| 8. Linguistic Exegesis The verse features a Qal infinitive construct followed by a Qal imperfect verb, creating a parallel merismus that underscores comprehensive divine care. The infinitive linṣor {לִ֭נְצֹר | li-nṣor} ‘to guard’ introduces the general action, and the imperfect yishmor {יִשְׁמֹֽר | yišmōr} ‘he guards’ conveys ongoing protection. Orḥot mishpat {אָרְח֣וֹת מִשְׁפָּ֑ט | orḥōt mišpāṭ} ‘paths of justice’ employs a construct chain to specify the domain of guardianship, while ve-derekh ḥasidav {וְדֶ֖רֶךְ חֲסִידָ֣יו | və-dereḵ ḥăsīdāv} ‘and the way of His faithful ones’ parallels the first phrase to highlight relational fidelity. In English, the infinitive is rendered as a finite verb for immediacy, and coordination preserves the Hebrew emphasis on both juridical and personal dimensions of divine protection. |