The lexis indicating emotion in Psalm 70. based on translations by the Enlightenment poets Francis Karpinski and Mikhail Lomonosov

Abstract

The article aims to present lexis that refers to emotions based on Psalm 70 of the ancient King David as translated by Franz Karpinski and Mikhail Lomonosov, two secular men who lived during the Age of Enlightenment. The analysis of these texts suggests that the fear of shame is a important emotion. Fearing defeat, they declare trust in God, who for both of them is the personification of strength and victory, hence the name ‘defender’ in translation. Lomonosov also calls God Поборник (‘defender/ master’), Зиждитель (‘creator’), Помощник (‘helper’), Покровитель (‘patron’), and Пристанище (‘shelter’). While asking for support, both translators promise to praise God, thus ascribing glorification considerable importance.