Psalm 36: Layer by Layer

The following is a presentation by the Psalms: Layer by Layer project, run by Scriptura . The first is an overview and the second an introduction into the exegesis of Psalm 36.


Copyright © Scriptura


Copyright © Scriptura

lying flat, prostrate

The interconfessional Chichewa translation (publ. 1999) uses the ideophone ngundangunda to positions like lying prostrate or lying flat (in death). (Source: Wendland 1998, p. 105)

Ideophones are a class of sound symbolic words expressing human sensation that are used as literary devices in many African languages. (Source: Philip Noss)

complete verse (Psalm 36:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 36:12:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Look how evildoers have lied down after falling,
    throw them down, so they cannot be able to rise again.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “Look! They have fallen.
    Now they have fallen, never to rise again.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “Those wicked men will- surely/[intensifier] -be-destroyed and will- no-longer -be-able-to-rise-up.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “So, the people who do evil, they fall down, they fall down unable to get up again.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “I see bad people when they fall down,
    they never get up again!” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Tazama ambavyo wameanguka watenda mabaya,
    wameangushwa chini, hawawezi kusimama.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “Look where evil people have fallen on the ground, defeated;
    they were thrown down, and they will never rise again.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 36:12

In this closing verse the psalmist speaks of the future destruction of his enemies as something already accomplished. In a manner of speaking, he points to the fallen enemies and says, “There they lie” (see a similar statement in 14.5), defeated and dead, unable to rise. Since no definite place has been referred to, however, it is best to avoid saying There; something like Good News Translation “See,” or “Look at the evil men who have fallen…,” is best.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .