The singular Hebrew word for man (ish) is used here to portray a representative example of a godly person; see Preface

This has been called “The Preface Psalm” because in some respects it may be considered “the text upon which the whole of the Psalms make up a divine sermon.” It opens with a benediction, “Blessed,” as does our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3).

Both of these footnotes are for Psalm 1:1 and there are good instructions from both the ESV and the AMPC.

The second example is from the AMPC and gives the preface, the ESV only make note of it and does not quote the preface.

We are blessed to have multiple versions of God’s Word to study and we all have our personal favorites to read for different reasons. The discovery of these differences in footnotes came about because of a curiosity of wording. So often we read another bible version as it is quoted to us from a friend or study group. Do we know our own versions well enough to be curious about variations?

This may be one of the ways that the Holy Spirit speaks to us. His ability to bring into remembrance what we have read and placed in the library of our minds is certainly biblical truth. (John 16:13) It is also possible that in noticing the variation in text is an encouragement to investigate further. What was it Moses said in Exodus 3:3 “I will now turn aside, and see…”

Our days are filled with concerns and responsibilities but in our quiet time, in the time we have set aside “habitually” (AMPC wording again), we can surely turn aside to see what marvelous sights the Word has to offer.

Thousands of learned men, dedicated to God, have spent a lifetime in preparing footnotes and commentaries and definitions just for our edification. It would take a lifetime to read them all, but only a moment to answer the Holy Spirit’s nudge on any particular one.

John 17:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ Sanctify them^[a] in the truth; your word is truth.

Footnotes: a Greek Set them apart (for holy service to God)

Vines Expository Encyclopedia for the Greek word rendered sanctify is; the separation of the believer from the world in his behavior — by the Father through the Word.

The footnote is a reflective reaction to encourage readers to go a step beyond the definition and remind them they are servants of God. While this is true, it appears to be a distraction from the truth which is the vehicle of delivery of sanctification. I say vehicle because you have to get in a vehicle in order for it to take you anywhere.

Jesus is the Truth, Jesus is the Word made flesh. We know this from John’s gospel, chapter 1.

John 14:20 English Standard Version (ESV) In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

I seems easier to see Christ in us than it does us being in Christ. How we feel about ourselves hinders that vision because we know deep down we are sinners and He is holy. We would defile Him to our minds thinking. God has sanctified us unto Himself. His Word is truth, even if we don’t see it exactly as He does.

On the brighter side of John 17:17 having the Word reside in us changes us from the inside out. Change is relative to position and being in Christ those changes are because He performs them. A changed heart will insist on right actions and behaviors change.

Read God’s Word, which is in you, confirming what is true and the mind we begin to see the truth and align itself with the condition of the new heart.

Ezekiel 36:26 English Standard Version (ESV) And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.