Psalm 61:3-5

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Psalm 61:3 tn Or “for.”
2. Psalm 61:3 tn Or “have been.”
3. Psalm 61:3 tn Heb “a strong tower from the face of an enemy.”
4. Psalm 61:4 tn Heb “I will live as a resident foreigner in your tent permanently.” The cohortative is understood here as indicating resolve. Another option is to take it as expressing a request, “please let me live” (cf. NASB, NRSV).
5. Psalm 61:4 sn I will find shelter in the protection of your wings. The metaphor compares God to a protective mother bird.
6. Psalm 61:5 tn Heb “you grant the inheritance of those who fear your name.” “Inheritance” is normally used of land which is granted as an inheritance; here it refers metaphorically to the blessings granted God’s loyal followers. To “fear” God’s name means to have a healthy respect for his revealed reputation which in turn motivates one to obey God’s commands (see Ps 86:11).