Introduction to Psalm 25:3: Volition, Shame, and Contrast in Hebrew Poetry
Psalm 25:3 presents a theological contrast between two groups: those who קִוּוּ (“wait” or “hope”) for YHWH, and those who act treacherously. The grammatical structure distinguishes these groups by using volitional imperfect forms (expressing desire or prediction), strong negation, and poetic parallelism. This analysis will explore how Hebrew syntax, verb aspect, and poetic structure express profound theological and moral distinctions.
גַּ֣ם כָּל־֭קֹוֶיךָ לֹ֣א יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ יֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ הַבֹּוגְדִ֥ים רֵיקָֽם׃
This lesson is based on Psalm 25:3, focusing on the topic: ‘Volitional Modality and Antithetical Parallelism in Hebrew: The Syntax of Hope and Shame.’ This verse provides an elegant example of volitional forms, negation, and contrast through poetic structure, all centered on the theme of trust in YHWH.
Analysis of Key Grammatical Features
1. גַּ֣ם כָּל־קֹוֶיךָ – “Indeed, all who wait for You”
- גַּם – adverb: “also,” “indeed,” emphasizing inclusion or intensity
- כָּל – “all”; introduces a universal scope
- קֹוֶיךָ – masculine plural construct form of קוֶֹה (“one who waits/ hopes”) + 2ms suffix “your”
This phrase introduces the faithful subject of the clause: all those who hope in YHWH. The noun קֹוֶה comes from the root ק־ו־ה meaning “to wait” or “to hope.” The possessive suffix refers to YHWH. Grammatically, it’s a construct phrase, and syntactically it functions as the subject of the negated verb that follows.
2. לֹ֣א יֵבֹשׁוּ – “shall not be ashamed”
- לֹא – standard negation particle used with imperfect (non-volitional in this case)
- יֵבֹשׁוּ – Qal imperfect 3mp of ב־ו־שׁ: “they will be ashamed”
This verb is negated imperfect, expressing a future prohibition or confident declaration: “they shall not be put to shame.” The imperfect conveys expectation or prediction, and the negation לֹא asserts divine assurance for the faithful. The verse thus contrasts those who wait in trust with those who act without fidelity.
3. יֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ הַבֹּוגְדִ֥ים רֵיקָֽם – “Let the treacherous be ashamed in vain”
- יֵבֹשׁוּ – same verb again, but now stands at the front of the second half of the verse
- הַבֹּוגְדִים – participle masculine plural of ב־ג־ד: “the treacherous, betrayers”
- רֵיקָם – adverb: “in vain,” “for nothing,” “emptily”
This is an example of antithetical parallelism. Whereas the faithful shall not be ashamed, the treacherous will be. The parallel structure and repetition of יֵבֹשׁוּ (with different subjects and outcomes) intensifies the moral dichotomy. רֵיקָם (“in vain”) likely refers to their deeds and hopes—empty, futile, and resulting in shame.
Syntactic and Poetic Devices at Work
This verse features several notable grammatical and literary devices:
- Antithetical parallelism – Two halves of the verse contrast righteous and wicked
- Imperfect verb forms – Indicating volition or future expectation
- Negation and assertion – לֹא vs. positive verb repetition
- Construct chains – כָּל־קֹוֶיךָ shows dependency and possession
The Syntax of Trust and Judgment in Psalm 25:3
Psalm 25:3 shows how Hebrew syntax and morphology embody theological contrast: those who hope in YHWH experience security, while the faithless reap dishonor. The structure is simple, yet powerful: a clear division expressed through parallel imperfects, negation, and a repeated root (בוש) showing the reversal of expectation. The grammar reinforces the moral order of the universe under YHWH’s covenantal care.
