Psalms 119:141

Authorized King James Version

I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

צָעִ֣יר

H6810

I am small

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

אָנֹכִ֣י

H595

וְנִבְזֶ֑ה

H959

and despised

to disesteem

פִּ֝קֻּדֶ֗יךָ

H6490

thy precepts

properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃

H7911

yet do not I forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 119 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?