“punish.” The word is also translated “visit,” but here “punish” is the clearer translation. [For more on “visit,” see commentary on Exodus 20:5].

“my soul.” Here the phrase “my soul” is used according to common idiom to mean “I,” thus, “should I not be avenged.” [For more on the uses of “soul,” see Appendix 7, “Usages of ‘Soul’”].