16:13 his archers 1 surround me.
Without pity 2 he pierces 3 my kidneys
and pours out my gall 4 on the ground.
22:14 My strength drains away like water; 5
all my bones are dislocated;
my heart 6 is like wax;
it melts away inside me.
1 tn The meaning of “his archers” is supported for רַבָּיו (rabbayv) in view of Jer 50:29. The LXX, Syriac, Vulgate, Targum Job, followed by several translations and commentators prefer “arrows.” They see this as a more appropriate figure without raising the question of who the archers might be (see 6:4). The point is an unnecessary distinction, for the figure is an illustration of the affliction that God has brought on him.
2 tn Heb “and he does not pity,” but the clause is functioning adverbially in the line.
3 tn The verb פָּלַח (palakh) in the Piel means “to pierce” (see Prov 7:23). A fuller comparison should be made with Lam 3:12-13.
4 tn This word מְרֵרָתִי (mÿrerati, “my gall”) is found only here. It is close to the form in Job 13:26, “bitter things.” In Job 20:14 it may mean “poison.” The thought is also found in Lam 2:11.
5 tn Heb “like water I am poured out.”
6 sn The heart is viewed here as the seat of the psalmist’s strength and courage.