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Psalm 15[a]

A psalm of David.

15 Lord, who may be a guest in your home?[b]
Who may live on your holy hill?[c]
Whoever lives a blameless life,[d]
does what is right,
and speaks honestly.[e]
He[f] does not slander,[g]
or do harm to others,[h]
or insult his neighbor.[i]

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 15:1 sn Psalm 15. This psalm describes the character qualities that one must possess to be allowed access to the divine presence.
  2. Psalm 15:1 tn Heb “Who may live as a resident foreigner in your tent?”
  3. Psalm 15:1 sn In this context the Lord’s holy hill probably refers to Zion/Jerusalem. See Isa 66:20; Joel 2:1; 3:17; Zech 8:3; Pss 2:6; 43:3; 48:1; 87:1; Dan 9:16.
  4. Psalm 15:2 tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”
  5. Psalm 15:2 tn Heb “one who speaks truth in his heart”; or “one who speaks truth [that is] in his heart.” This apparently refers to formulating a truthful statement in one’s mind and then honestly revealing that statement in one’s speech.
  6. Psalm 15:3 sn Hebrew literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age.
  7. Psalm 15:3 tn Heb “he does not slander upon his tongue.” For another example of רָגַל (ragal, “slander”) see 2 Sam 19:28.
  8. Psalm 15:3 tn Or “his fellow.”
  9. Psalm 15:3 tn Heb “and he does not lift up an insult against one who is near to him.”