Psalms 115:12-15

Context

115:12 The Lord takes notice of us,¹ he will bless² –

he will bless the family³ of Israel,

he will bless the family of Aaron.

115:13 He will bless his loyal followers,⁴

both young and old.⁵

115:14 May he increase your numbers,

yours and your children’s!⁶

115:15 May you be blessed by the Lord,

the creator⁷ of heaven and earth!

[115:12] ¹tn Or “remembers us.”

[115:12] ²tn Another option is to translate the prefixed form of the verb “bless” in vv. 12-13 as a jussive, “may he bless” (see v. 14).

[115:12] ³tn Heb “house.”

[115:13] ⁴tn Heb “the fearers of the Lord.”

[115:13] ⁵tn Heb “the small along with the great.” The translation assumes that “small” and “great” here refer to age (see 2 Chr 15:13). Another option is to translate “both the insignificant and the prominent” (see Job 3:19; cf. NEB “high and low alike”).

[115:14] ⁶tn Heb “may he add to you, to you and your sons.” The prefixed verbal form is jussive, indicating this is a prayer.

[115:15] ⁷tn Or “maker.”