Psalms 118:21

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

Word-by-Word Analysis

א֭וֹדְךָ

H3034

I will praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֲנִיתָ֑נִי

H6030

thee for thou hast heard

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וַתְּהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֝֗י

לִֽישׁוּעָֽה׃

H3444

me and art become my salvation

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of salvation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes soteria in Greek or yeshua in Hebrew, indicating deliverance and wholeness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 118 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of salvation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?