1 According to 983 II שָׁאַף, the verb is derived from שָׁאַף (sha’af, “to trample, crush”) rather than the homonymic verb “pant after.”
2 Heb “a fighter.” The singular is collective for his enemies (see vv. 5–6). The Qal of לָחַם (lakham, “fight”) also occurs in Ps 35:1.
3 The imperfect verbal form draws attention to the continuing nature of the enemies’ attacks.
4 Heb “to those who watch me [with evil intent].” See also Pss 5:8; 27:11; 54:5; 59:10.
5 Or “for.”
6 Some take the Hebrew term מָרוֹם (marom, “on high; above”) as an adverb modifying the preceding participle and translate, “proudly” (cf. ; “in their pride”). The present translation assumes the term is a divine title here. The Lord is pictured as enthroned “on high” in Ps 92:8. (Note the substantival use of the term in Isa 24:4 and see C. A. Briggs and E. G. Briggs (Psalms [], 2:), who prefer to place the term at the beginning of the next verse.)

In other versions

Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;

all day long an attacker oppresses me;

my enemies trample on me all day long,

for many attack me proudly.

Be merciful to me, my God,

for my enemies are in hot pursuit;

all day long they press their attack.

My adversaries pursue me all day long;

in their pride many are attacking me.

Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me;

he fights and oppresses me all day long.

My adversaries trample me all day,

for many arrogantly fight against me.

O God, have mercy on me,

for people are hounding me.

My foes attack me all day long.

I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,

and many are boldly attacking me.

Be gracious to me, O God, because humankind has trampled me;

fighting all the day he oppresses me.

My enemies trample all day,

because many are attacking me proudly.

Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up;

He fighting daily oppresseth me.

Mine enemies would daily swallow me up:

For they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.

Public Domain