Psalm 39 Emotional

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Psalm 39/Emotional
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Emotional Analysis

  What is Emotional Analysis?

This layer explores the emotional dimension of the biblical text and seeks to uncover the clues within the text itself that are part of the communicative intent of its author. The goal of this analysis is to chart the basic emotional tone and/or progression of the psalm.

For a detailed explanation of our method, see the Emotional Analysis Creator Guidelines.


Emotional Analysis Chart

  Legend

If an emendation or revocalization is preferred, that emendation or revocalization will be marked in the Hebrew text of all the visuals.

Emendations/Revocalizations legend
*Emended text* Emended text, text in which the consonants differ from the consonants of the Masoretic text, is indicated by blue asterisks on either side of the emendation.
*Revocalized text* Revocalized text, text in which only the vowels differ from the vowels of the Masoretic text, is indicated by purple asterisks on either side of the revocalization.

Summary Visual

(Click visual to enlarge).


THINK FEEL DO Determination Guilt Discontentment Apathy "fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming— who can tell someone else what will happen after them?" (Eccl 10:14, NIV) "The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile (הָֽבֶל)" (Ps 94:11, NIV) Silence is an appropriate response to YHWH's discipline. It is YHWH who disciplines the psalmist for his sin. Laments his discipline under YHWH's hand (vv. 8–12) Commits to avoid sin by staying silent (vv. 2–3b) Laments his ongoing suffering in silence (vv. 3c–4) Complains about how short his life is (v. 5–6c) Confirms the transience of humanity and the futility of their labor (vv. 6c–7) Misery Discomfort Requests YHWH turn away from him and give him respite (vv. 13–14) Depression "However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all ... Everything to come is meaningless (הָֽבֶל)" (Eccl 11:8, NIV).

Affective Circumplex

  What is the affective circumplex?

The affective circumplex locates emotions on two axes: (1) positive vs. negative valence; and (2) active vs. passive activation. Since emotional terminology often carries unintended cultural connotations, the purpose of the circumplex is to ease translation of emotions across different languages and cultures.
REPORT (vv. 2–6b) REFLECTION (vv. 6c–7) LAMENT (vv. 8–12) PLEA (vv. 13–14)