Psalms 115:12

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָה֮
H3068
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
זְכָרָ֪נוּ
H2142
hath been mindful
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#3
יְ֝בָרֵ֗ךְ
H1288
he will bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#4
יְ֝בָרֵ֗ךְ
H1288
he will bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
יְ֝בָרֵ֗ךְ
H1288
he will bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אַהֲרֹֽן׃
H175
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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