴⁷ Hoshieini (save us), Hashem Eloheinu, and gather us from among the Goyim, to give thanks unto Thy Shem Kadosh, and to glory in Thy tehillah (praise).

⁴⁸ Baruch Hashem Elohei Yisroel min haOlam v’ad haOlam; and let kol HaAm say, Omein. Praise Hashem!

107 O give thanks unto Hashem, for He is tov; ki l’olam chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever).

² Let the Geulei Hashem (the redeemed of Hashem) say so, whom He hath redeemed from the yad tzar;

³ And gathered them out of the lands, from the mizrach (east), and from the ma’arav (west), from the tzafon (north), and from the yam (sea).

⁴ They wandered in the midbar in a desolate region; they found no derech to an ir moshav (inhabited city).

⁵ Re’evim (hungry) and tzeme’im (thirsty), their nefesh fainted within them.

⁶ Then they cried unto Hashem in their tzoros, and He delivered them out of their distresses.

⁷ And He led them forth by the derech yesharah that they might go to an ir moshav.

⁸ Oh that men would praise Hashem for His chesed, and for His nifla’ot (wonderful works) to the Bnei Adam!

⁹ For He satisfieth the longing nefesh, and filleth the hungry nefesh with the tov.

¹⁰ Such as sit in choshech and in tzalmavet, being bound in oni and barzel (iron);

¹¹ Because they rebelled against the words of G-d, and despised the atzat Elyon (counsel of the Most High);

¹² Therefore He brought down their lev with amal (toil); they stumbled, and there was no ozer (helper).

¹³ Then they cried out unto Hashem in their tzoros, and He saved them out of their distresses.

¹⁴ He brought them out of choshech and tzalmavet, and broke apart their chains.

¹⁵ Oh that men would praise Hashem for His chesed, and for His nifla’ot (wonderful works) to the Bnei Adam!

¹⁶ For He hath broken down the dlatot nechoshet, and cut asunder the bars of barzel (iron).

¹⁷ Fools because of their derech peysha, and because of their avonot (iniquities), were afflicted.

¹⁸ Their nefesh abhorreth all manner of ochel (food); and they drew near unto the sha’arei mavet (gates of death).

¹⁹ Then they cried unto Hashem in their tzoros, and He saveth them out of their distresses.

²⁰ He sent His Davar, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions [See Yn 1:1, 14; Mt 4:23].

²¹ Oh that men would praise Hashem for His chesed, and for His nifla’ot (wonderful works) to the Bnei Adam!

²² And let them sacrifice the zivkhei todah (sacrifices of thanksgiving), and recount His works with joyful singing.

²³ They that go down to the yam in oniyot (ships), that do business on mayim rabbim (great waters);

²⁴ These have seen the ma’asei Hashem, and His nifla’ot (wonders) in the deep.

²⁵ For He commandeth, and raiseth up a ruach sa’arah (stormy wind), which lifteth up the galim (waves) thereof.

²⁶ They [the galim] mount up to Shomayim, they went down again to the tehomot (depths); their nefesh melted in ra’ah (peril, trouble).

²⁷ They reeled and staggered like a shikkor, and were at their wit’s end.

²⁸ Then they cried unto Hashem in their tzoros, and He brought them out of their distresses.

²⁹ He made the sa’arah (storm) a calm, so that the galim (waves) thereof were still [Mk 4:41].

³⁰ Then were they glad because they were quiet; so He brought them unto their makhoz chefetz (desired haven, city, district, boundary).

³¹ Oh that men would praise Hashem for His chesed, and for His nifla’ot (wonderful works) to the Bnei Adam!

³² Let them exalt Him also in the Kehal Am, and praise Him in the moshav zekenim (council of the elders).

³³ He turneth neharot (rivers) into a midbar, and the springs of water into dry ground;

³⁴ An eretz p’ri (fruitful land) into salt wasteland, because of the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

³⁵ He turneth the midbar into an agam (pool, lake) of mayim, and dry ground into springs of water.

³⁶ And there He maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may found an ir moshav (an inhabited city);

³⁷ And sow the sadot, and plant kramim, and acquire p’ri tevu’ah (fruits of increase).

³⁸ He made a brocha on them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and He doth not permit their behemah to decrease.

³⁹ Again, they are diminished and brought low through otzer (oppression), ra’ah (calamity, peril, trouble) and yagon (sorrow, grief).

⁴⁰ He poureth contempt upon nedivim (nobles), and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no derech.

⁴¹ Yet setteth He the evyon (needy) up above oni (affliction), and maketh him mishpekhot like a tzon (flock).

⁴² The yesharim (upright ones) shall see it, and rejoice with simchah; and all iniquity shall shut its mouth.

⁴³ Whosoever is chacham, and will be shomer over these things, even they shall understand the chasdei Hashem (lovingkindnesses of Hashem).

108 (Shir. Mizmor of Dovid) O Elohim, my lev is nachon; I will sing and make music, even with my kavod (glory, soul).

^2 (3) Awake, nevel and kinnor; I will awaken the shachar (dawn).

^3 (4) I will praise Thee, Hashem, among the peoples; and I will sing praises unto Thee among the nations.

^4 (5) For Thy chesed is gadol above Shomayim; and Thy emes reacheth unto the clouds.

^5 (6) Be Thou exalted, Elohim, above Shomayim; and Thy kavod above kol ha’aretz;

^6 (7) That Thy beloved may be delivered; hoshiah (save) with Thy Yamin, and answer me.

^7 (8) Elohim hath spoken in His Kodesh; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and measure out the Valley of Sukkot.

^8 (9) Gil‘ad is Mine; Menasheh is Mine; Ephrayim also is the maoz of Mine rosh; Yehudah is My mechokek (lawgiver);

^9 (10) Moav is My washbasin; over Edom will I toss My na’al (sandal); over Philistia will I shout in triumph.

^10 (11) Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will lead me into Edom?

^11 (12) Wilt not Thou, Elohim, Who hast cast us off? And wilt not Thou, Elohim, go forth with our Tzivos?

^12 (13) Give us help against the enemy; for vain is the teshuat adam (help of man).

^13 (14) Through Elohim we shall do valiantly; for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.

109 (For the one directing. Of Dovid. Mizmor) Hold not Thy peace, O Elohei tehillati;

² For the mouth of the rasha and the mouth of the mirmah are opened against me; they have spoken against me with a leshon sheker (a lying tongue).

³ They surrounded me also with divrei sinah (words of hatred); and attacked me without cause.

⁴ In return for my ahavah they are my adversaries; but I give myself unto tefillah (prayer).

⁵ Thus they have laid upon me ra’ah for tovah, and sinah for my ahavah.

⁶ Set Thou a rasha (wicked man) over him; and let Satan (the Accuser) stand at his yamin (right hand).

⁷ When he shall be tried, let him be in the judgment condemned; and let his tefillah (prayer) become sin.

⁸ Let his yamim be few; and let another take his pekuddat [See Ac 1:20 OJBC].

⁹ Let his banim be yetomim, and his isha an almanah.

¹⁰ Let his banim be continually vagabonds, and beg; let them seek from their ruins.

¹¹ Let the nosheh (creditor) seize all that he hath; and let the zarim (strangers) plunder his labor.

¹² Let there be none to extend chesed unto him; neither let there be any to favor his yetomim.

¹³ Let his posterity be cut off; and in the dor acher (generation following) let their shem be blotted out.

¹⁴ Let the avon of his avot be remembered before Hashem; and let not the chattat immo be blotted out.

¹⁵ Let them be before Hashem tamid, that He may cut off the memory of them from ha’aretz.

¹⁶ Because he remembered not to show chesed, but persecuted the ish oni and the evyon, that he might even slay the nikheh levav (brokenhearted person).

¹⁷ As he loved kelalah (cursing), so it came on him; as he delighted not in brocha (blessing), so it was far from him.

¹⁸ As he clothed himself with kelalah as with his garment, so let it come into his inward parts like mayim, and like shemen into his atzmot.

¹⁹ Let it be unto him like a beged which covereth him, and for a belt wherewith he is girded tamid (continually).

²⁰ This is the reward of mine adversaries from Hashem, and of them that speak rah against my nefesh.

²¹ But Thou O Hashem Adonoi, do with me for the sake of Thy Name; because Thy chesed is tov, deliver Thou me.

²² For I am oni and evyon, and my lev is wounded within me.

²³ I am gone like a lengthening tzel (shadow); I am shaken off like the arbeh.

²⁴ My knees are weak from a tzom; and my basar faileth of fatness.

²⁵ I became also a cherpah (reproach) unto them; when they looked upon me, they shaked their heads.

²⁶ Help me, O Hashem Elohai; O hoshi’eini (save me) according to Thy chesed;

²⁷ That they may know that this is Thy Yad; that Thou, Hashem, hast done it.

²⁸ Let them make kelalah (curse), but do Thou make brocha; when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let Thy eved rejoice.

²⁹ Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own shame, as with a me’il (cloak).

³⁰ I will greatly praise Hashem with my mouth; and, I will praise Him among the multitude.

³¹ For He shall stand at the yamin (right hand) of the evyon (needy), to save him from those that judge with condemnation his nefesh [cf Mt 9:10-11].

110 (Of Dovid. Mizmor). Hashem said unto Adoni [i.e., Moshiach Adoneinu; Malachi 3:1], Sit thou at My right hand, until I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet.

^2 (3) Hashem shall stretch forth the rod of thy might out of Tziyon; rule thou in the midst of thine [Moshiach’s] enemies [i.e., anti-Moshiachs].

^3 (4) Thy [Moshiach’s Messianic] people, willing in the Day of thy [Moshiach’s called up] Army, will be arrayed in the splendor of kodesh (holiness); from the womb of the dawn, cometh to thee [Moshiach] thy young men [cf Isa 53:10] as the tal (dew) [Rv 19:14].

^4 (5) Hashem hath sworn, and will not relent, Thou [Moshiach] art a kohen l’olam al divrati Malki-Tzedek (kohen forever in respect to the order of Malki-Tzedek; [see Bereshis 14:18; note it is the kohen who makes kapporah for sin—see Leviticus 4:20; Isa 53:8).

^5 (6) Adonoi at thy right hand shall dash melachim (kings) in pieces in the Yom Afo (Day of His Wrath).

^6 (7) He [Adonoi acting through Moshiach] shall judge among the Goyim, He shall heap up geviyyot (corpses); He shall dash in pieces Rosh (Head; Gn 3:15] al Eretz Rabbah (over Great, Whole Earth, cf 2Th 2:8).

⁷ Of the brook in the Derech shall he [Moshiach] drink; therefore shall he lift up [as victor] the Rosh [Moshiach’s head; PP 2:8-10; Ep 4:15].

111 Praise Hashem. I will praise Hashem with kol levav, in the Sod (company, council) of the Yesharim (upright ones), and in the Edah (assembly).

² The ma’asei Hashem are gedolim, derushim (sought out, pondered) of all them that have delight therein.

³ His po’al (deed, work) is glorious and majestic; and His tzedakah (righteousness) endureth forever.

⁴ He hath caused His nifla’ot (wonderful works) to be remembered; Hashem is channun (gracious) and rachum (compassionate).

⁵ He hath given food unto them that fear Him; He will be mindful of His Brit (covenant) l’olam.

⁶ He hath showed His people the ko’ach of His works, that He may give them the nachalat Goyim.

⁷ The works of His hands are emes and mishpat; all His pikkudim (precepts, commands) are ne’emanim (sure, trustworthy ones).

⁸ They stand fast la’ad l’olam (forever and ever), and are done in emes and yashar (uprightness).

⁹ He sent redemption unto His people; He hath ordained His Brit (covenant) l’olam (forever); Kadosh (holy) and Nora (awesome, reverend) is Shmo.

¹⁰ The fear of Hashem is the reshit chochmah; seichel tov have all they that live by it; His tehillah (praise) endureth forever.

112 Praise Hashem. Ashrei is the ish that feareth Hashem, that delighteth greatly in His mitzvot.

² His zera shall be gibbor ba’aretz; the dor (generation) of the Yesharim (upright ones) shall be blessed.

³ Wealth and osher (riches) shall be in his bais; and his tzedakah endureth forever.

⁴ Unto the Yesharim (upright ones) there ariseth ohr in the choshech; he is channun, and rachum, and tzaddik.

⁵ A tov ish is generous, and lendeth; he will guide his affairs with mishpat.

⁶ Surely he shall never falter; the tzaddik shall be in remembrance olam (forever).

⁷ He shall not be afraid of mishmu’ah ra’ah (news of misfortune, evil tidings); his lev is nachon (steadfast), trusting in Hashem.

⁸ His lev is samuch (sustained), he shall not be afraid, until he look in triumph upon his foes.

⁹ He hath contributed freely, he hath given to the evyonim (needy); his tzedakah endureth forever; his keren shall be lifted up in kavod.

¹⁰ The rasha shall see it, and be incensed; he shall gnash his teeth, and waste away; the ta’avot resha’im (desire of the wicked ones) shall come to nothing.

113 Praise ye Hashem. Praise O ye avadim of Hashem, praise the Shem of Hashem.

² Blessed be the Shem of Hashem from this time forth and forevermore.

³ From the rising of the shemesh unto the going down of the same the Shem of Hashem is to be praised.

⁴ Hashem is high above kol Goyim, and His kavod above HaShomayim.

⁵ Who is like unto Hashem Eloheinu, Who dwelleth on high,

⁶ Who stoopeth down to behold the things that are in Shomayim, and in ha’aretz!

⁷ He raiseth up the poor out of the aphar (dust), and lifteth the needy out of the ash heap;

⁸ That he may seat him with princes, even with the princes of amo (His people).

⁹ He settleth the akeret (barren woman) in her bais to be a happy em of banim. Praise ye Hashem.

114 When Yisroel went out of Mitzrayim, Bais Ya’akov from a people of foreign tongue,

² Yehudah was His kodesh (sanctuary), and Yisroel His dominion.

³ The yam saw it, and fled; Yarden was driven back.

⁴ The harim skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

⁵ What ailed thee, O thou yam, that thou didst flee? Thou Yarden, that thou wast driven back?

⁶ Ye harim, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?

⁷ Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of Hashem, at the presence of Elohei Ya’akov;

⁸ Which turned the rock into a pool of mayim, the flint into a spring of mayim.

115 Not unto us, Hashem, not unto us, but unto Thy Shem give kavod, for the sake of Thy chesed, and for Thy emes.

² Why should the Goyim say, Where is now their Elohim?

³ But Eloheinu is in Shomayim; He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.

⁴ Their atzabim (idols) are kesef and zahav, the ma’aseh (work) of the hands of adam.

⁵ Peh (mouth) they have, but they speak not; einayim (eyes) have they, but they see not;

⁶ Oznayim (ears) they have, but they hear not; af (nose) have they, but they smell not;

⁷ They have hands, but they handle not; raglayim (feet) have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their garon (throat).

⁸ They that make them will be like them; so is kol asher bote’ach (every one that trusteth) in them.

⁹ O Yisroel, trust thou in Hashem. He is their ezrah (help) and their mogen.

¹⁰ O Bais Aharon, trust thou in Hashem; He is their ezrah (help) and their mogen.

¹¹ The ones fearing Hashem, trust in Hashem; He is their ezrah (help) and their mogen (shield).

¹² Hashem hath been mindful of us; Yevarech. Yevarech es Bais Yisroel; Yevarech es Bais Aharon.

¹³ Yevarech Yirei Hashem (He will bless those who fear Hashem), the ketanim with the gedolim.

¹⁴ May Hashem give you increase, upon you and your banim.

¹⁵ May a barukhah be upon you by Hashem, Oseh Shomayim va’Aretz (Maker of Heaven and Earth).

¹⁶ The heavens, even Shomayim, is Hashem’s, but HaAretz He gave to the Bnei Adam.

¹⁷ The mesim (dead ones) praise not Hashem, neither do any that descend into Dumah (the silent [place of Sheol]).

¹⁸ But we will bless Hashem from this time forth v’ad olam (and to forevermore). Praise Hashem.

116 I love Hashem, because He hath heard my kol (voice), even my techinnah.

² Because He hath inclined His ozen (ear) unto me, therefore will I call upon Him while I have days.

³ Chevlei mavet (pangs of death) encompassed me, and the metzarei She’ol (confines, straitnesses of She’ol) have caught up with me and found me; tzoros and yagon (sorrow) I found.

⁴ Then called I b’Shem Hashem: O Hashem, save my nefesh!

⁵ Channun (gracious) is Hashem, and tzaddik; yes, Eloheinu is merciful.

⁶ Hashem is shomer over the petayim (simple-hearted, helpless); I was in need and li yehoshia (me He saved).

⁷ Return, my nefesh, to thy menuchah (rest, resting place); for Hashem hath dealt bountifully with thee.

⁸ For Thou hast saved my nefesh from mavet (death), mine eye from dimah (tears), and mine regel (foot) from stumbling.

⁹ I will walk before Hashem in the Artzot HaChayim (the Land of the Living). [T.N. Note that I can do that because Moshiach was cut off from there in my place and for my sins—Isa 53:8]

¹⁰ He’emaneti (I believed); therefore have I spoken; I was greatly afflicted.

¹¹ I said in my chafaz (haste, alarm, consternation), Kol HaAdam Kozev (all men are liars).

¹² How shall I repay Hashem for all His benefits to me?

¹³ I will raise the Kos Yeshu’ot (the Cup of Salvation), and call upon Hashem b’Shem (by Name).

¹⁴ I will fulfill my nederim (vows) now in the presence of all His people.

¹⁵ Precious in the eyes of Hashem is the mavet of His Chasidim.

¹⁶ O Hashem, truly I am Thy eved; I am Thy eved, ben amatecha (the son of Thy maid servant); Thou hast removed my chains.

¹⁷ I will sacrifice to Thee the zevach todah (the thanksgiving offering) and will call on the Shem Hashem.

¹⁸ I will fulfill my nederim to Hashem now in the presence of all His people.

¹⁹ In the khatzerot Beis Hashem, in the midst of thee, O Yerushalayim. Praise ye Hashem.

117 O praise Hashem, all ye Goyim; praise Him, all ye peoples.

² For His chesed is mighty toward us; and the Emes Hashem endureth l’olam (forever). Praise ye Hashem.

118 O give thanks unto Hashem; for He is tov; Ki l’olam chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever).

² Let Yisroel now say, Ki l’olam chasdo.

³ Let the Bais Aharon now say, Ki l’olam chasdo.

⁴ Let them now that fear Hashem say, Ki l’olam chasdo,

⁵ I called upon Hashem in distress; Hashem answered me, and set me in a broad place.

⁶ Hashem is on my side; I will not fear; what can adam do unto me?

⁷ Hashem taketh my part through them that help me; therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

⁸ It is better to trust in Hashem than to put confidence in adam.

⁹ It is better to trust in Hashem than to put confidence in nedivim (nobles).

¹⁰ All Goyim surrounded me; but in the Shem Hashem will I cut them off.

¹¹ They surrounded me; yes, they compassed me about; but in the Shem Hashem I will cut them off.

¹² They compassed me about like devorim (bees); they are extinguished like the eish of kotzim (thorns); for in the Shem Hashem I will cut them off.

¹³ Thou hast hard pushed at me that I fell; but Hashem helped me.

¹⁴ Hashem is my oz (strength) and zimrah (song), and He is become my Yeshuah (salvation).

¹⁵ The voice of rejoicing and Yeshuah (salvation) is in the ohalim of the tzaddikim; the Yamin Hashem doeth valiantly.

¹⁶ The Yamin Hashem is exalted; the Yamin Hashem doeth valiantly.

¹⁷ I shall not die, but live, and declare the ma’asim (works) of Hashem.

¹⁸ Hashem hath hard chastened me severely; but He hath not given me over unto mavet (death).

¹⁹ Open to me the sha’arei tzedek; I will go through them, and I will praise Hashem;

²⁰ This is the sha’ar of Hashem, into which the tzaddikim shall enter.

²¹ I will praise Thee; for Thou hast heard me, and art become my Yeshuah (salvation).

²² The Even (Stone) which the Bonim (Builders) rejected [mem-alef-samech, see same word Psalm 89:38 (39)] has become the Rosh Pinnah (Cornerstone).

²³ This is Hashem’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

²⁴ This is the yom which Hashem hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵ Save now, we beseech Thee, Hashem; Hashem, we beseech thee, send now prosperity.

²⁶ Baruch habah b’Shem Hashem; we have blessed you from the Beis Hashem.

²⁷ Hashem is G-d, Who hath showed us light; bind the chag (festival offering) with cords, even until [you come to] the karnot of the Mizbe’ach.

²⁸ Thou art my G-d, and I will praise Thee; Thou art Elohai, I will exalt Thee.

²⁹ O give thanks unto Hashem; for He is tov; ki l’olam chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever). [T.N. A ma’amin b’Moshiach will carry Scripture with him at all times, as the following Psalm teaches.]

119 ALEF Ashrei are the blameless ones in the derech, who walk in the torat Hashem.

² Ashrei are they that keep His edot (testimonies), and that seek Him with kol lev.

³ They also do no iniquity; they walk in His drakhim.

⁴ Thou hast commanded us to be diligently shomer over Thy pikkudim (precepts).

⁵ O that my drakhim were directed to be shomer over Thy chukkot (statutes)!

⁶ Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy mitzvot.

⁷ I will praise Thee with yosher levav (uprightness of heart) when I shall have learned Thy righteous mishpatim (ordinances).

⁸ I will keep Thy chukkot; O forsake me not utterly. BEIS

⁹ How shall a na’ar cleanse his way? By being shomer thereto according to Thy Davar (Word).

¹⁰ With my kol lev have I sought Thee; O let me not wander from Thy mitzvot.

¹¹ Thy word have I hid in my lev, lema’an (so that) I might not sin against Thee.

¹² Baruch atah, Adonoi; teach me Thy chukkot.

¹³ With my sfatayim (lips) have I declared all the mishpatim of Thy mouth.

¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the derech of Thy edot (testimonies), as much as in all riches.

¹⁵ I will meditate in Thy pikkudim, and consider Thy orkhot (paths).

¹⁶ I will delight myself in Thy chukkot; I will not forget Thy Davar. GIMEL

¹⁷ Deal bountifully with Thy eved, that I may live, and be shomer over Thy Davar.

¹⁸ Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold nifla’ot out of Thy torah.

¹⁹ I am a ger on ha’aretz; hide not Thy mitzvot from me.

²⁰ My nefesh is shattered with ta’avah for Thy mishpatim at all times.

²¹ Thou hast rebuked the zedim (arrogant ones) that are arurim (cursed ones), which do wander from Thy mitzvot.

²² Remove from me cherpah (reproach) and contempt; for I have kept Thy edot (testimonies).

²³ Though sarim (princes) also sit and speak slander against me, yet Thy eved meditates on Thy chukkot.

²⁴ Thy edot (testimonies) also are my delight and anshei atzati (my counsellors). DALET

²⁵ My nefesh has deveykus unto the aphar; revive Thou me according to Thy Davar.

²⁶ I have recounted my drakhim, and Thou heardest me; teach me Thy chukkot.

²⁷ Make me to understand the derech of Thy pikkudim; so shall I meditate on Thy nifla’ot.

²⁸ My nefesh drops with heavy sorrow; strengthen Thou me according unto Thy Davar.

²⁹ Remove from me the derech sheker; and graciously grant me Thy torah.

³⁰ I have chosen the derech emunah; thy mishpatim have I accounted worthy.

³¹ I have deveykus with Thy edot (testimonies); Hashem, let me not be ashamed.

³² I will run the derech of Thy mitzvot, for Thou shalt set my lev free. HEH

³³ Teach me, Hashem, the derech of Thy chukkot; and I shall keep it unto the end.

³⁴ Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy torah; yes, I shall be shomer over it with my kol lev.

³⁵ Make me to go in the path of Thy mitzvot; for therein do I delight.

³⁶ Incline my lev unto Thy edot, and not to betza (covetousness, selfish gain).

³⁷ Turn away mine eyes from beholding shav (vanity); and revive Thou me in Thy derech.

³⁸ Establish Thy word unto Thy eved, which is for the fear of Thee.

³⁹ Turn away my cherpah (reproach) which I fear; for Thy mishpatim are tovim.

⁴⁰ Hinei, I have longed after Thy precepts; revive me in Thy tzedakah. VAV

⁴¹ Let Thy chasadim come also unto me, Hashem, even Thy Teshu’ah (salvation), according to Thy word.

⁴² So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I trust in Thy Davar.

⁴³ And take not the devar emes utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy mishpatim.

⁴⁴ So shall I be shomer over Thy torah tamid l’olam va’ed.

⁴⁵ And I will walk freely in a wide place; for I seek Thy pikkudim.

⁴⁶ I will speak of Thy edot (testimonies) also before melachim, and will not be ashamed.

⁴⁷ And I will delight myself in Thy mitzvot, which I love.

⁴⁸ My palms also will I lift up unto Thy mitzvot, which I love; and I will meditate on Thy chukkot. ZAYIN

⁴⁹ Remember the davar to Thy eved, on which Thou hast made me hope.

⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my oni (affliction); for Thy word hath revived me.

⁵¹ The zedim (arrogant ones) have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not turned aside from Thy torah.

⁵² I remembered Thy mishpatim from of old, Hashem; and have comforted myself.

⁵³ Zalafah (indignation) hath taken hold upon me because of the resha’im that forsake Thy torah.

⁵⁴ Thy chukkot have been my zemirot (songs) in the bais of my pilgrimage.

⁵⁵ I have remembered Thy Shem, Hashem, in the lailah, and have been shomer over Thy torah.

⁵⁶ Zot hayetah li, because I kept Thy pikkudim. CHET

⁵⁷ Thou art my chelek, Hashem; I have said I would be shomer over Thy words.

⁵⁸ I sought Thy Face with my kol lev; be gracious unto me according to Thy word.

⁵⁹ I thought on my drakhim, and turned my feet unto Thy edot (testimonies).

⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to be shomer over Thy mitzvot.

⁶¹ The ropes of the resha’im have bound me; but I have not forgotten Thy torah.

⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous mishpatim.

⁶³ I am a chaver of all them that fear Thee, and of them that are shomer over Thy pikkudim.

⁶⁴ Ha’aretz, Hashem, is full of Thy chesed; teach me Thy chukkot. TET

⁶⁵ Thou hast dealt well with Thy eved, Hashem, according unto Thy word.

⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and da’as; for I have believed in Thy mitzvot.

⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I been shomer over Thy word.

⁶⁸ Thou art tov, and doest tov; teach me Thy chukkot.

⁶⁹ The zedim (arrogant ones) have forged a sheker against me; but I will keep Thy pikkudim with my kol lev.

⁷⁰ Their lev is callous like chelev; I delight in Thy torah.

⁷¹ It is tov for me that I have been afflicted l’ma’an (in order that) I might learn Thy chukkot.

⁷² The torah of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of zahav and kesef. ' YOD

⁷³ Thy hands have made me and established me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy mitzvot.

⁷⁴ They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me; for I have hoped in Thy Davar.

⁷⁵ I know, Hashem, Thy mishpatim are tzedek, and Thou in emunah (faithfulness) hast afflicted me.

⁷⁶ Let now Thy chesed be for my comfort, according to Thy word unto Thy eved.

⁷⁷ Let Thy rachamim come unto me, that I may live: for Thy torah is my delight.

⁷⁸ Let the zedim (arrogant ones) be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate on Thy pikkudim (percepts).

⁷⁹ Let those that fear Thee turn unto me, and those that have known Thy edot.

⁸⁰ Let my lev be tamim (blameless, complete) in Thy chukkot; that I be not ashamed. Kaf

⁸¹ My nefesh fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy davar.

⁸² Mine eyes fail for Thy word saying, Mosai (when) wilt Thou comfort me?

⁸³ For I am become like a wineskin in the smoke; yet do I not forget Thy chukkot.

⁸⁴ How many are the days of Thy eved? Mosai (when) wilt Thou execute mishpat on them that persecute me?

⁸⁵ The zedim (arrogant ones) have dug pits for me, which are not in accordance with Thy torah.

⁸⁶ All Thy mitzvot are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me.

⁸⁷ They had almost consumed me ba’aretz; but I forsook not Thy pikkudim.

⁸⁸ Revive me after Thy chesed; so shall I be shomer over the edut of Thy mouth. Lamed

⁸⁹ Forever, Hashem, Thy Davar is settled and stands firm in Shomayim.

⁹⁰ Thy emunah (faithfulness) is to all generations: Thou hast established eretz, and it stands enduring.

⁹¹ They continue enduring to this day according to Thine mishpatim: for all things are Thy avadim.

⁹² Unless Thy torah had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine oni.

⁹³ I will never forget Thy pikkudim: for with them Thou hast revived me.

⁹⁴ I am Thine, save me: for I have sought out Thy pikkudim.

⁹⁵ The resha’im have waited for me to destroy me: but I will think on Thy edot.

⁹⁶ I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy mitzvah is boundless. Mem

⁹⁷ O how I love Thy torah! It is my meditation kol hayom.

⁹⁸ Thou through Thy mitzvot hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

⁹⁹ I have more understanding than every melamed of mine: for Thy edot are my meditation.

¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the zekenim, for I keep Thy pikkudim.

¹⁰¹ I have refrained my feet from every orakh rah, in order that I might be shomer over Thy Devar.

¹⁰² I have not departed from Thy mishpatim: for Thou hast taught me.

¹⁰³ How sweet are Thy words unto my palate! Sweeter than devash to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴ Through Thy pikkudim I get understanding: therefore I hate every orakh sheker. Nun

¹⁰⁵ Thy word is a ner unto my feet, ohr unto my path.

¹⁰⁶ I have sworn a shevuah, and I will perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous mishpatim.

¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: revive me, Hashem, according unto Thy word.

¹⁰⁸ Accept the nidvot of my mouth, O Hashem, and teach me Thy mishpatim.

¹⁰⁹ My nefesh is continually in my yad: yet do I not forget Thy torah.

¹¹⁰ The resha’im have laid a pach for me: yet I erred not from Thy pikkudim.

¹¹¹ Thy edot have I taken as a heritage forever: for they are the sasson lev of me.

¹¹² I have inclined mine lev to perform Thy chukkot forever, even unto the end. Samech

¹¹³ I hate the doubleminded: but Thy torah do I love.

¹¹⁴ Thou art my seter (hiding place) and my mogen: I hope in Thy Devar.

¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the mitzvot of Elohai.

¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto Thy imrah, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed from my hope.

¹¹⁷ Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy chukkot continually.

¹¹⁸ Thou hast rejected all them that err from Thy chukkot: for their deceitfulness is sheker (falsehood).

¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all resha’im of eretz like dross; therefore I love Thy edot.

¹²⁰ My basar trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am afraid of Thy mishpatim. AYIN

¹²¹ I have done mishpat and tzedek; leave me not to mine oppressors.

¹²² Be surety for Thy eved for good; let not the zedim (arrogant ones) oppress me.

¹²³ Mine eyes fail for Thy Yeshuah (salvation), and for the word of Thy tzedakah.

¹²⁴ Deal with Thy eved according unto Thy chesed, and teach me Thy chukkot.

¹²⁵ I am Thy eved; give me understanding, that I may know Thy edot (testimonies).

¹²⁶ It is time for Thee, Hashem, to work; for they have made void Thy torah.

¹²⁷ Therefore I love Thy mitzvot above zahav; yes, above fine gold.

¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem right all Thy pikkudim concerning all things; and I hate every orakh sheker. PEH

¹²⁹ Thy edot (testimonies) are wonderful; therefore doth my nefesh keep them.

¹³⁰ The petach (entrance, doorway) of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted; for I longed for Thy mitzvot.

¹³² Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thy manner is unto those that love Shimcha.

¹³³ Order my footsteps in Thy imrah; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

¹³⁴ Redeem me from the oppression of adam; so will I keep Thy pikkudim.

¹³⁵ Make Thy face to shine upon Thy eved; and teach me Thy chukkot.

¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, for they are not shomer over Thy torah. TZADDI

¹³⁷ Righteous art Thou, Hashem, and yashar are Thy mishpatim.

¹³⁸ Thy edot (testimonies) that Thou hast commanded are tzedek and emunah me’od (very faithful).

¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy devarim.

¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very tested; therefore Thy eved loveth it.

¹⁴¹ I am small and despised; yet do not I forget Thy pikkudim.

¹⁴² Thy tzedakah is tzedek l’olam, and Thy torah emes.

¹⁴³ Tzoros and anguish have taken hold on me; yet Thy mitzvot are my delight.

¹⁴⁴ The tzedek of Thy edot is l’olam; give me understanding, and I shall live. KOPH

¹⁴⁵ I cried with my kol lev; hear me, Hashem; I will keep Thy chukkot.

¹⁴⁶ I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall be shomer over Thy edot (testimonies).

¹⁴⁷ I rose before the dawn, and cried out for help; I hoped in Thy Davar.

¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes are awake through the ashmurot (night watches), that I might meditate on Thy word.

¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto Thy chesed; Hashem, revive me according to Thy mishpat.

¹⁵⁰ They draw near that follow after wicked schemes; they are far from Thy torah.

¹⁵¹ Thou art karov (near), Hashem; and all Thy mitzvot are emes.

¹⁵² Concerning Thy edot (testimonies), I have known of old that Thou hast founded them forever. RESH

¹⁵³ Consider mine oni (affliction), and deliver me; for I do not forget Thy torah.

¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause; for me make go’el redemption; revive me according to Thy word.

¹⁵⁵ Yeshuah (salvation) is far from the resha’im, for they seek not Thy chukkot.

¹⁵⁶ Great are Thy rachamim, Hashem; revive me according to Thy mishpatim.

¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not turn aside from Thy edot.

¹⁵⁸ I beheld the bogedim, and was grieved because they were not shomer over Thy word.

¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love Thy pikkudim; revive me, Hashem, according to Thy chesed.

¹⁶⁰ Thy word is emes from the beginning; and every one of Thy righteous mishpatim endureth forever. SHIN

¹⁶¹ Sarim (princes) have persecuted me without a cause; but my lev standeth in awe of Thy Davar.

¹⁶² I rejoice at Thy imrah (word), as one that findeth great plunder.

¹⁶³ I hate and abhor sheker; but Thy torah do I love.

¹⁶⁴ Shevah times a day do I praise Thee because of Thy righteous mishpatim.

¹⁶⁵ Great shalom have they which love Thy torah; nothing shall cause them to stumble.

¹⁶⁶ Hashem, I have hoped for Thy Yeshuah (salvation), and do Thy mitzvot.

¹⁶⁷ My nefesh is shomer over Thy edot (testimonies); and I love them exceedingly.

¹⁶⁸ I have kept Thy pikkudim and Thy edot; for all my ways are before Thee. TAV

¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come near before Thee, Hashem; give me understanding according to Thy Davar.

¹⁷⁰ Let my techinnah come before Thee; deliver me according to Thy word.

¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter tehillah, when Thou hast taught me Thy chukkot.

¹⁷² My leshon shall speak of Thy word; for all Thy mitzvot are tzedek.

¹⁷³ Let Thine Yad help me; for I have chosen Thy pikkudim.

¹⁷⁴ I have longed for Thy Yeshuah (salvation), Hashem; and Thy torah is my delight.

¹⁷⁵ Let my nefesh live, and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy mishpatim sustain me.

¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a seh oved (lost sheep); seek Thy eved; for I do not forget Thy mitzvot.

120 (Shir HaMa’a- lot [Song of Ascents]) In my tzoros I cried unto Hashem, and He heard me.

² Save my nefesh, Hashem, from sefat sheker (lying lips), and from lashon remiyyah (a tongue of deceit).

³ What shall be given unto thee? Or what shall be done unto thee, thou lashon remiyyah?

⁴ Sharp khitzim (arrows) of the gibbor, with burning (charcoal) coals of the broom plant.

⁵ Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell in the ohalim of Kedar!

⁶ My nefesh hath long dwelt with him that hateth shalom.

⁷ I am for shalom; but when I speak, they are for milchamah (war).

121 (Shir HaMa’alot) I will lift up mine eyes unto the harim (hills), from whence cometh ezri (my help).

² Ezri (my help) cometh from Hashem, Oseh Shomayim v’Aretz.

³ He will not allow thy regel to slip; He that is shomer over thee will not slumber.

⁴ Hinei, He that is shomer over Yisroel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ Hashem is the One shomer over thee; Hashem is thy shade upon thy right hand.

⁶ The shemesh shall not strike thee by day, nor the yarei’ach by night.

⁷ Hashem shall preserve thee from kol rah; He shall preserve thy nefesh.

⁸ Hashem shall be shomer over thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even v’ad olam.

122 (Shir HaMa’alot, [Song of Ascents] of Dovid). I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the Bais Hashem.

² Our feet shall stand within thy she’arim, O Yerushalayim.

³ Yerushalayim is built as an Ir bound firmly together;

⁴ That is where the Shevatim (tribes) go up, the Shivtei Hashem, according to the edut l’Yisroel (the statute to Yisroel), to give thanks unto the Shem of Hashem.

⁵ For there are set kise’ot l’mishpat (thrones of judgment), the kise’ot of the Bais Dovid.

⁶ Sha’alu shalom Yerushalayim (pray for the peace of Jerusalem); they shall prosper that love thee.

⁷ Shalom be within thy wall, and security within thy citadels.

⁸ L’ma’an (for the sake of) my achim and companions, I will now say, Shalom be within thee.

⁹ L’ma’an the Bais Hashem Eloheinu I will seek thy tov.

123 (Shir HaMa’alot, [Song of Ascents]) Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in Shomayim.

² Hinei, as the eyes of avadim look unto the yad adoneihem, and as the eyes of a shifchah (maiden) unto the yad of her gevirah; so our eyes wait upon Hashem Eloheinu, until He have channun (favor, grace) upon us.

³ Channenu Hashem, channenu; for we are more than sated with buz (contempt).

⁴ Nafsheinu (our nefesh) is more than sated with the scorn of those that are at ease, and with the buz (contempt) of the g’eiyonim (proud ones, arrogant ones).

124 (Shir HaMa’alot, [Song of Ascents] of Dovid). If it had not been Hashem Who was lanu (for us, on our side), now may Yisroel say;

² If it had not been Hashem Who was lanu, when adam (man) rose up against us;

³ Then they had swallowed us up chayyim (alive); when their wrath was kindled against us;

⁴ Then the mayim would have overwhelmed us, the torrent would have swept over nafsheinu (our nefesh); (Shir HaMa’alot, [Song of

⁵ Then the mayim hazedonim (treacherous waters) would have swept over nafsheinu (our nefesh).

⁶ Baruch Hashem, Who hath not given us up as a prey to their shinayim (teeth).

⁷ Nafsheinu (our nefesh) is escaped as a tzippor (bird) out of the pach (snare of the fowlers); the pach is broken, and we are escaped.

⁸ Ezreinu (our help) B’Shem Hashem Oseh Shomayim vaAretz.

125 Ascents]). They that trust in Hashem shall be as Mt Tziyon, which is immoveable, and abideth l’olam.

² As harim (the mountains) surround Yerushalayim, so Hashem surrounds His people from henceforth v’ad olam (and to forever).

³ For the shevet (scepter) of the resha shall not rest upon the goral (allotment, property) of the tzaddikim; lest the tzaddikim put forth their hands unto iniquity.

⁴ Do good, Hashem, unto the tovim, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

⁵ As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Hashem shall turn them away with the workers of iniquity; but shalom shall be upon Yisroel.

126 Ascents]) When Hashem brought the return of the captivity of Tziyon, we were like the cholemim (them that dream).

² Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and leshoneinu (our tongue) with rinnah (Shir HaMa’alot, [Song of (joyful song); then said they among the Goyim, Hashem hath done great things for them.

³ Hashem hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

⁴ Return our captivity and restore our fortunes, Hashem, like torrents in the Negev.

⁵ They that sow in dimah (tears) shall reap in rinnah (joyful song).

⁶ He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing meshek hazara (seed to be sown) shall doubtless come again with rinnah, bearing his alummot (sheaves [of harvest]).

127 (Shir HaMa’alot, of Shlomo). Except Hashem build the bais, they that build it labor in vain; except Hashem is shomer over the city, the shomair (watchman) stands guard in vain.

² It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the lechem ha’atzavim (bread of toils); for so He giveth his beloved sleep.

³ Hinei, banim are nachalat Hashem; and the p’ri habeten is a zachar (reward).

⁴ As khitzim (arrows) are in the yad of a gibbor; so are bnei haneurim (children born in one’s youth).

⁵ Ashrei hagever that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the oyevim basha’ar (enemy at the gate).

128 (Shir HaMa’alot) Ashrei kol yerei (fearers of) Hashem; that walketh in His drakhim.

² For thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands; happy shalt thou be, and it shall be tov with thee.

³ Thy isha shall be as a fruitful gefen inside thine bais; thy banim like olive shoots around thy shulchan.

⁴ Hinei, thus shall the gever be blessed that feareth Hashem.

⁵ Hashem shall bless thee out of Tziyon; and thou shalt see the tov of Yerushalayim all the days of thy life.

⁶ Yea, thou shalt see thy bnei banim, and shalom upon Yisroel.

129 (Shir HaMa’alot) Many a time have they afflicted me from my ne’ur, may Yisroel now say;

² Many a time have they afflicted me from my ne’ur (youth); yet they have not prevailed against me.

³ The choreshim (plowers) plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.

⁴ Hashem is tzaddik; He hath cut asunder the cords of the resha’im.

⁵ Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Tziyon [i.e, all anti-Semites].

⁶ Let them be as the khatzir (grass) upon the housetops, which withereth before it groweth up;

⁷ With it the kotzer (reaper) filleth not his yad; nor he that gathereth sheaves, his bosom.

⁸ Neither do they which go by say, Birkat Hashem be upon you; we bless you b’Shem Hashem.

130 (Shir HaMa’alot) Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, Hashem.

² Adonoi, hear my voice; let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my techinnot (supplications).

³ If Thou, Hashem, shouldest record iniquities, Adonoi, who could stand?

⁴ But there is selichah (forgiveness) with Thee; therefore, Thou art feared.

⁵ I wait for Hashem, my nefesh doth wait, and in His Devar do I hope.

⁶ My nefesh waiteth for Adonoi more than the shomrim that watch for the boker; I say, more than the shomrim that watch for the boker.

⁷ Let Yisroel hope in Hashem; for with Hashem there is chesed, and with Him is plenteous pedut (redemption).

⁸ And He shall redeem Yisroel from all his iniquities.

131 (Shir HaMa’alot, of Dovid). Hashem, my lev is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in gedolot, or in things too high for me.

² Surely I have stilled and quieted my nefesh, as a child that is weaned of immo; my nefesh is even as a weaned child.

³ Let Yisroel hope in Hashem from henceforth and ad olam.

132 (Shir HaMa’alot) Hashem, remember Dovid, and all his afflictions;

² How he swore unto Hashem, and vowed unto Avir Ya’akov (the Mighty One of Ya’akov);

³ Surely I will not come into the ohel of my bais, nor go up into my bed;

⁴ I will not give sleep to mine eyes, nor tenumah (slumber) to mine eyelids,

⁵ Until I find a makom (place) for Hashem, even mishkanot for the Avir Ya’akov.

⁶ Hinei, we heard of it at Ephratah; we found it in the sedei Ya’ar (fields of Ya’ar).

⁷ We will go into His mishkanot; we will worship at the hadom (footstool) of His raglayim.

⁸ Arise, Hashem, into Thy menuchah (resting place); Thou, and the Aron of Thy oz (might).

⁹ Let Thy Kohanim be clothed with tzedek; and let Thy chasidim sing for joy.

¹⁰ For the sake of Dovid Thy Eved, do not turn away the face of Thine Moshiach [see Isa 52:13; 53:11].

¹¹ Hashem hath sworn in emes unto Dovid; He will not turn from His oath: Of the p’ri (fruit) of thy beten (body) will I set upon thy kisse (throne).

¹² If thy Banim are shomer over My Brit and My Edot that I shall teach them, their Banim shall also sit upon thy kisse adei-ad (forevermore).

¹³ For Hashem hath chosen Tziyon; He hath desired her for His moshav.

¹⁴ This is My menuchah (resting place) adei-ad (forever); here will I dwell; for I have desired her.

¹⁵ I will place a bountiful brocha on her provision; I will satisfy her poor with lechem.

¹⁶ I will also clothe her Kohanim with Yesha (salvation); and her chasidim shall sing aloud for joy.

¹⁷ There atzmi’ach (I will make sprout i.e., Tzemach) the Keren of Dovid; I have ordained a ner (lamp) for My Moshiach.

¹⁸ His oyevim will I clothe with boshet (shame); but upon him [Moshiach] shall his nezer (crown) be resplendent.

133 (Shir HaMa’alot, of Dovid). Hinei, mah tov umah na’im shevet achim gahm yachad (how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity)!

² It is like the precious shemen upon the rosh, that ran down upon the beard, even Aharon’s beard; that went down to the collar of his robes;

³ As the tal of Chermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Tziyon; for there Hashem commanded the brocha, even Chayyim Ad Olam.

134 (Shir HaMa’alot) Hinei, barakhu Hashem, kol avedei Hashem, which balailah stand [ministering] in the Bais Hashem.

² Lift up your hands in the Kodesh [Beis Hamikdash], and barakhu Hashem.

³ Yevarekhecha Adonoi from Tziyon, Oseh Shomayim v’Aretz (the Maker of Heaven and Earth).

135 Praise Hashem. Halelu Shem Hashem; Halelu, O ye avadim of Hashem.

² Ye that stand ministering in the Beis Hashem, in the khatzerot Beis Eloheinu.

³ Praise Hashem; for Hashem is tov; sing praise unto Shmo; for it is na’im (lovely, pleasing).

⁴ For Hashem hath chosen Ya’akov unto Himself, and Yisroel for His segullah (peculiar treasure).

⁵ For I know that Hashem is gadol, and that Adoneinu is above kol elohim.

⁶ Whatsoever Hashem pleases, that He does in Shomayim, and in HaAretz, in HaYam, and kol tehomot.

⁷ He causeth the clouds to ascend at the end of HaAretz; He maketh lightning for the matar (rain); He bringeth the ruach out of His otzarot.

⁸ Who struck down the Bechorei Mitzrayim, both of adam and behemah.

⁹ Who sent otot and mofetim into the midst of thee, O Mitzrayim, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his avadim.

¹⁰ Who struck down Goyim rabbim, and slaughtered melachim atzumim (powerful kings);

¹¹ Sichon Melech HaEmori, and Og Melech HaBashan, and all the mamlechot Kena’an;

¹² And gave their land for a nachalah, an inheritance unto Yisroel Amo (His people).

¹³ Thy Shem, Hashem, endureth l’olam; and Thy remembrance, Hashem, l’dor vador.

¹⁴ For Hashem will vindicate His people; He will have compassion on His avadim.

¹⁵ The idols of the Goyim are kesef and zahav, the ma’aseh yedei adam.

¹⁶ They have mouths, but they speak not; einayim have they, but they see not;

¹⁷ They have oznayim, but they hear not; neither is there any ruach in their mouths.

¹⁸ They that oseihem (make them) will be like them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

¹⁹ Barakhu Hashem, O Bais Yisroel; barakhu Hashem, O Bais Aharon;

²⁰ Barakhu Hashem, O Bais HaLevi; ye that fear Hashem, barakhu Hashem.

²¹ Baruch Hashem out of Tziyon, which dwelleth at Yerushalayim. Praise Hashem.

136 O give thanks unto Hashem; for He is tov; ki l’olam chasdo (His chesed indures forever).

² O give thanks unto Elohei HaElohim; ki l’olam chasdo.

³ O give thanks to Adonei HaAdonim; ki l’olam chasdo.

⁴ To Him Who alone doeth nifla’ot gedolot; ki l’olam chasdo.

⁵ To Him that by tevunah (understanding) made HaShomayim; ki l’olam chasdo.

⁶ To Him that stretched out ha’aretz above the mayim; ki l’olam chasdo.

⁷ To Him that made ohrim gedolim (great lights); ki l’olam chasdo.

⁸ The shemesh to rule by yom; ki l’olam chasdo.

⁹ The yarei’ach and kokhavim to rule by lailah; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁰ To Him that struck down Mitzrayim in their bechorot (firstborn); ki l’olam chasdo.

¹¹ And brought out Yisroel from among them; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹² With a yad chazakah, and with a stretched out zero’a; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹³ To Him Who divided asunder Yam Suf; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁴ And made Yisroel to pass through the midst of it; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁵ But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Yam Suf; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁶ To Him Who led His people through the midbar; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁷ To Him Who struck down melachim gedolim; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁸ And slaughtered mighty melachim; ki l’olam chasdo.

¹⁹ Sichon Melech HaEmori; ki l’olam chasdo.

²⁰ And Og Melech HaBashan; ki l’olam chasdo.

²¹ And gave their land for a nachalah; ki l’olam chasdo.

²² Even a nachalah unto Yisroel His eved; ki l’olam chasdo.

²³ Who remembered us in our low estate; ki l’olam chasdo.

²⁴ And hath released us from our enemies; ki l’olam chasdo.

²⁵ Who giveth lechem to kol basar; ki l’olam chasdo.

²⁶ O give thanks unto the G-d of Shomayim; ki l’olam chasdo.

137 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Tziyon.

² We hung up our kinnorot (lyres) upon the willows in the midst thereof.

³ For there they that carried us away captive required of us a shir (song); and they that tormented us required of us simchah, saying, Sing us one of the Shir Tziyon.

⁴ How shall we sing Shir Hashem in an admat nekhar (foreign land).

⁵ If I forget thee, O Yerushalayim, let my yamin (right hand) forget [i.e., have paralysis].

⁶ If I do not remember thee, let my leshon cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Yerushalayim above my rosh simchah (chief joy).

⁷ Remember, Hashem, the Bnei Edom in the Yom Yerushalayim; who said, Raze it, raze it, even to the yesod (foundation) thereof.

⁸ O Bat Bavel, who art to be destroyed, ashrei shall he be, that repayeth thee the gemul thou hast done to us.

⁹ Ashrei shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy olalim against the sela.

138 (Of Dovid) I will thank Thee with my whole lev; before the elohim will I sing praise unto Thee.

² I will worship toward Thy Heikhal Kodesh, and praise Shmecha (Thy Name) for Thy chesed and for Thy emes; for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above Kol Shimcha (all Thy Name; Yn 1:1, 14 OJBC).

³ In the day when I called out, Thou answeredst me, and madest me bold with oz (strength) in my nefesh.

⁴ Kol Malchei Aretz shall praise Thee, Hashem, when they hear the words of Thy mouth.

⁵ Yes, they shall sing of the Darkhei Hashem; for gadol is the Kavod Hashem.

⁶ Though Hashem be on high, yet He looks upon the lowly; but the proud He knoweth from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of tzoros, Thou wilt preserve me alive; Thou shalt stretch forth Thine yad against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy Yamin (Right Hand) shall save me.

⁸ Hashem will fulfill that which concerneth me; Thy chesed, O Hashem, endureth l’olam; forsake not the works of Thine own yadayim.

139 (For the one directing, Mizmor of Dovid). Hashem, Thou hast searched me, and known me.

² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou hast binah of my thought from afar off.

³ Thou comprehendeth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my drakhim.

⁴ For there is not a milah (word) in my leshon, but, lo, Hashem, Thou knowest it altogether.

⁵ Thou hast enclosed me achor (behind) and kedem (before), and laid Thine hand upon me.

⁶ Such da’as is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

⁷ To where can I go from Thy Ruach [Hakodesh]? Or to where shall I flee from Thy presence?

⁸ If I ascend up into Shomayim, Thou art there; if I make my bed in Sheol, hinei, Thou art there.

⁹ If I take the wings of the shachar (dawn), and dwell in the uttermost acharit yam (the extreme end of the sea);

¹⁰ Even there shall Thy yad lead me, and Thy yamin shall hold me.

¹¹ If I say, Surely the choshech shall cover me, even the lailah shall be ohr about me.

¹² Even the choshech is not dark to Thee; but the lailah shineth as the yom; the choshech and the ohr are both alike to Thee.

¹³ For Thou hast created my inmost being; Thou didst interweave me in the beten immi.

¹⁴ I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Thy ma’asim; and that my nefesh knoweth very well.

¹⁵ My atzamim (bones, frame) were not hid from Thee, when I was made beseter (in secret), and skillfully wrought in the depths of the Eretz.

¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my golem (embryo), yet being unformed; and in Thy Sefer (Book) all the yamim (days) ordained for me were written down, when as yet there were none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O El! How great is the sum of them!

¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number than the chol (sand); when I awake, I am still with Thee.

¹⁹ Surely Thou wilt slay the rasha, O Eloah; depart from me therefore, ye anshei damim (bloodthirsty men).

²⁰ For they speak of Thee craftily, and it is taken lashav [Ex 20:7] by Thy enemies.

²¹ Should not I hate them, Hashem, that hate Thee? And am not I to be at odds with those that rise up against Thee?

²² I abhor them with complete sinah; I count them mine enemies.

²³ Search me, O El, and know my levav; test me, and know my thoughts;

²⁴ And see if there be any derech otzev (torturous crooked road) in me, and lead me in the Derech Olam.

140 (For the one directing. Mizmor of Dovid). Deliver me, Hashem, from adam rah; preserve me from ish chamasim (violent men);

^2 (3) Which plan ra’ot (evils) in their lev; kol yom they incite milchamot (wars).

^3 (4) They have sharpened their leshonot like a nachash; the venom of a spider is under their sfatayim (lips). Selah.

^4 (5) Be shomer over me, Hashem, and keep me from the hands of the rashah; protect me from ish chamasim, whose scheme is to cause my steps to trip.

^5 (6) The ge’im (proud, arrogant ones [of inordinate ambition]) have hid a pach for me, and chavalim (cords, ropes); they have spread a reshet (net) close by the path; they have set mokshim (traps) for me. Selah.

^6 (7) I said unto Hashem, Thou art Eli; hear the kol tachanunai (voice of my supplications), Hashem.

^7 (8) Hashem Adonoi, Oz Yeshuati (strength of my (salvation), Thou hast covered my rosh in the Yom Neshek (Day of Arms, Day of Battle).

^8 (9) Grant not, Hashem, the desires of the rashah; let not his plot succeed; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

^9 (10) As for the rosh of those that surround me, let the amal (trouble) of their own sfatayim (lips) cover them.

^10 (11) Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the eish; into mahamorot (watery pits), that they rise not up again.

^11 (12) Let not an ish lashon (idle talker, slanderer) be established in ha’aretz; rah shall hunt down the ish chamas to overthrow him.

^12 (13) I know that Hashem will maintain the din oni (cause of the poor), and the mishpat evyonim (the right of the needy).

^13 (14) Surely the tzaddikim shall give thanks unto Thy Shem; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

141 (Mizmor of Dovid) Hashem, I cry unto Thee; make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto Thee.

² Let my tefillah be set forth before Thee like ketoret; and the lifting up of my hands as the minchat erev.

³ Be shomer, Hashem, over my mouth; guard the door of my lips.

⁴ Let not my lev incline to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties.

⁵ Let the tzaddik strike me; it shall be chesed; and let him reprove me; it shall be shemen, which my rosh shall not refuse; for still shall my tefillah be against their evil deeds.

⁶ Their shofetim are overthrown in stony places; they hear my words; for they are pleasant.

⁷ Atzameinu (our bones) are scattered at the mouth of Sheol, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon ha’aretz.

⁸ But mine eyes are unto Thee, Hashem Adonoi; in Thee do I take refuge; leave not my nefesh defenseless.

⁹ Keep me from the pach (snare, trap) which they have laid for me, and the traps of the workers of iniquity.

¹⁰ Let the resha’im fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.

142 (Mashkil of Dovid; A tefillah when he was in the me’arah) I cried out unto Hashem with my voice; with my voice unto Hashem did I make my techinnah (supplication).

^2 (3) I poured out my complaint before Him; I showed before Him my tzoros.

^3 (4) When my ruach became faint within me, then Thou had da’as of my path. In the way wherein I walked have they laid a pach (snare, hidden trap) for me.

^4 (5) I looked on my right, and behold, there was no man that would know me; refuge failed me; no man cared for my nefesh.

^5 (6) I cried unto Thee, Hashem; I said, Thou art my refuge and my chelek (portion) in the Eretz HaChayyim.

^6 (7) Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low; save me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

^7 (8) Release my nefesh from prison, to praise Shemecha (Thy Name); the tzaddikim shall gather about me; for Thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

143 (Mizmor of Dovid) Hear my tefillah, Hashem, give ear to my techinot (supplications); in Thy emunah answer me, and in Thy tzedakah.

² And enter not into mishpat with Thy eved; for in Thy sight shall no man living be yitzadak (justified).

³ For the oyev (enemy) hath persecuted my nefesh; he hath struck down my life to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in places of choshech (darkness), like metei olam (those long dead).

⁴ Therefore is my ruach become faint within me; my lev within me is desolate.

⁵ I remember yamim mikedem (days of old), I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the ma’aseh (work) of Thy hands.

⁶ I stretch forth my hands unto Thee; my nefesh thirsteth after Thee, like an eretz ayefah (a parched, thirsty land). Selah.

⁷ Hear me speedily, Hashem; my ruach faileth; hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like those that go down into the bor (pit).

⁸ Cause me to hear Thy chesed in the boker; for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the Derech wherein I should walk; for I lift up my nefesh unto Thee.

⁹ Save me, Hashem, from mine oyevim (enemies); I flee unto Thee to hide me.

¹⁰ Teach me to do Retzonecha (Thy will); for Thou art Elohai; may Thy Ruach Tov lead me on level ground.

¹¹ Revive me, Hashem, l’ma’an (for the sake of) Thy Shem (Name); in Thy tzedakah bring my nefesh out of tzoros.

¹² And in Thy chesed silence mine enemies, and destroy all them that oppress my nefesh; for I am Thy eved.

144 (Mizmor of Dovid). Baruch Hashem my Tzur (rock) which teacheth my hands for war, and my fingers for milchamah (battle);

² My Chesed, and my Metzudah (Fortress); my Stronghold, and my Deliverer; my Mogen, and He in Whom I take refuge; Who subdueth my people under me.

³ Hashem, what is adam, that Thou takest knowledge of him! Or the ben enosh, that Thou takest account of him!

⁴ Adam is like hevel; his days are as a tzel that passeth away.

⁵ Part Thy heavens, Hashem, and come down; touch the harim, and they shall smoke.

⁶ Cast forth lightning, and scatter them; shoot Thine khitzim (arrows), and destroy them.

⁷ Send Thine Yad from above; rescue me, and deliver me out of mayim rabbim, from the yad Bnei Nekhar;

⁸ Whose mouth speaketh shav (lies), and their right hand is a right hand of sheker.

⁹ I will sing a shir chadash unto Thee, O Elohim; upon a nevel of ten strings will I make music unto Thee.

¹⁰ It is He that giveth Teshu’ah (deliverance, salvation) unto melachim; Who delivereth Dovid His eved from the cherev ra’ah.

¹¹ Rescue me, and save me from the yad Bnei Nekhar, whose mouth speaketh shav (lies) and their right hand is a right yad of sheker;

¹² In their youth, may baneinu (our sons) be like plants full grown; may benoteinu (our daughters) be like cornerstones, columns wrought for the Heikhal;

¹³ That our barns may be full, affording all manner of provision; that our tzon may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our meadows;

¹⁴ That our oxen may be strong to labor; that there be no peretz (breach) nor golus; that there be no cry of anquish in our streets.

¹⁵ Ashrei are such people; Ashrei is the people that Hashem is Elohav.

145 (Tehillah of Dovid). [Alef} I will extol Thee, Elohai HaMelech; and I will bless Thy Shem l’olam va’ed .

² [Beis] Kol yom will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy Shem l’olam va’ed.

³ [Gimel] Gadol is Hashem, and me’od to be praised; and His greatness is not cheker (searchable).

⁴ [Dalet] Dor l’dor (generation to generation) shall praise Thy ma’asim, and shall declare Thy gevurot (mighty acts).

⁵ [Heh] I will speak of the hadar kavod of Thy hod, and of Thy nifle’ot (wonderful works).

⁶ [Vav] And men shall speak of the power of Thy norot; and I will declare Thy greatness.

⁷ [Zayin] They shall utter the zekher (memory, recollection) of Thy rav tov and shall sing of Thy tzedakah.

⁸ [Chet] Channun (gracious) is Hashem, and full of compassion; erech apayim (slow to anger), and of great chesed.

⁹ [Tet] Tov is Hashem to all; and His rachamim is over all His ma’asim.

¹⁰ [Yod] All Thy ma’asim shall praise Thee, Hashem; and Thy chasidim shall bless Thee.

¹¹ [Khaf] They shall speak of the kavod of Thy Malchus, and tell of Thy gevurah;

¹² [Lamed] To make known to the Bnei HaAdam His gevurah, and the kavod hadar of His Malchus.

¹³ [Mem] Thy Malchus is a Malchus kol olamim, and Thy Memshelet for kol dor vador.

¹⁴ [Samekh] Hashem upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that are bowed down.

¹⁵ [Ayin] The eyes of all look to Thee; and Thou givest them their okhel (food) in its season.

¹⁶ [Peh] Thou openest Thine Yad, and satisfiest the ratzon of kol chai.

¹⁷ [Tzadi] Tzaddik is Hashem in all His drakhim, and chasid in all His ma’asim,

¹⁸ [Koph] Karov (near) is Hashem unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in emes.

¹⁹ [Resh] He will fulfil the ratzon of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

²⁰ [Shin] Shomer is Hashem over all them that love Him; but kol haresha’im will He destroy.

²¹ [Tav] My mouth shall speak the tehillat Hashem; and let kol basar bless His Shem Kodesh l’olam va’ed. [T.N. See Messianic Psalms which include Ps 2, 22, 45, 72, 110, 47, 93, 96-99, 89 and which indicate Moshiach’s righteous character, experience, ideals, call, and reign.]

146 Praise Hashem. Praise Hashem, O my nefesh.

² While I live will I praise Hashem: I will sing praise unto Elohai while I have any being.

³ Put not your trust in princes, nor in the ben adam, in whom there is no teshuah (salvation).

⁴ His ruach departs, he returneth to his adamah; in yom hahu his plans come to nothing.

⁵ Ashrei is he that hath El Ya’akov for his ezer, whose hope is in Hashem Elohav:

⁶ Oseh Shomayim vaAretz, the yam, and all that therein is: HaShomer Emes l’olam (Who keepeth Truth forever):

⁷ Oseh mishpat for the oppressed; Who giveth lechem to the hungry. Hashem mattir asurim (sets free the prisoners):

⁸ Hashem openeth the eyes of the ivrim: Hashem raiseth them that are bowed down: Hashem loveth the tzaddikim:

⁹ Hashem shomer over the gerim; He relieveth the yatom (fatherless, orphan) and almanah; but the Derech Resha’im He frustrates.

¹⁰ Hashem shall reign l’olam, even thy G-d, O Tziyon, l’dor vador. Praise Hashem.

147 Praise ye Hashem: for it is tov to sing praises unto Eloheinu; for it is na’im (pleasant); and tehillah is fitting.

² Hashem is the Boneh Yerushalayim (builder of Jerusalem): He gathereth together the nidkhei Yisroel (the outcasts Of Israel, those of the Golus).

³ He is the Rofeh (healer) of the Shevurei-lev (broken in heart), binds up their wounds.

⁴ He determines the mispar of the kokhavim; He calleth them all by their shemot.

⁵ Gadol is Adoneinu, and of rav ko’ach; to His tevunah (understanding, intelligence) there is no mispar (number, limit).

⁶ Hashem lifteth up the anavim (meek ones, humble ones); He casteth the resha’im down to the ground.

⁷ Sing unto Hashem with todah; make music upon the kinnor (harp) unto Eloheinu:

⁸ Who covereth Shomayim with clouds, Who prepareth matar (rainfall) for ha’aretz, HaMatzemi’ach (Who maketh to spring up) the khatzir (grass) upon the harim (hills, mountains).

⁹ He giveth to the behemah her lechem, and to the bnei orev (young ravens) when they cry out.

¹⁰ He delighteth not in the gevurat hasus: He taketh not pleasure in the shokayim of an ish (legs of a man).

¹¹ Hashem taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His chesed.

¹² Praise Hashem, O Yerushalayim; praise thy G-d, O Tziyon.

¹³ For He hath strengthened the bars of thy she’arim (gates); He hath blessed thy banim within thee.

¹⁴ He granteth shalom within thy borders, and filleth thee with the chelev chittim (the finest of wheat).

¹⁵ He sendeth forth His imrah (command) upon eretz: His Devar runneth swiftly.

¹⁶ He giveth sheleg (snow) like tzemer (wool); He scattereth the kfor (frost) like ashes.

¹⁷ He casteth down His kerach (ice) like crumbs: who can stand before His cold?

¹⁸ He sendeth out His Devar, and melteth them: He causeth His ruach to blow, and the mayim to flow.

¹⁹ He declareth His Devar unto Ya’akov, His chukkot and His mishpatim unto Yisroel.

²⁰ He hath not dealt so with any Goy (nation): and as for His mishpatim, they have not known them. Praise ye Hashem.

148 Praise Hashem. Praise Hashem from HaShomayim: praise Him in the heights above.

² Praise ye Him, all His malachim: praise ye Him, all Tzivos Hashem.

³ Praise ye Him, shemesh and yarei’ach: praise Him, all ye kokhavim of ohr.

⁴ Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above HaShomayim.

⁵ Let them praise the Shem of Hashem: for He commanded, and they were created.

⁶ He hath also established them forever and ever: He hath made a Chok (decree) which shall not pass away.

⁷ Hallelu Hashem from ha’aretz, ye sea creatures, and all tehomot:

⁸ Eish, and barad; snow, and cloud; stormy wind fulfilling His Devar:

⁹ Mountains, and all hills; etz pri (fruitful trees), and all cedars:

¹⁰ Beasts, and all cattle; remesh (creeping things), and flying fowl:

¹¹ Malchei eretz, and all people; sarim (princes), and all shoftei aretz:

¹² Both bochurim, and betulot; zekenim, and ne’arim:

¹³ Let them praise the Shem of Hashem: for Shmo alone is excellent; His hod is above Eretz and Shomayim.

¹⁴ He also exalteth the keren of His people, tehillah (the praise) of all His Chasidim; even of the Bnei Yisroel, an Am (people) close unto Him. Hallelu Hashem.

149 Praise Hashem. Shiru l’Adonoi shir chadash (Sing unto Hashem a new song), and His praise in the Kahal Chasidim.

² Let Yisroel rejoice in Him that made him; let the Bnei Tziyon be glad in their Melech.

³ Let them praise Shmo in the dance; let them sing zemirot unto Him with the tambourine and kinnor.

⁴ For Hashem taketh pleasure in His people; He will crown the meek with Yeshuah (salvation).

⁵ Let the Chasidim be joyful in kavod; let them sing for joy upon their beds.

⁶ Let the high praises of G-d be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;

⁷ To execute vengeance upon the Goyim, and punishments upon the people;

⁸ To bind their melachim with chains, and their nobles with shackles of barzel (iron);

⁹ To execute upon them the mishpat katuv (written judgment); this honor have all His Chasidim. Hallelu Hashem.

150 Praise Hashem. Hallelu El (Praise G-d) in His Kodesh [Beis Hamikdash]; Hallelu Him in the raki’a [see Bereshis 1:6] of His might.

² Hallelu Him for His gevurot (mighty acts); hallelu Him according to His surpassing greatness.

³ Hallelu Him with the sound of the shofar; hallelu Him with the nevel (harp) and kinnor (lyre).

⁴ Hallelu Him with the tambourine and dance; hallelu Him with stringed instruments and flute.

⁵ Hallelu Him upon the clashing cymbals; hallelu Him upon the resounding cymbals.

⁶ Let every thing that hath neshamah praise Hashem. Praise Hashem!

1 Mishlei Sh’lomo Ben Dovid, Melech Yisroel;

² To have da’as of chochmah and musar (discipline); to understand the words of binah;

³ To receive the musar of those with seichel, tzedek and mishpat, and meisharim (equity, uprightness);

⁴ To give subtlety to the simple, to the na’ar, da’as and discretion.

⁵ A chacham (wise person) will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

⁶ To understand a mashal (proverb), and the melitzah (enigma); the divrei chachamim, and their chidot (riddles).

⁷ The Yirat Hashem is the reshit da’as, but fools despise chochmah and musar.

⁸ Beni (my son), hear the musar Avicha, and forsake not the Torat Immecha.

⁹ For they shall be a garland of chen unto thy rosh, and a chain about thy neck.

¹⁰ Beni (my son), if chatt’aim (sinners) entice thee, consent thou not.

¹¹ If they say, Come with us, let us lie in wait for dahm, let us lurk secretly for the naki (innocent, harmless) chinnom (without cause);

¹² Let us swallow them up chayyim (alive) like She’ol; and whole, as those that go down into the bor (pit);

¹³ We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill bateinu (our houses) with plunder;

¹⁴ Throw in thy goral (lot) among us; let all of us have kis echad (one pouch, purse).

¹⁵ Beni (my son), walk not thou in the derech with them; refrain thy regel from their path;

¹⁶ For their raglayim run to rah, and make haste for shefach dahm (shedding of blood).

¹⁷ Surely in vain the reshet (net) is spread in the eyes of kol ba’al kanaf (all the birds, i.e., lit. master of [the] wing);

¹⁸ And they lie in wait for their own dahm; they lurk secretly for their own nafshot.

¹⁹ So are the ways of every one that is greedy for betza (ill-gotten gain); which taketh away the nefesh of the be’alim (owners) thereof.

²⁰ Chochmot crieth out in the street; she lifts up her voice in the rechovot (city squares);

²¹ She crieth out in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the she’arim (gates); in the Ir (city) she uttereth her words, saying,

²² Ad mosai, ye simple ones, will ye love being simpletons? And the scoffers delight in their mockery, and kesilim (fools) hate da’as?

²³ Turn you at my tokhechah (reproof); hinei, I will pour out my ruach unto you, I will make known my devarim unto you.

²⁴ Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my yad, and no man regarded;

²⁵ But ye have disdained all my etza (counsel), and would have none of my tokhechah (reproof);

²⁶ I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your pachad (terror) cometh;

²⁷ When your pachad (terror) cometh like a storm, and your calamity cometh like a whirlwind; when tzarah (distress) and oppression cometh upon you.

²⁸ Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall look for me diligently, but they shall not find me;

²⁹ For that they hated da’as, and did not choose the Yirat Hashem;

³⁰ They would have none of my etza (counsel); they despised all my tokhechah (reproof).

³¹ Therefore shall they eat of the p’ri (fruit) of their own derech, and be filled with their own mo’atzot (schemes, devices).

³² For the waywardness of the simple shall slay them, and the complacent contentment of kesilim (fools) shall destroy them.

³³ But the one who payeth heed unto me [Chochmat Hashem, i.e., the Redemptive Word, not only Hashem’s creative agent (Ps 33:6; Prov 8:30; 30:4) but the one who comes with a healing mission according to Ps 107:20, though Moshiach has to die in the midst of his healing Mission to accomplish our healing from guilt and punitive dread-Isa 53:5] shall dwell safely, and shall be secure from pachad ra’ah (terror of evil).

2 Beni (my son), if thou wilt receive my words, and treasure my mitzvot with thee;

² So that thou incline thine ear unto chochmah, and apply thine lev to tevunah (understanding);

³ Yea, if thou criest out after binah, and liftest up thy voice for tevunah (understanding)

⁴ If thou seekest her as kesef, and searchest for her as for matmonim (hidden treasures);

⁵ Then shalt thou understand the Yirat Hashem, and find the Da’as Elohim.

⁶ For Hashem giveth chochmah; out of His Peh (mouth) cometh da’as (knowledge) and tevunah (understanding).

⁷ He layeth up tushiyyah (wise Torah counsel) for the yesharim (upright ones); He is a mogen (shield) to them that walk in blamelessness.

⁸ He keepeth the orkhot mishpat, and is shomer over the derech of His Chasidim.

⁹ Then shalt thou understand tzedek, and mishpat, and mesharim (equity, fairness)‖every ma’agal tov (good path).

¹⁰ When chochmah entereth into thine lev, and da’as (knowledge) is pleasant unto thy nefesh;

¹¹ Mezimah (discretion) shall be shomer over thee, tevunah (understanding) shall safeguard thee;

¹² To save thee from the derech rah, from the ish medaber tahpukhot (man speaking perverse things);

¹³ Who leaving the orkhot yosher (paths of uprightness), walk in the drakhei choshech (ways of darkness);

¹⁴ Who rejoice to do rah, and delight in the tahpukhot (perverse things) of rah (evil);

¹⁵ Whose orkhot (paths) are crooked ones, and they are devious in their ma’agalot (paths);

¹⁶ To save thee from the isha zarah (strange woman), even from the nokhriyah (strange [immoral] woman) which useth smooth words;

¹⁷ Which forsaketh the alluf (companion, husband) of her youth, and forgetteth the brit (covenant) of her G-d.

¹⁸ For her bais inclineth toward mavet, and her ma’agalot (paths) to the refa’im (spirits of the dead).

¹⁹ None that go unto her return again, neither attain they to the orkhot chayyim (paths of life).

²⁰ That thou mayest walk in the derech tovim, and be shomer over the orkhot tzaddikim (paths of the righteous).

²¹ For the yesharim (upright ones) shall dwell in the land, and the tamimim (blameless, faultless ones) shall remain in it.

²² But the resha’im shall be cut off from ha’aretz, and the bogedim (treacherous ones) shall be rooted out of it.

3 Beni (my son), forget not my torah; but let thine lev keep my mitzvot;

² For orekh yamim (length of days), and shnot chayyim, and shalom, shall they add to thee.

³ Let not chesed and emes forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the luach (tablet) of thine lev;

⁴ So shalt thou find chen and seichel tov in the eyes of Elohim and adam.

⁵ Trust in Hashem with all thine lev, and lean not unto thine own binah (understanding).

⁶ In all thy drakhim acknowledge Him, and He shall make yosher thy orkhot (paths).

⁷ Be not chacham in thine own eyes; fear Hashem, and depart from rah.

⁸ It shall be rife’ut (health) to thy navel, and marrow to thy atzmot.

⁹ Honor Hashem with thy substance, and with the reshit (firstfruit) of all thine increase;

¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy vats shall burst out with tirosh.

¹¹ Beni (my son), despise not the musar Hashem; neither be weary of His tokhakhah (reproof);

¹² For whom Hashem loveth, He correcteth; even as an av the ben in whom he delighteth.

¹³ Ashrei (happy) is the man that findeth chochmah, and the man that getteth tevunah (understanding).

¹⁴ For the gain of it is better than the gain of kesef, and the increase thereof than fine gold.

¹⁵ She is more precious than peninim (pearls); and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

¹⁶ Orekh yamim is in her right hand; and in her left hand osher and kavod.

¹⁷ Her drakhim are drakhim of pleasantness, and all her netivot (trodden paths) are shalom.

¹⁸ She is an Etz Chayyim (Tree of Life) to them that lay hold upon her; and me’usher (blessed) is every one that holdeth her fast.

¹⁹ Hashem by chochmah hath founded Eretz (Earth); by tevunah (understanding) hath He established Shomayim.

²⁰ By His da’as (knowledge) the tehomot (oceanic depths) were divided, and the clouds drop down the tal (dew).

²¹ Beni (my son), let not them depart from thine eyes; keep sound judgment and mezimah (discretion);

²² So shall they be chayyim unto thy nefesh, and chen to thy neck.

²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy derech safely, and thy regel shall not stumble.

²⁴ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; when thou liest down, thy sheynah (sleep) shall be sweet.

²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden pachad (terror), neither of the desolation of the resha’im (wicked ones), when it cometh.

²⁶ For Hashem shall be thy confidence, and shall be shomer over thy regel from the snare.

²⁷ Withhold not tov from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine yad to do it.

²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and makhar (tomorrow) I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

²⁹ Devise not ra’ah against thy re’a, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

³⁰ Strive not with adam without cause, if he have done thee no ra’ah.

³¹ Envy thou not the ish chamas, and choose none of his drakhim.

³² For the perverse person is to’avat (detestable) to Hashem; but His sod (secret, intimate counsel) is with the yesharim (upright ones).

³³ The curse of Hashem is in the bais of the rasha; but He puts a bracha on the dwelling of the tzaddikim.

³⁴ Surely He scorneth the scorners; but He giveth chen (grace, favor) unto the anayim (lowly, humble ones).

³⁵ The chachamim shall inherit kavod, but shame shall be the promotion of kesilim (fools).

4 Hear, ye banim, the musar (instruction, discipline) of an av, and attend to know binah (understanding).

² For I give you lekach tov (good doctrine, good instruction), forsake ye not my torah.

³ For I was ben to avi, tender and yachid (an only child) before immi.

⁴ He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine lev retain my words; be shomer over my mitzvot, and live.

⁵ Acquire chochmah, acquire binah (understanding); forget it not; neither turn from the words of my peh (mouth).

⁶ Forsake her not, and she shall be shomer over thee; love her, and she shall protect thee.

⁷ Chochmah is the principal thing; therefore get chochmah, and with all thy getting get binah (understanding).

⁸ Exalt her, and she shall promote thee; she shall honor thee with kavod, when thou dost embrace her.

⁹ She shall give to thine head a garland of chen; an ateret (crown) of tiferet (glory) shall she present to thee.

¹⁰ Hear, O beni (my son), and receive my sayings; and thy shnot chayyim shall be many.

¹¹ I have taught thee in the derech chochmah; I have led thee in ma’aglei yosher (right paths).

¹² When thou goest, thy steps shall not be hindered; and when thou runnest, lo tikashel (thou shalt not stumble).

¹³ Take firm hold of musar; let her not go; guard her; for she is thy chayyim.

¹⁴ Enter not into the orach resha’im, and go not on the derech ra’im (road of the wicked).

¹⁵ Avoid it, travel al (not) on it, turn from it, and pass on.

¹⁶ For they sleep not, unless they have done evil; and their sheynah (sleep) is robbed, unless they cause some to fall.

¹⁷ For they eat the lechem of resha, and drink the yayin of chamasim (violences).

¹⁸ But the orach tzaddikim (path of the righteous) is as the bright light, that shineth brighter and brighter unto the full day.

¹⁹ The derech resha’im is as deep darkness; they know not at what they stumble.

²⁰ Beni (my son), attend to my words; incline thine ozen unto my sayings.

²¹ Let them not depart from thine eyes; be shomer over them within thine lev.

²² For they are chayyim unto those that find them, and health to all their basar.

²³ Set watch over and guard thy lev with all diligence; for out of it are the totze’ot chayyim (issues, wellsprings of life cf Mk 7:20-23).

²⁴ Put away from thee a deceitful peh (mouth), and perverse sfatayim (lips) put far from thee.

²⁵ Let thine eynayim look straight forward, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

²⁶ Ponder the ma’agal (path) of thy raglayim, and let all thy drakhim be firm.

²⁷ Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy regel from rah [T.N. Everyone in life has two paths to choose from just as Moshiach Tzidkeinu spoke of two gates, a wide one crowded with traffic and leading to destruction, and another one found by few but leading to life and redemption‖Mt 7:13-14].

5 Beni (my son), attend unto my chochmah, and bow thine ozen to my tevunah (understanding);

² That thou mayest regard mezimah (discretion), and that thy sfatayim (lips) may keep da’as (knowledge).

³ For the sfatayim (lips) of a zarah (strange woman) drip as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than shemen (olive oil);

⁴ But her end is marah (bitter) as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged cherev.

⁵ Her raglayim go down to mavet; her steps lead to Sheol.

⁶ Lest thou shouldest compare [hers] to the orach chayyim, her ma’agalot (paths) are crooked, that thou canst not know them.

⁷ Hear me now therefore, O ye banim, and turn not from the words of my peh (mouth).

⁸ Remove thy derech far from her, and come not near the petach (doorway) of her bais;

⁹ Lest thou give thine hod (strength) unto others, and thy shanim unto the cruel one;

¹⁰ Lest zarim (strangers) be filled with thy koach; and thy toilings be in the bais nochri;

¹¹ And thou mourn at the acharit (last, latter end, future), when thy basar and thy body are consumed,

¹² And say, How have I hated musar, and my lev spurned tokhakhat (reproof);

¹³ And have not obeyed the voice of my morim (teachers), nor inclined mine ear to the ones who were my melamed!

¹⁴ I was at the brink of all rah (evil, ruin) in the midst of the kahal (congregation) and edah (assembly).

¹⁵ Drink mayim out of thine own bor (cistern), and running waters out of thine own well.

¹⁶ Should thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and channels of mayim in the rekhovot (town squares)?

¹⁷ Let them be only thine own, and never zarim (strangers) with thee.

¹⁸ Let thy makor (fountain) be blessed; and rejoice with the isha of thy youth.

¹⁹ Let her be as the loving deer and graceful doe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou enraptured tamid (ever) with ahavat (love of) her.

²⁰ And why wilt thou, beni (my son), be intoxicated with a zarah (strange woman), and embrace the kheyk (bosom) of a nochriyah (foreign [heathen] woman)?

²¹ For the drakhim ish are before the eyes of Hashem, and He pondereth all his ma’agalot (paths).

²² His own avonot shall entrap the rashah himself, and he shall be held fast by the cords of his chattat.

²³ He shall die without musar; and in the greatness of his folly he shall be led astray.

6 Beni (my son), if thou put up collateral for thy re’a, if thou hast shaken hands in pledge with a zar (stranger),

² Thou art snared with the words of thy peh (mouth), thou art trapped with the words of thy peh (mouth).

³ Do this now, beni (my son), and deliver thyself, since thou art come into the palm of thy re’a; go, humble thyself, and plead with thy re’a.

⁴ Give not sheynah to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

⁵ Deliver thyself as a gazelle from the yad [of the hunter], and as a tzippor (bird) from the yad of the fowler.

⁶ Go to the nemalah (ant), thou atzel (sluggard, lazy one); consider her drakhim (ways), and be chacham (wise);

⁷ Which having no katzin (officer, leader) or shoter (policeman) or moshel,

⁸ Prepareth her lechem in the kayitz (summer), and gathereth her food in the katzir (harvest).

⁹ Ad mosai wilt thou lie down, O atzel (sluggard, lazy one)? When wilt thou arise out of thy sheynah (sleep)?

¹⁰ Yet a little sheynot (sleep [pl.]), a little slumber, a little folding of the yadayim to sleep;

¹¹ So shall thy poverty come as a prowler, and thy need as an ish mogen (man of armor).

¹² A worthless person, a wicked man, walketh with a perverse peh (mouth).

¹³ He winketh with his eyes, he shuffleth with his regel, he pointeth with his fingers;

¹⁴ Tahpukhot (perversity) is in his lev, he deviseth rah continually; he stirs up midanim (contention, strife, discord [pl.]).

¹⁵ Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be destoyed without marpeh (remedy).

¹⁶ These shesh (six) things doth Hashem hate; indeed, shevah (seven) are an abomination unto His Nefesh;

¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lashon sheker, and hands guilty of shefach dahm naki,

¹⁸ A lev that deviseth wicked machshevot (plans), raglayim that are swift in running to ra’ah,

¹⁹ An ed sheker that speaketh lies, and he that soweth midanim (contention, strife, discords) among achim.

²⁰ Beni (my son), keep the mitzvat Avicha, and forsake not the torat Immecha;

²¹ Bind them tamid (continually) upon thine lev, and tie them about thy neck.

²² When thou goest, it shall guide thee; when thou sleepest, it shall be shomer over thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

²³ For the mitzvah is a ner (lamp); and torah an ohr; and tokhakhot musar (reproofs of discipline) are the Derech Chayyim (Life Lane);

²⁴ To be shomer over thee, keeping thee from the eshet rah, from the smooth lashon of the nokhriyah (strange woman).

²⁵ Lust not after her beauty in thine lev; neither let her allure thee with her eyelids.

²⁶ For by means of an isha zonah a man is reduced to a kikar lechem; and [another] man’s wife will prey on the nefesh yekara (precious soul).

²⁷ Can a man take eish in his kheyk, and his clothes not be burned?

²⁸ Can one walk upon hot coals, and his regel not be burned?

²⁹ So is he that goeth into his eshet re’a; whosoever toucheth her shall not go unpunished.

³⁰ Men do not despise a ganav if he steal to satisfy his nefesh when he is starving;

³¹ But if he be found out, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give hon (substance, wealth) of his bais;

³² But the no’ef (one who committeth adultery) with an isha lacketh lev [of understanding]; he that doeth it destroyeth his own nefesh.

³³ A nega [see Isaiah 53:8 for Moshiach’s nega taken for unfaithful Israel] and dishonor shall he get; and his cherpah (reproach) shall not be wiped away.

³⁴ For kina (jealousy) is the chamat gever (husband’s rage); therefore he will not spare in the yom nakam (day of vengeance).

³⁵ He will not regard kofer (compensation); neither will he be the appeased, though shochad (bribe) be great.

7 Beni (my son), be shomer over my words, and treasure up my mitzvot with thee.

² Be shomer over my mitzvot, and live, and over my torah as the apple of thine eye.

³ Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the luach (tablet) of thine lev.

⁴ Say unto chochmah, Thou art my achot; and call binah (understanding) thy kinsman;

⁵ That they may be shomer over thee and keep thee from the zarah, from the nokhriyah with her smooth words.

⁶ For at the chalon (window) of my bais I looked through my lattice,

⁷ And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the banim, a na’ar (young man) devoid of lev [of understanding, sense],

⁸ Passing through the street near her corner; and he went on the derech to her bais,

⁹ In the twilight, at erev, in the black and dark lailah;

¹⁰ And, hinei, there met him an isha with the attire of a zonah, and crafty of lev

¹¹ —She is loud and soreret (rebellious, defiant); her raglayim abide not in her bais;

¹² Now is she without, now in the rechovot, and lurketh in wait at every pinnah (corner)—

¹³ So she caught hold of him, and kissed him, and with a brazen ponem said unto him,

¹⁴ I have zivkhei shelamim vowed; this yom have I payed my neder.

¹⁵ Al ken (therefore) came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

¹⁶ I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with a bedspread of fine linen of Mitzrayim.

¹⁷ I have perfumed my mishkav (bed) with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

¹⁸ Come, let us take our fill of dodim (loves) until boker; let us delight ourselves with ahavim (loves, pl. of intensity).

¹⁹ For the ish (man, i.e., husband) is not b’bais, he is gone a derech merachok (distant journey);

²⁰ He hath taken a bag of kesef with him, and will come back to his bais at the appointed time.

²¹ By her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with the smoothness of her sfatayim she seduced him.

²² He goeth after her and followeth immediately, as a shor (ox) goeth to tavach (stock yard, slaughter-house), or as the fettered to the musar of the fool;

²³ Till a khetz (arrow) strike through his liver; as a tzippor hasteth to the pach (snare), and knoweth not that it is for his nefesh (life).

²⁴ Pay heed unto me now therefore, O ye banim, and attend to the words of my peh (mouth).

²⁵ Let not thine lev turn aside to her drakhim; go not astray in her netivot (trodden paths).

²⁶ For she hath cast down many chalalim (wounded); indeed, many strong men have been slain by her.

²⁷ Her bais is the drakhei Sheol, going down to the chadarim (chambers, rooms) of mavet (death). [T.N. The off-stage character here in chp 7 has been the cuckold. Because of her Ba’al affair, Hashem became the cuckold of Israel even as Hosea became the cuckold of Gomer.]

8 Doth not Chochmah cry out? And Tevunah (understanding) put forth her voice?

² In the top of high hills, beside the derech (road) in the bais netivot (meeting place of trodden paths, crossroads) nitzavah (she [Lady Wisdom, the lady street preacher] stands).

³ She crieth out at the she’arim (gates), at the entry of the city, at the entrance at the petachim (doorways):

⁴ Unto you, O ishim, I call out; and my voice is to the Bnei Adam.

⁵ O ye simple ones, understand armah (prudence); and, ye kesilim, understand in your lev.

⁶ Hear; for I will speak negidim (noble things, worthy [words]); and the opening of my sfatayim (lips) shall be meisharim (upright, fair things).

⁷ For my mouth shall speak emes; and resha is an abomination to my sfatayim (lips).

⁸ All the words of my peh (mouth) are in tzedek; there is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all correct to him that discerneth, and yesharim (straight ones) to them that find da’as (knowledge).

¹⁰ Receive my musar, and not kesef; and da’as (knowledge) rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For chochmah is tovah (better, more precious) than pearls; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

¹² I, Chochmah, dwell with armah (prudence), and find out da’as (knowledge) of mezimot (discretions).

¹³ The Yirat Hashem is to hate rah; pride, and ga’on (arrogance), and the derech rah, and the perverse peh (mouth), do I hate.

¹⁴ Etzah (counsel, advice) is mine, and sound judgment; I am binah; I have gevurah.

¹⁵ By me melachim reign, and nobles decree tzedek.

¹⁶ By me sarim (princes) rule, and nobles, even all the shofetim of tzedek.

¹⁷ I love them that have ahavah for me; and those that seek me shall find me.

¹⁸ Osher and kavod are with me; indeed, enduring hon (wealth) and tzedakah.

¹⁹ My p’ri is better than gold, indeed, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice kesef.

²⁰ I walk in the orach tzedakah (way of righteousness), in the midst of the netivot (paths) of mishpat,

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their otzarot.

²² Hashem possessed me in the reshit of His derech, before His works of old.

²³ I was set up [to reign] me’olam (from eternity), from the beginning, or ever eretz was.

²⁴ When there were no tehomot, I was brought forth; when there were no springs abounding with mayim.

²⁵ Before the harim were settled, before the geva’ot (hills) was I brought forth;

²⁶ While as yet He had not made eretz, nor the outer places, nor the beginning of the dust of the tevel.

²⁷ When He set in place Shomayim, I was there; when He drew a khoog (circle, horizon) upon the face of the tehom,

²⁸ When He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the tehom,

²⁹ When He gave to the yam His chok (decree, limits), that the mayim should not pass its limits, when He appointed the foundations of the Eretz;

³⁰ Then I was etzel (at the side of, beside [see Yn 1:1]) Him, as an Amon (master craftsman, builder, architect, artist); and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him [Mishle 30:4] ;

³¹ Rejoicing in the tevel of His Eretz; and my delights were with the Bnei Adam.

³² Now therefore pay heed unto me, O ye banim; for ashrei (blessed, happy) are they that are shomer over my drakhim.

³³ Hear musar, and be chacham, and disdain it not.

³⁴ Ashrei is adam that heareth me, watching daily at my dalatot, waiting at the mezuzot of my doors.

³⁵ For whosoever findeth me findeth Chayyim, and shall obtain ratzon Hashem.

³⁶ But he that sinneth against me doth chamas against his own nefesh; all they that hate me love mavet.

9 Chochmah hath built her bais, she hath hewn out her seven ammudim;

² She hath prepared her meat; she hath mixed her yayin; she hath also set her shulchan.

³ She hath sent forth her na’arot; she calleth from the highest points of the city;

⁴ Whosoever is simple, let him turn in here; as for him that lacketh lev (a heart of understanding), she saith to him,

⁵ Come, eat of my lechem, and drink of the yayin which I have mixed [Yn 6:53-54 OJBC].

⁶ Forsake the simple ways, and live; and go in the derech binah.

⁷ He that reproveth a letz (mocker) getteth to himself shame, and he that is a mochiach (reprover) of a wicked man getteth himself a blot stain.

⁸ Reprove not a letz, lest he hate thee; rebuke a chacham, and he will love thee.

⁹ Give instruction to a chacham, and he will be yet wiser; teach a tzaddik, and he will increase in learning.

¹⁰ The Yirat Hashem is the beginning of chochmah, and the da’as Kedoshim (knowledge of the Holy One) is binah (understanding).

¹¹ For by me thy yamim shall be multiplied, and shanot chayyim shall be increased to thee.

¹² If thou be chacham, thou shalt be wise for thyself, but if thou mockest, thou alone shalt suffer.

¹³ Aishes Kesilut (Dame Folly) is clamorous; she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

¹⁴ For she sitteth at the petach (doorway) of her bais, on a seat in the high places of the city,

¹⁵ To call those passing on the derech (road) who go straight on their way:

¹⁶ Whoso is simple, let him turn in here, and as for him that lacketh lev (heart of understanding), she saith to him,

¹⁷ Stolen waters are sweet, and lechem eaten in secret is pleasant.

¹⁸ But he has no da’as that the dead ones are there; and that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

10 The mishle (proverbs) of Sh’lomo. A ben chacham maketh glad an av, but a ben kesil is the grief of his em.

² Otzarot resha profit nothing, but tzedakah (righteousness) saveth from mavet.

³ Hashem will not suffer the nefesh of the tzaddik to famish, but He thwarteth the craving of the resha’im.

⁴ He becometh poor that dealeth with a negligent palm, but the yad of the diligent maketh wealth.

⁵ He that gathereth in kayitz is a ben maskil (son of wisdom), but he that sleepeth in katzir (harvest) is a ben that causeth shame.

⁶ Brakhot are upon the head of the tzaddik, but chamas covereth the peh (mouth) of the resha’im.

⁷ The memory of the tzaddik is as bracha, but the shem resha’im shall rot.

⁸ The chacham lev will receive mitzvot, but one with foolish sfatayim (lips) shall be thrust down.

⁹ He that walketh uprightly walketh securely, but he that perverteth his drakhim shall be known.

¹⁰ He that winketh with the ayin causeth trouble, but one with foolish sfatayim shall come to ruin.

¹¹ The peh (mouth) of a tzaddik is a Makor Chayyim, but chamas covereth the peh (mouth) of the resha’im.

¹² Sin’ah (hatred) stirreth up medanim (dissensions), but ahavah covereth all peysha’im.

¹³ In the sfatayim (lips) of him that hath understanding chochmah is found, but a shevet (rod) is for the back of him that is devoid of lev [understanding].

¹⁴ Chachamim treasure up da’as (knowledge); but the peh (mouth) of the foolish is near destruction.

¹⁵ The oisher’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor ones is their poverty.

¹⁶ The wage of the tzaddik leadeth to Chayyim; the wage of the rashah is for chattat [Ro 6:23].

¹⁷ He is in the orach (path) of Chayyim that is shomer over musar, but he that abandoneth tokhakhat (reproof) goes astray.

¹⁸ He that hideth sin’ah with sfatayim sheker, and he that uttereth a slander, is a kesil (fool).

¹⁹ In the multitude of devarim there wanteth not sin, but he that restraineth his sfatayim (lips) is maskil (wise).

²⁰ The lashon of the tzaddik is as choice kesef; the lev of the resha’im is of little worth.

²¹ The sfatayim (lips) of the tzaddik feed rabbim (many), but fools die for lack of lev [of chochmah].

²² The Birkat Hashem, it maketh wealthy, and He addeth no sorrow with it.

²³ It is as sport to a kesil to do zimmah (evil design), but an ish tevunah (man of understanding) hath chochmah.

²⁴ What the rashah dreads, it shall come upon him, but the ta’avat tzaddikim shall be granted.

²⁵ As the whirlwind passeth, so is the rashah no more, but the tzaddik is a yesod olam (an everlasting foundation).

²⁶ As chometz to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) to them that send him.

²⁷ The Yirat Hashem prolongeth yamim; but the shanot of the resha’im shall be cut short.

²⁸ The prospect of the tzaddikim shall be simchah, but the tikveh of the resha’im shall perish.

²⁹ The Derech Hashem is maoz to the blameless, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

³⁰ The tzaddik shall never be removed, but the resha’im shall not inhabit Eretz.

³¹ The peh (mouth) of the tzaddik bringeth forth chochmah, but the lashon tahpukhot (tongue of perversion, distortion) shall be cut off.

³² The sfatayim (lips) of the tzaddik know what is ratzon (acceptable), but the peh (mouth) of the resha’im speaketh tahpukhot (perversity).

11 A balance of mirmah (dishonesty, deception) is abomination to Hashem, but an even shelemah (perfect stone, just weight) is His ratzon.

² When zadon (pride) cometh, then cometh kalon (shame, disgrace), but with the humble is chochmah.

³ The integrity of the yesharim (upright ones) shall guide them, but the deceit of the bogedim (treacherous ones) shall destroy them.

⁴ Hon (riches) profit not in the yom evrah (day of wrath), but tzedakah (righteousness) delivereth from mavet.

⁵ The tzidkat tamim (righteousness of the blameless) shall make his derech straight, but the rasha shall fall by his own evil.

⁶ The tzidkat yesharim shall deliver them, but bogedim (treacherous ones) shall be caught in their own evil desire.

⁷ At the mot adam rasha, his tikveh shall perish, and the expectation of his [surviving] strong ones perisheth.

⁸ The tzaddik is delivered out of tzoros, but the rashah cometh on to take his place.

⁹ A chanef (hypocrite, man without G-d) with his peh (mouth) destroyeth his re’a, but through da’as (knowledge) shall the tzaddikim be delivered.

¹⁰ When it goeth well with the tzaddikim, the city rejoiceth, and when the resha’im perish, there is rinnah (joyful shouting).

¹¹ By the birkat yesharim the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the peh (mouth) of the resha’im.

¹² He that is devoid of lev [of understanding] despiseth his re’a, but an ish tevunot holdeth his peace.

¹³ A bringer of rekhil (gossip, rekhilut) revealeth sod (secrets, confidences), but he that is of a ne’eman ruach concealeth the matter.

¹⁴ Where no strategic policy is, the nation falls, but in the multitude of yoetz (counsellors, advisors) there is teshu’ah (victory, safety).

¹⁵ He that is guaranty for a zar shall suffer for it, and he that hateth pledging collateral is secure.

¹⁶ An eshet chen retaineth kavod (honor, respect), but ruthless men retain osher.

¹⁷ The ish chesed (merciful man) doeth good to his own nefesh, but he that is cruel harmeth his own self.

¹⁸ The reshah worketh a wage of sheker, but to him that soweth tzedakah (righteousness) shall be a sachar emes (sure reward).

¹⁹ As tzedakah (righteousness) leadeth to Chayyim, so he that pursueth ra’ah pursueth it to his own mot (death).

²⁰ They that are of a perverse lev are an abomination to Hashem, but such as are upright in their derech are His delight.

²¹ Though yad join in yad, the rah shall not go unpunished, but the zera of the tzaddikim shall be delivered.

²² As a ring of zahav in the snout of a chazir, so is an isha yafah which is without ta’am (judgment, discretion).

²³ The ta’avat tzaddikim is only tov, but the tikveh of the resha’im is wrath.

²⁴ There is that which scattereth, and yet increaseth more; and there is that which withholdeth more than is yosher, but it leadeth to machsor (want, need, poverty).

²⁵ The nefesh brocha (generous person) shall be made to prosper, and he that watereth shall be refreshed also himself.

²⁶ He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him, but brocha shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

²⁷ He that diligently seeketh tov procureth ratzon, but he that seeketh ra’ah, it shall come unto him.

²⁸ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the tzaddik shall flourish like the green leaf.

²⁹ He that troubleth his own bais shall inherit the ruach (wind), and the fool shall be eved to the chacham lev.

³⁰ The p’ri tzedek is Etz Chayyim, and he that winneth nefashot is chacham (wise).

³¹ If the tzaddik are recompensed on ha’aretz (the earth), much more the rashah and the choteh (sinner).

12 He who loveth musar loveth da’as, but he that hateth tokhakhat (reproof, correction) is ba’ar (a boorish, ignorant person).

² A tov (good man) obtaineth ratzon (favor) from Hashem, but an ish mezimor (a man of crafty devices) will He condemn.

³ An adam shall not be made secure by resha, but the shoresh tzaddikim (root of the righteous ones) shall not be moved. [T.N. Cf 12:4 and 31:10.]

⁴ An aishes chayil (a woman of valor, an excellent wife) is an ateret to her ba’al, but she that bringeth shame is like rottenness in his atzmot.

⁵ The thoughts of the tzaddikim are right, but the tachbulot (guidance) of the resha’im are mirmah (deceitful).

⁶ The devarim of the resha’im are to lie in wait for dahm, but the peh (mouth) of the yesharim (upright ones) shall deliver them.

⁷ The resha’im are overthrown, and are no more, but the bais tzaddikim shall stand.

⁸ An ish shall be commended according to his seichel, but he that is of a perverse mind shall be despised.

⁹ He that is lightly esteemed, and hath an eved, is better than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh lechem.

¹⁰ A tzaddik regardeth the nefesh (life) of his behemah (beast), but the compassion of the reshaim is cruel.

¹¹ He that worketh his adamah shall be satisfied with lechem, but he that chaseth after worthless persons is devoid of lev [of understanding].

¹² The resha coveteth the catch of ra’im (evil men), but the shoresh (root) of the tzaddikim yieldeth fruit.

¹³ The rah is ensnared by the peysha (transgression) of his sfatayim (lips), but the tzaddik shall escape from tzoros.

¹⁴ An ish shall be filled with tov by the fruit of his peh (mouth), and the recompence of the hands of adam shall be rendered unto him.

¹⁵ The derech of a fool is yashar (right) in his own eynayim, but he that payeth heed unto etzah is chacham (wise).

¹⁶ A fool’s wrath is known immediately, but a prudent man covereth kalon (shame, disgrace, shameful nakedness).

¹⁷ He that speaketh emunah declareth tzedek, but an ed shekarim, mirmah.

¹⁸ There is one who speaketh rash words like the wounding of a cherev, but the lashon of the chachamim promotes marpeh (healing).

¹⁹ The lip of emes shall be established forever, but a lashon sheker is but for a moment.

²⁰ Mirmah (deceit) is in the lev of them that plot rah, but to the counsellors of shalom is simchah.

²¹ There shall no harm befall the tzaddik, but the resha’im shall be filled with rah.

²² Sfatayim (lips) of sheker are to’evah to Hashem, but they that deal emunah (faithfully, truthfully) are His delight.

²³ A prudent man concealeth da’as, but the lev kesilim (mind of fools) preaches folly.

²⁴ The yad of the kharutzim (diligent ones) shall rule, but the remiyyah (deceitfully lazy man) shall be put to forced labor.

²⁵ Anxiety in the lev ish causeth depression, but a davar tov cheers it up.

²⁶ The tzaddik prevaileth advantageously over his neighbor, but the derech resha’im leads them astray.

²⁷ The remiyyah (deceitfully lazy man) roasteth not that which he took in hunting, but diligence is the precious possession of man.

²⁸ In the orach tzedakah (way of righteousness) is chayyim, and in the derech netivot (pathway) thereof there is no mavet.

13 A ben chacham heareth his musar av, but a scoffer heareth not ge’arah (scolding, rebuke).

² An ish shall eat tov by the fruit of his peh (mouth), but the nefesh of the bogedim (unfaithful ones, traitors) shall eat chamas.

³ He that is shomer over his peh (mouth) guards his nefesh, but he that openeth wide his sfatayim (lips) shall have ruin.

⁴ The nefesh of the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) desireth, and hath nothing, but the nefesh of the kharutzim (diligent ones) shall have ample provision.

⁵ A tzaddik hateth sheker, but a wicked man is shamefully loathsome, and bringeth disgrace.

⁶ Tzedakah is guard over him whose derech is blameless, but wickedness overthroweth the chattat (sinner).

⁷ There is one who maketh himself out to be rich, yet hath nothing; there is one that maketh himself out to be poor, yet hath hon rav (great wealth).

⁸ The riches of an ish is kofer (ransom) for his nefesh (life), but the poor heareth no threat.

⁹ The ohr (light) of the tzaddik rejoiceth, but the ner (lamp) of the resha’im (wicked) shall be put out.

¹⁰ By zadon (pride) cometh only contention, but with the teachable is chochmah.

¹¹ Hon (wealth) gotten by dishonesty shall be diminished, but he that gathereth incrementally shall have an increment.

¹² Hope deferred maketh the lev sick, but when the ta’avah (desire) cometh, it is an Etz Chayyim (Tree of Life).

¹³ He who despiseth the davar shall be destroyed, but he that feareth the mitzvah shall be rewarded.

¹⁴ The torat chacham (teaching of the wise) is a makor chayyim (fountain of life), to turn one away from the snares of mavet.

¹⁵ Seichel tov giveth favor, but the derech bogedim (way of traitors) is hard.

¹⁶ Every prudent man acts with da’as, but a kesil (fool) displays his folly.

¹⁷ A malach rasha falleth into rah (trouble), but a tzir emunim (trustworthy envoy) is marpeh (healing).

¹⁸ Poverty and shame shall be to him that disdains musar, but he that is shomer over tokhakhat (reproof) shall be honored.

¹⁹ The ta’avah (desire, longing) fulfilled is sweet to the nefesh, but it is to’evat kesilim (the abomination of fools) to depart from rah.

²⁰ He that walketh with chachamim shall be wise, but a companion of kesilim (fools) shall come to harm.

²¹ Ra’ah (disaster) pursueth chatta’im (sinners), but tov is the reward of the tzaddikim.

²² A tov (good man) leaveth an inheritance to his bnei banim, and the wealth of the choteh (sinner) is laid up for the tzaddik.

²³ Rav ochel (much food) is in the untilled ground of the poor, but for want of mishpat (justice) it is swept away.

²⁴ He that spareth his shevet (rod) hateth bno (his son), but he that loveth him is diligent in his musar (discipline).

²⁵ The tzaddik (righteous) eateth to the satisfying of his nefesh (soul), but the beten (stomach) of the resha’im shall want.

14 Chachmot nashim buildeth her bais, but the foolish pulleth it down with her hands.

² He that walketh in his yashar feareth Hashem, but he that is devious in his drakhim despiseth Him.

³ In the peh (mouth) of the fool is a rod of ga’avah (pride), but the sfatayim (lips) of the chachamim shall be shomer over them and preserve them.

⁴ Where no oxen are, the evus (feeding trough) is clean, but much increase is by the ko’ach of the shor (ox).

⁵ An ed emunim will not lie, but an ed sheker will utter lies.

⁶ A scoffer seeketh chochmah, and findeth it not, but da’as cometh easily unto him that is discerning.

⁷ Go from the presence of an ish kesil, when thou perceivest not in him the sfatayim (lips) of da’as (knowledge).

⁸ The chochmah of the prudent is to understand his derech, but the folly of kesilim is mirmah (deceit).

⁹ Fools mock at guilt, but among the yesharim (upright ones) there is ratzon (favor).

¹⁰ The lev knoweth its own bitterness, and a zar (stranger) doth not share its simchah.

¹¹ The bais of the resha’im shall be shmad, but the ohel of the yesharim shall flourish.

¹² There is a derech (road) which seemeth yashar (right) unto an ish, but the acharit (latter end, future) thereof are the drakhim of mavet.

¹³ Even in sekhok (laughter) the lev is sad, and the acharit (latter end) of that simchah is grief.

¹⁴ The sug (backslider, faithless one) in lev is filled with his own drakhim (roads), but an ish tov shall be satisfied from above himself.

¹⁵ The naive believeth every davar, but the prudent looketh with care to his steps.

¹⁶ A chacham feareth, and departeth from rah, but the kesil throweth off restraint and is arrogantly reckless.

¹⁷ He that is quicktempered dealeth folly, and an ish mezimot (a man of crafty schemes) is hated.

¹⁸ The naive inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with da’as.

¹⁹ The ra’im will bow before the tov’im, and the resha’im at the she’arim of the tzaddik.

²⁰ The poor is hated even by his own re’a (neighbor), but the oisher hath many friends.

²¹ He that despiseth his re’a sinneth, but he that is kind to the anayim (needy ones), happy is he.

²² Do they not go astray that plot rah? But chesed and emes shall be to them that plan tov.

²³ In all hard work there is profit, but idle chatter of the sfatayim (lips) tendeth only to makhsor (poverty, want).

²⁴ The ateret chachamim is their riches, but the foolishness of kesilim is folly.

²⁵ An ed emes (true witness) saveth nefashot (souls, lives), but a lying witness is a betrayer.

²⁶ In the Yirat Hashem is strong confidence, and his banim shall have a place of refuge.

²⁷ The Yirat Hashem is a makor chayyim (fountain of life) to turn one away from the snares of mavet.

²⁸ In the multitude of people is the glory of a melech, but in the lack of subjects is the ruin of the prince.

²⁹ He that is slow to wrath is of rav tevunah (great understanding), but he that is angrily impulsive exalteth folly.

³⁰ A lev marpeh (sound mind) is life to the basar, but kinah (envy) is the rottenness of the atzmot (bones).

³¹ He that oppresseth the dal (poor) showeth contempt for his Oseh (Maker), but he that honoreth Him is kind to the evyon (needy).

³² The reshah is banished in his ra’ah, but the tzaddik hath refuge in his mot (death).

³³ In the lev of the discerning reposes chochmah, but that which is in kesilim is made known.

³⁴ Tzedakah exalteth a nation, but chattat (sin) is a reproach to any people.

³⁵ The ratzon melech (king’s favor) is toward an eved maskil (a wise servant), but his wrath is against him that bringeth shame.

15 A soft answer turneth away chemah (wrath); but harsh devarim stir up anger.

² The lashon of chachamim useth da’as aright, but the peh (mouth) of kesilim (fools) poureth out folly.

³ The eynayim of Hashem are in kol makom (every place), watching the ra’im and the tovim.

⁴ A marpeh lashon (a tongue of healing) is an Etz Chayyim, but selef (perversity) therein is crushing to the ruach (spirit).

⁵ A fool spurns his musar av, but he that is shomer over tokhakhat (reproof) is prudent.

⁶ In the bais of the tzaddik is much treasure, but in the revenues of the rashah is trouble.

⁷ The sfatayim (lips) of chachamim disperse da’as, but the lev of kesilim doeth not so.

⁸ The zevach of the resha’im is a to’evah to Hashem, but the tefillah (prayer) of the yesharim is His delight.

⁹ The derech rashah is a to’evah unto Hashem, but He loveth him that pursueth tzedakah.

¹⁰ Musar is grievous unto him that forsaketh the orach (way), and he that hateth tokhakhat (reproof) shall die.

¹¹ Sheol and Avaddon are before Hashem, how much more then the hearts of Bnei Adam?

¹² A scoffer loveth not one that correcteth him, neither will he go unto chachamim.

¹³ A lev same’ach maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the lev the ruach is broken.

¹⁴ The lev of him that hath understanding seeketh da’as, but the peh (mouth) of kesilim feedeth on folly.

¹⁵ All the days of the oni are ra’im, but he that is of a tov lev hath a mishteh tamid (a continual feast).

¹⁶ Better is little with the Yirat Hashem than otzar rav (great treasure) and trouble therewith.

¹⁷ Better is a meal of yarak (vegetables) where love is, than a fatted calf and sinah (hatred) therewith.

¹⁸ An ish chemah (angry man) stirreth up madon (strife), but he that is slow to anger pacifies a quarrel.

¹⁹ The derech (road) of the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) is a thorny hedge, but the orach yesharim (way of the upright) is a highway.

²⁰ A ben chacham maketh glad an av, but a kesil adam despiseth immo.

²¹ Folly is simchah to him that is destitute of lev [of discernment], but an ish tevunah walketh uprightly.

²² Without counsel, plans go amiss, but in the multitude of yo’atzim (counsellors) they are established.

²³ An ish hath simchah in the apt reply of his peh (mouth), and a timely davar, mah tov (how good!)

²⁴ The Orach Chayyim leads upward to the wise, in order that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

²⁵ Hashem will destroy the bais of the proud, but he will maintain the boundary of the almanah.

²⁶ The thoughts of the rah are a to’evah to Hashem, but the words of the tehorim (pure ones) are pleasant.

²⁷ He that is greedy of unjust gain troubleth his own bais, but he that hateth mattanot (bribes) shall live.

²⁸ The lev tzaddik studieth how to answer, but the peh (mouth) of the resha’im poureth out evil things.

²⁹ Hashem is far from the resha’im, but He heareth the tefillah of the tzaddikim.

³⁰ The ohr (light) of the eynayim rejoiceth the lev, and a good report giveth health to the etzem.

³¹ The ozen that heareth the tokhakhat chayyim (reproof of life) lodgeth among chachamim.

³² He that refuseth musar despiseth his own nefesh, but he that heareth tokhakhat (reproof) gaineth lev [of understanding].

³³ The Yirat Hashem is the musar of chochmah; and before kavod (honor) is anavah (humility).

16 The plans of the lev belong to adam, and the answer of the lashon is from Hashem.

² All the drakhei ish are pure in his own eynayim, but Hashem weigheth the ruchot.

³ Commit thy ma’asim (works) unto Hashem, and thy plans shall be established.

⁴ Hashem works out all things for Himself, indeed, even the rasha (wicked) for the Yom Ra’ah (day of evil).

⁵ Every one that is proud in lev is to’evat Hashem; though yad join in yad, he shall not go unpunished.

⁶ By chesed and emes avon is purged, and by the Yirat Hashem men depart from rah.

⁷ When drakhei ish please Hashem, He maketh even his oyevim to be in shalom with him.

⁸ Better is a little with tzedakah than great revenues without mishpat (justice).

⁹ The lev adam plans his derech, but Hashem directeth his steps.

¹⁰ A kesem (oracle) is on the sfatayim (lips) of Melech, his peh (mouth) must not betray mishpat.

¹¹ A just weight and balance are Hashem’s, all the weights of the bag are His concern.

¹² It is to’evat melachim to commit resha (wickedness), for the kisse is established through tzedakah.

¹³ Sfatayim (lips) of tzedek are the delight of melachim; and they love him that speaketh yesharim (upright things).

¹⁴ The wrath of a melech is as malachim of mavet, but an ish chacham will appease it.

¹⁵ In the light of the countenance of melech is chayyim, and his favor is like the cloud of a spring rain.

¹⁶ How much better is it to acquire chochmah than zahav, and acquiring binah (understanding) a better choice than kesef!

¹⁷ The mesilat yesharim (highway of the upright) is to depart from rah; he that guards his derech is shomer over his nefesh (soul).

¹⁸ Ga’on (pride) goeth before shever (destruction), and a ruach of haughtiness before a fall.

¹⁹ Better it is to be of a humble ruach among the anayim, than to divide the plunder with the proud.

²⁰ He that wisely heeds the Davar shall find tov (good), and he who trusteth in Hashem, happy is he.

²¹ The chacham lev shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the sfatayim (lips) adds to learning.

²² Seichel is a Makor Chayyim unto him that hath it, but the musar (instruction, discipline) of fools is folly.

²³ The lev chacham guides his peh (mouth), and addeth learning to his sfatayim (lips).

²⁴ Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the nefesh, and marpeh (healing) to the atzmot (bones).

²⁵ There is a derech that seemeth yashar (right) before an ish, but its acharit (future, latter end) is the drakhei mavet.

²⁶ The nefesh (appetite) of the laborer works for him, for his peh (mouth) of hunger driveth him on.

²⁷ An ish Beliya’al diggeth up ra’ah, and in his sfatayim (lips) there is as a scorching eish.

²⁸ A perverse ish soweth madon (strife, dissension), and a whisperer separateth close friends.

²⁹ An ish chamas enticeth his re’a, and leadeth him into the derech that is not good.

³⁰ He winking his eynayim to plot perverse things, compressing his sfatayim (lips), bringeth ra’ah to pass.

³¹ The silvery hair is an ateret tiferet; it is found in the derech tzedakah.

³² He that is slow to anger is better than the gibbor; and he that ruleth his ruach than he that captures a city.

³³ The goral is cast into the kheyk (lap), but the whole decision thereof is from Hashem.

17 Better is a dry crust, and quietness therewith, than a bais full of zevakhim (sacrificial religious meals) with strife.

² An eved maskil (wise servant) shall have rule over a ben that causeth shame, and shall have a share of the nachalah among the achim.

³ The crucible is for kesef, and the furnace for zahav, but Hashem is the testor of hearts.

⁴ An evildoer giveth heed to false sfatayim (lips), and a sheker (liar) giveth ear to a spiteful lashon.

⁵ He who mocketh the poor showeth contempt for his Oseh (Maker), and he that gloats at calamities shall not go unpunished.

⁶ Bnei banim are the ateret of zekenim; and the tiferet of banim are their avot.

⁷ Eloquent speech becometh not a naval (fool), much less do lying sfatayim (lips) a ruler.

⁸ A shochad (gift, bribe) is like a charm in the eynayim of him that hath it: wherever he turneth, he prospereth.

⁹ He that covereth a peysha (transgression) seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth the best of friends.

¹⁰ Ge’arah (scolding) goeth deeper into a meiven than a hundred blows into a kesil (fool).

¹¹ A rah seeketh only rebellion; therefore a merciless malach shall be sent to him.

¹² Let an ish meet a dov robbed of her cubs rather than a kesil in his folly.

¹³ He who rewardeth ra’ah for tovah, ra’ah shall not depart from his bais.

¹⁴ The beginning of madon (strife) is like releasing mayim, therefore stop contention before a quarrel begins.

¹⁵ He that justifieth the rashah, and he that condemneth the tzaddik, even they both are to’evah to Hashem.

¹⁶ Why is there the purchase price in the yad of a kesil (fool) to acquire chochmah, seeing he hath no lev for it?

¹⁷ The re’a (friend) loveth at all times, and a brother is born for tzarah (adversity).

¹⁸ Adam devoid of lev [of understanding] shaketh hands in pledge, and becometh the security deposit for his neighbor.

¹⁹ He loveth peysha (transgression, sin) that loveth strife, and he that maketh his threshold high seeketh shever (fracture).

²⁰ He that hath a crooked mind findeth no tov, and he that hath a deceitful lashon falleth into ra’ah.

²¹ He that begetteth a kesil doeth it to his sorrow, and the avi naval hath no simchah.

²² A lev same’ach doeth tov like a medicine, but a downcast ruach drieth up the bones.

²³ A rasha accepts a shochad (bribe) out of the kheyk (bosom, i.e., secretly) to pervert the orkhot mishpat (paths of justice).

²⁴ Chochmah is before the meiven (discerning one); but the eynayim of a kesil are on the ends of ha’aretz.

²⁵ A ben kesil is a ka’as (grief) to aviv (his father), and bitterness to her that bore him.

²⁶ Also to punish the tzaddik is not tov, nor to flog officials for their yashar (uprightness, integrity).

²⁷ He that hath da’as spareth his words, and an ish tevunah (man of understanding) is of a calm ruach.

²⁸ Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted chacham, and he that shutteth his sfatayim (lips) is esteemed a man of understanding.

18 A man who separates himself seeks his own ta’avah (desire); he defies all tushiyyah (wisdom, sound judgment).

² A kesil (fool) hath no delight in tevunah (understanding), but only in airing out his lev (mind, opinions).

³ When the rashah cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonor, cherpah (reproach, disgrace).

⁴ The devarim of a man’s mouth are deep mayim; the makor chochmah is a flowing stream.

⁵ It is not tov to show partiality to the rashah, to subvert the tzaddik in mishpat.

⁶ The sfatayim (lips) of a kesil enter into contention, and his peh (mouth) inviteth blows.

⁷ The peh (mouth) of a kesil is his undoing, and his sfatayim (lips) are the mokesh (snare) of his nefesh.

⁸ The devarim of a nirgan (gossip, talebearer, slanderer) are like mitlachamim (delicious tidbits), and they go down into the innermost parts of the beten (belly).

⁹ He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is ba’al mashchit (master of destruction).

¹⁰ The Shem of Hashem is a strong migdal (tower), the tzaddik runneth into it, and is safe.

¹¹ The oisher’s wealth is his strong city, and is a high chomah in his own conceit.

¹² Before shever (destruction) the lev ish is haughty, and before kavod is anavah (humility).

¹³ He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and kelimmah (reproach, shame) unto him.

¹⁴ The ruach ish will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed ruach who can bear?

¹⁵ The lev of the prudent acquireth da’as, and the ozen of the chachamim seeketh da’as.

¹⁶ The mattan adam (gift of a man) openeth the way for him, and bringeth him before gedolim.

¹⁷ He that is harishon (the first) to make his case seemeth tzaddik, but his re’a cometh and doth cross-examine him.

¹⁸ The goral (lot) causeth contentions to cease, and keepeth the mighty apart.

¹⁹ A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentious quarrelings are like the bars of an armon (citadel).

²⁰ An ish’s beten shall be filled with the fruit of his peh (mouth), and with the produce of his sfatayim (lips) shall he be satisfied.

²¹ Mavet and chayyim are in the power of the lashon, and they that love it shall eat the p’ri (fruit) thereof.

²² He who findeth an isha (wife) findeth tov, and obtaineth ratzon (favor) from Hashem.

²³ The poor useth entreaties, but the oisher answereth roughly.

²⁴ An ish of many companions may come to ruin, but there is an ohev (friend) that sticketh closer than a brother.

19 Better is the poor that walketh in his tohm (integrity, guilelessness), than he that is perverse in his sfatayim (lips), and is a kesil (fool).

² Also, that the nefesh (desire) be without da’as, it is not tov, and he that hasteth with his raglayim (feet) sinneth.

³ The folly of adam maketh his derech crooked, yet his lev rages against Hashem.

⁴ Wealth maketh many friends, but the dal (poor) is separated from his re’a (neighbor).

⁵ An ed shekarim (false witness) shall not go unpunished, and he that speaketh kezavim (lies) shall not escape.

⁶ Rabbim (many) will entreat the favor of the ruler, and every ish is the re’a (friend) to him that giveth mattan (gifts).

⁷ All the kin of the rahsh (pauper) do hate him; how much more does his friend avoid him? He pursueth them with words, yet they are not there.

⁸ He that getteth lev [of understanding] loveth his own nefesh; he that is shomer over tevunah (understanding) shall find tov.

⁹ An ed shekarim (false witness) shall not go unpunished, and he that speaketh kezavim (lies) shall perish.

¹⁰ Luxury is not fitting for a kesil (fool); much less for an eved to have rule over sarim.

¹¹ The seichel adam deferreth his anger, and it is his tiferet (glory) to pass over a peysha (transgression).

¹² The wrath of a melech is like the roaring of a lion, but his ratzon (favor) is as tal (dew) upon the esev (grass).

¹³ A ben kesil is the calamity of aviv (his father), and the contentions of an isha are a constant dripping [i.e., an irritant].

¹⁴ Bais and hon (wealth) are the nachalah avot, and a prudent isha (wife) is from Hashem.

¹⁵ Atzlah (slothfulness, laziness) casteth into a tardemah (deep sleep), and a nefesh remiyyah (a deceitfully lazy soul) shall suffer hunger.

¹⁶ He that is shomer over the mitzvah is shomer over his own nefesh, but he that is reckless in his drakhim shall die.

¹⁷ He that hath compassion on the dal (poor) lendeth unto Hashem; and for his benefits He will repay him.

¹⁸ Chasten binecha (thy son) while there is yet tikvah, and give not in to thy nefesh (desire) to kill him.

¹⁹ One of gadol chemah (great temper) shall bear onesh (punishment), for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

²⁰ Hear etzah, and accept musar, that thou mayest be wise in thy acharit (latter end, future).

²¹ There are many plans in a lev ish; nevertheless it is the etzah of Hashem that shall stand.

²² The ta’avah (what is desirable) in an adam is his chesed, and a rahsh (pauper) is better than an ish kazav (liar).

²³ The Yirat Hashem tendeth to chayyim, and he that hath it shall rest secure; he shall not be visited by rah.

²⁴ An atzel (sluggard, lazy one) thrusteth his yad into his dish, and will not so much as bring it back to his peh (mouth) again.

²⁵ Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn what is prudent, and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand da’as.

²⁶ He that mistreateth his av, and driveth out his em, is a ben that causeth shame, and bringeth cherpah.

²⁷ Cease, beni (my son), to hear musar and thou shalt go astray from the words of da’as.

²⁸ An ed beliya’al (corrupt witness) scorneth mishpat (justice), and the peh (mouth) of the resha’im devoureth iniquity.

²⁹ Shefatim (penalties, judgments) are prepared for scoffers, and for kesilim, beatings for the back.

20 The yayin is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever is seduced to be led astray thereby is not wise.

² The wrath of a melech is as the roaring of a lion; he who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own nefesh.

³ It is kavod for an ish to cease from strife, but any fool can start a quarrel.

⁴ The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) will not plow by reason of choref (winter, cold); therefore shall he beg at katzir (harvest), and have nothing.

⁵ Etzah (purpose; see Yn 2:24-25 ) in the lev ish is like deep mayim, but an ish tevunah will draw it out.

⁶ Rav adam will proclaim every one his own chesed, but an ish emunim (faithful man, loyal man) who can find one?

⁷ The tzaddik walketh in his tohm (integrity, guilelessness); his banim after him are blessed.

⁸ A melech that sitteth in the kisse din (throne of judgment) winnows out all rah with his eynayim.

⁹ Who can say, I have made my lev pure, I am tahor from my chattat?

¹⁰ Differing weights, and differing measures, both of them are alike to’evah to Hashem.

¹¹ Even a na’ar (child) is known by his ways, whether his conduct be pure, and whether it be yashar (right).

¹² The hearing ozen, and the seeing ayin, Hashem hath made even both of them.

¹³ Love not sheynah (sleep), lest thou come to poverty; open thine eynayim, and thou shalt have enough lechem.

¹⁴ It is good for nothing, it is naught, saith the koneh (buyer), but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

¹⁵ There is zahav, and a multitude of rubies, but the sfatayim (lips) of da’as are a precious jewel.

¹⁶ Take his garment that is guaranty for a zar (stranger), and hold it as his pledge for a nokhriyah (foreign woman, strange woman, seductress).

¹⁷ Lechem from sheker (deceit) is sweet to an ish, but afterwards his peh (mouth) shall be filled with gravel.

¹⁸ Every plan is established by etzah, and with tachbulot (guidance) wage milchamah.

¹⁹ He that goeth about as a rakhil (gossip, slanderer, talebearer) revealeth secrets; therefore associate not with the babbler.

²⁰ He who curseth aviv or immo, his ner (lamp) shall be put out in deep choshech.

²¹ A nachalah (inheritance) may be gotten hastily at the rishonah (beginning); but the acharit (latter end) thereof shall not have a bracha.

²² Say not thou, I will pay back rah; but wait on Hashem, and He shall save thee.

²³ Differing weights are a to’evah unto Hashem, and scales of mirmah (deceit) are not tov.

²⁴ The steps of a gever are from Hashem; how can an adam then understand his own derech (way, life’s course)?

²⁵ It is a mokesh adam to devote rashly as kodesh, and after nedarim (vows) to reconsider his consecration.

²⁶ A melech chacham winnows out the resha’im and bringeth the ofan (threshing wheel) over them.

²⁷ The neshamah of adam is the ner (light) of Hashem, searching all the innermost beten.

²⁸ Chesed and emes guard the Melech, and his kisse is upheld by chesed.

²⁹ The tiferet (glory) of bochurim is their ko’ach (strength), and the hadar (splendor) of zekenim is the silvery head.

³⁰ Blows that wound cleanseth away rah; so do beatings the innermost beten.

21 The lev melech is in the yad Hashem, as the channels of mayim; He directeth it wherever He will.

² Every derech ish is yashar (right) in his own eynayim, but Hashem weigheth the hearts.

³ To do tzedakah and mishpat is more acceptable to Hashem than zevach.

⁴ A high and haughty eye, and a proud lev—ner resha’im (the lamp of the wicked ones)—are chattat (sin).

⁵ The plans of the kharutz (diligent) lead surely to profit; but of every one that is hasty surely to machsor (poverty, want).

⁶ The getting of otzarot by a lashon sheker is hevel (vain, empty, meaningless) and fleeting for them that seek mavet.

⁷ The violence of the resha’im shall drag them away; because they refuse to do mishpat (justice).

⁸ The derech of the guilty ish is hafachpach (crooked, tortuous), but as for the pure, his conduct is yashar (right).

⁹ It is better to dwell in a corner of the gag (roof), than with a quarrelsome isha in a shared bais.

¹⁰ The nefesh of the rashah desireth rah; his re’a findeth no mercy in his eynayim.

¹¹ When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise, and when insight is disclosed to the chacham, he receiveth da’as.

¹² The tzaddik (righteous one) wisely considereth the bais of the rashah, and hurleth the resha’im to rah.

¹³ He who stoppeth his ozen at the cry of the dal (poor), he also shall cry out himself, but shall not be heard.

¹⁴ A mattan (gift) in secret pacifieth af (anger), and a shochad (bribe) in the kheyk (bosom, i.e., a concealed bribe) strong wrath.

¹⁵ It is simchah to the tzaddik to do mishpat, but terror for the po’alei aven (workers of iniquity).

¹⁶ The adam that wandereth astray from the derech haseichel (road of understanding) shall rest in the kahal of the refa’im (congregation of the dead).

¹⁷ The ohev simchah (lover of pleasure) shall be an ish machsor (man of poverty, want, shortage); he that loveth yayin and shemen shall not be rich.

¹⁸ The reshah shall be a kofer (ransom) for the tzaddik, and the boged (the unfaithful) for the yesharim.

¹⁹ It is better to dwell in eretz midbar, than with a quarrelsome and an angry isha.

²⁰ There is otzar to be desired and shemen in the naveh (dwelling) of the chacham; but a kesil adam squanders it.

²¹ He that pursueth tzedakah and chesed findeth chayyim, tzedakah, and kavod.

²² A chacham scaleth the city of the gibborim (mighty ones), and casteth down the trusted stronghold thereof.

²³ He who is shomer over his peh (mouth) and his lashon (tongue) is shomer over his nefesh from tzoros.

²⁴ Proud and haughty scoffer is shmo, who acteth in superfluity of zadon (pride).

²⁵ The ta’avah (desire, craving) of the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) killeth him, for his yadayim refuse to work.

²⁶ He craveth greedily kol hayom, but the tzaddik giveth and spareth not.

²⁷ The zevach of the resha’im is to’evah (detestable, abomination); how much more, when he bringeth it with zimmah (evil intent).

²⁸ An ed kezavim (lying witness) shall perish, but the ish that heareth [emes] speaketh lanetzach (unto eternity).

²⁹ An ish rasha defiantly hardeneth his face, but as for the yashar (upright) he maketh his derech (road) sure.

³⁰ There is no chochmah nor tevunah (understanding) nor etzah against Hashem.

³¹ The sus is prepared against the yom milchamah, but teshuah (victory, deliverance) is from Hashem.

22 A shem tov is rather to be desired than osher rav, and chen (grace) rather than kesef and zahav.

² The oisher (rich man) and the rahsh (pauper) have this in common: Hashem is the Oseh (Maker) of them all.

³ A prudent man foreseeth the ra’ah, and hideth himself, but the naïve trudge on, and are punished.

⁴ By anavah (humility) and the Yirat Hashem are osher, and kavod, and chayyim.

⁵ Thorns and pachim (snares) are in the derech of the crooked; he that is shomer over his nefesh shall be far from them.

⁶ Train up a na’ar in the derech (road) he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

⁷ The oisher ruleth over the rahshim (paupers), and the loveh (borrower, debtor) is eved (slave) to the ish malveh (lender).

⁸ He that soweth iniquity shall reap aven (iniquity), and the shevet (rod) of his wrath shall disappear.

⁹ He that hath a tov ayin (generous eye) shall have a bracha; for he giveth of his lechem to the dal (poor).

¹⁰ Cast out the scoffer, and contention shall leave; indeed, strife and kalon (shame) shall cease.

¹¹ He that loveth tahor lev (a pure heart), for the chen (grace) on his sfatayim (lips) the Melech shall be his re’a (friend).

¹² The eynayim of Hashem preserve da’as, and He overthroweth the devarim of the boged (unfaithful, treacherous, traitor).

¹³ The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) saith, There is an ari (lion) outside; I shall be murdered in the streets.

¹⁴ The peh (mouth) of zarot (strange women) is a deep pit; he that is under the wrath of Hashem shall fall therein.

¹⁵ Folly is bound in the lev na’ar, but the shevet musar (rod of correction) shall drive it far from him.

¹⁶ He that oppresseth the dal (poor) in order to increase, and he that giveth to the oisher, shall surely come to machsor (poverty, want).

¹⁷ Bow down thine ozen, and hear the devarim of chachamim, and apply thine lev (mind, heart) unto my da’as.

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if thou be shomer over them within thee; they shall therewith abide ready upon thy sfatayim (lips).

¹⁹ That thy trust may be in Hashem, I have made thee know this yom, even thee!

²⁰ Have not I written to thee shloshim (thirty sayings) in mo’etzot (counsels) and da’as,

²¹ That I might make thee know the certain truth of the words of emes; that thou mightest bring back words of emes to them that send thee?

²² Exploit not the dal (poor), because he is dal (poor); neither oppress the oni (afflicted) in the sha’ar,

²³ For Hashem will plead their cause, and plunder the nefesh of those that plundered them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with a ba’al af (angry man), and with an ish chemot (man of wrath) thou shalt not go,

²⁵ Lest thou learn his orkhot (ways), and take a mokesh (snare) for thy nefesh.

²⁶ Be not thou one of them that shake hands in a pledge, or of them that are collateral for masha’ot (debts, loans).

²⁷ If thou hast nothing with which to pay, why should he take away thy mishkav (bed) from under thee?

²⁸ Remove not the gevul olam (ancient landmark), which avoteicha have set.

²⁹ Seest thou an ish mahir (diligent, one who excells) in his work? He shall stand before melachim; he shall not stand before obscure men.

23 When thou sittest to dine with a moshel (ruler), consider diligently what is before thee,

² And put a sakin (knife) to thy throat, if thou be a ba’al nefesh (man given to gluttony).

³ Be not desirous of his delicacies, for they are lechem kezavim (deceitful food).

⁴ Overwork not to get rich; cease from thine own binah (understanding).

⁵ Wilt thou let thine eynayim fly after that which is not? For such [wealth] certainly sprouts kenafayim (wings); they fly away as a nesher (eagle) toward Shomayim.

⁶ Eat thou not the lechem of him that hath a rah ayin (evil eye, i.e., a miser), neither desire thou his delicacies;

⁷ For as he reckoneth in his nefesh, so is he. Eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his lev is not with thee.

⁸ The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy pleasant devarim.

⁹ Speak not in the oznayim of a kesil (fool), for he will despise the seichel of thy words.

¹⁰ Remove not the gevul olam (ancient landmark); and enter not into the sadot of the yetomim (fatherless ones, orphans),

¹¹ For their Go’el is chazak (strong); He shall plead their cause against thee.

¹² Apply thine lev unto musar, and thine oznayim to the words of da’as.

¹³ Withhold not musar (correction) from the na’ar (child), for if thou spank him with the shevet, he shall not die.

¹⁴ Thou shalt spank him with the shevet, and shalt save his nefesh from Sheol.

¹⁵ Beni (my son), if thine lev be chacham, my own lev shall have simchah.

¹⁶ Indeed, my inmost being shall rejoice, when thy sfatayim (lips) speak meisharim (upright things).

¹⁷ Let not thine lev envy chatta’im, but be thou in the Yirat Hashem kol hayom.

¹⁸ For surely there is an acharit (latter end, future), and thine tikvah shall not be cut off.

¹⁹ Hear thou, beni (my son), and be chacham, and guide thine lev straight on the derech.

²⁰ Be not among yayin gluttons; among gluttonous eaters of basar,

²¹ For the drunkard and the zolel (glutton) shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall clothe with rags.

²² Pay heed unto avicha that fathered thee, and despise not immecha when she is old.

²³ Buy emes, and sell it not; also chochmah, and musar, and binah (understanding).

²⁴ Avi tzaddik (the father of a righteous one) shall greatly rejoice, and he that fathereth a chacham shall have simchah in him.

²⁵ Avicha and immecha shall be glad, and she that bore thee shall rejoice.

²⁶ Beni (my son), give me thine lev, and let thine eynayim delight in my drakhim.

²⁷ For a zonah is a deep pit, and a nokhriyah (strange woman, foreign woman, seductress, unfaithful wife) is a narrow well.

²⁸ She also lieth in wait like a road bandit, and increaseth the bogedim (unfaithful) among adam (mankind).

²⁹ Who hath oy (woe)? Who hath sorrow? Who hath strifes? Who hath complaint? Who hath needless wounds? Who hath bloodshot eynayim?

³⁰ They that tarry long at the yayin, they that turn in to sample mixed wine.

³¹ Stare not thou into the yayin when it is red, when it sparkles in the kos (cup), when it goeth down smoothly.

³² At the acharit (latter end, future) it biteth like a nachash, and stingeth with venomous poisons like a viper.

³³ Thine eynayim shall behold zarot (strange women), and thine lev shall utter perverse things.

³⁴ Indeed, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the lev yam (heart of the sea), or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

³⁵ They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not hurt; they have beaten me, and I felt it not. Mosai (when) shall I awake? I will seek yet another drink.

24 Be not thou envious of anshei ra’ah, neither desire to be with them.

² For their lev plotteth violence, and their sfatayim (lips) talk of amal (trouble).

³ Through chochmah is a bais built, and by tevunah (understanding) it is established.

⁴ And by da’as shall the chadarim (chambers, rooms) be filled with all precious and pleasant hon (riches, wealth).

⁵ A gever chacham is strong; indeed, an ish da’as (man of knowledge) increaseth ko’ach.

⁶ For by tachbulot (guidance) thou shalt wage thy milchamah (war), and in a multitude of yo’etz (counselors) there is teshu’ah (victory, safety).

⁷ Chochmah is too lofty for a fool; he openeth not his peh (mouth) at the sha’ar.

⁸ He that plotteth to do evil shall be called a ba’al mezimmot (master of schemes).

⁹ The scheme of folly is chattat (sin), and the scoffer is a to’evah to adam (man).

¹⁰ If thou faint in the yom tzarah, thy strength is small.

¹¹ Save those who are drawn away toward mavet, and hold back those stumbling toward slaughter.

¹² If thou sayest, See, we knew it not, doth not He that weigheth the levavot consider it? And He that is guard over thy nefesh, doth not He know it? And shall not He render to every adam according to his works?

¹³ Beni (my son), eat thou devash, because it is tov; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste;

¹⁴ So shall the knowledge of chochmah be unto thy nefesh; when thou hast found it, then there shall be an acharit (latter end, future), and thy tikvah (hope) shall not be cut off.

¹⁵ Lay not in wait, O rasha, against the naveh (dwelling) of the tzaddik; assault not his resting place;

¹⁶ For a tzaddik falleth sheva (seven times), and riseth up again, but the resha’im are overthrown in ra’ah.

¹⁷ Gloat not when thine oyev falleth, and let not thine lev rejoice when he stumbleth,

¹⁸ Lest Hashem see it, and it is rah in His eyes, and He turn away His wrath from him.

¹⁹ Fret not thyself because of ra’im, neither be thou envious of the resha’im,

²⁰ For there shall be no acharit (latter end, future) to the rah; the ner (light) of the resha’im shall be put out.

²¹ Beni (my son), fear thou Hashem and the Melech, and do not associate with them that are otherwise disposed.

²² For their calamity shall arise suddenly; and who hath da’as of ruin those two [i.e., Hashem and the Melech] can bring?

²³ These things also belong to chachamim: it is not tov to show partiality in mishpat.

²⁴ He that saith unto the rashah, Thou are tzaddik, him shall the people curse, nations shall detest him;

²⁵ But to them that rebuke the wicked, it is well, and birkat tov shall come upon them.

²⁶ He that giveth an answer that is nakhon (right, correct), giveth a kiss on the sfatayim.

²⁷ Set in order thy outside work, and make ready for thyself in the sadeh; then afterwards build thine bais.

²⁸ Be not an ed (witness) against thy re’a without cause, and deceive not with thy sfatayim (lips).

²⁹ Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me, I will render to the ish according to his work.

³⁰ I went by the sadeh of the ish atzel (sluggard, lazy one), and went past the kerem (vineyard) of the adam chasar lev (the man void of lev [of understanding]),

³¹ And, hinei, it was all grown over with thorns, and charullim (nettles) had covered the surface thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

³² Then I saw, and considered it well in my lev; I looked upon it, and received musar.

³³ Yet a little shenot (slumber), a little sleep, a little folding of the yadayim to rest;

³⁴ So shall thy poverty come like a prowler; and thy want like an ish mogen (armed warrior).

25 These are also mishlei Sh’lomo, which the anashim of Chizkiyah Melech Yehudah copied out:

² It is the Kavod Elohim to conceal a thing, but the kavod melachim is to search out a matter.

³ The Shomayim for height, and Eretz for depth, so the lev melachim is unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the kesef, and there shall come forth a vessel for the tzoref (silversmith);

⁵ Take away the rasha from before Melech, and his kisse shall be established in tzedek.

⁶ Do not exalt thyself in the presence of Melech, and stand not in the makom (place) of gedolim;

⁷ For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up here, than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the noble whom thine eynayim have seen.

⁸ Go not forth hastily to bring a lawsuit, lest thou know not what to do in the acharit thereof, when thy re’a hath put thee to shame.

⁹ Plead thy cause with thy re’a himself; and betray not a sod (confidence) to another,

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and the evil report of thee never depart.

¹¹ A word aptly spoken is like tapukhim (apples) of zahav in settings of kesef.

¹² As a nezem (earring) of zahav, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a mochi’ach chacham (a wise reprover) upon an obedient ozen.

¹³ As the cold of sheleg (snow) in the yom katzir (day of harvest), so is a tzir ne’eman (faithful envoy) to them that send him; for he refresheth the nefesh of his adonim.

¹⁴ He who boasteth falsely of giving is like clouds and ruach (wind) without geshem (rain).

¹⁵ By forbearance is a katzin (ruler) persuaded, and a gentle lashon breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found devash? Eat only as much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it out.

¹⁷ Let thy regel (foot) seldom be in thy neighbor’s bais; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

¹⁸ An ish that beareth ed sheker (false witness) against his re’a is a club, and a cherev, and a sharp khetz (arrow).

¹⁹ Confidence in a boged in the yom tzarah is like a shen ra’ah (bad tooth), and a regel out of joint.

²⁰ As he that taketh away a beged (garment) on a cold day, and as chometz (vinegar) upon lye, so is he that singeth shirim (songs) to a lev rah (heavy heart, i.e., depressed person).

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him lechem to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him mayim to drink;

²² For so shalt thou heap hot coals upon his rosh, and Hashem shall reward thee.

²³ The ruach tzafon (north wind) brings forth geshem; so doth a lashon seter (backbiting tongue) bring an angry countenance.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the gag (roof), than in a bais shared with a quarrelsome isha.

²⁵ As cold mayim to a weary nefesh, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A tzaddik who falters before the rasha is like a muddy spring, and a polluted makor (fountain).

²⁷ It is not tov to eat much devash; so for men to seek their own kavod is not glory.

²⁸ He that hath no rule over his own ruach is like an ir that is broken down, and without a chomah (wall).

26 As sheleg (snow) in kayitz (summer), and as matar (rain) at katzir (harvest), so kavod is not fitting for a kesil (fool).

² As the tzippor in its fluttering, as the swallow in its flying, so the kelelah (curse) without cause shall not alight.

³ A shot (whip) for the sus, a bridle for the chamor, and a shevet for the back of kesilim.

⁴ Answer not a kesil (fool) according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

⁵ Answer a kesil (fool) according to his folly, lest he be chacham in his own eyes.

⁶ He that sendeth a message by the yad of a kesil (fool) cutteth off the raglayim, and drinketh chamas.

⁷ The legs of the pisei’ach (lame man) hang limp; so is a mashal in the peh (mouth) of kesilim.

⁸ As he that bindeth an even (stone) in a sling, so is he that giveth kavod to a kesil (fool).

⁹ As a thornbush goeth up into the yad of a shikkor, so is a mashal in the peh (mouth) of kesilim.

¹⁰ Like an archer wounding all, so is he that hireth the kesil (fool), or hireth the passerby.

¹¹ As a kelev returneth to his vomit, so a kesil (fool) returneth to his folly.

¹² Seest thou an ish chacham in his own eyes? There is more tikvah (hope) for a kesil (fool) than for him.

¹³ The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) saith, There is a lion in the derech; an ari is in the rechovot.

¹⁴ As the delet (door) turneth upon its hinges, so doth the atzel (sluggard, lazy one) upon his mittah (bed).

¹⁵ The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) hideth his yad in his dish; it’s too tiring to bring it back to his peh (mouth) again.

¹⁶ The atzel (sluggard, lazy one) is chacham in his own eyes, more than seven that give an excellent answer.

¹⁷ He that passeth by, and meddleth in a quarrel that doth not belong to him, is like one that taketh a kelev by the oznayim.

¹⁸ As a mad man who shooteth firebrands, khitzim (arrows), and mavet,

¹⁹ So is the ish that deceiveth his re’a, and saith, Am I not just having a laugh?

²⁰ Where no wood is, there the eish goeth out; so where there is no nirgan (gossip, slanderer, talebearer), the strife dieth down.

²¹ As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to eish; so is a contentious ish to kindle strife.

²² The devarim of a nirgan (gossip, slanderer, talebearer) are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the innermost chambers of the beten.

²³ Fervent sfatayim (lips) and a lev rah are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

²⁴ He that hateth disguises it with his sfatayim (lips), and within harboreth mirmah (deceit);

²⁵ When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are sheva to’avot in his lev.

²⁶ Whose hatred is covered by guile, yet his wickedness shall be exposed before the whole kahal.

²⁷ He who diggeth a shachat (pit) shall fall therein, and he that rolleth an even (stone), it will roll back upon him.

²⁸ A lashon sheker hateth those that are crushed by it; and a flattering peh (mouth) worketh ruin.

27 Boast not thyself of yom makhar (tomorrow), for thou hast no da’as of what a yom may bring forth.

² Let another praise thee, and not thine own peh (mouth); a nokhri (stranger), and not thine own sfatayim (lips).

³ An even (stone) is heavy, and the chol (sand) weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.

⁴ Chemah (anger) is cruel, and fury is a torrent, but who is able to stand before kinah (jealousy, envy)?

⁵ Open tovah tokhakhat (good, constructive reproof) is better than secret ahavah.

⁶ Ne’emanim (faithful) are the wounds of an ohev (friend); but deceitful the neshikot (kisses) of an enemy.

⁷ The full nefesh trampleth a honeycomb, but to the hungry nefesh every mar (bitter thing) is sweet.

⁸ As a tzippor that wandereth from her ken (nest), so is an ish that wandereth from his makom (place, home).

⁹ Shemen and ketoret rejoice the lev; so doth the sweet discourse of a re’a (friend) from an atzat nefesh (a counselling of the soul).

¹⁰ Thine own re’a (friend), and the re’a avicha, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s bais in the yom of thy calamity; for better is a shakhen (neighbor) that is near than a brother far off.

¹¹ Beni (my son), be chacham, and make my lev glad, that I may answer my accusers.

¹² A prudent man foreseeth ra’ah, and hideth himself; but the naïve ones trudge on, and are punished.

¹³ Take his beged (garment) that is collateral for a zar; seize the pledge given for surety for a nokhriyah (strange woman, foreign woman, seductress).

¹⁴ He that maketh a bracha on his re’a (friend) with a kol gadol (loud voice), rising early in the boker, it shall be counted a kelalah to him.

¹⁵ A continual dripping in a very rainy day and a quarrelsome isha are alike;

¹⁶ To restrain her is like restraining the ruach (wind), and like grasping shemen in the right hand.

¹⁷ Barzel (iron) sharpeneth barzel (iron); so one ish sharpeneth another.

¹⁸ He who is guard over the te’enah (fig tree) shall eat the p’ri (fruit) thereof, so he that is shomer over his adon shall be honored.

¹⁹ As mayim reflecteth the face, so one lev ha’adam reflects another.

²⁰ Sheol and Avaddon are never full; so the eynayim of adam are never satisfied.

²¹ As the crucible is for kesef, and the furnace for zahav; so is an ish tested by the praise he receives.

²² Though thou shouldest grind a fool in the makhtesh (mortar) among grain with the pestle, yet will not his folly be removed from him.

²³ Be thou diligent to know the condition of thy tzon, and look well to thy adarim (flocks).

²⁴ For riches are not l’olam (forever); and doth the nezer (crown) endure dor vador?

²⁵ The hay is removed, and the deshe (tender grass) showeth itself, and herbs of the harim are gathered,

²⁶ The kevasim (lambs) are for thy clothing, and the goats are the purchase price of the sadeh.

²⁷ And thou shalt have cholov of izzim (goats) enough for thy lechem, for the lechem of thy bais, and for the nourishment of thy na’arot (servant girls).

28 The rasha flee when none pursueth; but the tzaddikim are bold as a lion.

² For the peysha eretz (land in rebellion) many are the sarim (rulers) thereof, but by an adam meiven yodei’a (a man of wisdom and knowledge) shall be lasting order.

³ A gever rahsh (poor man) that oppresseth the dalim (poor ones) is like a sweeping matar (rain) which leaveth no lechem (food, crop).

⁴ They that forsake the torah praise the rasha, but such as be shomer over the torah contend against them.

⁵ Anshei rah understand not mishpat, but they that seek Hashem understand all things.

⁶ Better is the rahsh (poor) that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his drakhim (ways), though he be rich.

⁷ He who keepeth torah is a ben meiven, but he that is a companion of zolelim (gluttons) shameth aviv.

⁸ He that by neshekh (interest) and increase increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the dalim (poor ones).

⁹ He that turneth away his ozen from mishmo’a torah (heeding torah), even his tefillah (prayer) shall be to’evah (abomination).

¹⁰ He who causeth the yesharim (upright ones) to go astray in a derech rah, he shall fall himself into his own trap, but the blameless ones shall inherit tov.

¹¹ The ish oisher is chacham in his own eyes, but the dal meiven (poor man with understanding) searcheth him out.

¹² When tzaddikim do triumph, there is rabbah tiferet (great glory), but when the resha’im rise, the people go into hiding.

¹³ He that covereth his peysha’im (sins) shall not prosper, but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall find mercy.

¹⁴ Ashrei adam that is reverent always, but he that hardeneth his lev shall fall into ra’ah.

¹⁵ As a roaring ari, and a charging dov (bear), so is a wicked moshel (ruler) over the am dal (poor people).

¹⁶ The nagid (ruler) lacking tevunot (understanding) is also a great oppressor, but he that hateth betza (ill-gotten gain) shall prolong his yamim (days).

¹⁷ If an adam is burdened with dahm (blood, murder) of any nefesh, let him be a fugitive ad bor (till the pit, death); let no ish help him.

¹⁸ He who walketh tamim (blamelessly) shall be saved, but he that is perverse in his drakhim shall fall suddenly.

¹⁹ He that tilleth his adamah shall have plenty of lechem, but he that chaseth after empty things shall have poverty enough.

²⁰ An ish emunot (faithful man, loyal man) shall abound with birkhot, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not go unpunished.

²¹ To show partiality is not tov; for a piece of lechem that gever will transgress.

²² He that hasteth to be rich hath a rah ayin, and considereth not that want shall come upon him.

²³ He that rebuketh an adam afterwards shall find more chen (favor) than he that flattereth with the lashon.

²⁴ He who robbeth aviv or immo, and saith, It is no peysha (transgression), the same is the chaver (fellow, companion) of an ish mashchit (man of destruction).

²⁵ The covetous stirreth up strife, but he that putteth his trust in Hashem shall be prospered.

²⁶ He that trusteth in his own lev is a kesil (fool), but he who walketh in chochmah, he shall be delivered.

²⁷ He that giveth unto the rahsh (poor) shall not lack, but he that hideth his eynayim meeteth many curses.

²⁸ When the resha’im rise, adam hide themselves, but when they perish, the tzaddikim increase.

29 He, that being often reproved, stiffeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without marpeh (remedy).

² When the tzaddikim are increased, the people rejoice, but when the rasha beareth rule, the people groan.

³ He who loveth chochmah rejoiceth aviv, but he that keepeth company with zonot squanders his hon (substance, wealth).

⁴ Melech by mishpat establisheth eretz, but an ish terumot (a man of bribes) bringeth it down.

⁵ A gever that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a reshet (net) for his feet.

⁶ By peysha (transgression) an ish rah is snared, but the tzaddik doth sing and have simchah.

⁷ The tzaddik considereth the cause of the dalim, but the rasha (wicked) doeth not understand such da’as (knowledge).

⁸ Scornful men enflame a city, but chachamim turn away af (wrath).

⁹ If an ish chacham has to contend with a fool, he [the fool] rageth or laugheth, and hath no rest.

¹⁰ The anshei damim hate integrity, but the yesharim seek his nefesh (soul, i.e., his soul’s well-being).

¹¹ A kesil (fool) uttereth all his wrath, but a chacham keepeth it back quietly.

¹² If a moshel pays heed to davar sheker, all his mesharetim (officials, ministers) are resha’im.

¹³ The rahsh (pauper) and the oppressor have this in common: Hashem enlighteneth both their eynayim.

¹⁴ If Melech shofet be’emes (judges in truth) the dalim, his kisse shall be established forever.

¹⁵ The shevet (rod) and tokhakhat (reproof) give chochmah, but a na’ar (child) left to himself bringeth immo to shame.

¹⁶ When the resha’im are multiplied, peysha (transgression) increaseth, but the tzaddikim shall see their downfall.

¹⁷ Correct binecha, and he shall give thee rest; indeed, he shall give delight unto thy nefesh.

¹⁸ Where there is no chazon (prophetic vision), the people cast off restaint [i.e., perish ungovernable], but he that is shomer over the torah, happy is he.

¹⁹ An eved will not be corrected by devarim, for though he understand he will not answer.

²⁰ Seest thou an ish that is hasty in his devarim? There is more tikvah for a kesil (fool) than for him.

²¹ He that pampers his eved from youth up shall have him as his ben at the acharit (end).

²² An ish af (angry man) stirreth up strife, and a ba’al chemah (ill-tempered man) aboundeth in peysha (transgression).

²³ Ga’avat adam (pride of man) shall bring him low, but the humble in ruach shall attain kavod.

²⁴ He who is partner with a ganav hateth his own nefesh; he heareth the curse of the victim but discloses nothing.

²⁵ The fear of adam bringeth a mokesh (snare), but he who putteth his trust in Hashem shall be secure.

²⁶ Many seek the moshel’s favor, but mishpat ish cometh from Hashem.

²⁷ An unjust man is a to’evah to the tzaddikim, and he that is yeshar derech (upright in the way) is to’evah to the rasha.

30 The devarim of Agur Ben Yakeh, even the massa; the gever (man) spoke unto Itiel, even unto Itiel and Uchal:

² Surely I am more stupid than any ish, and have not the binat adam.

³ I neither learned chochmah, nor have the da’as of the kadoshim.

⁴ Who hath ascended into Shomayim, or descended? Who hath gathered ruach in the hollows of His hands? Who hath bound the mayim in a cloak? Who hath established all the afsei aretz (ends of the earth)? What is Shmo (His Name), and what is Shem Bno (the Name of His Son [See Memra, creative Word of G-d in Targumim]), if thou canst tell?

⁵ Every word of G-d is flawless; He is a mogen unto them that take refuge in Him.

⁶ Add thou not unto His devarim, lest He rebuke thee, and thou be found a kazav (liar).

⁷ Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before my mot;

⁸ Remove far from me shav (vanity, falsehood) and davar kazav (word of a liar); give me neither poverty nor osher; feed me lechem chukki (my daily bread);

⁹ Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is Hashem? Or lest I be poor, and become a ganav, and profane the Shem of Elohai.

¹⁰ Do not slander an eved unto his adon, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

¹¹ There is a dor (generation) that curseth its av, and doth not make a bracha on its em.

¹² There is a dor (generation) that is tahor (pure) in its own eynayim, and yet is not washed from its filthiness.

¹³ There is a dor (generation), O how haughty in loftiness are their eynayim! And their eyelids are proudly lifted up.

¹⁴ There is a dor (generation), whose teeth are as charavot (swords), and their jaw teeth are as knives, to devour the aniyim (oppressed poor ones) from off ha’aretz, and the evyonim (needy ones) from among adam.

¹⁵ The leech hath two banot: Give! Give! There are shalosh (three) that are never satisfied, indeed, four things never say, Enough!

¹⁶ Sheol, and the barren womb; eretz that is never satisfied with mayim; and eish that saith not, Enough!

¹⁷ The ayin (eye) that mocketh at av, and scorneth to obey em, the ravens of the valley shall peck it out, and the bnei nesher shall eat it.

¹⁸ There are shalosh which are too wonderful for me, indeed, four which I understand not;

¹⁹ The derech hanesher (way of the eagle) in the sky; the derech nachash upon a tzur (rock); the derech oniyah (way of a sailing vessel) in the midst of the yam (sea); and the derech gever (way of a man) with an almah (unmarried young virgin; see Gn 24:43,16,63-65.

²⁰ Such is the derech isha mena’efet (way of an adulterous woman): she eateth, and wipeth her peh (mouth), and saith, I have done no wrong.

²¹ For shalosh the eretz is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

²² For an eved (slave) when he reigneth; and a naval (fool) when he is full with lechem;

²³ For an unloved woman when she is married; and a shifchah that displaces her gevirah (lady, mistress).

²⁴ There are four things which are little upon eretz, but they are exceeding chachamim:

²⁵ The nemalim (ants) are an am (people) not strong, yet they store up their lechem in the kayitz (summer);

²⁶ The badgers are but a feeble folk, yet they make their bais in the rocks;

²⁷ The arbeh (locusts) have no melech, yet they go forth all of them in ranks;

²⁸ The lizard can be held in the hands, yet is in heikhelot (palaces) of a melech.

²⁹ There are shloshah which are majestic in stride, indeed, four are stately in walk:

³⁰ A lion which is gibbor among behemah (beasts), and retreateth not from any;

³¹ The strutting rooster; the he-goat also; and a melech, when his army is with him.

³² If thou hast done foolishly in exalting thyself, or if thou hast devised rah, lay thine yad upon thy peh.

³³ Surely the churning of cholov (milk) bringeth forth khemah (butter), and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth dahm; so the stirring up of anger bringeth forth strife.

31 The devarim of Lemuel Melech, the massa (burden, oracle) that immo taught him.

² What, my bar (son, see Ps 2:12)? And what, the bar of my womb? And what, the bar of my nedarim (vows)?

³ Give not thy strength unto nashim, nor thy drakhim to that which destroyeth melachim.

⁴ It is not for melachim, O Lemuel, it is not for melachim to drink yayin; nor for rulers to crave strong drink;

⁵ Lest they drink, and forget the decree, and pervert the justice of the bnei oni (all the oppressed afflicted people).

⁶ Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and yayin unto those that be of bitter nefesh.

⁷ Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his amal (misery) no more.

⁸ Open thy peh (mouth) for the illem (mute) in the cause of all such as are bnei chalof (sons of destitution).

⁹ Open thy peh (mouth), judge tzedek, and plead the cause of the oni and the evyon.

¹⁰ Who can find an aishes chayil (a woman of valor, an excellent wife Prov 12:4)? For her worth is far above rubies.

¹¹ The lev of her ba’al (husband) doth securely trust in her, so that he shall have no lack of gain.

¹² She will do him tov and not rah all the days of her life.

¹³ She seeketh tzemer (wool), and flax, and worketh willingly with her palms.

¹⁴ She is like the oniyyot socher (ship merchant); she bringeth her lechem from afar.

¹⁵ She riseth also while it is yet lailah, and provideth food to her bais, and a chok (portion) to her na’arot (servant girls).

¹⁶ She considereth a sadeh, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her palms she planteth a kerem (vineyard).

¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her zero’ot (arms).

¹⁸ She perceiveth that her merchandise is tov; her ner (light) goeth not out balailah.

¹⁹ She layeth her yadayim to the distaff, and her fingers lay hold of the spindle.

²⁰ She extends her palms to the oni; indeed, she reacheth forth her yadayim to the evyon (needy).

²¹ She is not afraid of the sheleg (snow) for her bais; for all her bais are clothed with scarlet.

²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her levush (clothing) is fine linen and purple.

²³ Her ba’al (husband) is known in the she’arim, when he sitteth among the ziknei eretz.

²⁴ She maketh fine garments, and selleth them; and delivereth sashes unto the kena’ani (merchant).

²⁵ Oz (strength) and hadar (dignity) are her clothing; and her smile is toward the yom acharon (coming day, future).

²⁶ She openeth her peh (mouth) with chochmah; and on her lashon is the torat chesed (teaching of kindness).

²⁷ She watcheth well over the halichot (goings, ways) of her bais (household), and eateth not the lechem atzlut (bread of idleness).

²⁸ Her banim rise up, and call her blessed; her ba’al (husband) also, and he praiseth her.

²⁹ Rabbot banot have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

³⁰ Chen (charm) is sheker (deceitful), and yofi (beauty) is fleeting; but an isha Yirat Hashem (a G-d fearing wife), she shall be praised.

³¹ Give her of the p’ri (fruit) of her yadayim; and let her own ma’asim praise her in the she’arim.

1 There was an ish in Eretz Uz, shmo Iyov; and that ish was blameless and yashar, and yire Elohim, and shunned evil.

² And there were born unto him seven banim and shalosh banot.

³ His possessions also were seven thousand tzon and three thousand gemalim, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she-donkeys, and very many avadim; so that this ish was the greatest of kol bnei kedem.

⁴ And his banim went and held a mishteh in their bais, every one in his turn in his bais; and sent and called for their three achayot to eat and to drink with them.

⁵ And it was so, when the yamim of their mishteh were gone, that Iyov sent and set them apart as kodesh, and rose up early in the boker, and offered olot (burnt offerings) according to the mispar (number) of them all: for Iyov said, It may be that my banim have sinned, and cursed Elohim in their hearts. Thus did Iyov kol hayamim.

⁶ Now there was a yom when the Bnei HaElohim came to present themselves before Hashem, and Hasatan came also among them.

⁷ And Hashem said unto Hasatan, From where comest thou? Then Hasatan answered Hashem, and said, From roaming to and fro in ha’aretz, and from walking up and down in it.

⁸ And Hashem said unto Hasatan, Hast thou considered in thy heart avdi Iyov, that there is none like him in ha’aretz, a perfect and a yashar ish, yire Elohim, and shunneth evil?

⁹ Then Hasatan answered Hashem, and said, Is Iyov a yire Elohim (G-d fearer) for nothing?

¹⁰ Hast not Thou made a hedge [of protection] about him, and about his bais, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the ma’aseh (work) of his hands, and his possessions are increased in ha’aretz.

¹¹ But put forth Thine yad now, and strike all that he hath, and he will curse Thee to Thy face.

¹² And Hashem said unto Hasatan, Hinei, all that he hath is in thy yad; only upon himself put not forth thine yad. So Hasatan went out from the presence of Hashem.

¹³ And there was a yom when his banim and his banot were eating and drinking yayin in the bais achihem habechor (the house of their firstborn brother):

¹⁴ And there came a malach (messenger) unto Iyov, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them:

¹⁵ And the Sabeans attacked, and took them away; yea, they have slain the na’arim with the edge of the cherev; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

¹⁶ While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The eish Elohim is fallen from Shomayim, and hath burned up the tzon, and the na’arim, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

¹⁷ While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Kasdim (Chaldeans) formed shloshah rashim, and fell upon the gemalim and have carried them away, yea and slain the na’arim with the edge of the cherev; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

¹⁸ While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy banim and thy banot were eating and drinking yayin in the bais achihem habechor;

¹⁹ And, hinei, there came a ruach gedolah from the midbar, and struck the arbah pinot (four corners) of the bais, and it fell upon the na’arim, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

²⁰ Then Iyov arose, and made the keri’ah on his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped,

²¹ And said, Arom came I out of beten immi, and arom shall I return there; Hashem gave, and Hashem hath taken away; yehi Shem Hashem mevorach.

²² In all this Iyov sinned not, nor natan tiflah leElohim (charged G-d with folly).

2 Again there was a day when the Bnei HaElohim came to present themselves before Hashem, and Hasatan came also among them to present himself before Hashem.

² And Hashem said unto Hasatan, From where comest thou? And Hasatan answered Hashem, and said, From going to and fro through ha’aretz, and from walking up and down in it.

³ And Hashem said unto Hasatan, Hast thou considered in your meditation Avdi (My Servant) Iyov, that there is none like him in ha’aretz, ish tam and yashar, yire Elohim, and shunning rah? And still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou inciteth Me against him, to ruin him for no reason.

⁴ And Hasatan answered Hashem, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that an ish hath will he give for his nefesh.

⁵ But stretch forth Thine yad now, and touch his etzem and his basar, and he will curse Thee to Thy face.

⁶ And Hashem said unto Hasatan, Hinei, he is in thine yad; but spare his nefesh.

⁷ So went Hasatan out from the presence of Hashem, and afflicted Iyov with shekhin rah (foul boils) from the sole of his regel unto the top of his head.

⁸ And he took him a cheres (potsherd, piece of broken pottery) to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

⁹ Then said his isha unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse Elohim, and die.

¹⁰ But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the nevalot (foolish women) speaketh. What? Shall we receive hatov from Elohim, and shall we not accept harah? In all this did not Iyov sin in what he said.

¹¹ Now when the three friends of Iyov heard of all this ra’ah that had come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temani, and Bildad the Shuchi, and Tzophar the Na’amati; for they had made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.

¹² And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and recognized him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they made the keri’ah every one on his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward Shomayim.

¹³ So they sat [shiva] with him upon the ground shivat yamim and shivat lailah, and none spoke a word unto him; for they saw that his suffering was very great.

3 After this opened Iyov his mouth, and cursed his yom.

² And Iyov spoke, and said,

³ Let the yom perish wherein I was born, and halailah in which it was said, There is a gever born.

⁴ Let that yom be choshech; let not Elohim regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.

⁵ Let choshech and the tzalmavet (shadow of death) claim it; let an anan dwell upon it; let the blackness of the yom terrify it.

⁶ As for that lailah, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the yamim of the shanah, let it not come into the number of the months.

⁷ Hinei, let that lailah be barren; let no joyful shout come therein.

⁸ Let them curse it that curse the yam, who are ready to rouse Leviathan.

⁹ Let the kokhavim of the dawn thereof be dark; let it look for ohr, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the shachar,

¹⁰ Because it shut not up the dalatot of my mother’s womb, nor hid amal (tzoros) from mine eyes.

¹¹ Why did I not come to mot at birth? Why did I not perish when I came out of the beten (belly, womb)?

¹² Madua (why) were there birkayim to receive me? Or why the shadayim that from them I should nurse?

¹³ For atah (now) I would be lying still and quiet, have slept and been at rest,

¹⁴ With melachim and yo’atzim of ha’aretz, which build ruins for themselves;

¹⁵ Or with sarim (princes) that had zahav, who filled their batim (houses) with kesef;

¹⁶ Or as a hidden stillborn—I had not been!—as olelim which never saw ohr.

¹⁷ There the resha’im cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest.

¹⁸ There the asirim (prisoners, captives) rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.

¹⁹ The katon and gadol are there; and the eved is free from his adon.

²⁰ Why is ohr given to him that is in misery, and chayyim unto the bitter in nefesh;

²¹ Which long for mavet, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hidden treasures;

²² Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the kever?

²³ Why is ohr given to a gever whose derech is hidden, and whom Elohim hath hedged in?

²⁴ For my sighing cometh instead of lechem, and my groanings are poured out like the mayim.

²⁵ For the pachad (terror) which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I dreaded is come unto me.

²⁶ I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; and rogez (tzoros, turmoil) came.

4 Then Eliphaz the Temani answered and said,

² If we attempt a davar with thee, wilt thou be offended? But who can withhold himself from speaking?

³ Hinei, thou hast instructed rabbim (many), and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

⁴ Thy words have upheld him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble birkayim (knees).

⁵ But atah (now) it is come upon thee, and thou art impatient; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.

⁶ Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy tikveh, and the blamelessness of thy ways?

⁷ Consider now, who ever perished, being naki (innocent)? Or where were the yesharim (upright ones) cut off?

⁸ Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow amal (trouble), reap the same.

⁹ By the neshamah (breath) of Eloah they perish, and by the ruach of His nostrils are they consumed.

¹⁰ The roaring of the aryeh, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

¹¹ The old lion perisheth for lack of teref (prey), and the stout lion’s cubs are scattered.

¹² Now a davar was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a whisper thereof.

¹³ In thoughts from the chezyonot lailah, when tardemah (deep sleep) falleth on anashim,

¹⁴ Pachad came upon me, and trembling, which made all my atzmot to shake.

¹⁵ Then a ruach passed before my face; the hair of my basar stood up;

¹⁶ It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; a temunah (form) was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

¹⁷ Shall enosh (mortal man) be more righteous than Eloah? Shall a man be more tahor than his Maker?

¹⁸ Behold, He puts no trust in His avadim, and His malachim (angels) He charged with toholah (error).

¹⁹ How much more them that dwell in batim (houses) of clay, whose yesod (foundation, origin) is in the dust, which are crushed like the moth?

²⁰ They are destroyed from boker to erev; they perish forever without any regarding it.

²¹ Is not the cord of their tent which is in them pulled up? They die, even without chochmah (wisdom).

5 Call now, if there be any that will answer thee, and to which of the kadoshim (holy ones) wilt thou turn?

² For ka’as (anger) killeth the foolish man, and kinah (envy) slayeth the simple one.

³ I have seen the fool taking shoresh (root), but suddenly I cursed his habitation.

⁴ His banim are far from yesha (safety, salvation), and they are crushed in the sha’ar (gate, before the public), neither is there any to deliver them.

⁵ Whose katzir (harvest) the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even from among of the tzinnim (thorns), and the intriguer pants after their wealth.

⁶ Although affliction springeth not forth of the aphar (dust), neither doth amal (trouble, tzoros) sprout out of the adamah;

⁷ Yet adam is born unto amal (trouble, tzoros), even as sparks fly upward.

⁸ I would seek El (G-d), and before Elohim would I lay my cause;

⁹ Who doeth gedolot unsearchable, marvellous things without mispar;

¹⁰ Who giveth matar upon eretz, and sendeth mayim upon the fields;

¹¹ To set up on high those that be the shefalim (the lowly ones); that those which mourn may be exalted to safety,

¹² Thwarting the machshevot of the arumim (crafty ones), so that their hands cannot accomplish tushiyyah (success).

¹³ He taketh the chachamim in their own arum (craftiness), and the etzah of the wily is swiftly swept away.

¹⁴ They meet with choshech in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the lailah,

¹⁵ But He saveth the needy from the cherev of their mouth, and from the yad chazak.

¹⁶ So the poor hath tikveh, and olatah (perversity, wickedness) stoppeth her mouth.

¹⁷ Hinei, ashrei is the enosh whom Eloah correcteth; therefore despise not thou the musar (chastening) of Shaddai;

¹⁸ For He woundeth, and bindeth up; He injureth, and His yadayim (hands) heal.

¹⁹ He shall deliver thee in shesh tzoros; yea, in shivah there shall no rah touch thee.

²⁰ In ra’av (famine) He shall redeem thee from mavet; and in milchamah from the power of the cherev.

²¹ Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the leshon, neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

²² At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid of the chayyat ha’aretz.

²³ For thou shalt be in league with the avanim of the sadeh, and the chayyat sadeh shall be hashelemah (at peace) with thee.

²⁴ And thou shalt know that shalom shall be thy ohel; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and find nothing wanting.

²⁵ Thou shalt know also that thy zera shall be rav, and thine offspring as the esev ha’aretz.

²⁶ Thou shalt come to thy kever in a ripe age, like a shock of grain cometh in its season.

²⁷ Hinei zot, this we have searched out, so it is; hear it, and apply thou it for thy good.

6 But Iyov answered and said,

² Oh that my ka’as (vexation) were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the scales together!

³ For now it would be heavier than the chol of the seas; therefore my words are impetuous.

⁴ For the khitzim (arrows) of Shaddai are in me, the poison whereof drinketh my ruach; the terrors of Eloah do set themselves in array against me.

⁵ Doth the pereh (wild donkey) bray when he hath desheh? Or loweth the ox over his fodder?

⁶ Can that which is tasteless be eaten without melach? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

⁷ The things that my nefesh refused to touch are like my loathsome lechem.

⁸ Who will grant that I might have my she’elah (request); oh that Eloah would grant me my tikveh!

⁹ Even that it would please Eloah to crush me; that He would let loose His yad, and cut me off!

¹⁰ Then should I yet have nechamah (consolation); yea, I would exult in chilah (pain); let him not spare; for I have not concealed the imrei Kadosh (words of the Holy One).

¹¹ What is my koach, that I should wait? And what is mine end, that I should make patient my nefesh?

¹² Is my koach the koach of avanim? Or is my basar bronze?

¹³ Is it that my help is not within me? And is tushiyyah (success) driven from me?

¹⁴ To him that is afflicted, chesed should be shown from his friend; otherwise, he forsaketh the fear of Shaddai.

¹⁵ Achai (my brethren) have dealt deceitfully as a wadi, and as the torrents of wadis they vanish away;

¹⁶ Which are blackish muddy by reason of the kerakh (ice), and wherein the sheleg (snow) is melted.

¹⁷ What season they become warm, they vanish; when it is hot, they disappear from their makom.

¹⁸ The paths of their derech wind about; they go up to tohu [Gn 1:2], and perish.

¹⁹ The caravans of Tema looked for them; the halichot (traveling companies) of Sheva hoped for them.

²⁰ They were disappointed because of their bitachon; they come there and are confounded.

²¹ For now ye are become such; ye see my chatat (casting down), and are afraid.

²² Did I say, Bring unto me? Or, Give a present for me of your ko’ach (power, wealth)?

²³ Or, Deliver me from the yad tzar (hand of the enemy, oppressor)? Or, Redeem me with a ransom from the yad of the tyrants?

²⁴ Teach me, and I will hold my tongue, and cause me to have binah wherein I have erred.

²⁵ How forcible are the imrei yosher (words of rectitude)! But what doth your hokhiach (reproof) reprove?

²⁶ Do ye think to reprove words? The words of one in despair, which are as ruach?

²⁷ Yea, ye cast lots for the yatom, and over your friend ye barter.

²⁸ Now therefore be pleased to look upon me; for it is evident unto you if in me there is kazav (falsity).

²⁹ Turn, now, let there be no iniquity; yea, turn again; at issue is my tzedek (righteousness).

³⁰ Is there iniquity on my leshon? Cannot my palate discern havvot (perverse things)?

7 Is there not a tzava (forced hard service in the army) to enosh (man) upon earth? Are not his days also like the yamim of a sachir (hired laborer)?

² As an eved earnestly longeth for tzel (shade), and as a sachir waiteth for the wage of his work,

³ So am I made to possess months of shav (vanity, futility), and lailot amal (nights of weariness) are appointed to me.

⁴ When I lie down, I say, Mosai (how long) till I arise? But the erev drags on, and I am full of tossings to and fro unto dawn.

⁵ My basar is clothed with worm and clod of aphar; my ohr (skin) is broken, and become loathsome.

⁶ My yamim are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without tikveh.

⁷ O remember that my life is ruach (wind); mine eye shall no more see tov.

⁸ The ayin (eye) of him that hath seen me shall see me no longer; thine eyes are upon me, and I am no more.

⁹ Like the anan that fades and vanisheth away, so he that goeth down to Sheol shall come up no more.

¹⁰ He shall return no more to his bais, neither shall his makom know him any more.

¹¹ Therefore I will not curb my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my ruach; I will complain in the mar (bitterness) of my nefesh.

¹² Am I a yam, or a tannin (monster of the yam [sea]), that Thou settest a mishmar (guard watch) over me?

¹³ When I say, My bed shall give me nachamah (comfort), my couch shall ease my complaint,

¹⁴ Then Thou frightenest me with chalomot (dreams), and terrifiest me through chezyonot (visions),

¹⁵ So that my nefesh chooseth machanak (strangling) and mavet (death) rather than this skeleton.

¹⁶ I loathe it; I would not live l’olam, let me alone; for my yamim are hevel (vanity, meaningless).

¹⁷ What is enosh (man), that Thou shouldest make much of him? And that Thou shouldest set Thine lev upon him?

¹⁸ And that Thou shouldest visit him every boker, and try him every moment?

¹⁹ How long dost Thou not look away from me? Nor let me alone till I swallow down my rok (spittle)?

²⁰ Chatati (I have sinned); what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou Notzer HaAdam (Observer of men)? Why hast Thou set me as a mifgah (mark, target, something to be hit) to Thee, so that I am a massa (burden) to Thee?

²¹ And why dost Thou not pardon my peysha (transgression), and take away my avon (iniquity)? For now shall I sleep in the aphar; and Thou shalt search for me, but I shall be no more.

8 Then answered Bildad the Shuchi, and said,

² How long wilt thou speak these things? And how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a raging ruach (wind)?

³ Doth El pervert mishpat (justice)? Or doth Shaddai pervert tzedek?

⁴ If thy banim have sinned against Him, and He have cast them away for their peysha (transgression);

⁵ If thou wouldest seek El (G-d) earnestly, and make thy techinnah (supplication) to Shaddai;

⁶ If thou wert pure and yashar; surely now He would rouse Himself for thee, and restore the habitation of thy tzedek.

⁷ Though thy reshit (beginning) was small, yet thy acharit (end) shall be exceedingly great.

⁸ For inquire, now, of the dor rishon (former age), and consider the research of their avot;

⁹ —For we are but of temol (yesterday, etmol) and know nothing, because yameinu (our days) upon earth are a tzel (shadow)—

¹⁰ Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and bring forth words out of their lev?

¹¹ Can the papyrus grow up without marsh? Can the reed grow without mayim?

¹² Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before kol khatzir (all grass).

¹³ So are the paths of all that forget El (G-d), and the tikvat chanef (hope of the hypocrite, the irreligious, the secretly wicked profane person) shall perish,

¹⁴ Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose reliance shall be a bais akavish (spider’s web).

¹⁵ He shall lean upon his bais, but it shall not stand, he shall cling to it, but it shall not hold.

¹⁶ He is like a green plant before the shemesh, and its branch shooteth forth in its gan (garden).

¹⁷ Its shorashim (roots) are wrapped about the rock heap, and it looks on the bais avanim (place of stones).

¹⁸ But when cast away from its makom, then its place shall deny it, saying, Loh re’iticha (I never saw thee).

¹⁹ Behold, thus was the joy of its derech, and others spring forth from the aphar (dust).

²⁰ Surely El (G-d) will not cast away a blameless man, neither will He help the resha’im (evil-doers);

²¹ Till He fill thy mouth with sechok (laughter), and thy lips with teruah (shouts of joy).

²² They that hate thee shall be clothed with bushah (shame), and the ohel resha’im shall be no more.

9 Then Iyov answered and said,

² I know it is indeed thus, but how should yitzdak Enosh im El (Man be in the right, justified, before G-d)?

³ If he will contend with Him, once of a thousand can Man not answer G-d back.

⁴ G-d is chochom in lev, and mighty in ko’ach; who hath hardened himself to defy Him and remained unhurt?

⁵ Which removeth the harim (mountains), and they know not; which overturneth them in His anger;

⁶ Which shaketh eretz out of its place, and the ammudim thereof tremble;

⁷ Which commandeth the cheres (sun), and it riseth not; and sealeth up the kokhavim;

⁸ Which spreadeth out Shomayim by Himself alone, and treadeth upon the waves of the yam;

⁹ Which maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the chambers of the constellations on the south side of the heavens;

¹⁰ Which doeth gedolot past finding out; yea, and nifla’ot (wonders) without number.

¹¹ Hen (lo), He passeth by me, and I see Him not; He goeth on also, but I perceive Him not.

¹² Hinei, He taketh away, who can stop Him? Who will say unto Him, Mah ta’aseh (what are You doing)?

¹³ If Eloah restraineth not His anger, the helpers of Rahab must bow themselves under Him.

¹⁴ How much less shall I dispute with Him, and choose my dvarim with Him?

¹⁵ Whom, though I were tzaddik (righteous, innocent, in the right), yet would I not answer, but I would make techinnah (supplication, plea for mercy) for my mishpat (right).

¹⁶ If I had summoned, and He had responded to me, yet would I not believe that He had paid heed unto my kol (voice);

¹⁷ For He breaketh me in a sa’arah (tempest, storm), and multiplieth my wounds without cause.

¹⁸ He will not allow me to take my ruach (breath), but filleth me with bitterness.

¹⁹ If I speak of ko’ach, hinei, He is mighty, and if of mishpat, who can give Him a court summons?

²⁰ If etzdak (I am justified, in the right), mine own mouth would condemn me; if I say, I am blameless, He would prove me perverse.

²¹ Though I were blameless, yet would I not know my nefesh; I would despise my life.

²² This is one thing; therefore I said it, He destroyeth the tam (blameless) and the rasha (wicked).

²³ If the shot (scourge) slay suddenly, He laugheth at the melting away [in anguish] of the nekiyim (innocent ones, the guiltless ones).

²⁴ Eretz is given into the yad of the resha; He blindfoldeth the faces of the shofetim (judges) thereof; if not, then, who doeth it?

²⁵ Now my yamim are swifter than a runner; they flee away, they see no tovah.

²⁶ They slip by like oniyyot (boats) of reed; as the nesher that swoopeth down on the prey.

²⁷ If I say, I will forget my si’akh (complaint), I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself,

²⁸ I am afraid of all my sorrows; I have da’as that Thou wilt not hold me innocent.

²⁹ If I be wicked, why then labor I in hevel (vain)?

³⁰ If I wash myself with sheleg (snow), and make my hands clean with lye,

³¹ Yet shalt Thou plunge me in the shachat (slime pit), and mine own clothes shall abhor me.

³² For He is not an ish, as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come together in mishpat (in the court).

³³ Neither is there any mochiach (arbitrator) between us, that might lay his yad upon us both.

³⁴ Let Him take His shevet (rod) away from me, and let not His fear terrify me.

³⁵ Then would I speak, and not fear Him; but it is not ken (so) with me.

10 My nefesh is sick of my life; I will give free rein to my si’akh (complaint); I will speak in the mar (bitterness) of my nefesh.

² I will say unto Eloah, Do not condemn me; show me what charge Thou dost contend with me.

³ Is it hatov (pleasing) unto Thee that Thou shouldest oppress, that Thou shouldest reject the work of Thine hands, and shine [favor] upon the etzah (scheme) of the resha’im?

⁴ Hast Thou eyes of basar? Or seest Thou as enosh seeth?

⁵ Are Thy yamim like the yamim of enosh? Are Thy years like the days of gever (man),

⁶ That Thou seekest after mine avon, and searchest after my chattat?

⁷ Though Thou has da’as that I am not a resha, and there is none that can deliver out of Thine yad,

⁸ Thine yadayim have formed me and altogether round about have fashioned me; yet Thou hast now swallowed me.

⁹ Remember, now, that Thou hast molded me like the chomer (clay), and wilt Thou turn me into aphar again?

¹⁰ Hast Thou not poured me out like cholov, and curdled me like gvinah (cheese)?

¹¹ Thou hast clothed me with ohr and basar, and hast knitted me together with atzmot and sinews.

¹² Thou hast granted me chayyim and chesed, and Thy visitation hath been shomer over my ruach.

¹³ And these things hast Thou hid in Thine lev; I have da’as that this was in Thy mind.

¹⁴ If I sin, then Thou art shomer over me, and Thou wilt not let my avon go unpunished.

¹⁵ If I am guilty, woe unto me; even if I be tzaddik (innocent), yet will I not lift up my head, being full of kalon (shame) and conscious of my oni (misery),

¹⁶ For if my head is held high, Thou stalkest me like a fierce lion, and ever Thou displayest Thy awesome power against me.

¹⁷ Thou bringest Thy fresh edim (witnesses) against me, and increasest Thine hot indignation toward me; in waves Thy tzava troop against me.

¹⁸ Why then hast Thou brought me forth out of the rechem (womb)? Oh that I had expired, and no eye had seen me!

¹⁹ I should have been as though I had never been; I should have been carried from the beten straight to the kever.

²⁰ Are not my yamim few? Then cease, and let me alone, that I may take a little cheer

²¹ Before I go from where I shall not return, even to the Eretz Choshech V’Tzalmavet,

²² An eretz of darkness, like darkness itself; and of tzalmavet, no sedarim (order), where the light is like darkness.

11 Then answered Tzophar the Na’amati, and said,

² Should not the multitude of dvarim be answered? And should an ish full of talk yitzdak (be justified)?

³ Should thy vain talk silence men, so that thou mockest, v’ein machlim (without anyone putting thee to shame)?

⁴ For thou hast said, My lekach (doctrine, teaching, belief) is pure, and I am clean in Thine eyes.

⁵ But oh that Eloah would speak, and open His lips against thee,

⁶ And that He would show thee the secrets of chochmah, that tushiyyah (true wisdom) has two sides! Have da’as therefore that Eloah forgetteth much of thy avon.

⁷ Canst thou search out the cheker Eloah (depths of G-d)? Canst thou probe to the tachlis Shaddai (the end, completeness of Almighty)?

⁸ It is like the heights of Shomayim; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; of what canst thou have da’as?

⁹ The measure thereof is longer than ha’aretz, and broader than the yam (sea).

¹⁰ When Eloah passes by and arrests and convenes for judgment, who then can constrain Him?

¹¹ For He has da’as of deceitful men; He seeth wickedness also; will He not then take note of it?

¹² But before a witless ish can become wise, a colt of a pereh (wild donkey) would be born an adam!

¹³ If thou direct thine lev, and stretch out thine hands to Him,

¹⁴ If iniquity be in thine yad, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy ohalim.

¹⁵ For then shalt thou lift up thy face without mum; yea, thou shalt be firm, and shalt not fear,

¹⁶ Because thou shalt forget thy amal (grief), and remember it as waters that flow by,

¹⁷ And thine cheled (duration of life) shall be brighter than the tzohorayim (noonday); thou shalt shine forth; thou shalt be as the boker.

¹⁸ And thou shalt be secure, because now there is tikveh; yea, thou shalt search, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

¹⁹ Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, rabbim (many) shall court thy favor.

²⁰ But the eyes of the resha’im faileth, and they shall not escape, and their tikveh shall be as the last gasp of the nefesh.

12 And Iyov answered and said,

² Doubtless then ye are the people, and chochmah shall die with you.

³ But I have levav (understanding) as well as you; I am not inferior to you; yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

⁴ I am as a laughingstock to his neighbor: The man who calleth upon Eloah [they say of me], and He answereth him! [To them I am] a laughingstock, the tzaddik, the tamim (blameless one)!

⁵ Those at ease have buz (contempt) for a downfall which awaits the one whose regel is slipping.

⁶ The ohalim of shodedim (robbers) remain in peace; they that defy El are secure, who Eloah brought forth by His yad.

⁷ But ask now the behemot, and they shall teach thee, and the oph haShomayim (birds of the air), and they shall tell thee;

⁸ Or speak to ha’aretz, and it shall teach thee; and the dagim of the yam shall declare unto thee.

⁹ Of all of these, who lacketh da’as that the yad Hashem hath wrought this?

¹⁰ In whose yad is the nefesh of every living thing, and the ruach of kol basar ish.

¹¹ Doth not the ozen (ear) test words? And the mouth tastes its ochel?

¹² With the ancient ones is chochmah; and in orech yamim (length of days) is binah (understanding).

¹³ With Him is chochmah and gevurah; He hath etzah and understanding.

¹⁴ See, what He tears down cannot be reconstructed; He shutteth up an ish, and there can be no prison release.

¹⁵ See, He withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; also He sendeth them out, and they overturn eretz.

¹⁶ With Him is oz (strength) and tushiyyah (true wisdom); the deceived and the deceiver are His.

¹⁷ He leadeth yoatzim (counsellors) away stripped, and maketh the shofetim (judges) fools.

¹⁸ He looseth the shackle of melachim (kings), and girdeth their loins with loincloth.

¹⁹ He leadeth kohanim away stripped, and overthroweth the mighty.

²⁰ He removeth the speech of the ne’emanim (trusted ones), and taketh away the understanding of the zekenim.

²¹ He poureth buz (contempt) upon nobles, and loosens the belt of the mighty.

²² He uncovers the depths of choshech, and bringeth tzalmavet to light.

²³ He giveth prosperity to the Goyim, and then destroyeth them; He enlargeth them, and then carrieth the Goyim away.

²⁴ He taketh away the lev (understanding) of the Rashei Am HaAretz, and sendeth them to tohu lo derech (trackless wilderness).

²⁵ They grope in the choshech without ohr, and He maketh them to stagger like a shikkor (drunken man).

13 See, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ozen hath heard and understood it.

² What ye know, of the same I have da’as also; I am not inferior unto you.

³ Surely I would speak to Shaddai, and I desire to reason with El (G-d).

⁴ But ye are forgers of sheker, ye are all rofim (physicians) of no value.

⁵ O that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it should be your chochmah.

⁶ Hear now my tokhachat (protest, public argumentation), and pay heed to the pleadings of my lips.

⁷ Will ye talk wickedly on behalf of El (G-d) and speak deceitfully for Him?

⁸ Will ye be partial to Him? Will ye play the part of the defense attorney for El?

⁹ Is it hatov that He should search you out? Or do you play the jester with Him, as one plays the jester with enosh?

¹⁰ He will surely reprove you, if ye do act with partiality beseter (secretly).

¹¹ Shall not His majesty make you afraid? And the pachad of Him fall upon you?

¹² Your zichron meshalim (memorable sayings) are like unto ashes, your defenses are strongholds of chomer (clay).

¹³ Hold your peace, let me alone, that Ani (I) may speak, and let come on me what will.

¹⁴ Why do I take my basar in my teeth, and take my nefesh in mine yad?

¹⁵ Though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust in Him; but I will maintain my derech before Him.

¹⁶ He also shall be my Yeshuah (salvation); for a chanef (irreligious man, hypocrite) shall not come before Him.

¹⁷ Hear diligently my confession, and my declaration with your oznayim.

¹⁸ Hinei now, I have prepared my mishpat (cause, case); I know that I shall be acquitted.

¹⁹ Who is he that can contend against me? For atah (now), if I hold my tongue, I shall expire.

²⁰ Only do not shtayim (two things) unto me; then will I not hide myself from Thee.

²¹ Withdraw Thine hand far from me, and let not Thy eimah (dread, terror) make me afraid.

²² Then kerah (summon), and I will answer; or let me speak, and answer me.

²³ How many are mine avonot and chatta’ot? Make me to know my peysha and my chattat.

²⁴ Lammah (why) hidest Thou Thy face, and holdest me for Thine enemy?

²⁵ Wilt Thou frighten away a leaf driven to and fro? And wilt Thou pursue the dry kash (straw, chaff)?

²⁶ For Thou writest down merorot (bitter things) against me, and makest me to inherit the avonot of my neurim (youth).

²⁷ Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and observest kol orkhot (paths, ways) of me; Thou settest a mark upon the soles of my raglayim,

²⁸ Around one who wastes away as a rotten thing, as a beged (garment) that is moth eaten.

14 Adam that is born of isha is of few yamim and full of rogez (unrest).

² He cometh forth like a tzitz (flower), and is cut down; he fleeth also as a tzel, and continueth not.

³ And doth Thou open Thine eyes upon such a one, and bringest me into mishpat with Thee?

⁴ Who can bring a tahor (clean thing) out of a tameh (an unclean, cf Ro 5:12)? Loh echad (No one).

⁵ Seeing his yamim are determined, the number of his chodashim (months) are with Thee, Thou hast appointed his limits that he cannot exceed.

⁶ Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as a sachir (a hired man), his day.

⁷ For there is tikveh of an etz, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

⁸ Though the shoresh (root) thereof grow old in ha’aretz, and the stump thereof die in the aphar (dust),

⁹ Yet through the scent of mayim it will bud, and bring forth branches like a young plant.

¹⁰ But gever dieth, and wasteth away; yea, adam breathes his last, and where is he?

¹¹ As the mayim flow away from the yam, and the nahar (stream) becomes parched and drieth up,

¹² So ish lieth down, and riseth not, till Shomayim be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

¹³ O that Thou wouldest hide me in Sheol, that Thou wouldest conceal me until Thy wrath has passed, that Thou wouldest appoint me a chok (set time), and remember me!

¹⁴ If a gever die, shall he live again? All the days of my tzava (hard army service) will I wait, till my chalifah (changing, renewal) come.

¹⁵ Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee; Thou wilt have a desire for the ma’aseh (work) of Thine hands.

¹⁶ For now Thou countest my steps. Dost Thou not watch over my chattat?

¹⁷ My peysha is sealed up in a bag, and Thou would cover over mine avon.

¹⁸ And surely the har (mountain) falling crumbles, and the tzur (rock) is moved out of its place.

¹⁹ The mayim wear away the avanim; Thou washest away the things which grow out of the aphar aretz; and Thou destroyest the tikvat enosh.

²⁰ Thou prevailest lanetzach (forever) against him, and he passeth away; Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.

²¹ His banim come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.

²² Only his basar shall have pain upon him, and his nefesh within him shall mourn.

15 Then answered Eliphaz the Temani, and said,

² Should a chacham (wise man) utter vain knowledge, and fill his inner being with the east wind?

³ Should he reason with unprofitable davar (talk)? Or with speeches wherewith no good is done?

⁴ Yea, thou makest void yireh [Elohim], and doth diminish si’akh (meditation) before El.

⁵ For thy mouth uttereth thine avon, and thou choosest the leshon arumim (tongue of the crafty).

⁶ Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and loh Ani (not I); yea, thine own lips testify against thee.

⁷ Art thou harishon adam (the first man) that was born? Or wast thou made before the hills?

⁸ Hast thou attended to the sod Eloah (counsel of G-d)? And dost thou limit chochmah to thyself?

⁹ Of what dost thou have da’as, that we know not? What understandest thou, which is not in us?

¹⁰ Both the grayheaded and very aged men are among us, much elder than avicha.

¹¹ Are the tanechumot El (consolations of G-d) not enough for thee? Or the davar that deals gently with thee?

¹² Why doth thine lev carry thee away? And why do thy eyes flash,

¹³ That thou ventest thy ruach against El (G-d), and lettest such words pour out of thy mouth?

¹⁴ What is enosh, that he should be pure [in the sight of Hashem]? And he which is born of an isha, that yitzdak (he should be in the right)?

¹⁵ If He trusteth not His Kadoshim; yea, Shomayim is not pure in His eyes.

¹⁶ How much more vile and corrupt is ish, which drinketh iniquity like mayim?

¹⁷ I will show thee, shema to me; and that which I have seen I will declare;

¹⁸ Things which chachamim declare from their avot without concealment;

¹⁹ Unto whom alone ha’aretz was given, and no zar passed among them.

²⁰ The reshah travaileth with pain all his yamim, and numbered shanim are reserved for the oppressor.

²¹ A dreadful sound is in his oznayim; during shalom the shoded (destroyer) shall come upon him.

²² He believeth not in a return from choshech, and he is marked for the cherev.

²³ He wandereth about after lechem, saying, Where is it? He has da’as the Yom Choshech is near at hand for him.

²⁴ Distress and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall seize him as a melech poised for battle.

²⁵ For he stretcheth out his yad against El (G-d), and with insolence vaunts himself against Shaddai.

²⁶ He charges against Him, with a stiff neck, with the thick bosses of his mogen (shield);

²⁷ Though he covereth his panim with his fatness, and addeth fat on his flanks;

²⁸ And he dwelleth in desolate towns, and in batim (houses) which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to crumble to rubble.

²⁹ He shall not be osher, neither shall his substance continue; neither shall their possessions spread over ha’aretz.

³⁰ He shall not escape from choshech; the flame shall wither his branches, and in the ruach of his mouth shall he perish.

³¹ Let not him that is deceived trust in shav (vanity); for shav shall be his recompense.

³² His Yom is not yet; then it is accomplished, and his branch shall not flourish.

³³ He shall shake off his unripe grape like the gefen, and shall cast off his blossom like the zayit (olive tree).

³⁴ For the Adat Chanef (congregation of hypocrites) shall be barren, and eish shall consume the ohalim of bribery.

³⁵ They conceive amal (trouble), and give birth to evil, and their belly worketh mirmar (deceit).

16 Then Iyov answered and said,

² I have heard many such things; menachamei amal (miserable comforters) are ye all.

³ Shall divrei ruach (vain words) have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?

⁴ I also could speak as ye do; if your nefesh were in place of my nefesh, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

⁵ But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my shfatayim (lips) should relieve your grief.

⁶ Though I speak, my grief is not relieved, and though I forbear, mah (what) alleviation is it for me?

⁷ But now He hath worn me out; Thou hast made desolate kol adat (whole household) of me.

⁸ And Thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is an ed (witness) against me; and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.

⁹ He teareth me in his wrath, who warreth against me; He gnasheth upon me with His shinayim (teeth); mine adversary sharpeneth His eyes against me.

¹⁰ They have struck at me with their mouth; they have struck me upon the lekhi (cheek) reproachfully; [Isa 50:6; Lam 3:30] they have conspired themselves together against me.

¹¹ El hath delivered me to evil men, and turned me over into the hands of the resha’im.

¹² I was at ease, but He hath shattered me; He hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for His mattarah (object of attack, target).

¹³ His archers surround me, He pierces my klayot (kidneys), and doth not show mercy; He poureth out my gall upon the ground.

¹⁴ He bursteth upon me again and again; He runneth upon me like a gibbor (warrior).

¹⁵ I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and laid my keren (horn, strength) in the aphar (dust).

¹⁶ My face is red with weeping, and on my eyelids is the tzalmavet;

¹⁷ Not for any chamas in mine hands; also my tefillah is pure.

¹⁸ O earth, cover not thou my dahm, and let my outcry have no makom (place of rest).

¹⁹ Also now, hinei, my Ed is in Shomayim, and my Sahed (witness, one who vouches for me) is on high [MJ 4:15].

²⁰ My friends scorn me; but mine eye poureth out tears unto Eloah.

²¹ O that one might plead for a man with Eloah, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!

²² When a few shanot are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.

17 My ruach is broken, my yamim are extinct, the kevarim are ready for me.

² Does not hatulim (mockery) surround me? And doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

³ Lay down an eravon (pledge) with Thee; who is he that will put up security for me?

⁴ For Thou hast hid their lev from seichel; therefore shalt Thou not exalt them.

⁵ He that informs on re’im for chelek, even the eyes of his banim shall fail.

⁶ He hath made me also a mashal (byword) of the peoples; and I am one in whose face they spit.

⁷ Mine eye also is dim by reason of ka’as, and all my members are like a tzel (shadow).

⁸ Yesharim shall be appalled at this and the naki (pure, innocent) shall stir up himself against the chanef (profane, irreligious).

⁹ The tzaddik also shall hold to his derech, and he whose yadayim are tahor shall grow stronger and stronger.

¹⁰ But as for all you, do ye return, and come back now; for I cannot find one chacham among you.

¹¹ My yamim are past, my plans are broken, even the morashot (possessions, desires) of my lev.

¹² They change the lailah into yom; the ohr is near to choshech, say they.

¹³ If I wait, Sheol is mine bais; I have made my bed in the choshech.

¹⁴ I have said to Shachat, thou art avi; to the worm, thou art immi, and achoti.

¹⁵ And where is now my tikveh? As for my tikveh, who regards it?

¹⁶ Will it go down to the gates of Sheol? Shall we go down together into the dust?

18 Then answered Bildad the Shuchi, and said,

² Ad anah (Until when, how long) will it be ere ye make an end of words? Gain binah, and afterwards we will speak.

³ Why are we counted as behemah (cattle), and reputed stupid in your sight?

⁴ Thou art he who teareth his nefesh in his anger; shall eretz (earth) be forsaken for thee? And shall the tzur be removed out of its place?

⁵ Yea, the ohr of the resha’im shall be put out, and the flame of his eish shall not burn.

⁶ The ohr shall be choshech in his ohel, and his ner (lamp) above him is extinguished.

⁷ The steps of his vigor shall be shortened, and his own etzah (counsel, scheme) shall cast him down.

⁸ For he is cast into a reshet by his own raglayim, and he walketh into a pitfall.

⁹ The pach (trap) shall take him by the akev (heel), and the snare shall prevail against him.

¹⁰ The noose is laid for him ba’aretz (on the ground), and a trap for him in the path.

¹¹ Ballahot (terrors, terrible thoughts) shall make him afraid on every side, and shall dog him behind his feet.

¹² Calamity is ra’ev (hungry) for him, and destruction shall be ready for his fall.

¹³ It shall devour the limbs of his ohr (skin); even the bechor mavet (plague) shall devour his members.

¹⁴ That in which he trusted is rooted out of his ohel, and it shall march him to Melech Ballahot (King of Terrors).

¹⁵ In his ohel nothing dwells; gofrit (brimstone) is scattered upon his habitation.

¹⁶ His shorashim shall be dried up beneath, and above his branch shall wither.

¹⁷ His memory shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no shem in the land.

¹⁸ He shall be driven from ohr into choshech, and chased out of the tevel.

¹⁹ He shall neither have offspring nor descendent among his am (people), nor is there a sarid in his dwellings.

²⁰ The acharonim shall be astonished at his yom, as the kadmonim were affrighted.

²¹ Surely such are the mishkenot (dwellings) of the resha’im, and this is the place of him that has no da’as of El.

19 Then Iyov answered and said,

² How long will ye torment my nefesh, and crush me with words?

³ These ten times have ye reproached me; ye have no bushah that ye cause me astonishment.

⁴ And be it indeed that I have erred, mine meshugah (error) remaineth with myself.

⁵ If indeed ye will magnify yourselves above me, and use against me my cherpah (reproach, humiliation),

⁶ Have da’as now that Eloah hath put me in the wrong, and hath encompassed me with his matzud (net).

⁷ Behold, when I cry chamas, I am not heard; I cry for help, but there is no mishpat.

⁸ He hath fenced around my way that I cannot pass, and set choshech in my paths.

⁹ He hath stripped me of my kavod, and taken the ateret from my rosh.

¹⁰ He breaks me down on every side till I am gone, and mine tikveh hath He uprooted like an etz.

¹¹ He hath also kindled His wrath against me, and He counteth me unto Him as His tzar (enemy).

¹² His forces come together, and raise up their seige ramp against me, and encamp around my ohel.

¹³ He hath put achai (my brethren) far from me, and mine acquaintances are verily estranged from me.

¹⁴ My kerov (near and dear) have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

¹⁵ They that dwell in mine bais, and my maidservants, count me for a zar; I am a nokhri in their sight.

¹⁶ I summoned avdi, and he gave me no answer; I entreated him with my mouth.

¹⁷ My ruach is repulsive to my isha, loathsome to bnei beten of mine.

¹⁸ Even avilim (little children) treat me with contempt; I appear, and they ridicule me.

¹⁹ All my metei sod (confidants) detest me, and they whom I loved are turned against me.

²⁰ My etzem cleaveth to my ohr (skin) and to my basar, and I am escaped only by the skin of my teeth.

²¹ Chanuni, chanuni, O ye my friends; for the yad Eloah hath touched me.

²² Why do ye persecute me like El, not satisfied with my basar?

²³ Oh that my words were but written! O that they were recorded in a sefer!

²⁴ That they were engraved with a pen of barzel and with oferet (lead) in the tzur forever!

²⁵ For Ani yadati Goeli chai (I know that my Redeemer liveth), and that he shall stand up at Acharon (at the Last) upon aphar (dust, the earth);

²⁶ And though after my ohr (skin) has been thus destroyed, yet from my basar I shall see Eloah;

²⁷ Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold and no other; my heart faints within me.

²⁸ But ye think, How we will persecute him, seeing the shoresh (root) of the matter is found in me?

²⁹ Be ye afraid of the cherev; for wrath bringeth the avonot (punishments) of the cherev, that ye may know there is a judgment.

20 Then answered Tzophar the Na’amati, and said,

² Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and ba’avur (because of [this]) I make haste.

³ I hear the musar that insults me, and the ruach of my understanding causeth me to answer.

⁴ Knowest thou not this of old, since adam was placed upon earth,

⁵ That the triumphing of the resha’im is short, and the simchat chanef (joy of the hypocrite) but for a moment?

⁶ Though his excellency mount up to Shomayim, and his rosh reach unto the clouds;

⁷ Yet he shall perish lanetzach (forever) like his own dung; they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?

⁸ He shall fly away as a chalom, and shall not be found; yea, he shall be chased away as a chezyon lailah.

⁹ The ayin also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his makom any more behold him.

¹⁰ His banim shall seek the favor of the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.

¹¹ His atzmot are full of youthful vigor, which shall lie down with him in the aphar.

¹² Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his leshon;

¹³ Though he savor it, and forsake it not, but keep it still betoch (within) his mouth;

¹⁴ Yet his lechem in his stomach is turned sour; it is the venom of vipers within him.

¹⁵ He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again; El shall drive them out of his beten.

¹⁶ He shall suck the venom of asps; the viper’s leshon shall slay him.

¹⁷ He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of devash and khemah (butter, curds).

¹⁸ That which he labored for shall he give back, and shall not swallow it down; he shall not rejoice according to his chayil temurah (business profit).

¹⁹ Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the destitute; because he hath violently seized a bais which he built not;

²⁰ Surely he knew no quiet in his beten; he shall not save anything which he desired.

²¹ There shall none of his ochel be left; therefore his posterity will not endure.

²² In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in distress; kol yad of misery shall come upon him.

²³ When he is about to fill his beten, He shall cast the charon af (fury of His wrath) upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating.

²⁴ He shall flee from the weapon of barzel (iron), and the keshet of bronze shall strike him through.

²⁵ It is drawn, and cometh out of their body; yea, the glittering point cometh out of his gall; emim (terrors [of death]) are upon them.

²⁶ Kol choshech is reserved for his treasures; an eish not fanned shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his ohel.

²⁷ Shomayim shall reveal his iniquity; and eretz shall rise up against him.

²⁸ The increase of his bais shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in [G-d’s] Yom Af.

²⁹ This is the chelek of an adam rasha from Elohim, and the nachalah decreed unto him by El (G-d).

21 But Iyov answered and said,

² Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your tanechumot (consolations).

³ Bear with me that I may speak; and achar (after) that I have spoken, mock on.

⁴ As for me, is my complaint to adam (mortals)? Or why should my ruach not become impatient?

⁵ Look at me, and be astonished, and lay your yad upon your peh (mouth).

⁶ Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my basar.

⁷ Madu’a (why) do the resha’im live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

⁸ Their zera is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.

⁹ Their batim (houses) are shalom from pachad; neither is the shevet Eloah upon them.

¹⁰ Their shor (bull) breeds, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and doth not miscarry her calf.

¹¹ They send forth their little ones like a tzon, and their yeladim jump about.

¹² They sing to the tambourine and kinnor, and rejoice at the sound of the flute.

¹³ They spend their yamim in tov, and in a moment go down to Sheol.

¹⁴ Therefore they say unto El, Depart from us; for we desire not the da’as of Thy ways.

¹⁵ What is Shaddai, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have, if we importune Him?

¹⁶ Lo, their tov is not in their yad; the etzah (counsel, scheme) of the resha’im is far from me.

¹⁷ How oft is the ner (light) of the resha’im put out! And how oft cometh their destruction upon them and He distributeth pains in His anger.

¹⁸ They are as straw before the ruach, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

¹⁹ Eloah layeth up his iniquity for his banim; He payeth him back, and he shall know it.

²⁰ His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of Shaddai.

²¹ For what pleasure hath he in his bais after him, when the mispar (number) of his months is cut off?

²² Shall any teach El da’as, seeing He judgeth those that are on high?

²³ Zeh (this one) dieth in his full prosperity, being wholly at ease and secure.

²⁴ His troughs are full of cholov, and his atzmot are moistened with marrow.

²⁵ And another dieth in the marah (bitterness) of his nefesh, and never eateth with pleasure.

²⁶ They shall lie down alike in the aphar, and the worms shall cover them.

²⁷ Behold, I know your machshevot, and the stratagems which ye wrongfully imagine against me.

²⁸ For ye say, Where is the bais of the tyrant? And where are the ohel mishkenot of the resha’im?

²⁹ Have ye not asked them that travel the derech? And do ye not accept their testimony,

³⁰ That the rah is spared in the yom eid (day of calamity)? They shall be rescued in the yom avarot (day of wrath).

³¹ Who shall declare his derech to his face? And who shall repay him what he hath done?

³² Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the gadish (gravemound).

³³ The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and kol adam shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.

³⁴ How then comfort ye me with hevel (empty nothings), seeing in your answers there is nothing left but falsehood?

22 Then Eliphaz of Teman answered and said,

² Can a gever be profitable unto El, as he that has seichel may be profitable unto himself?

³ Is it any pleasure to Shaddai, that thou art tzaddik? Or is it gain to Him, that thou makest thy ways blameless?

⁴ Is it for thy yireh [Elohim] that He reproves thee? Will He enter with thee into mishpat?

⁵ Is not thy rah great? And thine avonot infinite?

⁶ For thou hast exacted a pledge from thy brother for naught, and stripped the arummim (naked ones) of their clothing.

⁷ Thou hast not given mayim to the weary to drink, and thou hast withheld lechem from the hungry.

⁸ But as for the ish zeroa (mighty man), his is ha’aretz; and the honorable man dwelt therein.

⁹ Thou hast sent almanot away empty, and the arms of the yetomim have been broken.

¹⁰ Therefore pachim (snares) are around thee, and sudden pachad troubleth thee;

¹¹ Or choshech, that thou canst not see; and overflow of mayim cover thee.

¹² Is not Eloah in the height of Shomayim? And hinei the rosh kokhavim, how high they are!

¹³ And thou sayest, How doth El know? Can He judge through the thick cloud?

¹⁴ Thick clouds veil Him, that He seeth not; and He walketh in the vault of Shomayim.

¹⁵ Wilt thou note the orach olam which wicked men have trodden?

¹⁶ Who were cut down before their time, whose yesod was overflown with a flood;

¹⁷ Who said unto El, Depart from us; and what can Shaddai do to them?

¹⁸ Yet He filled their batim (houses) with tov; but the etza (counsel) of the resha’im is far from me.

¹⁹ The tzaddikim see it, and are glad, and the naki (innocent) laugh them to scorn.

²⁰ Verily our foe is destroyed, and the abundance of them the eish consumeth.

²¹ Acquaint now thyself with Him, and so hast thou shalom; thereby tovah shall come unto thee.

²² Receive, now, torah from His mouth, and lay up His words in thine lev.

²³ If thou return to Shaddai, thou shalt be restored; if thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy ohalim;

²⁴ Then shalt thou lay up gold as aphar, and that of Ophir as the tzur of the brooks.

²⁵ Yea, Shaddai shall be thy gold, and thy precious kesef.

²⁶ For then shalt thou have thy delight in Shaddai, and shalt lift up thy face unto Eloah.

²⁷ Thou shalt make thy prayer unto Him, and He shall hear thee, and thou shalt fulfill thy nederim.

²⁸ Thou shalt also decide a matter, and it shall be established unto thee, and the ohr shall shine upon thy ways.

²⁹ When they are cast down, thou shalt say, Arise, and He shall save the one with low eynayim (i.e., humility).

³⁰ He shall deliver even the guilty; and he is delivered by the bar (cleanness) of thine hands.

23 Then Iyov answered and said,

² Even hayom (today) is my complaint bitter; my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

³ Oh that I knew where I might find Him! That I might come even to His techunah (abode)!

⁴ I would order my mishpat (cause) before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

⁵ I would know the words which He would answer me, and have binah of what He would say unto me.

⁶ Will He contend against me with His great koach? No, but He would pay heed to me.

⁷ There the yashar might dispute with Him; so should I be delivered forever from my Shofet (Judge).

⁸ Hen (behold), I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him;

⁹ On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him; He hideth himself yamin (on the right hand), that I cannot see Him;

¹⁰ But He knoweth the derech that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as zahav.

¹¹ My regel hath held to His steps, over His way have I been shomer, and not turned aside.

¹² Neither have I gone back from the mitzvah of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my appointed portion.

¹³ But He stands alone, and who can turn Him? And what His nefesh desireth, even that He doeth.

¹⁴ For He accomplisheth the thing that is appointed for me; and rabbot (many) such things are with Him.

¹⁵ Al-ken (therefore) am I troubled at His presence; when I consider, I am afraid of Him.

¹⁶ For El maketh my lev dejected, and Shaddai troubleth me,

¹⁷ Because I was not cut off from before the choshech, neither hath He hidden deep darkness from my face.

24 Why are times [for judgment] from Shaddai not kept, and why do those who have da’as of him not see his yamim [days [of assize])?

² Some move the boundary stones; they steal edar, and pasture them.

³ They drive away the chamor of the yetomim, they take the ox of the almanah for a pledge.

⁴ They thrust the needy out of the derech; the poor of the eretz needs hide themselves together.

⁵ Look, as wild donkeys in the midbar go they forth to their work; foraging for teref (nourishment); the wilderness yieldeth lechem for them and for their na’arim.

⁶ They reap every one his fodder in the sadeh, and they glean the kerem of the resha’im.

⁷ They spend the night arom (naked) without levush (clothing), they have no covering in the cold.

⁸ They are wet with the rain of the harim, and embrace the tzur for want of a shelter.

⁹ They pluck the yatom from the breast, and seize the oni for debt.

¹⁰ They cause him to go arom without levush, and they take away the omer (sheaf) from the hungry;

¹¹ Which crush olives within their walls, and tread their winepresses, yet suffer thirst.

¹² Men groan from out of the Ir, and the nefesh of the chalalim (wounded ones) crieth out, yet Eloah chargeth not tiflah (folly) to them.

¹³ They are of those that are moredei ohr (rebelling ones against the light); they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

¹⁴ The rotzeach rising with the daylight killeth the oni and needy, and in the lailah is like a ganav.

¹⁵ The eye also of the no’ef is shomer, watching for the dusk’s twilight, saying, No eye shall see me, and puts something to hide his face.

¹⁶ In the choshech they dig through batim (houses); in the daytime they shut themselves in; they have no da’as of the ohr.

¹⁷ For the boker is to them even as the tzalmavet; they are friends with the terrors of tzalmavet.

¹⁸ Swiftly vanishing is he on the surface of the mayim; their chelek is cursed in ha’aretz; he turneth no more in the derech of the kramim (vineyards).

¹⁹ Drought and heat consume the snow waters; so doth Sheol those which have sinned.

²⁰ The rechem (womb) shall forget him; the worm shall feast on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken like an etz.

²¹ He plundereth the barren that beareth not; and doeth not good to the almanah.

²² He drags away also the mighty with his ko’ach; he riseth up, and no man is sure of life.

²³ Though it be given him to be in safety, and he be sustained, yet His eynayim are upon their ways.

²⁴ They are exalted me’at (for a little while), then they are no more and are withered and snatched away like all others, and cut off like the tops of the ears of grain.

²⁵ And if it be not so, who will charge me with lying, and make my milah (word) worth nothing? [T.N. Notice the question answered by Romans, Galatians, and Gn 15:6 as well as Chabakuk 2:4 is stated in Job 25:4 below; see Ephesians 2:8-9 and Ro 3:24,26, 28; 4:2; 5:1,9; Ga 2:16,17; 3:11, 24; 5:4; Ti 3:7; this the most important question raised in the Bible: it is for eternity]

25 Then answered Bildad the Shuchi, and said,

² Dominion and pachad are with Him, oseh shalom bimromav.

³ Is there any number of His armies? And upon whom doth not His ohr arise?

⁴ Mah yitzdak Enosh im El (how then can man be justified, set right, with G-d?) Or how can he be clean that is born of isha?

⁵ If even the yarei’ach shineth not, yea, the kokhavim are not pure in His sight,

⁶ How much less enosh, that is a maggot? And the ben adam, which is a tola’at (worm)?

26 But Iyov answered and said,

² How hast thou helped him that is without ko’ach? How savest thou the zero’a that hath no oz (strength)?

³ How hast thou counseled him that hath no chochmah? And how hast thou plentifully declared the tushiyyah (efficient wisdom)?

⁴ To whom hast thou uttered words? And whose neshamah came from thee?

⁵ Dead things tremble from under the mayim, and the inhabitants thereof.

⁶ Sheol is naked before Him, and Avaddon hath no cover.

⁷ He stretcheth out the Tzafon over the tohu, and hangeth eretz upon nothing.

⁸ He bindeth up the mayim in His thick clouds; and the anan doeth not burst under them.

⁹ He covers the face of [His] kisse, and spreadeth His anan upon it.

¹⁰ He hath circled the horizon on the face of the mayim for a boundary between ohr and choshech.

¹¹ The ammudim of Shomayim tremble and are aghast at His rebuke.

¹² He divideth the yam with His ko’ach, and by His understanding He struck down Rahav.

¹³ By His Ruach He hath made fair Shomayim; His yad hath pierced the fleeing nachash.

¹⁴ Lo, these are but the ketzot of His ways, but how faint the davar we hear of Him. And the thunder of His gevurah who can understand?

27 Moreover Iyov continued his mashal, and said,

² As El liveth, Who hath taken away my mishpat, and Shaddai, Who hath saddened my nefesh;

³ All the while my neshamah is in me, and the ruach of Eloah is in my nostrils,

⁴ My lips shall not speak falsehood, nor my leshon utter deceit.

⁵ Far be it from me I should justify you; till I die I will not remove mine tom (integrity) from me.

⁶ My tzedakah I hold fast, and will not let it go; my lev shall not reproach for any of my days.

⁷ Let mine enemy be as the rasha (evildoer), and he that riseth up against me as unrighteous.

⁸ For what is the tikveh of the chanef, when He cutteth off, when Eloah taketh away, his nefesh?

⁹ Will El hear his cry when tzarah cometh upon him?

¹⁰ Will he delight himself in Shaddai? Will he always call upon Eloah?

¹¹ I will teach you concerning the yad El; that which is with Shaddai will I not conceal.

¹² Hen (behold), all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?

¹³ This is the chelek (lot) of the adam rasha with El and the nachalah of oppressors, which they shall receive from Shaddai.

¹⁴ If his banim be multiplied, it is for the cherev, and his offspring shall not have lechem enough.

¹⁵ Those that survive him shall be buried in mavet, and his almanot shall not weep.

¹⁶ Though he heap up kesef as the aphar, and pile up raiment as the clay,

¹⁷ He may prepare it, but the tzaddik shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the kesef.

¹⁸ He buildeth his bais as a moth, and as a sukkah that the watchman maketh.

¹⁹ The oisher (rich man) shall lie down, but he shall do so no more; he openeth his eyes, and he is not.

²⁰ Terrors take hold on him as a flood, a tempest stealeth him away in the lailah.

²¹ The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth as a storm hurleth him forth from his makom.

²² For it will hurl against him, without sparing; he desperately flees from its yad.

²³ Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him away from his makom.

28 Surely there is a mine for the kesef, and a makom for zahav where they refine it.

² Barzel (iron) is taken out of aphar, and nechoshet is smelted out of the even (stone, ore).

³ He setteth a ketz to choshech, and searcheth out all extremities, the even (ore) of darkness and tzalmavet.

⁴ He cuts out a shaft down far from the inhabitant; forgotten of the regel, they dangle, suspended, away from enosh.

⁵ As for eretz, out of it cometh lechem, and under it is transformed as by eish.

⁶ The stones of it are the makom of the sapphire, and it hath ore of zahav.

⁷ There is a hidden path of which no bird of prey has da’as, and which the falcon’s eye hath not seen.

⁸ The proud beasts have not trodden it, nor the shachal (lion’s cub) passed over it.

⁹ He [the miner] putteth forth his yad upon the rock; he upturneth the mountains by the shoresh.

¹⁰ He cutteth out channels through the tzurot (rocks), and his eye seeth every precious thing.

¹¹ He dams up the streams from flowing, and the thing that is hidden bringeth he forth to ohr.

¹² But where shall chochmah be found? And where is the makom binah?

¹³ Enosh knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the Eretz HaChayyim.

¹⁴ The tehom (abyss) saith, It is not in me; and the yam saith, It is not with me.

¹⁵ It cannot be gotten in exchange for fine gold, neither shall kesef be weighed for the price thereof.

¹⁶ It cannot be valued with the fine gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

¹⁷ The zahav and the crystal cannot equal it, and the exchange of it shall not be for the jewel of gold.

¹⁸ Nor shall mention be made of coral or crystal, for the price of chochmah is above pearls.

¹⁹ The chrysolite of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with tahor gold.

²⁰ From where then cometh chochmah? And where is the makom binah?

²¹ Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of kol chai, and concealed from the oph HaShomayim.

²² Abaddon and Mavet say, We have heard a rumor thereof with our ears.

²³ Elohim understandeth the way to it, and He knoweth the makom thereof.

²⁴ For He looketh to the ketzot ha’aretz, and seeth all under Shomayim.

²⁵ The weight He appointed for the ruach, and He weigheth the mayim by measure.

²⁶ When He made a decree for the matar, and a derech for the lightning of the thunder,

²⁷ Az (then) did He see it, and declare it; He prepared it, yea, and searched it out.

²⁸ And unto adam He said, See, the Yirat Adonoi, that is chochmah, and to depart from rah is binah.

29 Moreover Iyov continued his mashal, and said,

² Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when Eloah was shomer over me;

³ When His ner (lamp) shined upon my rosh, and when by His ohr I walked through choshech;

⁴ As I was in the days of my prime, when the Sod Eloah (friendship, counsel of G-d) was over my ohel;

⁵ When Shaddai was yet with me, when my children were around me;

⁶ When I washed my steps with khemah, and the tzur poured me out streams of shemen;

⁷ When I went out to the sha’ar through the city, when I took my moshav in the rekhov!

⁸ The ne’arim saw me, and stepped aside, and the aged arose, and stood up.

⁹ The sarim (nobles) refrained from talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

¹⁰ The nobles held their peace, and their leshon cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

¹¹ When the ozen heard me, then it commended me; and when the ayin saw me, it did bear witness of me,

¹² Because I delivered the oni that cried out, and the yatom that had no ozer (helper) for him.

¹³ The birkat oved (blessing of the oppressed) came upon me, and I caused the lev almanah to sing for joy.

¹⁴ I put on tzedek, and it clothed me; my mishpat was as a robe and a tzanif (turban).

¹⁵ I was eyes to the ivver, and feet was I to the pisei’ach.

¹⁶ I was an av to the evyonim (needy); and the cause which I knew not I investigated.

¹⁷ And I broke the fangs of the wicked, and plucked the prey out of his shinayim.

¹⁸ Then I said, I shall die in my ken (nest, house), and I shall multiply my yamim like the chol (sand).

¹⁹ My shoresh was spread out to the mayim, and the tal lay all night upon my branch.

²⁰ My kavod was fresh with me, and my keshet was ever new in my yad.

²¹ Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my etzah (counsel).

²² Acharei (after) my words they spoke not again; and my speech fell upon them.

²³ And they waited for me as for the matar; and they opened their mouth wide as for the malkosh (spring, late rain).

²⁴ I smiled on them when they did not believe; and the ohr of my countenance they did not cast down.

²⁵ I chose out their derech, and sat as Rosh, and dwelt as a melech with his army, as one that comforteth the avelim (mourners).

30 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose avot I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my tzon.

² Yea, what use was the koach of their hands to me, since their vigor hath perished?

³ For choser (want, lack) and hunger they gnawed the parched ground desolate and waste.

⁴ They cut up mallow plants by the bushes, and juniper roots for their lechem.

⁵ They were banished from among men, (they shouted after them as after a ganav);

⁶ To dwell in the clefts of the wadis, in holes of aphar, and in the rocks.

⁷ Among the bushes they brayed; tachat (under) the underbrush they were huddled together.

⁸ They were bnei naval, yea, sons of base men; they were driven forth out of ha’aretz.

⁹ And atah (now) am I their mocking song, yea, I am their byword.

¹⁰ They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not rok (spit) in my face [Mt 26:67].

¹¹ Because He hath loosed my bowstring, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the resen (bridle) before me.

¹² Upon my yamin (right hand) rise up the rabble; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.

¹³ They break up my road, they set forward my overthrow, they have no ozer (helper).

¹⁴ They approach me as through a wide breach; in the shoah (desolation, Holocaust), they rolled themselves upon me.

¹⁵ Ballahot (terrors) are turned upon me; they pursue my dignity like the ruach, and my safety passeth away like a cloud.

¹⁶ And now my nefesh ebbs away from me; the yemei oni have taken hold upon me.

¹⁷ My atzmot are pierced in me in the night, and my gnawing pains take no rest.

¹⁸ By great koach is my garment disfigured; it bindeth me about like the collar of my kuttonet (chiton, robe).

¹⁹ He hath cast me into the chomer, and I am become like aphar and ashes.

²⁰ I cry unto Thee, and Thou dost answer me lo (not); I stand up, and Thou regardest me not.

²¹ Thou art become cruel to me; with Thy strong yad Thou opposest Thyself against me.

²² Thou liftest me up to the ruach; Thou causest me to drive along, and vanish in the roaring of the storm.

²³ For I know that Thou wilt bring me down to mavet, to the bais mo’ed l’khol chai.

²⁴ Yet will not one stretch out his yad in a heap of ruin, or cry out for help in his disaster.

²⁵ Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my nefesh grieved for the evyon (needy)?

²⁶ When I looked for tov, then rah came unto me; and when I waited for ohr, there came ofel (darkness).

²⁷ My bowels boiled, and rested not; yemei oni met me.

²⁸ I went mourning without the sun; I stood up, and I cried out in the kahal.

²⁹ I am an ach to jackals, and a re’a to owls.

³⁰ My ohr (skin) grows black upon me, and my atzmot are burned with fever.

³¹ My kinnor (harp) also is turned to evel (mourning), and my flute into the voice of them that weep.

31 I made a brit (covenant) with mine eyes; how then look I upon a betulah?

² For what chelek of Eloah is there from above? And what nachalah of Shaddai from on high?

³ Is not destruction to the wicked? And a disaster to the poalei aven (workers of wrong)?

⁴ Doth not He see my derech, and count all my steps?

⁵ If I have walked with shav (vanity, falsehood), or if my regel hath hasted to mirmah (deceit),

⁶ Let me be weighed in scales of tzedek that Eloah may know mine tom (integrity).

⁷ If my step hath turned out of the derech, and mine lev walked after mine eyes, and if any mum hath cleaved to mine hands,

⁸ Then let me sow, and let acher (another) eat; yea, let my harvest be uprooted.

⁹ If mine lev have been deceived by an isha, or if I have lurked at petach (doorway) of my re’a;

¹⁰ Then let my isha grind for another, and let another kneel over her.

¹¹ For this is a heinous crime; yea, it is an avon to be brought before judges.

¹² For it is an eish that consumeth to Abaddon, and would root out all mine increase.

¹³ If I did despise the mishpat (cause) of my eved or of my amah, when they contended with me,

¹⁴ What then shall I do when El riseth up? And when He visiteth, what shall I answer Him?

¹⁵ Did not He that made me in the beten make them? And did not Echad fashion us in the rechem?

¹⁶ If I have withheld the poor from their chefetz (desire), or have caused the eyes of the almanah to grow weary,

¹⁷ Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the yatom hath not eaten thereof;

¹⁸ (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with an av, and I have guided her from beten immi;)

¹⁹ If I have seen any oved (one perishing) for want of clothing, or any evyon (needy) without covering,

²⁰ If his heart did not bless me for warming him with the giz (fleece) of my sheep,

²¹ If I have lifted up my yad against the yatom, when I saw my influence in the sha’ar (gate, court);

²² Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder, and mine zero’a be broken from its socket.

²³ For destruction from El was a pachad to me, and by reason of His majesty I could not endure.

²⁴ If I have made zahav my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my security,

²⁵ If I rejoice because my wealth was rav (great), and because mine yad had gotten much,

²⁶ If I beheld the ohr when it shined, or the yarei’ach moving in splendor,

²⁷ And my lev hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my yad [in heathen worship];

²⁸ This also were an avon to be punished by the judge; for then I would have been unfaithful, denying El that is on high.

²⁹ If I rejoice at the misfortune of him that hated me, or gloated when rah found him,

³⁰ Neither have I allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse to his nefesh.

³¹ Have the men of my ohel not said, Where can we find one who has not been sated with his basar (meat)?

³² The stranger did not spend the night in the street, but I opened my delet to the ger.

³³ If I concealed my peysha like Adam, by hiding mine avon in my heart,

³⁴ Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of mishpekhot terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of doors?

³⁵ Oh that one would hear me! See, my tav [signature], that Shaddai would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a sefer [of indictment];

³⁶ Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder, and bind it to me like atarot (crowns).

³⁷ I would declare unto Him the number of my steps; like a nagid (prince) would I go near unto Him.

³⁸ If my adamah cry against me, or if the furrows had wept together,

³⁹ If I have eaten the yield thereof without kesef (payment), or have broken the nefesh of the tenants thereof,

⁴⁰ Let thistles grow instead of chittim (wheat), and weed instead of barley. The divrei Iyov are ended.

32 So these shloshet ha’anashim ceased to answer Iyov, because he was tzaddik in his eyes.

² Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu ben Barachel the Buzi, of the mishpochah Ram; against Iyov was his wrath kindled, because Iyov justified his nefesh rather than Elohim.

³ Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no ma’aneh (refutation, answer), and yet had condemned Iyov.

⁴ Now Elihu had waited till Iyov had spoken, because they were elder than he.

⁵ When Elihu saw that there was no ma’aneh in the mouth of these shloshet ha’anashim, then his wrath was kindled.

⁶ And Elihu ben Barachel the Buzi answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and dared not tell you of what I have da’as.

⁷ I said, Yamim should speak, and multitude of shanim should teach chochmah.

⁸ But there is a ruach in enosh, and the neshamat Shaddai giveth them binah.

⁹ Great men are not always wise, neither do the zekenim understand mishpat.

¹⁰ Therefore I said, Pay heed to me; I also will tell of what I have da’as.

¹¹ Hen (behold), I waited for your dvarim; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

¹² Yea, I attended unto you, and, hinei, there was none of you that proved Iyov wrong, or that answered his words.

¹³ Yet do not say, We have found chochmah; El may vanquish him, lo ish (not man).

¹⁴ Now he hath not directed his millin (words) against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.

¹⁵ They were amazed; they answered no od (more); they left off speaking.

¹⁶ When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no od [more]);

¹⁷ I said, I will answer also my chelek (portion); I also will show of mine da’as.

¹⁸ For I am full of millim (words), the ruach within me compelleth me.

¹⁹ Hinei, my beten is like yayin which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like ovot chadashim (new wineskins).

²⁰ I will speak that I may be relieved; I will open my sfatayim and answer.

²¹ Let me not, now, show any man partiality, neither let me flatter adam.

²² For I am not skilled in flattery; in so doing Oseini (my Maker) would soon take me away.

33 Wherefore, Iyov, now, hear my speeches, and pay heed to all my words.

² Hinei, now I have opened my mouth, my leshon hath spoken in my mouth.

³ My words shall be of my yosher lev (the uprightness of my heart), and my lips shall utter da’as that is pure.

⁴ The Ruach El [Ruach Hakodesh] hath made me, and the Neshamah of Shaddai hath given me life.

⁵ Im (If) thou canst, answer me; set thy words in order in my presence; take thy stand.

⁶ See, I am like thee, of El, from chomer (clay) was I taken also.

⁷ Hinei, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my pressure be heavy upon thee.

⁸ Surely thou hast spoken in my ozen, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,

⁹ I am pure without peysha; I am clean; neither is there avon in me [Yn 8:46].

¹⁰ Yet He findeth tenuot (occasions) against me, He counteth me for his oyev,

¹¹ He putteth my raglayim in the stocks, He watcheth all my orkhot.

¹² But in this thou art not right; I will answer thee, that Eloah is greater than enosh.

¹³ Why dost thou contend against Him? For He giveth not account of any of His matters.

¹⁴ For El speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

¹⁵ In a chalom, in a chezyon lailah, when deep sleep falleth upon anashim, in slumberings upon the mishkav (bed),

¹⁶ Then He openeth the ozen anashim, and sealeth their admonition

¹⁷ That He may turn them aside from their deeds, and hide pride from gever (man).

¹⁸ He keepeth back his nefesh from the shachat, and his life from the overthrow of the sword.

¹⁹ He is chastened also with pain upon his mishkav, and the continual strife in his atzmot;

²⁰ So that his life abhorreth lechem, and his nefesh dainty food.

²¹ His basar is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his atzmot that were not seen stick out.

²² Yea, his nefesh draweth near unto the shachat, and his life to the ones bringing death.

²³ If there be a malach (messenger, i.e., Malach HaBrit, HaAdon [see Malachi 3:1] ) as melitz (mediator) for him, one of a thousand, who declares a person yashar (upright, Isa 53:11),

²⁴ Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the shachat (pit); I have found a kofer (ransom) [Mk 10:45].

²⁵ His basar shall be restored like a na’ar; he shall return to the yamim of his youthful vigor;

²⁶ He shall pray unto Eloah, and be accepted by Him, and he shall see His face with teruah (shouts of joy); thus He recompenseth unto enosh his tzedek.

²⁷ He looketh upon anashim, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was yashar, and it was not recompensed to me,

²⁸ He will redeem his nefesh from going into the shachat, and his life shall see the ohr.

²⁹ Lo, all these things worketh El, twice, shalosh with gever (man)

³⁰ To bring back his nefesh from the shachat (pit), to be enlightened with the Ohr HaChayyim (light of the living).

³¹ Mark well, O Iyov, pay heed unto me; hold thy peace, and I will speak.

³² If thou hast anything to say, answer me; dabbir (speak), for I desire to justify thee.

³³ If not, pay heed unto me; hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee chochmah.

34 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

² Hear my words, O ye chachamim; and give ear unto me, ye that have da’as.

³ For the ozen trieth words, as the mouth tasteth food.

⁴ Let us choose for ourselves what is mishpat (right); let us know among ourselves what is tov.

⁵ For Iyov hath said, I am innocent; and El hath taken away my mishpat (right).

⁶ I declare the mishpat (case) against me a lie; though without peysha, my arrow wound is incurable.

⁷ What gever is like Iyov, who drinketh up the scorn [of his friends] like mayim?

⁸ Who goeth in chaverah with the po’alei aven (workers of iniquity, evildoers), and walketh with anshei resha.

⁹ For he hath said, It profiteth a gever nothing that he should please Elohim.

¹⁰ Therefore pay heed unto me ye anashei levav (men of understanding); far be it from El, that He should do evil, and from Shaddai, that He should do wrong.

¹¹ For the po’al adam (work of a man) shall He repay unto him, and make every man to find according to the man’s ways.

¹² Yea, surely El will not do wickedly, neither will Shaddai pervert mishpat (justice).

¹³ Who hath given Him right to rule the earth? Or who hath appointed Him over the tevel?

¹⁴ If He should so determine, if He gather unto Himself His Ruach and His Neshamah,

¹⁵ All basar would perish together, and adam would return unto aphar.

¹⁶ If now thou hast binah, hear this: pay heed to the kol (voice) of my words.

¹⁷ Shall even one that hateth mishpat (right) govern? And wilt thou condemn Him that is Tzaddik and Kabir (the Mighty One)?

¹⁸ Is it fit to say to a melech, Thou art beli’ya’al? And to nobles, Ye are rasha.

¹⁹ Who shows no partiality to sarim (princes), nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? For they all are the ma’aseh (work) of His hands.

²⁰ In a moment shall they die, and at chatzot lailah the people shall be shaken, and pass away, and the mighty shall be taken away without human hand.

²¹ For His eyes are upon the darkhei ish and He seeth all his goings.

²² There is no choshech, nor tzalmavet, where the po’alei aven (evildoers) may hide themselves.

²³ For He does not need to consider an ish further for anyone to go before El in mispat (judgment).

²⁴ He shall break in pieces kabirim (mighty men) without investigation, and sets acherim (others) in their place.

²⁵ Therefore He knoweth their works, and He overthroweth them in the lailah, so that they are crushed.

²⁶ He striketh them as resha’im in the open sight of others;

²⁷ Because they turned back from following Him, and would not regard any of His drakhim;

²⁸ So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto Him, and He heareth the cry of the aniyim.

²⁹ When He giveth quietness, who then can condemn? When He hideth His panim, who then can behold Him? Whether it be a nation, or an individual only?

³⁰ That the chanef (hypocrite) reign not, nor those who ensnare the people.

³¹ For has anyone said unto El, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more;

³² Teach Thou me what I see not; im (if) I have done iniquity, I will do no more?

³³ Will He then recompense to suit you, just because you disavow it? Thou must choose, not I; therefore speak that of which thou hast da’as.

³⁴ Let anshei levav (men of understanding) say to me, and let a gever chacham who pays heed unto me say,

³⁵ Iyov hath spoken without da’as, and his words were without seichel.

³⁶ Iyov ought to be tried unto the limit, because his answers are those of anshei aven.

³⁷ For he addeth peysha unto his chattat, he clappeth his hands [shaking fist at G-d] among us, and multiplieth his words against El.

35 Elihu spoke moreover, and said,

² Thinkest thou this to be mishpat (right, just), that thou saidst, Tzidki meEl (I am cleared, in the right, justified before G-d)?

³ Ki (yet) thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned [see 9:22]?

⁴ I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.

⁵ Look unto Shomayim, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.

⁶ If thou sinnest, what doest thou against Him? Or if thy peysha’im be multiplied, what doest thou unto Him?

⁷ If thou be tzaddik (righteous), what givest thou Him? Or what receiveth He of thine yad?

⁸ Thy resha (wickedness) may hurt an ish as thou art; and thy tzedek may profit the ben adam.

⁹ They cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the zero’a of the rabbim.

¹⁰ But none saith, Where is Eloah Osai (G-d my Maker), Who giveth zemirot balailah (songs in the night);

¹¹ Who teacheth us more than the behamot eretz, and maketh us wiser than the oph HaShomayim?

¹² There they cry out, but none giveth answer, because of the ga’on (pride, arrogance) of ra’im (wicked men).

¹³ Surely El will not hear shav (vanity), neither will Shaddai regard it.

¹⁴ Although thou sayest thou cannot see Him, yet Din (the court case) is before Him; therefore trust thou, waiting for Him,

¹⁵ though ye say His anger does not pakad (visit, punish) anything and that He does not regard wickedness much;

¹⁶ Therefore doth Iyov open his mouth hevel (in vain); he multiplieth words without da’as.

36 Elihu also proceeded, and said,

² Bear with me a little, and I will show thee that I have yet to speak on behalf of Eloah.

³ I will get my da’as from afar, and will ascribe tzedek to my Maker.

⁴ For truly my words shall not be sheker; one that is tamim (complete) in da’as is among thee.

⁵ See, El is kabir (mighty), and despiseth not any; He is kabir in ko’ach lev (strength of understanding).

⁶ He preserveth not the life of the rasha, but giveth mishpat to the aniyim.

⁷ He withdraweth not His eyes from the tzaddik, but with melachim are they on the kisse; yea, He doth establish them lanetzach (forever), and they are exalted.

⁸ And if they be bound in chains, and be held fast in chevlei oni (cords of affliction),

⁹ Then He showeth them their work, and their peysha’im that they have done arrogantly.

¹⁰ He openeth also their ozen to musar (discipline), and commandeth that they make teshuvah and turn from evil.

¹¹ If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their yamim in tov (prosperity), and their shanim in contentment.

¹² But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without da’as.

¹³ But the chanefei lev (irreligious in heart, hypocrites) incur wrath; they do not cry for help when He bindeth them.

¹⁴ They die in youth, their nefesh among the kedeshim (cult male prostitutes, youthful lusts).

¹⁵ He delivereth the oni in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.

¹⁶ Even so would He have removed thee out of the tzar (distress) into a rachav (broad place), free from restriction, to the comfort of thy shulchan, full of choice food.

¹⁷ But thou hast been fixated on the din of the rasha; din and mishpat take hold on thee.

¹⁸ Because there is chemah, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke; then a rav kopher (great ransom) cannot deliver thee.

¹⁹ Will He esteem thy riches? No, not zahav, nor all the forces of ko’ach.

²⁰ Desire not halailah (the night), when people are cut off in their place.

²¹ Take heed, regard not iniquity; for this hast thou chosen rather than oni.

²² See, El exalted by His ko’ach. Who is a moreh (teacher) like Him?

²³ Who hath enjoined Him His derech? Or who can say, Thou hast done wrong?

²⁴ Remember that thou must extol His work, of which anashim have sung praises.

²⁵ Kol adam has seen it; enosh beholds it afar off.

²⁶ See, El is great, and we know Him not, neither can the mispar of His shanim be searched out.

²⁷ For He draws up the drops of mayim; He distills His mist as matar;

²⁸ Which the clouds do drop and distill upon adam abundantly.

²⁹ Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the thunderings of His sukkah?

³⁰ See, He spreadeth His ohr upon it, and covereth the depths of the yam.

³¹ For by them governeth He the amim (nations); He giveth okhel in abundance.

³² His hands He covers with the ohr (lightning), and commandeth it to strike the mark.

³³ The thunder thereof showeth concerning Him; the storm tells His indignant af (wrath).

37 At this also my lev trembleth, and is moved out of its place.

² Hear attentively the rogez of His voice, and the sound that goeth out of His mouth.

³ He directeth it under kol HaShomayim, and His ohr (lightning) unto the ends of ha’aretz.

⁴ After it His kol (voice) roareth; He thundereth with the kol of His majesty; one cannot hold them back when His kol is heard.

⁵ El thundereth marvellously with His kol; gedolot doeth He, beyond our understanding.

⁶ For He saith to the snow, Fall thou to the eretz; likewise to the geshem matar, the heavy downpour of rain.

⁷ He sealeth up kol adam; that all men may know His work.

⁸ Then the chayyah (beasts) go into their lair, and remain in their places.

⁹ Out of its cheder (chamber) cometh the whirlwind; and cold out of the driving winds.

¹⁰ By the neshamah of El frost is given, and the broad mayim are frozen.

¹¹ Also by watering He loadeth the thick cloud; He scattereth the anan of His ohr (lightning),

¹² And it is turned round about by His guidance; that they may do whatsoever He commandeth them upon the face of the tevel (habitable world).

¹³ He causeth it to happen, whether for correction, or for His land, or for chesed.

¹⁴ Pay heed unto this, O Iyov; stand still, and consider the nifle’ot El (wondrous works of G-d).

¹⁵ Dost thou know how Elo’ah controls them, and caused the ohr (lightning) of His cloud to flash?

¹⁶ Dost thou know the spreading out of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him which is tamim in da’as?

¹⁷ You whose garments are hot, when the eretz is still because of the south wind,

¹⁸ Hast thou with Him spread out the shekhakim (clouds), hard as a molten mirror?

¹⁹ Teach us what we shall say unto Him, for we cannot order our case by reason of choshech.

²⁰ Should it be told Him that I wish to speak? Or should an ish say that he would be swallowed up?

²¹ And now men cannot look at the bright ohr which is in the clouds, when the ruach passeth, and cleareth them.

²² Splendor of zahav cometh out of the north; with Elo’ah is awesome hod (majesty).

²³ Touching Shaddai, we cannot reach Him; He is exalted in ko’ach, and in mishpat, and rov tzedakah; He does not oppress.

²⁴ Anashim do therefore fear Him; He regardeth not any that are wise of heart.

38 Then Hashem answered Iyov out of the whirlwind, and said,

² Who is this that darkeneth etzah (counsel) with words without da’as?

³ Gird up now thy loins like a gever; for I will ask of thee, and thou wilt answer Me.

⁴ Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of eretz? Tell, if thou hast binah.

⁵ Who hath drafted the dimensions thereof, if thou hast da’as? Or who hath stretched a measuring line across it?

⁶ Whereupon are the foundations thereof set? Or who laid the even-pinnah (cornerstone) thereof

⁷ When the kokhvei boker sang together, and all the Bnei Elohim shouted for joy?

⁸ Or who shut up the yam behind doors? Who brought it forth, issuing out of the rekhem (womb)

⁹ When I made the anan the garment thereof, and thick darkness its swaddling band,

¹⁰ And fixed bounds for it, and set bars and dlatot (doors),

¹¹ And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and poh (here) shall thy proud waves be stopped?

¹² Hast thou commanded the boker since thy yamim began; or caused the shachar (dawn) to know its place;

¹³ That it might seize the ends of ha’aretz, that the resha’im be shaken out of it?

¹⁴ It is changed like chomer (clay) under the khotam (seal); and they stand out like a garment.

¹⁵ And from the resha’im their ohr is denied, and the upraised zero’a shall be broken.

¹⁶ Hast thou entered into the springs of the yam? Or hast thou walked in the recesses of the tehom?

¹⁷ Have the sha’arei mavet been disclosed unto thee? Or hast thou seen the sha’arei tzalmavet?

¹⁸ Hast thou perceived the expanse of eretz? Tell Me if thou hast da’as of it all.

¹⁹ Where is the derech where ohr dwelleth? And as for choshech, where is the place thereof,

²⁰ That thou shouldest take it to its border, and that thou shouldest have da’as of the paths to its bais?

²¹ Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? Or because the mispar of thy yamim is so great?

²² Hast thou entered into the otzrot (storehouses) of the snow? Or hast thou seen the otzrot of barad (hail),

²³ Which I have reserved for the time of tzar, for the yom kerav (battle) and milchamah (war)?

²⁴ Which is the derech where the ohr is distributed, where is scattered the east wind upon eretz?

²⁵ Who hath cut a channel for the overflowing of waters, or a derech for the lightning of thunder,

²⁶ To cause it to rain on eretz, where lo ish is; on midbar, wherein there is lo adam;

²⁷ To saturate a desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the desheh to spring forth?

²⁸ Hath the rain an av? Or who hath begotten the drops of tal (dew)?

²⁹ Out of whose beten cometh the ice? And the frost of Shomayim, who giveth birth to it?

³⁰ The mayim harden like even (stone), and the face of tehom is frozen.

³¹ Canst thou bind the chains of the Pleiades, or loose the bonds of Orion?

³² Canst thou bring forth Mazzarot in their times? Or canst thou guide the Bear with its banim?

³³ Knowest thou the chukkot of Shomayim? Canst thou set the rule over ha’aretz?

³⁴ Canst thou lift up thy kol (voice) to the clouds, that abundance of mayim may cover thee?

³⁵ Canst thou send lightning bolts, that they may go and say unto thee, Hineinu (here we are)?

³⁶ Who hath put chochmah in the inward parts, or who hath given binah to the mind?

³⁷ Who can number the clouds in chochmah, or who can tip the waterskins of Shomayim,

³⁸ When the dust hardens into a clump, and the clods cleave fast together?

³⁹ Wilt thou hunt the teref for the lioness, or fill the appetite of her whelps,

⁴⁰ When they crouch in their me’onot (dens), and abide in the lair to lie in ambush?

⁴¹ Who provideth for the raven his food? When his young ones cry unto El, they wander about for lack of okhel.

39 Dost thou have da’as of the et (time) when the mountain goats give birth, or art thou shomer to watch when the doe bears her fawn?

² Canst thou number the months that they fulfil, or dost thou have da’as of the et (time) when they give birth?

³ They crouch down, they bring forth their yeledim, their chavalim (birth pains) are cast off in riddance.

⁴ Their banim gain strength, they grow up in the bar (open, wild); they go forth, and return not unto them.

⁵ Who hath sent out the pere (wild donkey) free, or who hath untied the ropes of the arod (wild donkey, onager),

⁶ Whose bais I have made the aravah, and the barren land his mishkenot (dwellings)?

⁷ He laughs at the tumult of the kiryah (city), neither regardeth he the shouts of the driver.

⁸ The range of the harim is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.

⁹ Will the wild ox be willing to be thy eved, or stay the night by thy evus (animal feeding trough)?

¹⁰ Canst thou bind the wild ox to the furrow with a rope, or will it behind thee till the amakim (valleys)?

¹¹ Wilt thou depend on him, because his ko’ach is great, or wilt thou hand over thy heavy work to him?

¹² Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring in thy zera (grain), and gather it into thy goren (threshing floor)?

¹³ Joyfully flapping are the wings of the ostrich, but are her wings and feathers like the khasidah (stork)?

¹⁴ For the ostrich layeth her betzim (eggs) la’aretz (on the ground), and warmeth them in the sand,

¹⁵ And forgetteth that the regel may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.

¹⁶ She treats harshly her banim, as though they were not hers; though her labor should be in vain, yet she is without pachad (fear, care),

¹⁷ Because Elo’ah hath deprived her of chochmah, neither hath he imparted to her binah.

¹⁸ Yet at the et (time) she flaps her wings [to run], she laughs at the sus and his rider.

¹⁹ Hast thou given the sus gevurah? Hast thou clothed his neck with a flowing mane?

²⁰ Canst thou make him leap like an arbeh (locust)? The hod (glory) of his snorting strikes terror.

²¹ He paweth in the emek (valley), and rejoiceth in his koach; he chargeth into the fray.

²² He laugheth at pachad, and nothing fears; neither turneth he back from the cherev.

²³ The quiver rattleth at his side, the glittering spear and the kidon (scimitar, curved sword).

²⁴ He eats up the eretz with fierceness and rogez (rage); neither standeth he still at the sound of the shofar.

²⁵ As often as the shofar, he snorts Aha! and he smelleth the milchamah afar off, the shout of the sarim, and the teru’ah (battle cry).

²⁶ Doth the hawk fly by thy binah, and stretch her wings toward the south?

²⁷ Doth the nesher (eagle) mount up at thy command, and make her ken (nest) on high?

²⁸ She dwelleth and abideth on the cliff, upon the crag of the rock, its metzudah (stronghold).

²⁹ From there she seeketh the okhel (food, prey), and her eyes behold it from afar off.

³⁰ Her young ones feast on dahm; and where the chalalim (slain ones) are, there it is.

40 Moreover Hashem answered Iyov, and said,

² Shall he that contendeth with Shaddai correct him? The mokhiach Eloah (rebuker of G-d), let him answer it.

³ Then Iyov answered Hashem, and said,

⁴ See, I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine yad upon my mouth.

⁵ Once have I spoken, but I will not answer; yea, shtayim (twice), but I will proceed no further.

⁶ Then answered Hashem unto Iyov out of the whirlwind, and said,

⁷ Gird up thy loins now like a gever. I will question thee, and thou shall answer Me.

⁸ Wilt thou also annul My mishpat (justice)? Wilt thou condemn Me, that thou mayest be justified?

⁹ Hast thou a zero’a like El? Or canst thou thunder with a kol (voice) like Him?

¹⁰ Adorn thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with hod (glory) and hadar (splendor).

¹¹ Unleash thy evrot af (furious wrath); and behold every one that is proud, and bring him low.

¹² Look on every one that is proud, and humble him, and tread down the resha’im in their place.

¹³ Bury them in the aphar together; shroud their faces in the crypt.

¹⁴ Then odecha (will I confess, admit unto thee) that thine own right hand can save thee.

¹⁵ Hinei now behemot (hippopotamus), which I made along with thee; he eateth grass like an ox.

¹⁶ Hinei now, his koach is in his loins, and his force is in the sinews of his beten (belly).

¹⁷ He moveth his zanav (tail) like a cedar branch; the sinews of his thighs are firmly interwoven.

¹⁸ His atzmot are like tubes of nechoshet; his limbs are like rods of barzel (iron).

¹⁹ He is the reshit (firstling) of the ways of El; He, his Maker, can approach it with His cherev.

²⁰ Surely the harim bring forth food for him, where all the wild beasts play.

²¹ He lieth under the shade of lotus plants, beseter (in the covert) of the reed and marsh.

²² The lotus plants cover him with their shadow; the willows by the nakhal (brook, stream) surround him.

²³ See, when the nahar (river) rages, he is not alarmed; he is confident, though Yarden breaketh forth upon his mouth.

²⁴ While he is looking can one capture him? With mokeshim (hooks) can one pierce his nose?

41 Canst thou draw out Leviathan with a khakah (fishhook)? Or tie down his leshon with a cord?

^2 (26) Canst thou put a hook into his af (nose)? Or bore his jaw through with a barb?

^3 (27) Will he make many tachanunim unto thee? Will he speak soft words unto thee?

^4 (28) Will he make a brit (covenant) with thee? Wilt thou take him for an eved olam?

^5 (29) Wilt thou play with him as with a pet bird? Or wilt thou leash him for thy na’arot (maidens)?

^6 (30) Shall traders barter for him? Shall they divide him among the Kena’anim (Canaanites, merchants)?

^7 (31) Canst thou fill his ohr (skin) with harpoons? Or his head with fishing spears?

^8 (32) Lay thine hand upon him; remember the milchamah. Thou wilt not do it more.

^9 (41:1) See, every tokhelet (expectation) is false; shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?

^10 (41:2) None is so foolhardy that dare stir him up. Mi (who) then is able to stand before Me?

^11 (41:3) Mi (who) hath given Me, that I must repay him? Whatsoever is under the kol HaShomayim is Mine.

^12 (41:4) I will not keep silent about his members, nor his gevurah, nor the grace of his form.

^13 (41:5) Mi (who) can remove his outer garment? Or mi (who) can come near him with a double bridle?

^14 (41:6) Mi (who) can open the doors of his face? Terror is round about his teeth.

^15 (41:7) His scales are his ga’avah (pride), shut up together as with a rigid chotam (seal).

^16 (41:8) One is so near to another, that no ruach (air) can pass between them.

^17 (41:9) They are joined one to another; they stick together, inseparably.

^18 (41:10) By his sneezings ohr flares out, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the shachar.

^19 (41:11) Out of his mouth goeth flame, and sparks of eish leap out.

^20 (41:12) Out of his nostrils goeth forth smoke, like a seething pot or caldron.

^21 (41:13) His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.

^22 (41:14) In his neck resideth oz (strength), and terror dances before him.

^23 (41:15) The flanks of his basar are joined together; they are firm in themselves, immoveable.

^24 (41:16) His lev (chest) is as firm as an even (stone); yea, as hard as the lower millstone.

^25 (41:17) When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid; shuddering they retreat.

^26 (41:18) The cherev of him that reacheth at him cannot hold—the spear, the dart, nor the harpoon.

^27 (41:19) He esteemeth barzel (iron) like straw, and nechoshet as rotten wood.

^28 (41:20) The arrow cannot make him flee; sling stones are turned with him into stubble.

^29 (41:21) Clubs are counted as straw; he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.

^30 (41:22) Sharp shards are his under parts; he leaveth a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge.

^31 (41:23) He maketh the deep to boil like a pot; he stirreth the yam like a pot of ointment.

^32 (41:24) He maketh a wake to shine after him; one would think the deep to be white hair.

^33 (41:25) Upon earth there is not his equal, who is created without fear.

^34 (41:26) He beholdeth all things lofty; he is a melech over every proud beast.

42 Then Iyov answered Hashem, and said,

² I have da’as that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.

³ Who is this that hideth etzah (counsel) without da’as? Therefore have I judged without understanding things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

⁴ Shema, I beseech Thee, and I will speak; I will ask of Thee, and declare Thou unto me.

⁵ I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ozen, but now mine eye hath seen Thee.

⁶ Therefore I abhor myself, and nichamti (I am sorry, I make teshuvah) in dust and ashes.

⁷ And it was so, that after Hashem had spoken these words unto Iyov, Hashem said to Eliphaz the Temani, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends; for ye have not spoken in reference to Me the thing that is nekhonah (correct), like Avdi Iyov hath.

⁸ Therefore take unto you now seven bulls and seven rams, and go to Avdi Iyov, and offer up for yourselves olah (burnt offering); and Avdi Iyov shall pray for you; for him will I accept; lest I deal with you after your nevalah (folly), in that ye have not spoken in reference to Me the thing which is nekhonah (correct), like Avdi Iyov.

⁹ So Eliphaz the Temani and Bildad the Shuchi and Tzophar the Na’amati went, and did according as Hashem commanded them. Hashem also accepted Iyov.

¹⁰ And Hashem restored the fortunes of Iyov, when he prayed for his friends; also Hashem gave Iyov twice as much as he possessed before.

¹¹ Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat lechem with him in his bais; and they expressed sympathy with him, and comforted him over all the ra’ah that Hashem had brought upon him; every ish also gave him a kesitah, and every ish a ring of zahav.

¹² So Hashem blessed the acharit (latter end) of Iyov more than his reshit; for he had fourteen thousand tzon, and six thousand gemalim, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-donkeys.

¹³ He had also seven banim and shalosh banot.

¹⁴ And he called the shem of the first, Yemima, and the shem of the second, Ketziah, and the shem of the third, Keren-hapuch.

¹⁵ And in kol ha’aretz were no nashim found so fair as the banot Iyov; and their av gave them nachalah with their achim.

¹⁶ After this lived Iyov an hundred and forty shanah, and saw his banim, and his banei banim, even arba’ah dorot.

¹⁷ So Iyov died, being zaken and full of yamim.