Psalms 10:5

His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָ֘חִ֤ילוּ

H2342

grievous

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

דְרָכָ֨ו׀

H1870

His ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֵ֗ת

H6256

are always

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

מָר֣וֹם

H4791

are far above

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

מִ֭שְׁפָּטֶיךָ

H4941

thy judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

מִנֶּגְדּ֑וֹ

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צ֝וֹרְרָ֗יו

H6887

out of his sight as for all his enemies

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

#10

יָפִ֥יחַ

H6315

he puffeth

to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff

#11

בָּהֶֽם׃

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?