Proverbs 29:2 — Word Study
WLCבִּרְב֣וֹת צַ֭דִּיקִים יִשְׂמַ֣ח הָעָ֑ם וּבִמְשֹׁ֥ל רָ֝שָׁ֗ע יֵאָ֥נַֽח עָֽם׃
BSAWhen the righteoustsaddîyq [just, morally upright] flourishrâbâh [are increased, thrive] the peopleʻam [a nation, community] rejoicesâmach▸ [are glad, celebrate] but when the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, guilty] rulemâshal [have power, bear authority] the peopleʻam [a nation, community] groanʼânach▸ [sigh, mourn in grief]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בִּרְב֣וֹת | when increase | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| צַ֭דִּיקִים | righteous [people] | Adj |
| יִשְׂמַ֣ח | it rejoices | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| הָעָ֑ם | the people | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וּבִמְשֹׁ֥ל | and when rules | Conjunction, preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| רָ֝שָׁ֗ע | a wicked [person] | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| יֵאָ֥נַֽח | it sighs | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| עָֽם׃ | a people | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
| KJV | When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. |
| ASV | When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh. |
| YLT | In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh. |
| WEB | When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
| BBE | When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people. |
The translations align closely in meaning, emphasizing the outcomes of righteous versus wicked leadership.
The structure features a main clause followed by two contrasting subordinate clauses, illustrating the cause-and-effect relationship.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectצַדִּיק
verbשָׂמַח
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 29:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Contrast of Leadershipgenerated
Proverbs 29:2 presents a clear contrast between the effects of righteous and wicked leadership on the people. When the righteous flourish, it leads to joy among the community, while the rule of the wicked results in sorrow and distress. This theme is echoed throughout the book of Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity in leadership, as seen in other verses like Proverbs 11:10 and Proverbs 28:12.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:10 | When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:12–28 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. |
| 3 | Esther 8:15 | Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. |
| 4 | Psalm 72:1–7 | Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. |
| 5 | Isaiah 32:1–2 | Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — צַ֭דִּיקִים, Tza.di.kimgenerated
The word צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) refers to individuals who are just or morally upright. It encompasses not only personal righteousness but also the broader ethical standards expected in society. The parsing as an adjective indicates it describes the quality of the people in leadership roles.
Righteousness in this context suggests a deep alignment with God's standards, affecting the community positively. The frequency of its use in the Bible highlights its significance in discussions of morality and justice.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the general meaning of the verse, emphasizing the contrasting states of joy and grief based on the nature of leadership.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is יִשְׂמַ֣ח (yis.Mach), meaning 'it rejoices', which governs the clause about the righteous flourishing. The structure highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the flourishing of the righteous and the rejoicing of the people.
The sentence is built around two main clauses: one describing the flourishing of the righteous and the other the groaning of the people under wicked rule, illustrating the stark contrast in outcomes.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint uses δικαίων for צַדִּיקִים, indicating a direct translation that retains the moral connotation of righteousness. This choice reinforces the ethical implications of the text.
For רָשָׁע, the term ἀσεβῶν captures the essence of wickedness, aligning with the Hebrew meaning while emphasizing the moral failure of those in power.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 29:2 shows that when good people are in charge, everyone is happy, but when bad people lead, the community suffers. This verse teaches us about the importance of having just leaders and the impact they have on society.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To flourish means that the righteous are thriving and succeeding, leading to positive outcomes for the community.
The people rejoice because righteous leadership brings justice, peace, and prosperity, creating a favorable environment for all.
When the wicked rule, it often leads to injustice and suffering, causing the people to groan in distress.
We can strive to support and promote righteous leadership in our communities and reflect on our own actions to ensure they align with moral integrity.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I promote righteousness in my community?
- How can I recognize and support leaders who embody moral integrity?
- What are the consequences of allowing wickedness to prevail in leadership?
- How can I encourage others to seek just and righteous paths in their lives?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 29:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWhen the righteous are in authority,.... Or "are increased" (g); either in number or in riches, or in power and dominion; are set in high places, and have the exercise of civil government and the
Read John Gill on Proverbs 29 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWhen the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 29 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIn authority; which interpretation is confirmed from the opposite clause. The Hebrew word signifies to increase either in number, or in dignity and power. The people rejoice, for the blessed effects of their good government. The people mourn, both for the oppressions and mischiefs which they feel, and for the dreadful judgments of God which they justly fear.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 29 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.Ver. 2. When the righteous are in authority.] Or, Are increased, as Proverbs 28:28; The people mourn.] Heb., Sigh (as the oppressed Israelites in Egypt did) where they dare not speak out. But what a bloody tyrant was Sulla, who put to death Marcus Plaetorius only for sighing at the cruel execution of Marcus Marius! So one Lancelot was burnt in Giles’ s fields for pitying the cruel death of a couple of martyrs. Acts and Mon., fol. 1164.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 29 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2. in authority] This rendering is supported by the parallelism, but it is relegated to the margin in R.V. The rendering, increased, R.V. text, A.V. marg., gives the more usual meaning of the Heb. word, See Proverbs 28:28, and Proverbs 29:16 below. the wicked] Or, a wicked man, R.V. The word is singular, but may be taken with A.V. collectively, ἀρχόντωνδὲἀσεβῶν, LXX.; cum impii sumserint principatum, Vulg.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 29 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible2. Righteous… in authority — Literally, in their becoming great. Some render, when they multiply, increase; but this is not accordant with the next clause. Mourn — Grieve, are oppressed.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 29 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Tyndale line
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice: but when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When the righteous are in authoritie, the people reioyce: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people sigh.
Strictly literal
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.
In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, || And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.
When the righteous are in authority, the people will rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people groan.
When righteous people increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked person is the ruler, the people sigh.
From the Latin
When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
Simplified
When good people are in charge, everybody celebrates; but when the wicked rule, everybody groans.
When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of the verse, with all eight words matched in the Hebrew and Greek texts. This consistency supports the reliability of the translation across these ancient witnesses.
בִּרְב֣וֹת צַ֭דִּיקִים יִשְׂמַ֣ח הָעָ֑ם וּבִמְשֹׁ֥ל רָ֝שָׁ֗ע יֵאָ֥נַֽח עָֽם׃
8 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 29:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.
[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great
Qal 59
become many, numerous
be great
grow great (Aramaism)
Pi. 4 make large, increase
Hiph. 162
H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous
. . be great
. grow great (Aramaism)
. make large, increase
. . make much or many
. make great, obj. pers.
H7235b רָבָה shoot
7235 rabah raw-baw'
a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring
in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be
in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,
exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,
X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,
make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more
(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much
(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X
process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
see HEBREW for 07232
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.
1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
1a2) to be or grow great
1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make much, make many, have many
1c1a) to multiply, increase
1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly
1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly
1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much
Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.
(Qal) to shoot
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
in'-kres, (noun), in-kres' (verb): Employed in the English Bible both as verb and as noun, and in both cases to represent a number of different words in the original. As a verb it is used in the ordinary sense of the term. As a noun it is usually used of plant life, or of the herds and flocks, to denote the fruitage or the offspring; more rarely of money, to denote the interest. As examples of the different terms translated by this word, students who read Hebrew or Greek may compare De 7:22; Pr 16:21; Job 10:16 the King James Version; Job 12:23; Nu 18:30; De 7:13…
צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) means just or righteous, covering various aspects such as lawful behavior, moral conduct, and being justified by God. It is derived from a related root and is used to describe individuals who are upright in character and actions.
צַדִּיק 206 adj. just, righteous
base
H6662 צַדִּיק just, righteous
6662 tsaddiyq tsad-deek'
from 6663; just:--just, lawful, righteous (man).
see HEBREW for 06663
צַדִּיק (tsad.diq) — righteous.
1) just, lawful, righteous
1a) just, righteous (in government)
1b) just, right (in one's cause)
1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character)
1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
1e) right, correct, lawful
Adj — AdjHAampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
שָׂמַח (samach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice or be glad. It can express joy in everyday life, religious contexts, or even exultation. The verb has different forms: Qal (to rejoice), Piel (to cause to rejoice), and Hiphil (to make glad). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to joy and merriment.
שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ 154 vb. rejoice, be glad
Qal 126
in common life
rejoice religiously
subj. י׳
Pi. cause to rejoice, gladden
Hiph. = Pi.
base
H8055 שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ rejoice, be glad
8055 samach saw-makh'
a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e.
(figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or
gleesome:--cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful),
be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, X very.
שָׂמַח (sa.mach) — to rejoice.
1) to rejoice, be glad
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to rejoice
1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at)
1a3) to rejoice (religiously)
1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.
עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people
a people, nation
= smaller units
= common people
people in gen., persons
phrases
base
[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)
base
H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)
5971 `am am
from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a
tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or
attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,
people.
see HEBREW for 06004
עַם (am) — people.
: people/nation
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — kinsman.
kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Ammi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — People's (Gate).
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.
Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Amaw.
This name means nation, people
עַם (am) — people: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — people: creatures.
: creatures
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
מָשַׁל (mashal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rule or have dominion. It can refer to human authority, the dominion of heavenly bodies, or God's sovereignty. The word has a Qal form indicating direct rule and a Hiphil form that implies causing someone to rule or exercising dominion.
מָשַׁל vb. rule, have dominion, reign
Qal
human subj., rule, have dominion over
of heavenly bodies
of God
Hiph. cause to rule; exercise dominion
base
H4910 מָשַׁל rule, have dominion, reign .. human subj., rule, have dominion over
. of heavenly bodies
. of God
. cause to rule; exercise dominion
4910 mashal maw-shal'
a primitive root; to rule:--(have, make to have) dominion,
governor, X indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have)
rule(-ing, -r), have power.
מָשַׁל (ma.shal) — to rule.
1) to rule, have dominion, reign
1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to rule
1b2) to exercise dominion
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Conjunction · preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHC/R/Vqcc
רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
7563 rasha` raw-shaw'
from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad
person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did
wrong.
see HEBREW for 07561
רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.
1) wicked, criminal
1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)
1b) wicked (hostile to God)
1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Adj — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
אָנַח (anach) is a Hebrew verb that primarily appears in the Niphal form, meaning to sigh or groan, often in contexts of pain or grief. It can also refer to the moaning of cattle. The entries consistently emphasize its emotional and physical connotations without significant disagreement.
[אָנַח] vb. only Niph. sigh, groan
sigh, in token of grief
in physical distress
groan of cattle
base
H584 אָנַח only Niph. sigh, groan
584 'anach aw-nakh'
a primitive root; to sigh:--groan, mourn, sigh.
אָנַח (a.nach) — to sigh.
1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp
1a) moan (of cattle)
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms
עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.
עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people
a people, nation
= smaller units
= common people
people in gen., persons
phrases
base
[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)
base
H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)
5971 `am am
from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a
tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or
attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,
people.
see HEBREW for 06004
עַם (am) — people.
: people/nation
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — kinsman.
kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Ammi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — People's (Gate).
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.
Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Amaw.
This name means nation, people
עַם (am) — people: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — people: creatures.
: creatures
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…