Introduction to Psalm 1:3
Psalm 1:3 is a vivid poetic description of the righteous individual, comparing them to a tree planted by streams of water. The verse employs various grammatical constructs, including the construct chain (סְמִיכוּת), which plays a crucial role in biblical Hebrew syntax. In this analysis, we will explore the function of the construct chain in this verse, how it affects meaning, and its grammatical implications.
וְֽהָיָ֗ה כְּעֵץ֮ שָׁת֪וּל עַֽל־פַּלְגֵ֫י מָ֥יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר פִּרְיֹ֨ו יִתֵּ֬ן בְּעִתֹּ֗ו וְעָלֵ֥הוּ לֹֽא־יִבֹּ֑ול וְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה יַצְלִֽיחַ׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
One of the most significant grammatical features in this verse is the construct chain in the phrase:
פַּלְגֵי מָיִם
This phrase consists of two nouns:
- פַּלְגֵי (palgei) – “streams of” (construct form of פֶּלֶג, “stream”)
- מָיִם (mayim) – “water” (absolute state)
Here, פַּלְגֵי is in the construct state, meaning it must be followed by another noun that determines its meaning. The word מָיִם is in the absolute state, serving as the governing noun. Together, the phrase means “streams of water.”
Explanation of Grammatical Function
What is a Construct Chain?
A construct chain (סְמִיכוּת) is a common grammatical structure in Hebrew where two or more nouns are linked together, forming a genitive relationship (i.e., “X of Y”). In such constructions:
- The first noun (construct form) is dependent on the second noun (absolute form) for its meaning.
- The first noun is typically shortened or modified in form.
- The whole phrase functions as a single grammatical unit.
Why is פַּלְגֵי in Construct Form?
The noun פֶּלֶג (singular: “stream”) follows a plural pattern in construct chains where the plural ending -ים (-im) changes to -ֵי (-ei), forming פַּלְגֵי (“streams of”). This is a regular pattern in masculine plural construct forms.
Implications for Meaning
Unlike English, which uses prepositions (“of”), Hebrew expresses possessive or associative relationships through construct chains. The construct state in פַּלְגֵי מָיִם creates a meaning of possession or description, effectively translating to “streams of water.”
Phonological and Morphological Observations
When a noun enters the construct state, its stress pattern can shift. In this case:
- פַּלְגֵי has a reduced vowel (tsere, ֵ) instead of the full form in the absolute state.
- The plural suffix -ֵי replaces the standard -ים suffix found in the absolute form.
Word Order and Syntax
In Biblical Hebrew, construct chains behave as a single syntactic unit. In the phrase עַל־פַּלְגֵי מָיִם (“by streams of water”), the preposition עַל (al, “upon/by”) governs the entire phrase, treating פַּלְגֵי מָיִם as one entity.
The Role of the Construct Chain in Psalm 1:3
The use of the construct chain in פַּלְגֵי מָיִם is essential for expressing a natural connection between “streams” and “water.” Hebrew often forms such chains instead of using adjectives or prepositional phrases. The phrase emphasizes the nourishment and stability of the righteous, likened to a tree planted by consistent, life-giving water sources.
This grammatical feature is not just a syntactic necessity but a poetic device enhancing the imagery of stability and blessing in Psalm 1:3.
