Psalms 11:6

Authorized King James Version

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַמְטֵ֥ר
he shall rain
to rain
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
רְשָׁעִ֗ים
Upon the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#4
פַּ֫חִ֥ים
snares
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#5
אֵ֣שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
וְ֭גָפְרִית
and brimstone
properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable)
#7
וְר֥וּחַ
tempest
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#8
זִלְעָפ֗וֹת
and an horrible
a glow (of wind or anger); also a famine (as consuming)
#9
מְנָ֣ת
this shall be the portion
an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence)
#10
כּוֹסָֽם׃
of their cup
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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