Psalms 104:31

Authorized King James Version

The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהִ֤י

H1961

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

כְב֣וֹד

H3519

The glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְעוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

shall endure for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

יִשְׂמַ֖ח

H8055

shall rejoice

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּמַעֲשָֽׂיו׃

H4639

in his works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

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 glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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