Psalms 10:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רָאִ֡תָה

H7200

Thou hast seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתָּ֤ה׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עָ֘מָ֤ל

H5999

mischief

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

וָכַ֨עַס׀

H3708

and spite

vexation

תַּבִּיט֮

H5027

it for thou beholdest

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

לָתֵ֪ת

H5414

to requite

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָ֫דֶ֥ךָ

H3027

it with thy hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עָ֭לֶיךָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

יַעֲזֹ֣ב

H5800

committeth

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#11

חֵלֶ֑כָה

H2489

the poor

a wretch, i.e., unfortunate

#12

יָ֝ת֗וֹם

H3490

of the fatherless

a bereaved person

#13

אַתָּ֤ה׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#14

הָיִ֬יתָ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

עוֹזֵֽר׃

H5826

himself unto thee thou art the helper

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?