Psalms 104:29

Authorized King James Version

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תַּסְתִּ֥יר

H5641

Thou hidest

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָּנֶיךָ֮

H6440

thy face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יִֽבָּהֵ֫ל֥וּן

H926

they are troubled

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

תֹּסֵ֣ף

H622

thou takest away

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

ר֭וּחָם

H7307

their breath

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יִגְוָע֑וּן

H1478

they die

to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire

וְֽאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲפָרָ֥ם

H6083

to their dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

יְשׁוּבֽוּן׃

H7725

and return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?