Psalms 9:5

You terrified the nations with your battle cry; ¹  you destroyed the wicked; ²  you permanently wiped out all memory of them. ³ 

You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have wiped out their names forever.

You blow the whistle on godless nations; you throw dirty players out of the game, wipe their names right off the roster.

You have said sharp words to the nations, you have sent destruction on the sinners, you have put an end to their name for ever and ever.

You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name forever and ever.

You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

You terrified the nations with your battle cry; ¹  you destroyed the wicked; ²  you permanently wiped out all memory of them. ³ 

¹ tn The verb גָּעַר (ga’ar) is often understood to mean “rebuke” and in this context taken to refer to the Lord’s “rebuke” of the nations. In some cases it is apparent that scolding or threatening is in view (see Gen 37:10; Ruth 2:16; Zech 3:2). However, in militaristic contexts this translation is inadequate, for the verb refers in this setting to the warrior’s battle cry, which terrifies and paralyzes the enemy. See A. Caquot, TDOT 3:53, and note the use of the verb in Pss 68:30; 106:9; and Nah 1:4, as well as the related noun in Job 26:11; Pss 18:15; 76:6; 104:7; Isa 50:2; 51:20; 66:15.

² tn The singular form is collective (note “nations” and “their name”). In the psalms the “wicked” (רְשָׁעִים, rÿsha’im) are typically proud, practical atheists (Ps 10:2, 4, 11) who hate God’s commands, commit sinful deeds, speak lies and slander (Ps 50:16-20), and cheat others (Ps 37:21). In this context the hostile nations who threaten Israel/Judah are in view.

³ tn Heb “their name you wiped out forever and ever.” The three perfect verbal forms in v. 5 probably refer to a recent victory (definite past or present perfect use), although they might express what is typical (characteristic use).