Psalms 116:17

Authorized King James Version

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְֽךָ

אֶ֭זְבַּח

H2076

I will offer

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

זֶ֣בַח

H2077

to thee the sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

תּוֹדָ֑ה

H8426

of thanksgiving

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

וּבְשֵׁ֖ם

H8034

upon the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֶקְרָֽא׃

H7121

and will call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

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?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?