Psalms 115:17

Authorized King James Version

The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הַ֭מֵּתִים
H4191
The dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#3
יְהַֽלְלוּ
H1984
praise
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
#4
יָ֑הּ
H3050
not the LORD
jah, the sacred name
#5
וְ֝לֹ֗א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
יֹרְדֵ֥י
H3381
neither any that go down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#8
דוּמָֽה׃
H1745
into silence
silence; figuratively, death

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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