Psalms 7:5

may an enemy relentlessly chase ¹  me ²  and catch me; ³  may he trample me to death ⁴  and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. ⁵  (Selah)

Job 16:15; Job 31:5-10,38-40; Job 40:12; Job 40:13; Ps 3:2; Ps 44:5; Ps 49:12; Ps 60:12; Isa 10:6; Isa 63:3; Jer 17:13; Hab 3:13; Zec 10:5; Mal 4:3

¹ tn The vocalization of the verb form seems to be a mixture of Qal and Piel (see GKC 168 §63.n). The translation assumes the Piel, which would emphasize the repetitive nature of the action. The translation assumes the prefixed verbal form is a jussive. The psalmist is so certain that he is innocent of the sins mentioned in vv. 3-4, he pronounces an imprecation on himself for rhetorical effect.

² tn Heb “my life.” The pronominal suffix attached to נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) is equivalent to a personal pronoun. See Ps 6:3.

³ tn Heb “and may he overtake.” The prefixed verbal form is distinctly jussive. The object “me,” though unexpressed, is understood from the preceding statement.

⁴ tn Heb “and may he trample down to the earth my life.”

⁵ tn Heb “and my honor in the dust may he cause to dwell.” The prefixed verbal form is distinctly jussive. Some emend כְבוֹדִי (khÿvodiy, “my honor”) to כְבֵדִי (khÿvediy, “my liver” as the seat of life), but the term כְבוֹדִי (khÿvodiy) is to be retained since it probably refers to the psalmist’s dignity or honor.