Psalm 26 — Hebrew and Greek compared
Each card keeps the independently rendered source readings above their shared comparison and reception notes. The badge records the source’s governing classification; disparate readings are marked in red. Each reading retains its original reference.
Psalm 26
Innocent hands at the altar
Verse 26:1 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:1] Of David.
Judge me, YHWH, for I have walked in my integrity;
in YHWH I have trusted; I will not slip.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:1] Of David.
Judge me, Lord, for I walked in my innocence,
and hoping in the Lord, I will certainly not grow weak.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: Integrity or innocence and reliance agree; Hebrew slipping differs from Greek weakness.
Verse 26:2 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:2] Examine me, YHWH, and test me;
refine my kidneys and my heart.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:2] Test me, Lord, and try me;
try my kidneys and my heart by fire.
Classification & Notes
Same. Text: Both request scrutiny of the inward person through bodily and refining imagery. Hebrew’s imperative follows the read tsorfah explicitly separated from written tserufah by Mechon-Mamre, resolving the publisher’s flattened display. [MM-PS26]
Verse 26:3 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:3] For Your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I have walked in Your truth.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:3] For Your mercy is before my eyes,
and I acted pleasingly in Your truth.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew describes walking in truth; Greek pleasing conduct in truth.
Verse 26:4 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:4] I have not sat with men of emptiness,
and I will not go in with those who conceal themselves.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:4] I did not sit with a council of emptiness,
and I will certainly not enter with transgressors.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew names deceptive or concealed people, Greek transgressors; Greek also expressly names a council rather than men.
Verse 26:5 Same
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:5] I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:5] I hated an assembly of evildoers,
and I will certainly not sit with the ungodly.
Classification & Notes
Same. Text: Both reject participation in the evildoers’ gathering.
Verse 26:6 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:6] I will wash my hands in innocence
and go around Your altar, YHWH,
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:6] I will wash my hands among the innocent
and go around Your altar, Lord,
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew’s washing is in innocence; Greek’s plural innocent ones can identify companions among whom the washing occurs. The altar-circuit agrees.
Verse 26:7 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:7] to make the voice of thanksgiving heard
and recount all Your wonders.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:7] to hear a voice of praise
and recount all Your wonders.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew makes praise audible; Greek hears it. Both retain the recounting of every wonder.
Verse 26:8 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:8] YHWH, I love the dwelling of Your house
and the place where Your glory resides.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:8] Lord, I loved the beauty of Your house
and the place of Your glory’s dwelling.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew loves the house’s habitation; Greek its beauty or fitting splendor. The dwelling of divine glory agrees.
Verse 26:9 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:9] Do not gather my soul with sinners,
or my life with men of bloodshed,
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:9] Do not destroy my soul together with the ungodly,
or my life with men of bloodshed,
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: Greek makes the destructive consequence explicit; Hebrew’s gathering is interpreted by its association with bloodshed.
Verse 26:10 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:10] in whose hands is a wicked scheme,
and whose right hand is full of bribes.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:10] in whose hands are lawless deeds;
their right hand was filled with gifts.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew names a scheme and bribes; Greek lawless acts and gifts. Both describe corrupt hands.
Verse 26:11 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:11] But I will walk in my integrity;
redeem me and be gracious to me.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:11] But I walked in my innocence;
redeem me and have mercy on me.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew commits to future integrity; Greek asserts past innocence. The petition for redemption and mercy agrees.
Verse 26:12 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[26:12] My foot stands on level ground;
in assemblies I will bless YHWH.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[25:12] For my foot stood in uprightness;
in assemblies I will bless You, Lord.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: Both join firm standing with public blessing. Greek explicitly addresses God as You and can express moral uprightness rather than physical level ground.