Psalm 36

This article is about Psalm 36 in Hebrew (Masoretic) numbering. For Psalm 36 in Greek Septuagint or Latin Vulgate numbering, see Psalm 37.

Psalm 36
"The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart"
Hymn psalm
Stained glass window depicting the "fountain of life" mentioned in the psalm, in St. Gregor VII in Bad Harzburg
Other name	Psalm 35 "Dixit iniustus"
Text	by David
Language	Hebrew (original)

Psalm 36 is the 36th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 35. In Latin, it is known as Dixit iniustus [1] or Dixit injustus.[2] The psalm is a hymn psalm, attributed to David.

The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and other Protestant liturgies. It has inspired hymns based on it, and has often been set to music, by Baroque composers such as Heinrich Schütz as well as contemporary composers such as Richard Nance.

Parts of this psalm have been singled out, for example "In Thy light shall we see light" (in Latin: "In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen") which is the motto of Columbia University, and which appears on its university seal.

Background

The text of the psalm refers to its Davidic authorship, for the chief musician of the temple.[3] Matthew Henry suggests that David wrote this psalm after being attacked, either by Saul or by his son Absalom, as the psalm begins with a complaint against "the malice of his enemies against him". After decrying the "sinfulness of sin" in the first five verses, David lauds God's goodness toward all people and creatures.[4]

The psalm may be understood literally, as a prayer of the persecuted who has taken refuge in the temple, or figuratively, of one who has taken refuge in God. The psalmist takes pride in the goodness of God in which he finds safety. The psalm concludes with a plea to God to bless those who honor him with his justice, and protect them from the snares of the wicked.[5] Catholic bishop Richard Challoner's version describes this psalm as "an exhortation to despise this world and the short prosperity of the wicked, and to trust in Providence".[6]

Text

Hebrew

The following table shows the Hebrew text[7][8] of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).

Verse	Hebrew	English translation (JPS 1917)
1	לַמְנַצֵּ֬חַ ׀ לְעֶבֶד־יְהֹוָ֬ה לְדָוִֽד׃‎	For the Leader. [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD.
2	נְאֻֽם־פֶּ֣שַׁע לָ֭רָשָׁע בְּקֶ֣רֶב לִבִּ֑י אֵֽין־פַּ֥חַד אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים לְנֶ֣גֶד עֵינָֽיו׃‎	Transgression speaketh to the wicked, methinks— There is no fear of God before his eyes.
3	כִּֽי־הֶחֱלִ֣יק אֵלָ֣יו בְּעֵינָ֑יו לִמְצֹ֖א עֲוֺנ֣וֹ לִשְׂנֹֽא׃‎	For it flattereth him in his eyes, Until his iniquity be found, and he be hated.
4	דִּבְרֵי־פִ֭יו אָ֣וֶן וּמִרְמָ֑ה חָדַ֖ל לְהַשְׂכִּ֣יל לְהֵיטִֽיב׃‎	The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit; He hath left off to be wise, to do good.
5	אָ֤וֶן ׀ יַחְשֹׁ֗ב עַֽל־מִשְׁכָּ֫ב֥וֹ יִ֭תְיַצֵּב עַל־דֶּ֣רֶךְ לֹא־ט֑וֹב רָ֝֗ע לֹ֣א יִמְאָֽס׃‎	He deviseth iniquity upon his bed; He setteth himself in a way that is not good; He abhorreth not evil.
6	יְ֭הֹוָה בְּהַשָּׁמַ֣יִם חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ אֱ֝מ֥וּנָתְךָ֗ עַד־שְׁחָקִֽים׃‎	Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.
7	צִדְקָתְךָ֨ ׀ כְּֽהַרְרֵי־אֵ֗ל מִ֭שְׁפָּטֶיךָ תְּה֣וֹם רַבָּ֑ה אָ֤דָֽם וּבְהֵמָ֖ה תוֹשִׁ֣יעַ יְהֹוָֽה׃‎	Thy righteousness is like the mighty mountains; Thy judgments are like the great deep; Man and beast Thou preservest, O LORD.
8	מַה־יָּקָ֥ר חַסְדְּךָ֗ אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים וּבְנֵ֥י אָדָ֑ם בְּצֵ֥ל כְּ֝נָפֶ֗יךָ יֶחֱסָיֽוּן׃‎	How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.
9	יִ֭רְוְיֻן מִדֶּ֣שֶׁן בֵּיתֶ֑ךָ וְנַ֖חַל עֲדָנֶ֣יךָ תַשְׁקֵֽם׃‎	They are abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; And Thou makest them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.
10	כִּֽי־עִ֭מְּךָ מְק֣וֹר חַיִּ֑ים בְּ֝אוֹרְךָ֗ נִרְאֶה־אֽוֹר׃‎	For with Thee is the fountain of life; In Thy light do we see light.
11	מְשֹׁ֣ךְ חַ֭סְדְּךָ לְיֹדְעֶ֑יךָ וְ֝צִדְקָֽתְךָ֗ לְיִשְׁרֵי־לֵֽב׃‎	O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; And Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
12	אַל־תְּ֭בוֹאֵנִי רֶ֣גֶל גַּאֲוָ֑ה וְיַד־רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים אַל־תְּנִדֵֽנִי׃‎	Let not the foot of pride overtake me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
13	שָׁ֣ם נָ֭פְלוּ פֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן דֹּ֝ח֗וּ וְלֹא־יָ֥כְלוּ קֽוּם׃‎	There are the workers of iniquity fallen; They are thrust down, and are not able to rise.

King James Version

1. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5. Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12. There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Verse 1

The wording in the King James Version, The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart,[9] raises some difficulties. Alexander Kirkpatrick suggests that it is "unnatural to regard transgression as uttering its oracle in the Psalmist’s heart", and he argues that the reading of the Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac texts and Jerome, within his heart, is a preferable reading.[10] The Revised Standard Version (1946, 1952) has the wording, in his heart,[11] and the 1989 New Revised Standard Version uses the words in their hearts.[12]

Verse 6

The juxtaposition of man and animal in verse 6, You save man and beast, has been subject to various interpretations. The Talmud (Chullin 5b) says that "beast" refers to "people who are wise in understanding but make themselves simple like a dumb beast".[13] The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 33:1) interprets this verse as meaning that God saves man in the merit of the animals.[14] The verse is also seen by Jewish ethicists as endorsing animal welfare and animal rights.[15][16] Saint Augustine suggests that this verse proves that animals also receive salvation.[17]

Verse 9

The fountain of life mentioned in verse 9 (verse 8 in the KJV) has been depicted, for example on a stained glass window at the Catholic church St. Gregor VII [de] in Bündheim, part of Bad Harzburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. The phrase has been used in the context of preservation of the natural environment, such as an initiative of Christian churches in Württemberg to focus on Wasser, Gabe Gottes (Water, gift of God) on the "Tag der Schöpfung" (Day of Creation), 1 September in 2006.[18]

Uses

Judaism

Verse 7 is one of three verses which make up the prayer of Tzidkatcha ("Your righteousness") recited after the Chazan's repetition of the Amidah during the Shabbat afternoon prayer.[19] In Sephardi traditions and Nusach Sefard, it is the first of the three verses recited in consecutive order: Psalms 36:7, 71:19, 119:42. In Nusach Ashkenaz, the order is reversed: Psalms 119:42, 71:19, 36:7.[20][a]

Verses 8–11 are recited after the wrapping of the tallit during the morning prayer service.[22]

Verse 9 is incorporated into the Shabbat evening table song Kol Mekadesh Shevii.[23]

Verse 10 is part of the Selichot prayers.[22]

Verse 12 is said during Maariv on Yom Kippur night.[22]

In the Siddur Sfas Emes, Psalm 36 is recited on behalf of a sick person.[22]

New Testament

Verse 1b is quoted in Romans 3:18.[10]

Catholic Church

In the liturgy of the Mass, Psalm 36 is read on Wednesday of Week 16 in Ordinary Time, Year II.

Book of Common Prayer

In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the seventh day of the month.[24]

Seal and books

The coat of arms of Columbia University, adopted in 1949

The Vulgate version of verse 10, "In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen" ("In Thy light shall we see light") is part of the original heraldic seal of Columbia University, adopted in 1755.[25][26] Several books also take this phrase as their title, including the Valparaiso University prayerbook, In Thy Light We See Light,[27] the Bible study book In Thy Light I See Light,[28] and the Christian biography In His Light, I See Light Psalms 36:9: A Prodigal's Journey Into the Light.[29]

Besides Columbia University, a number of other universities have mottos which were inspired by Psalm 36:9, including the University of Fort Hare (South Africa),[30] St. Mary's University (Calgary),[31] and Valparaiso University (Indiana).[32]

Hymns and musical settings

Hymns based on Psalm 36 include in English "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" and "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise".[33] The refrain and the first stanza of the German song "Herr, deine Güte reicht, so weit der Himmel ist" (Lord, your goodness extends as far as heaven)", published in 1965 with text by Gerhard Valentin and a melody by Herbert Beuerle, is based on verses from Psalm 36.[34] Maria Luise Thurmair wrote "Herr, deine Güt ist unbegrenzt" based on Psalm 36, published in 1971 with the melody of "O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß".[35]

The psalm and selected verses have often been set to music. Thomas Ravenscroft wrote a setting for four-part choir in English on a French melody, published in his collection The Whole Booke of Psalmes in 1621, with the incipit "The wicked with his works unjust".[36] Heinrich Schütz set the psalm in German with the text from the Becker Psalter, Ich sag's von Grund meins Herzens frei (I say it freely from the depth of my heart), for choir as his SWV 133. George Garrett set the psalm for the Anglican Church, titled Psalm 36. Dixit injustus and the incipit "My heart showeth me the wickedness of the ungodly".[37] Richard Nance set the psalm for choir in 2002 on a commission by the American Choral Directors Association as the Raymond W. Brock memorial composition, published by Walton Music.[38]

The passage "How precious is your unfailing love, O God" was set by David Lee in a larger composition in 2012, and has been used as a Responsorial.[39]

Notes

1. Tzidkatcha is not recited if Shabbat falls on the day before Tisha B'Av.[21]

References

1. Parallel Latin/English Psalter, Psalmus 35 (36) Archived 7 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine Medievalist.
2. Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 36, St. Luke's Anglican Church, Sedona, Arizona, accessed 31 October 2021
3. Charles Spurgeon, Psalm 36, Treasury of David.
4. Henry, Matthew (2018). "Psalms 36". Bible Study Tools. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
5. Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft Stuttgart, 1992) p. 691.
6. "Psalm 36". Douay–Rheims Bible and Challoner Notes. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
7. "Psalms – Chapter 36". Mechon Mamre.
8. "Psalms 36 - JPS 1917". Sefaria.org.
9. Psalm 36:1: KJV
10. Kirkpatrick, A. (1906), Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges on Psalm 36, accessed 31 October 2021
11. Psalm 36:1: RSV
12. Psalm 36:1: NRSV
13. Baifus, Yaʻaḳov Yiśraʼel (1995). Longing for Dawn. Feldheim Publishers. p. 115. ISBN 9780873067195.
14. Sears, Rabbi David. "A Story from the Midrash". Jewish Vegetarians of North America. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
15. Bleich, J. David (1989). Contemporary Halakhic Problems. Vol. 3. KTAV Publishing House. p. 195. ISBN 9780881253153.
16. Schwartz, Richard H. (2012). Who Stole My Religion?: Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet. Lulu. p. 191. ISBN 9781105336461.
17. Saint Augustine (1988). The Fathers of the Church: Tractates on the Gospel of John 28–54. Vol. 88. CUA Press. pp. 62–63. ISBN 9780813200880.
18. Wasser, Gabe Gottes (PDF) (in German). Arbeitsgemeinschaft Christlicher Kirchen in Württemberg. 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
19. Abromowitz, Rabbi Jack (27 February 2013). "519. Tzidkascha Tzedek". Orthodox Union. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
20. Nulman, Macy (1996). The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer: The Ashkenazic and Sephardic Rites (Reprint ed.). Jason Aronson. p. 327. ISBN 1461631246.
21. Ullman, Rabbi Yirmiyahu. "The Laws of Tisha B'Av". Ohr Somayach. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
22. Brauner, Reuven (2013). "Shimush Pesukim: Comprehensive Index to Liturgical and Ceremonial Uses of Biblical Verses and Passages" (PDF) (2nd ed.). p. 37. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
23. The Complete Artscroll Siddur (3rd ed.). Mesorah Publications Ltd. 2003. p. 362. ISBN 089906650X.
24. Church of England, Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter as printed by John Baskerville in 1762, pp. 196ff
25. DeMar, Gary (2003). Liberty at Risk: Exposing the politics of plunder. American Vision. p. 222. ISBN 9780915815449.
26. "Columbia University at a Glance". Columbia University. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
27. Karpenko, William O., ed. (2008). In Thy Light We See Light: The Valparaiso University Prayerbook. Valparaiso University. ISBN 978-0971229426.
28. McKenzie, Marvin (2012). In Thy Light, I See Light. ISBN 978-1-105-41878-5.
29. Pointer, Patti J. (2012). In His Light, I See Light Psalms 36:9: A Prodigal's Journey Into the Light.
30. University of Fort Hare, Vision & Mission, accessed 1 November 2021
31. St. Mary's University, Who we are, accessed 7 November 2021
32. Valparaiso University Church Relations, Children's Activity Sheet 2018, accessed 8 November 2021
33. "Hymns for Psalm 36". Hymnary.
34. "Herr, deine Güte reicht, so weit der Himmel ist" (in German). Christliche Liederdatenbank. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
35. "Herr, deine Güte ist unbegrenzt (L)". Mein Gotteslob (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2018.
36. Free scores by The Whole Booke of Psalmes (Thomas Ravenscroft) in the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
37. "Psalm 36". SJC choir. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
38. "Brock pieces". ACDA. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
39. "36A. Psalm 36:5-11 (A Responsorial Setting)". Hymnary. Retrieved 28 August 2018.

External links

• Pieces with text from Psalm 36: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
• Psalm 36: Free scores at the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
• Psalms Chapter 36 text in Hebrew and English, mechon-mamre.org
• Psalm 36 – Mercy to the Heavens text and detailed commentary, enduringword.com
• For the leader. Of David, the servant of the LORD. text and footnotes, usccb.org United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Psalm 36:1 introduction and text, biblestudytools.com
• Charles H. Spurgeon: Psalm 36 detailed commentary, archive.spurgeon.org
• Psalm 36 / Refrain: With you, O God, is the well of life.
• The Fountain of Life and Light Podcast on Psalm 36:9, Church of England