Psa 19:4-6 | NETfull | STEP | Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon. In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.

Psalms 19:4-6

4 Yet its voice ^{▼▼ The MT reads, “their measuring line” (קוּם, qum). The noun קַו (qav, “measuring line”) makes no sense in this context. The reading קוֹלָם (qolam, “their voice”) which is supported by the LXX, is preferable.} echoes ^{▼▼ Heb “goes out,” or “proceeds forth.”} throughout the earth;
its ^{▼▼ Heb “their” (see the note on the word “its” in v. 3).} words carry ^{▼▼ The verb is supplied in the translation. The Hebrew text has no verb; יָצָא (yatsa’, “goes out”) is understood by ellipsis.} to the distant horizon. ^{▼▼ Heb “to the end of the world.”}
In the sky ^{▼▼ Heb “in them” (i.e., the heavens).} he has pitched a tent for the sun. ^{▼▼ He has pitched a tent for the sun. The personified sun emerges from this “tent” in order to make its daytime journey across the sky. So the “tent” must refer metaphorically to the place where the sun goes to rest during the night.}
5 Like a bridegroom it emerges ^{▼▼ The participle expresses the repeated or regular nature of the action.} from its chamber; ^{▼▼ The Hebrew noun חֻפָּה (khufah, “chamber”) occurs elsewhere only in Isa 4:5 and Joel 2:16 (where it refers to the bedroom of a bride and groom).} ^{▼▼ Like a bridegroom. The metaphor likens the sun to a bridegroom who rejoices on his wedding night.}
like a strong man it enjoys ^{▼▼ The imperfect verbal form draws attention to the regularity of the action.} running its course. ^{▼▼ Heb “[on] a path.”} ^{▼▼ Like a strong man. The metaphorical language reflects the brilliance of the sunrise, which attests to the sun’s vigor.}
6 It emerges from the distant horizon, ^{▼▼ Heb “from the end of the heavens [is] its going forth.”}
and goes from one end of the sky to the other; ^{▼▼ Heb “and its circuit [is] to their ends.”}
nothing can escape ^{▼▼ Heb “is hidden from.”} its heat.