I. Liturgical, Musical, and Technical Terms (Often in Psalm Titles):;xNLx;;xNLx;Selah (e.g., Psalm 3:2, 4, 8; 4:2, 4; and frequently throughout): A Hebrew term of uncertain meaning, found frequently in the Psalms. It is likely a liturgical or musical notation. Possible interpretations include:;xNLx;A pause or suspension of singing, perhaps for an instrumental interlude, a moment of reflection, or a change in musical style.;xNLx;An instruction to "lift up" or "exalt," possibly indicating a crescendo or a vocal emphasis.;xNLx;A marker for a new section or stanza.;xNLx;Maskil (e.g., Titles of Psalms 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89, 142): A Hebrew term of uncertain meaning, possibly indicating a contemplative, didactic, or skillful psalm (a psalm of instruction or wisdom).;xNLx;Miktam (e.g., Titles of Psalms 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60): A Hebrew term of uncertain meaning. Theories include:;xNLx;An "inscription" or "epigrammatic" psalm, possibly with a concise or "golden" teaching.;xNLx;A psalm of "atonement" or related to a "covering.";xNLx;Possibly a musical term.;xNLx;Shiggaion (Title of Psalm 7): A Hebrew term of uncertain meaning, possibly referring to a wild, passionate, or emotional song, perhaps with a rapidly changing rhythm or an ecstatic character.;xNLx;To the choirmaster / For the Chief Musician (Frequently in Psalm titles, e.g., Psalm 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, etc.): An instruction indicating the psalm was intended for the director of music or the leader of the temple choir for public worship.;xNLx;According to The Gittith / On the Gittith (e.g., Titles of Psalms 8, 81, 84): A Hebrew term of uncertain meaning, possibly:;xNLx;A musical instrument or type of melody originating from Gath (a Philistine city).;xNLx;A tune associated with a vintage song (as "gath" can mean winepress).;xNLx;According to The Doe of the Dawn / On "The Doe of the Morning" (Title of Psalm 22): Likely the name of a well-known tune or melody to which this psalm was to be sung.;xNLx;According to Lilies / On "Lilies" / Shoshannim (e.g., Titles of Psalms 45, 60, 69, 80): Likely the name of a melody. "Shoshannim" means "lilies.";xNLx;According to Muth-labben / On "The Death of the Son" (Title of Psalm 9): Likely the name of a familiar tune. The meaning of "Muth-labben" is obscure.;xNLx;According to Mahalath / On Mahalath (e.g., Titles of Psalms 53, 88): A Hebrew term of uncertain meaning, possibly:;xNLx;A tune or melody.;xNLx;Indicating a psalm of sickness, suffering, or sadness (as mahalah can mean sickness).;xNLx;A Song of Ascents (Titles of Psalms 120-134): A title for a group of fifteen psalms. Traditionally thought to be songs sung by pilgrims as they "ascended" or went up to Jerusalem for the annual festivals, or perhaps sung by Levites on the steps of the Temple.;xNLx;Higgaion (Psalm 9:16): A Hebrew term, possibly indicating a meditative or instrumental interlude, a solemn sound (perhaps of the harp), or a moment for quiet reflection. Often found near "Selah.";xNLx;Sheminith / On the Sheminith (e.g., Titles of Psalms 6, 12): A Hebrew musical term, likely meaning "on the eighth," possibly referring to an octave lower, a bass register, or an eight-stringed instrument.;xNLx;Alamoth / On Alamoth (Title of Psalm 46): A Hebrew musical term, possibly meaning "for soprano voices" or "for young women" (from almah, young woman), or referring to a type of instrument or melody.;xNLx;II. Theological and Covenantal Concepts:;xNLx;;xNLx;Steadfast love / Lovingkindness / Mercy / Faithfulness (Hebrew: chesed) (e.g., Psalm 5:7; 6:4; 13:5; 17:7; 23:6; 25:6-7, 10; 26:3; 31:7, 16, 21; 32:10; 33:5, 18, 22; 36:5, 7, 10; and very frequently throughout): A foundational attribute of God and a key covenantal term. It encompasses loyal love, covenant faithfulness, unfailing kindness, mercy, and goodness. It describes God's persistent and faithful love for His people.;xNLx;Righteousness (Hebrew: tsedeq or tsedaqah) (e.g., Psalm 1:5-6; 4:1, 5; 5:8, 12; 7:8-9, 11, 17; 9:4, 8; 11:7; 15:2; 17:1, 15; 18:20, 24; 22:31; 23:3; 24:5; 31:1; 33:5; 35:24, 27-28; 36:6, 10; 37:6, 21, 28-30, 39; 40:9-10; and frequently): God's moral perfection, justice, faithfulness to His covenant promises, and actions to save or vindicate His people. For humans, it means conformity to God's law, moral uprightness, and just behavior.;xNLx;Justice (Hebrew: mishpat) (e.g., Psalm 1:5 [judgment]; 7:6, 8, 11; 9:4, 7-8, 16; 10:18; 17:2; 19:9; 25:9; 33:5; 35:23-24; 36:6; 37:6, 28, 30; 40:10 [salvation]; 48:11; 50:6; 51:4; 72:1-2, 4; 75:2; 76:8-9; 82:2-3, 8; 89:14; 94:2, 15; 96:13; 97:2; 98:9; 99:4; 101:1; 103:6; 106:3; 111:7; 112:5; 119:7, 30, 39, 43, 62, 75, 102, 106, 108, 120, 121, 132, 137, 140, 149, 156, 160, 164, 175; 122:5; 140:12; 143:2, 11; 146:7; 147:19): God's right and equitable governance of the world, His acts of judgment against wickedness, and His vindication of the oppressed. For humans, it means fairness, impartiality, and living according to God's standards of right.;xNLx;Salvation / Deliverance (Hebrew: yeshuah, teshuah) (e.g., Psalm 3:2, 8; 9:14; 13:5; 14:7; 18:2-3, 35, 46, 50; 20:5-6, 9; 21:1, 5; 22:1; 24:5; 25:5; 27:1, 9; 28:8; 35:3, 9; 37:39-40; 40:10, 16; 42:5, 11; 43:5; 44:3-4; 50:23; 51:12, 14; 53:6; 60:11; 62:1-2, 6-7; 65:5; 67:2; 68:19-20; 69:13, 29; 70:4; 71:15; 74:12; 78:22; 79:9; 80:2-3, 7, 19; 85:4, 7, 9; 88:1; 89:26; 91:16; 95:1; 96:2; 98:1-3; 106:4, 47; 108:12; 116:13; 118:14-15, 21, 25; 119:41, 81, 117, 123, 155, 166, 174; 132:16; 140:7; 144:10; 149:4): Rescue from danger, oppression, enemies, sin, or death, brought about by God's power and grace.;xNLx;Redeem / Redemption (Hebrew: padah, ga'al) (e.g., Psalm 25:22; 26:11; 31:5; 34:22; 44:26; 49:7-9, 15; 55:18; 69:18; 71:23; 72:14; 74:2; 77:15; 78:35, 42; 103:4; 106:10; 107:2; 111:9; 119:134, 154; 130:7-8; 136:24): To buy back, set free, rescue, or deliver, often from bondage, distress, or the power of enemies or death. It can refer to God's historical acts of redemption (like the Exodus) or personal deliverance.;xNLx;Refuge / Stronghold / Fortress / Shield / Rock (e.g., Psalm 2:12; 5:11; 7:1, 10; 9:9; 11:1; 14:6; 16:1; 17:7; 18:2, 30-31, 35; 27:1, 5; 28:7-8; 31:1-4, 19-20; 32:7; 33:20; 34:8, 22; 36:7; 37:39-40; 46:1, 7, 11; 57:1; 59:1, 9, 16-17; 61:2-4; 62:2, 6-8; 71:1, 3, 7; 73:28; 84:5, 9, 11-12; 90:1; 91:1-2, 4, 9; 94:22; 115:9-11; 118:8-9; 119:114; 140:7; 141:8; 142:5; 143:9; 144:1-2): Metaphors describing God as a source of protection, safety, security, and defense for those who trust in Him.;xNLx;Covenant (Hebrew: berit) (e.g., Psalm 25:10, 14; 44:17; 50:5, 16; 55:20; 74:20; 78:10, 37; 83:5; 89:3, 28, 34, 39; 103:18; 105:8, 10; 106:45; 111:5, 9; 132:12): The solemn, binding agreement between God and His people (e.g., with Abraham, Moses/Israel, David), involving promises, obligations, and a special relationship.;xNLx;Law / Torah / Testimonies / Precepts / Statutes / Commandments / Rules / Ordinances (Hebrew terms: torah, eduth, piqqudim, chuqqim, mitsvot, mishpatim) (Frequently throughout the Psalms, especially prominent in Psalm 1, 19, and 119): Various terms referring to God's instruction, guidance, will, and commands, revealed to Israel. Following God's law is a path to blessing and life. Psalm 119 is an extended meditation on the different facets of God's law.;xNLx;Zion / Mount Zion (e.g., Psalm 2:6; 9:11, 14; 14:7; 20:2; 46:4-5; 48:1-2, 11-12; 50:2; 51:18; 53:6; 65:1; 69:35; 74:2; 76:2; 78:68; 84:7; 87:1-5; 97:8; 99:2; 102:13, 16, 21; 110:2; 122:1-9; 125:1; 126:1; 128:5; 129:5; 132:13-14; 133:3; 134:3; 135:21; 137:1, 3; 146:10; 147:12; 149:2): The hill in Jerusalem on which the city of David and later the Temple were built. It is often used poetically to refer to Jerusalem as the city of God, the place of His special dwelling and worship, and a symbol of His kingdom and presence with His people.;xNLx;Sheol / The Pit / The Grave / Depths (e.g., Psalm 6:5; 9:17; 16:10; 18:4-5; 28:1; 30:3, 9; 31:17; 40:2; 49:9, 14-15; 55:15, 23; 69:15; 71:20; 86:13; 88:3-6, 10-12; 89:48; 107:26; 115:17; 116:3; 119:85; 139:8; 141:7; 143:3, 7): The realm of the dead in ancient Hebrew thought, typically a place of darkness, silence, and separation from God and the living. While not a place of punishment in the later sense of hell, it was generally viewed with dread. Some psalms express hope of deliverance from Sheol or God's presence even there.;xNLx;Anointed / Messiah (Hebrew: mashiach) (e.g., Psalm 2:2; 18:50; 20:6; 28:8; 84:9; 89:20, 38, 51; 105:15 [prophets/patriarchs as anointed]; 132:10, 17): Literally "anointed one," referring to someone consecrated for a special office by anointing with oil, typically a king or priest. In the Psalms, it often refers to the reigning Israelite king from David's line. Some psalms (Royal Psalms) have a future, messianic dimension, pointing towards an ideal future king who would fulfill God's promises (interpreted by Christians as Jesus Christ).;xNLx;Fear of the LORD (e.g., Psalm 2:11; 15:4; 19:9; 22:23, 25; 25:12, 14; 31:19; 33:8, 18; 34:7, 9, 11; 36:1; 52:6; 55:19; 60:4; 61:5; 64:9; 66:16; 67:7; 72:5; 76:7, 11-12; 85:9; 86:11; 90:11; 96:4, 9; 102:15; 103:11, 13, 17; 111:5, 10; 112:1; 115:11, 13; 118:4, 6; 119:38, 63, 74, 79, 120; 128:1, 4; 130:4; 135:20; 145:19; 147:11): Reverence, awe, worship, and obedience towards God. It is considered the beginning of wisdom and a foundational aspect of a right relationship with Him.;xNLx;Glory (Hebrew: kavod) (e.g., Psalm 3:3; 8:1, 5; 16:9; 19:1; 21:5; 24:7-10; 26:8; 29:1-3, 9; 30:12; 49:16-17; 57:5, 8, 11; 62:7; 63:2; 66:2; 71:8; 72:19; 73:24; 79:9; 84:11; 85:9; 86:9, 12; 89:17; 96:3, 6-8; 97:6; 102:15-16; 104:31; 106:20; 108:1, 5; 112:9; 113:4; 115:1; 138:5; 145:5, 11-12; 148:13; 149:5, 9; 150:1 [in his sanctuary]): God's manifest weight, honor, majesty, splendor, and radiance; His intrinsic worth and supreme importance. It can also refer to human honor or reputation, or the psalmist's own being (often "my soul" or "my honor").;xNLx;III. Emotional and Experiential Language:;xNLx;;xNLx;Lament / Complaint (Many psalms are laments, e.g., Psalms 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42-43, 44, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 69, 70, 71, 74, 77, 79, 80, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 94, 102, 109, 120, 123, 126, 130, 137, 140, 141, 142, 143): Psalms that express deep sorrow, grief, distress, confusion, or protest to God in times of suffering, oppression, or sin. They often include a plea for help and an expression of trust or hope.;xNLx;Praise / Thanksgiving (Many psalms are hymns of praise or thanksgiving, e.g., Psalms 8, 9, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36, 40, 46, 47, 48, 65, 66, 67, 68, 75, 76, 92, 93, 95-100, 103-108, 111, 113-118, 124, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139, 144-150): Psalms that extol God's character, attributes, and mighty deeds, or express gratitude for His blessings, deliverance, and provision.;xNLx;Meditate / Muse / Ponder (e.g., Psalm 1:2; 19:14; 49:3; 63:6; 77:3, 6, 12; 104:34; 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148; 143:5; 145:5): To reflect deeply, contemplate, or focus one's thoughts on God, His law, His works, or His word.;xNLx;Soul (Hebrew: nephesh) (Frequently throughout the Psalms, e.g., Psalm 3:2; 6:3-4; 11:1, 5; 16:2, 10; 19:7; 22:20, 29; 23:3; 24:4; 25:1, 13, 20; 26:9; 30:3, 12; 31:7, 9, 13; 33:19-20; 34:2, 22; 35:3, 7, 9, 12-13, 17, 25; 40:14; 41:2, 4; 42:1-2, 4-6, 11; 43:5; 44:25; 49:8, 15, 18-19; 54:3-4; 55:18; 56:6, 13; 57:1, 4, 6; 59:3; 62:1, 5; 63:1, 5, 8-9; 66:9, 16; 69:1, 10, 18; 70:2; 71:10, 13, 23; 72:13-14; 74:19; 77:2; 78:18, 50; 84:2; 86:2, 4, 13-14; 88:3, 14; 89:48; 94:17, 19, 21; 97:10; 103:1-2, 22; 104:1, 35; 107:5, 9, 18, 26; 109:20, 31; 116:4, 7-8; 119:20, 25, 28, 81, 109, 129 [ESV "my soul is consumed"], 167, 175; 120:2, 6; 121:7; 123:4; 124:7; 130:5-6; 131:2; 138:3; 139:14; 141:8; 142:4, 7; 143:3, 6, 8, 11-12; 146:1): Often refers to the whole person, the life principle, the seat of emotions, appetites, and desires. "My soul" can be a way of saying "I" or referring to one's inner being.;xNLx;Heart (Hebrew: lev or levav) (Frequently throughout the Psalms, e.g., Psalm 4:4, 7-8; 7:9-10; 9:1; 10:6, 11, 13, 17; 12:2; 13:2, 5; 14:1; 15:2; 16:7, 9; 17:3, 10; 19:8, 14; 22:14, 26; 24:4; 25:17; 26:2; 27:3, 8, 14; 28:3, 7; 31:12, 24; 32:11; 33:11, 15, 21; 34:18; 35:25; 36:1, 10; 37:4, 15, 30-31; 38:8, 10; 39:3; 40:10, 12; 41:6; 42:6; 44:18, 21; 45:1, 5; 46:2; 47:6; 48:13; 49:3; 51:10, 17; 53:1; 55:4, 21; 57:7; 58:2; 61:2, 4; 62:8, 10; 64:6, 10; 66:18; 69:20, 32; 73:1, 7, 13, 21, 26, 28; 74:8; 75:5; 76:5, 10; 77:6; 78:8, 18, 37, 70, 72; 81:12; 83:5; 84:2, 5; 86:11-12; 90:12; 94:15, 19; 95:8, 10; 96:9; 97:1, 11; 101:2, 4-5; 102:4; 104:15, 34; 105:3-4, 25; 107:12, 26; 108:1; 109:16, 22; 111:1; 112:1, 7-8; 119:2, 7, 10-11, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36, 58, 69, 70, 80, 93, 111-112, 127, 145, 161; 125:4; 131:1-2; 138:1; 139:23; 140:2; 141:4-5; 143:4, 7; 147:3, 10): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of human intellect, emotion, will, and spiritual life.;xNLx;Nations / Gentiles / Heathen (Hebrew: goyim) (e.g., Psalm 2:1, 8; 7:7; 9:5, 15, 17, 19-20; 10:16; 18:43, 49; 22:27-28; 33:10, 12; 43:1 [ungodly nation]; 44:2, 11, 14; 46:6, 10; 47:1, 3, 8-9; 49:1; 59:5, 8; 65:8; 66:7-8; 67:2, 4, 7; 72:11, 17; 78:55; 79:1, 6, 10; 80:8; 81:15; 82:8; 83:2, 4; 86:9; 87:4, 6; 89:27; 94:10; 96:1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13; 97:6; 98:2-3, 9; 99:2; 102:15, 22; 105:13, 20, 24, 44; 106:27, 35, 41, 47; 108:3; 110:6; 111:6; 113:4; 114:2; 115:2; 117:1; 118:10; 126:2-3; 132:15; 135:10, 15; 137:7; 138:4; 145:12; 147:20; 148:11, 14; 149:7): Non-Israelite peoples or foreign nations, often depicted as hostile to God and His people, or as objects of God's ultimate rule and potential recipients of His salvation.;xNLx;IV. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Hyssop (Psalm 51:7): A plant used in purification rituals in ancient Israel, symbolizing cleansing from sin.;xNLx;Horn (e.g., Psalm 18:2; 75:4-5, 10; 89:17, 24; 92:10; 112:9; 132:17; 148:14): A symbol of strength, power, exaltation, or salvation. "Horn of salvation" refers to a powerful deliverer or means of deliverance.;xNLx;Net / Snare / Trap / Pit (e.g., Psalm 7:15; 9:15; 10:9; 25:15; 31:4; 35:7-8; 38:12; 57:6; 64:5; 66:11; 69:22; 91:3; 94:13; 106:36; 107:40 [wasteland, pit]; 119:61, 85, 110; 124:7; 140:5; 141:9-10; 142:3): Metaphors for dangers, plots, temptations, or troubles laid by enemies or the wicked.;xNLx;Heritage / Inheritance (Hebrew: nachalah) (e.g., Psalm 2:8; 16:5-6; 28:9; 33:12; 37:9, 11, 18, 22, 29, 34; 47:4; 61:5; 68:9; 74:1-2; 78:55, 62, 71; 79:1; 82:8; 94:5, 14; 105:11; 106:5, 40; 111:6; 119:111; 127:3; 135:4, 12; 136:21-22): God's people Israel, the land promised to them, or spiritual blessings received from God.;xNLx;Scepter (e.g., Psalm 2:9; 45:6; 60:7; 108:8; 110:2; 125:3): A rod or staff held by a ruler as a symbol of royal authority and power.;xNLx;This list is not exhaustive but covers many of the significant terms that might require definition for a deeper understanding of the Psalms in the ESV. The poetic and metaphorical language of the Psalms often gives these words rich layers of meaning within their specific contexts.