Psalms 110:4

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נִשְׁבַּ֤ע

H7650

hath sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

The LORD

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

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִנָּחֵ֗ם

H5162

and will not repent

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

אַתָּֽה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

כֹהֵ֥ן

H3548

Thou art a priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לְעוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

for ever

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּ֝בְרָתִ֗י

H1700

after the order

a reason, suit or style

#10

מַלְכִּי

#11

צֶֽדֶק׃

H4442

of Melchizedek

melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Hebrews 5:6 Hebrews 5:6
As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
— Priest for ever after Melchizedek
² Hebrews 7:17 Hebrews 7:17
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
— Thou art a priest for ever

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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 this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 110 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?