Psalms 119:43

Authorized King James Version

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּצֵּ֬ל

H5337

And take

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִפִּ֣י

H6310

out of my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

דְבַר

H1697

not the word

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

אֱמֶ֣ת

H571

of truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

utterly

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּ֖י

H3588

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

לְמִשְׁפָּטֶ֣ךָ

H4941

in thy judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#10

יִחָֽלְתִּי׃

H3176

for I have hoped

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?