Psalms 78:51
Context78:51 He struck down all the firstborn in Egypt,
the firstfruits of their reproductive power 1 in the tents of Ham.
Psalms 105:36
Context105:36 He struck down all the firstborn in their land,
the firstfruits of their reproductive power. 2
Psalms 111:10
Context111:10 To obey the Lord is the fundamental principle for wise living; 3
all who carry out his precepts acquire good moral insight. 4
He will receive praise forever. 5


[78:51] 1 tn Heb “the beginning of strength.” If retained, the plural form אוֹנִים (’onim, “strength”) probably indicates degree (“great strength”), but many ancient witnesses read “their strength,” which presupposes an emendation to אֹנָם (’onam; singular form of the noun with third masculine plural pronominal suffix).
[105:36] 2 tn Heb “the beginning of all their strength,” that is, reproductive power (see Ps 78:51).
[111:10] 3 tn Heb “the beginning of wisdom [is] the fear of the
[111:10] 4 tn Heb “good sense [is] to all who do them.” The third masculine plural pronominal suffix must refer back to the “precepts” mentioned in v. 7. In the translation the referent has been specified for clarity. The phrase שֵׂכֶל טוֹב (shekhel tov) also occurs in Prov 3:4; 13:15 and 2 Chr 30:22.