Psalms 11:4

Authorized King James Version

The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהוָה֮

H3068

The LORD

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

בְּֽהֵ֘יכַ֤ל

H1964

temple

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

קָדְשׁ֗וֹ

H6944

is in his holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יְהוָה֮

H3068

The LORD

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

בַּשָּׁמַ֪יִם

H8064

is in heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כִּ֫סְא֥וֹ

H3678

throne

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

עֵינָ֥יו

H5869

his eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יֶחֱז֑וּ

H2372

behold

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

עַפְעַפָּ֥יו

H6079

his eyelids

an eyelash (as fluttering); figuratively, morning ray

#10

יִ֝בְחֲנ֗וּ

H974

try

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

#11

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

אָדָֽם׃

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?