Psalms 112:4-5

112:4 In the darkness a light ¹  shines for the godly,

for each one who is merciful, compassionate, and just. ² 

112:5 It goes well for the one ³  who generously lends money,

and conducts his business honestly. ⁴ 

Psalms 112:9

112:9 He generously gives ⁵  to the needy;

his integrity endures. ⁶ 

He will be vindicated and honored. ⁷ 

[112:4]  ¹ tn In this context “light” symbolizes divine blessing in its various forms (see v. 2), including material prosperity and stability.

[112:4]  ² tn Heb “merciful and compassionate and just.” The Hebrew text has three singular adjectives, which are probably substantival and in apposition to the “godly” (which is plural, however). By switching to the singular, the psalmist focuses on each individual member of the group known as the “godly.” Note how vv. 5-9, like vv. 1-2a, use the singular to describe the representative godly individual who typifies the whole group.

[112:5]  ³ tn Heb “man.”

[112:5]  ⁴ tn Heb “he sustains his matters with justice.”

[112:9]  ⁵ tn Heb “he scatters, he gives.”

[112:9]  ⁶ tn Heb “stands forever.”

[112:9]  ⁷ tn Heb “his horn will be lifted up in honor.” The horn of an ox underlies the metaphor (see Deut 33:17; 1 Kgs 22:11; Ps 92:10). The horn of the wild ox is frequently a metaphor for military strength; the idiom “exalt/lift up the horn” signifies military victory (see 1 Sam 2:10; Pss 89:17, 24; 92:10; Lam 2:17).