Psalm 19:8-10

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Psalm 19:8 tn Or “just.” Perhaps the idea is that they impart a knowledge of what is just and right.
2. Psalm 19:8 tn Heb “[they] make happy [the] heart.” Perhaps the point is that they bring a sense of joyful satisfaction to the one who knows and keeps them, for those who obey God’s law are richly rewarded. See v. 11b.
3. Psalm 19:8 tn Heb “command.” The singular here refers to the law as a whole.
4. Psalm 19:8 tn Because they reflect God’s character, his commands provide a code of moral and ethical purity.
5. Psalm 19:8 tn Heb [they] enlighten [the] eyes.
6. Psalm 19:9 tn Heb “the fear of the Lord is clean.” The phrase “fear of the Lord” probably refers here to the law, which teaches one how to demonstrate proper reverence for the Lord. See Ps 111:10 for another possible use of the phrase in this sense.
7. Psalm 19:9 tn Heb “[it] stands permanently.”
8. Psalm 19:9 sn Trustworthy and absolutely just. The Lord’s commands accurately reflect God’s moral will for his people and are an expression of his just character.
9. Psalm 19:10 tn Heb “more desirable.”
10. Psalm 19:10 tn Heb “are sweeter.” God’s law is “sweet’ in the sense that, when obeyed, it brings a great reward (see v. 11b).