There is No "Being" or Talk Like Captain Kirk

We often take little words for granted. Some of those are those "being" verbs. Words like am, are, is, was, were, and will be. They are important in making our sentences flow and showing how things connect. They are 'helping verbs". Little words out there to give the regular verb a helping hand. We use them with little thought. However, if we lost them, communication would be rather interesting. Somewhat choppy to say the least. This being true, it is interesting to note that there is a significant lack of those little verbs in the Scriptures. It is especially true in the Psalms. You may not notice, as the translators supply those little words to help our English versions flow better. In several of our translations the editors put these in italics (KJV, NKJV, NASB) so we, as readers, will know what has been added. The NIV, ESV, RSV simply add the words without any indication of the additions. The thought, and a pretty reasonable thought, is that these verbs are just assumed. 

You might ask, "What does it matter? The important thing is that we have the Scriptures in readable English." I have felt led to read the Scriptures without reading the editorial additions. Much of the time it makes little difference; however, sometimes it makes a pretty significant difference. I have noticed in the Psalms that deleting those little italicized words intensifies the references to God and what He has done. I have not concluded that it is by Hebraic design or necessarily David's intent, however, it does make an interesting read. If you are familiar with Captain Kirk you can appreciate the staggered sound of the text. The pauses that replace the "being" verbs and those "helpful" clarifications just place heavier weight on the words that follow.

For example Psalm 3:1-3 would read like this, "LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many - they who say of me -No help for him in God! But You, O Lord, - a shield for me!". Or Psalm 22:9-11, "But you - He who took me out of the womb; You made me trust - on my mother's breasts. I was cast upon you from birth. From my mother's womb you - - my God! Be not far from me for trouble - near! For --none to help!" Psalm 136 adds the word "endures" in every verse. The repeated phrase "His mercy endures forever" speaks of God's remarkable care. The Hebrew word hesed is difficult to capture in English. Which is why we have the words mercy, love, lovingkindness, steadfast love, or faithful love as a way to translate the word in various English translations. Hesed carries the reality of the mutual conventional love shared between God and His people. It encompasses God's love, mercy, kindness, grace, affection, affirmed by His eternal covenant that we share relationally with the God of the universe. It is a rich and amazing word. David's point is that in all that God has done for him this hesed relationship will never end. He seems to pause after each proclamation and then erupt with the word "forever". Leaving out the translators "helpful" addition changes the intensity of David's Psalm of praise. 

The Psalm would read something like this:

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for - - good! For His hesed  -  forever! Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His hesed  -  forever! Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! for His hesed  -  forever! To Him who alone does great wonders. For His hesed  -  forever! To Him who by wisdom made the heavens. For His hesed  -  forever! To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His hesed  -  forever!"

And so it goes for another 20 verses! In case you didn't get it His hesed, His love, His, mercy, His covenant love, His kindness, His mutual lovingkindness with you - FOREVER! I invite you to read the entire Psalm with a thought to the depth of the word your translation uses for hesed and then bask in the reality that this love never ends. It lasts forever. It is eternal. 


Admittedly the italicized words can help in our reading. However, I encourage you to pick up a translation that lets you know of the words added and read the passage eliminating those added words. Being verbs are necessary and I mean no offense if you are committed to those little "helpers" (By the way there are a number of added pronouns as well). There is no insult intended to those who added the helper words for they certainly help in the reading of the text. Yet, on your own time, during your own devotional reading try putting on your Captain Kirk outfit and read --------- the -------- text -------- with those ----- rather --------- awkward  pauses. It may give you a new appreciation for the Psalms and praises David brought to the Lord.