Towards a Precise Translation of Psalm 115,1

Abstract

The commonly accepted translation of Ps 115,1, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory (כבוד ‪נתן) for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness,” does not express the full meaning of the phrase. Important precision is provided by examination of several neglected or unrecognized factors such as the meaning of “to us,” “give,” and “glory,” dialectical negation in the community’s petition, and the function of V 1 within the psalm.