Psalms 15:1-3

Context

Psalm 15¹

A psalm of David.

15:1 Lord, who may be a guest in your home?²

Who may live on your holy hill?³

15:2 Whoever lives a blameless life,⁴

does what is right,

and speaks honestly.⁵

15:3 He⁶ does not slander,⁷

or do harm to others,⁸

or insult his neighbor.⁹

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

[15:1] ²tn Heb “Who may live as a resident alien in your tent?”

[15:1] ³sn 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.

[15:2] ⁴tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”

[15:2] ⁵tn 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.

[15:3] ⁶sn 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.

[15:3] ⁷tn Heb “he does not slander upon his tongue.” For another example of רָגַל (ragal, “slander”) see 2 Sam 19:28.

[15:3] ⁸tn Or “his fellow.”

[15:3] ⁹tn Heb “and he does not lift up an insult against one who is near to him.”