Psalm 61 — Hebrew and Greek compared
Disparate in this chapter: 61:8
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 61
Shelter beneath God's wings
Verse 61:1 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:1] For the director. With a stringed instrument. Of David.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:1] For the end. Among hymns. Of David.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: The performance direction differs.
Verse 61:2 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:2] Hear my cry, God;
attend to my prayer.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:2] Hear my petition, God;
attend to my prayer.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: Cry becomes petition.
Verse 61:3 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:3] From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart grows faint;
lead me upon a rock higher than I.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:3] From the ends of the earth I cried to You when my heart grew weary;
You raised me upon a rock,
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew asks leading to a higher rock; Greek recounts elevation upon a rock and continues with guidance in the next unit. Reception: Augustine hears the worldwide Church's cry and identifies the rock with Christ, in whom the faithful overcome temptation (AUG-PS61, §§2–3).
Verse 61:4 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:4] For You have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower before the enemy.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:4] You guided me, for You became my hope,
a tower of strength before the enemy.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Greek begins with the guidance corresponding to the end of the Hebrew preceding unit, and replaces refuge with hope.
Verse 61:5 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:5] Let me sojourn in Your tent for ages;
let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:5] I will sojourn in Your dwelling for the ages;
I will be sheltered under the shelter of Your wings. Diapsalma.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: The enduring shelter agrees. Reception: Rashi understands the ages through this world and the world to come (RASHI-PS61, 5).
Verse 61:6 Different
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:6] For You, God, have heard my vows;
You gave the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:6] For You, God, heard my vows;
You gave an inheritance to those who fear Your name.
Classification & Notes
Different. Text: Hebrew inheritance of the God-fearing becomes Greek inheritance given to them.
Verse 61:7 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:7] Add days to the king's days;
let his years be like generation upon generation.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:7] You will add days upon the king's days,
his years until the day of generation upon generation.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: The king's extended days agree. Reception: Rashi relates the petition to David's allotted lifespan; Augustine identifies the king as Christ and the added days with unending reign shared by the saints (RASHI-PS61, 7; AUG-PS61, §7).
Verse 61:8 Disparate
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:8] May he dwell forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to guard him.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:8] He will remain forever before God;
who will seek out his mercy and truth?
Classification & Notes
Disparate. Text: Hebrew appointing love and truth as guardians becomes a Greek question about seeking mercy and truth. Reception: Rashi explains man as preparation; Augustine urges practicing God's mercy and truth, including mercy to enemies, rather than merely preaching them (RASHI-PS61, 8; AUG-PS61, §8).
Verse 61:9 Similar
Hebrew–English: Literal-Smooth (Rabbinic Priority)
[61:9] So I will make music to Your name forever,
fulfilling my vows day by day.
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
[60:9] So I will make music to Your name for the age of the age,
that I may pay my vows day by day.
Classification & Notes
Similar. Text: The continuing praise and vows agree.