Psalms 10:6

Authorized King James Version

He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֣ר
He hath said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בְּ֭לִבּוֹ
in his heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
בַּל
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
#4
אֶמּ֑וֹט
I shall not be moved
to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
#5
וָ֝דֹ֗ר
for I shall never
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#6
וָ֝דֹ֗ר
for I shall never
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
בְרָֽע׃
be in adversity
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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