Text -- Psalms 15:1-3 (NET)

Psalm 15

15:1 A psalm of David. Lord, who may be a guest in your home? Who may live on your holy hill? 15:2 Whoever lives a blameless life, does what is right, and speaks honestly. 15:3 He does not slander, or do harm to others, or insult his neighbor.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Psa 15:1

¹ sn Psalm 15. This psalm describes the character qualities that one must possess to be allowed access to the divine presence.

² tn Heb “Who may live as a resident alien in your tent?”

³ sn In this context the Lord’s holy hill probably refers to Zion/Jerusalem. See Isa 66:20; Joel 2:1; 3:17; Zech 8:3; Pss 2:6; 43:3; 48:1; 87:1; Dan 9:16.

NET Notes: Psa 15:2

¹ tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”

² tn Heb “one who speaks truth in his heart”; or “one who speaks truth [that is] in his heart.” This apparently refers to formulating a truthful statement in one’s mind and then honestly revealing that statement in one’s speech.

NET Notes: Psa 15:3

¹ sn Hebrew literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age.

² tn Heb “he does not slander upon his tongue.” For another example of רָגַל (ragal, “slander”) see 2 Sam 19:28.

³ tn Or “his fellow.”

⁴ tn Heb “and he does not lift up an insult against one who is near to him.”