Psalms 104:28

Authorized King James Version

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תִּתֵּ֣ן

H5414

That thou givest

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

לָ֭הֶם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִלְקֹט֑וּן

H3950

them they gather

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

תִּפְתַּ֥ח

H6605

thou openest

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

יָֽ֝דְךָ֗

H3027

thine 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

יִשְׂבְּע֥וּן

H7646

they are filled

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

טֽוֹב׃

H2896

with good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?