Summary
A wisdom psalm contrasting the temporary prosperity of the wicked with the enduring peace of the righteous.
The psalmist urges patience and trust in the Lord, reminding the reader that evil-doers will soon wither like grass, while those who wait upon God shall inherit the land and dwell in safety.
Verses, Translation, and Word Notes
1. Noli aemulari in malignantibus: neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem.
Do not be envious of evildoers, nor be jealous of those who act unjustly.
- noli — negative imperative with infinitive (from nolo, nolle, nolui — irregular)
- aemulari — aemulor, -ari, -atus sum — to envy, imitate (1st conj., deponent, pres. inf.)
- neque zelaveris — zelo, -are, -avi, -atum — you may be jealous (2nd pers. fut. perf. or perf. subj., 1st conj.)
- facio, -ere, feci, factum — to do (3rd conj., act. pres. part. facientes)
2. Quoniam tamquam fenum velociter arescent: et quemadmodum olera herbarum cito decident.
For they shall quickly wither like the grass, and as the green herbs they shall soon fall away.
- arescent — aresco, -ere, arui — shall wither (3rd conj., fut. ind. act.)
- decident — decido, -ere, decidi — shall fall down (3rd conj., fut. ind. act.)
- fenum, -i (n) — hay, grass
- olerum, -orum (n pl) — herbs, greens
3. Spera in Domino, et fac bonitatem: et inhabita terram, et pasceris in divitiis eius.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and you shall be fed with its riches.
- spera — spero, -are, -avi, -atum — trust (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- fac — facio, -ere, feci, factum — do (2 sg pres. imper., 3rd conj.)
- inhabita — inhabito, -are, -avi, -atum — dwell (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- pasceris — pasco, -ere, pavi, pastum — you shall be fed (2 sg fut. ind. pass., 3rd conj.)
4. Delectare in Domino: et dabit tibi petitiones cordis tui.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the requests of your heart.
- delectare — delector, -ari, -atus sum — delight yourself (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj., deponent)
- dabit — do, dare, dedi, datum — He will give (3rd sg fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
5. Revela Domino viam tuam, et spera in eum, et ipse faciet.
Reveal to the Lord your way, and trust in Him, and He will act.
- revela — revelo, -are, -avi, -atum — reveal (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- spera — spero, -are — trust (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- faciet — facio, -ere, feci, factum — He will do (3rd sg fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
6. Et educet quasi lumen iustitiam tuam: et iudicium tuum tamquam meridiem.
And He shall bring forth your justice as the light, and your judgement as the noonday.
- educet — educo, -ere, eduxi, eductum — He shall lead forth, bring out (3rd sg fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
7. Subditus esto Domino, et ora eum: noli aemulari in eo, qui prosperatur in via sua.
Be subject to the Lord, and pray to Him; do not envy him who prospers in his way.
- esto — sum, esse, fui — be (2 sg fut. imper., irregular)
- ora — oro, -are, -avi, -atum — pray (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- prosperatur — prosperor, -ari, -atus sum — prospers (3rd sg pres. ind., 1st conj., deponent)
8. Desine ab ira, et derelinque furorem: noli aemulari ut maligneris.
Cease from anger, and leave wrath; do not envy so as to act wickedly.
- desine — desino, -ere, desii, desitum — cease (2 sg pres. imper., 3rd conj.)
- derelinque — derelinquo, -ere, reliqui, relictum — leave behind (2 sg pres. imper., 3rd conj.)
- maligneris — malignero, -ari, -atus sum — you may act wickedly (2 sg pres. subj., 1st conj., deponent)
9. Quoniam qui malignantur exterminabuntur: sustinentes autem Dominum ipsi hereditabunt terram.
For evildoers shall be destroyed, but those who wait upon the Lord — they shall inherit the land.
- malignantur — malignero, -ari, -atus sum — do evil (3rd pl pres. ind. deponent, 1st conj.)
- exterminabuntur — extermino, -are, -avi, -atum — shall be cut off (3rd pl fut. ind. pass., 1st conj.)
- sustinentes — sustineo, -ere, sustinui, sustentum — those who wait (pres. part., 2nd conj.)
- hereditabunt — heredito, -are, -avi, -atum — they shall inherit (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
10. Et adhuc pusillum, et non erit peccator: et quaeres locum eius, et non invenies.
And yet a little while, and the sinner shall not be; you shall seek his place, and shall not find it.
- erit — sum, esse, fui — shall be (fut. ind. act., irregular)
- quaeres — quaero, -ere, quaesivi, quaesitum — you shall seek (fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- invenies — invenio, -ire, -veni, -ventum — you shall find (fut. ind. act., 4th conj.)
11. Mansueti autem hereditabunt terram: et delectabuntur in multitudine pacis.
But the meek shall inherit the land, and shall delight in the abundance of peace.
- hereditabunt — heredito, -are — shall inherit (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- delectabuntur — delector, -ari, -atus sum — shall delight (fut. ind. deponent, 1st conj.)
12. Observabit peccator iustum: et stridebit super eum dentibus suis.
The sinner shall watch the just man, and shall gnash his teeth against him.
- observabit — observo, -are, -avi, -atum — shall watch (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- stridebit — strido, -ere, stridi — shall gnash, creak (fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
13. Dominus autem irridebit eum: quoniam prospicit quod veniet dies eius.
But the Lord shall laugh at him, for He sees that his day is coming.
- irridebit — irrideo, -ere, irrisi, irrisum — shall laugh at (fut. ind. act., 2nd conj.)
- prospicit — prospicio, -ere, prospexi, prospectum — sees (pres. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- veniet — venio, -ire, veni, ventum — shall come (fut. ind. act., 4th conj.)
14. Gladium evaginaverunt peccatores: intenderunt arcum suum.
The sinners have drawn out the sword; they have stretched their bow.
- evaginaverunt — evagino, -are, -avi, -atum — they have drawn (perf. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- intenderunt — intendo, -ere, intendi, intentum — they have stretched (perf. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
15. Ut deiciant pauperem et inopem: ut trucident rectos corde.
That they may cast down the poor and needy; that they may slay the upright of heart.
- deiciant — deicio, -ere, deieci, deiectum — may cast down (pres. subj. act., 3rd conj.)
- trucident — trucido, -are, -avi, -atum — may slay (pres. subj. act., 1st conj.)
- rectus, -a, -um — upright, straight
16. Gladius eorum intret in corda ipsorum: et arcus eorum confringatur.
Let their sword enter into their own hearts, and let their bows be broken.
- intret — intro, -are, -avi, -atum — may enter (pres. subj. act., 1st conj.)
- confringatur — confringo, -ere, confregi, confractum — may be broken (pres. subj. pass., 3rd conj.)
(Psalm 36 is long; this is Part I (vv. 1–16). Part II will continue vv. 17–40 in the same literal manner.)
Study Exercise
Translate into Latin:
- Do not envy evildoers.
- Trust in the Lord and do good.
- Delight yourself in the Lord.
- The meek shall inherit the land.
- Let their bows be broken.
Answers:
- Noli aemulari in malignantibus.
- Spera in Domino et fac bonitatem.
- Delectare in Domino.
- Mansueti hereditabunt terram.
- Arcus eorum confringatur.
Psalmus 36 (Pars II, vv. 17–40)
Noli aemulari in malignantibus – continued
Summary
The psalmist contrasts the fleeting power of the wicked with the enduring security of the righteous.
The Lord upholds the just, provides for them in famine, and directs their steps.
Though they fall, they do not remain cast down.
The wicked perish, but the meek inherit peace.
The psalm closes with serene confidence: “Salus iustorum a Domino est.”
Verses, Translation, and Word Notes
17. Quoniam brachia peccatorum conterentur: confirmat autem iustos Dominus.
For the arms of sinners shall be broken, but the Lord strengthens the just.
- conterentur — contero, -ere, contrivi, contritum — shall be broken (3rd pl fut. ind. pass., 3rd conj.)
- confirmat — confirmo, -are, -avi, -atum — strengthens (3rd sg pres. ind. act., 1st conj.)
18. Novit Dominus dies immaculatorum: et hereditas eorum in aeternum erit.
The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance shall be for ever.
- novit — nosco / novi, -isse — knows (perf. form with present sense, 3rd conj.)
- erit — sum, esse, fui — shall be (fut. ind. act., irregular)
19. Non confundentur in tempore malo, et in diebus famis saturabuntur:
They shall not be confounded in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be filled.
- confundentur — confundo, -ere, confudi, confusum — shall be confounded (fut. ind. pass., 3rd conj.)
- saturabuntur — saturo, -are, -avi, -atum — shall be filled (fut. ind. pass., 1st conj.)
20. Quia peccatores peribunt, inimici vero Domini mox ut honorificati fuerint et exaltati, deficientes, quemadmodum fumus deficient.
For sinners shall perish; but the enemies of the Lord, as soon as they are exalted and honoured, shall vanish like smoke.
- peribunt — pereo, -ire, -ii, -itum — shall perish (fut. ind. act., irregular compound of 4th conj.)
- honorificati fuerint — honorifico, -are + sum — shall have been honoured (fut. perf. ind. pass., 1st conj.)
- deficientes — deficio, -ere, defeci, defectum — failing, waning (pres. part., 3rd conj.)
21. Mutuabitur peccator, et non solvet: iustus autem miseretur et tribuet.
The sinner borrows and does not repay; but the just is merciful and gives.
- mutuabitur — mutuor, -ari, -atus sum — will borrow (fut. ind. deponent, 1st conj.)
- solvet — solvo, -ere, solvi, solutum — will repay (fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- miseretur — misereor, -eri, -itus sum — shows mercy (pres. ind. deponent, 2nd conj.)
- tribuet — tribuo, -ere, tribui, tributum — will give (fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
22. Quia benedicentes ei hereditabunt terram: maledicentes autem ei disperibunt.
For those blessing Him shall inherit the land; but those cursing Him shall perish.
- benedicentes — benedico, -ere, -dixi, -dictum — blessing (pres. part., 3rd conj.)
- hereditabunt — heredito, -are — shall inherit (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- disperibunt — disperior < pereo — shall perish (fut. ind. act., irreg.)
23. Apud Dominum gressus hominis dirigentur: et viam eius volet.
With the Lord the steps of a man shall be directed, and He shall delight in his way.
- dirigentur — dirigo, -ere, direxi, directum — shall be directed (fut. ind. pass., 3rd conj.)
- volet — volo, velle, volui — shall will, shall delight (fut. ind. act., irregular)
24. Cum ceciderit, non collidetur: quia Dominus supponit manum suam.
When he falls, he shall not be bruised; for the Lord upholds his hand.
- ceciderit — cado, -ere, cecidi, casum — shall have fallen (fut. perf. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- collidetur — collido, -ere, collisi, collisum — shall be struck (fut. ind. pass., 3rd conj.)
- supponit — suppono, -ere, -posui, -positum — places under, supports (pres. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
25. Iunior fui, etenim senui: et non vidi iustum derelictum, nec semen eius quaerens panem.
I have been young and now am old, yet I have not seen the just forsaken nor his seed begging bread.
- fui — sum, esse, fui — I was (perf. ind. act.)
- senui — seneo, -ere — I have grown old (perf. ind. act., 2nd conj.)
- vivi → (vidi) — video, -ere — I saw (perf. ind. act., 2nd conj.)
- derelictum — derelinquo, -ere, -liqui, -lictum — forsaken (perf. part. pass., 3rd conj.)
26. Tota die miseretur et commodat: et semen illius in benedictione erit.
All the day he is merciful and lends; and his seed shall be in blessing.
- miseretur — misereor, -eri, -itus sum — has mercy (pres. ind. deponent, 2nd conj.)
- commodat — commodo, -are, -avi, -atum — lends (pres. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- erit — shall be (fut. ind. act., irregular)
27. Declina a malo et fac bonum: et inhabita in saeculum saeculi.
Turn away from evil and do good, and dwell for ever and ever.
- declina — declino, -are, -avi, -atum — turn away (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- fac — facio, -ere — do (2 sg pres. imper., 3rd conj.)
- inhabita — inhabito, -are — dwell (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
28. Quia Dominus amat iudicium, et non derelinquet sanctos suos.
For the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints.
- amat — amo, -are, -avi, -atum — loves (pres. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- derelinquet — derelinquo, -ere, -liqui, -lictum — will forsake (fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
29. Iniusti punientur: et semen impiorum peribit.
The unjust shall be punished, and the seed of the wicked shall perish.
- punientur — puno, -are, -avi, -atum — shall be punished (fut. ind. pass., 1st conj.)
- peribit — pereo, -ire — shall perish (fut. ind. act., irreg.)
30. Iusti autem hereditabunt terram: et inhabitabunt in saeculum saeculi super eam.
But the just shall inherit the land and shall dwell upon it for ever.
- hereditabunt — heredito, -are — shall inherit (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- inhabitabunt — inhabito, -are — shall dwell (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
31. Os iusti meditabitur sapientiam, et lingua eius loquetur iudicium.
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgement.
- meditabitur — meditor, -ari, -atus sum — will meditate (fut. ind. deponent, 1st conj.)
- loquetur — loquor, -i, locutus sum — will speak (fut. ind. deponent, 3rd conj.)
32. Lex Dei eius in corde ipsius, et non supplantabuntur gressus eius.
The law of his God (is) in his heart, and his steps shall not be overthrown.
- supplantabuntur — supplanto, -are, -avi, -atum — shall be overthrown (fut. ind. pass., 1st conj.)
33. Considerat peccator iustum: et quaerit mortificare eum.
The sinner watches the just and seeks to kill him.
- considerat — considero, -are — watches (pres. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- quaerit — quaero, -ere — seeks (pres. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- mortificare — mortifico, -are — to kill (pres. inf., 1st conj.)
34. Dominus autem non derelinquet eum in manibus eius: nec condemnabit eum cum iudicabitur illi.
But the Lord will not forsake him in his hand, nor condemn him when he shall be judged.
- derelinquet — derelinquo, -ere — will forsake (fut. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- condemnabit — condemno, -are — will condemn (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- iudicabitur — iudico, -are — shall be judged (fut. ind. pass., 1st conj.)
35. Expecta Dominum, et custodi viam eius: et exaltabit te ut hereditate capias terram.
Wait for the Lord, and keep His way; and He will exalt you, that you may inherit the land.
- expecta — expecto, -are — wait (2 sg pres. imper., 1st conj.)
- custodi — custodio, -ire — keep (2 sg pres. imper., 4th conj.)
- exaltabit — exalto, -are — will exalt (fut. ind. act., 1st conj.)
- capias — capio, -ere, cepi, captum — you may take (pres. subj. act., 3rd conj.)
36. Vidi impium superexaltatum et elevatum sicut cedros Libani.
I have seen the wicked highly exalted and lifted up like the cedars of Lebanon.
- vidi — video, -ere — I saw (perf. ind. act., 2nd conj.)
- superexaltatum — superexalto, -are — exalted (perf. part. pass., 1st conj.)
- elevatum — elevo, -are — lifted (perf. part. pass., 1st conj.)
37. Et transivi, et ecce non erat: et quaesivi eum, et non est inventus locus eius.
And I passed by, and behold, he was not; I sought him, but his place was not found.
- transivi — transeo, -ire, -ii, -itum — I passed (perf. ind. act., irreg.)
- quaesivi — quaero, -ere — I sought (perf. ind. act., 3rd conj.)
- inventus est — invenio, -ire — was found (perf. ind. pass., 4th conj.)
38. Custodi innocentiam, et vide aequitatem: quoniam sunt reliquiae homini pacifico.
Keep innocence, and behold uprightness; for there are remnants for the peaceful man.
- custodi — custodio, -ire — keep (2 sg pres. imper., 4th conj.)
- vide — video, -ere — see (2 sg pres. imper., 2nd conj.)
39. Iniusti autem disperibunt simul: reliquiae impiorum interibunt.
But the unjust shall perish together; the remnants of the wicked shall be destroyed.
- disperibunt — pereo, -ire — shall perish (fut. ind. act., irreg.)
- interibunt — intereo, -ire, -ii, -itum — shall perish (fut. ind. act., irreg.)
40. Salus autem iustorum a Domino est, et protector eorum in tempore tribulationis.
But the salvation of the just is from the Lord, and He is their protector in time of trouble.
- est — sum, esse, fui — is (pres. ind. act., irreg.)
Certainly — here is the Study Exercise for Psalm 36 (Pars II, vv. 17–40), following the same model and level of precision as before.
Study Exercise
Translate into Latin:
- The arms of sinners shall be broken.
- The Lord knows the days of the just.
- He shall not forsake his saints.
- Turn away from evil and do good.
- The mouth of the just shall speak wisdom.
- Wait for the Lord, and keep His way.
- I saw the wicked exalted like the cedars of Lebanon.
- Keep innocence and behold uprightness.
- The salvation of the just is from the Lord.
- He shall be their protector in time of trouble.
Answers:
- Brachia peccatorum conterentur.
- Novit Dominus dies iustorum.
- Non derelinquet Dominus sanctos suos.
- Declina a malo et fac bonum.
- Os iusti loquetur sapientiam.
- Expecta Dominum et custodi viam eius.
- Vidi impium superexaltatum sicut cedros Libani.
- Custodi innocentiam et vide aequitatem.
- Salus iustorum a Domino est.
- Et protector eorum erit in tempore tribulationis.