Psalms 109:14

Authorized King James Version

Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִזָּכֵ֤ר׀

H2142

be remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עֲוֹ֣ן

H5771

Let the iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֲ֭בֹתָיו

of his fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

with the LORD

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

וְחַטַּ֥את

H2403

and let not the sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אִ֝מּ֗וֹ

H517

of his mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּמָּֽח׃

H4229

be blotted out

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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 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?