Psalms 26:4-6

26:4 I do not associate with deceitful men,

or consort with those who are dishonest.

26:5 I hate the mob of evil men,

and do not associate with the wicked.

26:6 I maintain a pure lifestyle,

so I can appear before your altar, O Lord,


tn Heb “sit.”

tn Heb “go.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people.

tn Heb “[those who] conceal themselves.”

tn Heb “assembly, company.”

tn Heb “sit.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people.

tn Heb “I wash my hands in innocence.” The psalmist uses an image from cultic ritual to picture his moral lifestyle. The imperfect verbal emphasizes that this is his habit.

tn Heb “so I can go around your altar” (probably in ritual procession). Following the imperfect of the preceding line, the cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose or result.