OET interlinear PSA 80:1

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

רֹ֘עֵ֤ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster to/towards lilies transcript of,Asaph song )

Asaph is speaking as if God were a Shepherd of Israel. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Caretaker of Israel]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / imperative

הַאֲזִ֗ינָ⁠ה

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster to/towards lilies transcript of,Asaph song )

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. If the imperative does not communicate a polite request for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. See how you as a team have decided to translate imperatives in the Psalms and follow that approach here and throughout this psalm. For more information on how to translate imperatives see the Psalm 80 Introduction. Alternate translation: [please pay attention]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

הַאֲזִ֗ינָ⁠ה

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster to/towards lilies transcript of,Asaph song )

Asaph is using the phrase give ear to mean “listen to me.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly as in the UST.

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / simile

נֹהֵ֣ג כַּ⁠צֹּ֣אן יוֹסֵ֑ף

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster to/towards lilies transcript of,Asaph song )

The point of this comparison is that just as a shepherd leads and cares for a flock, so God leads and cares for the descendants of Joseph. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [the one caring for the descendants of Joseph as a shepherd cares for a flock]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

יוֹסֵ֑ף

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster to/towards lilies transcript of,Asaph song )

Here, Joseph represents all the people of Israel, particularly the northern tribes descended from Joseph. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the descendants of Joseph]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

יֹשֵׁ֖ב הַ⁠כְּרוּבִ֣ים

(Some words not found in UHB: to,choirmaster to/towards lilies transcript of,Asaph song )

Asaph is speaking as if God were one who sits on the cherubim. This refers to God being enthroned above the ark of the covenant. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [You who are enthroned above the cherubim]