Psa 7:5 | NETfull | STEP | may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me; may he trample me to death and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. (Selah)

Psalms 7:5

5 may an enemy relentlessly chase ^{▼▼ The vocalization of the verb form seems to be a mixture of Qal and Piel (see GKC 168 #63.n). The translation assumes the Piel, which would emphasize the repetitive nature of the action. The translation assumes the prefixed verbal form is a jussive. The psalmist is so certain that he is innocent of the sins mentioned in vv. 3–4, he pronounces an imprecation on himself for rhetorical effect.} me ^{▼▼ Heb “my life.” The pronominal suffix attached to נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) is equivalent to a personal pronoun. See Ps 6:3.} and catch me; ^{▼▼ Heb “and may he overtake.” The prefixed verbal form is distinctly jussive. The object “me,” though unexpressed, is understood from the preceding statement.}
may he trample me to death ^{▼▼ Heb “and may he trample down to the earth my life.”}
and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. ^{▼▼ Heb “and my honor in the dust may he cause to dwell.” The prefixed verbal form is distinctly jussive. Some emend כְבוֹדִי (kh^evodiy, “my honor”) to כְבֵדִי (kh^evediy, “my liver” as the seat of life), but the term כְבוֹדִי (kh^evodiy) is to be retained since it probably refers to the psalmist’s dignity or honor.} (Selah)