Psalms 119:28

Authorized King James Version

My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

Word-by-Word Analysis

דָּלְפָ֣ה

H1811

melteth

to drip; by implication, to weep

נַ֭פְשִׁי

H5315

My soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִתּוּגָ֑ה

H8424

for heaviness

depression (of spirits); concretely a grief

קַ֝יְּמֵ֗נִי

H6965

strengthen

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ׃

H1697

thou me according unto thy word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?