Psalms 119:48

Authorized King James Version

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶשָּֽׂא
H5375
also will I lift up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
כַפַּ֗י
H3709
My hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#3
אֶֽל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מִ֭צְוֹתֶיךָ
H4687
unto thy commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
אָהָ֗בְתִּי
H157
which I have loved
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#7
וְאָשִׂ֥יחָה
H7878
and I will meditate
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
#8
בְחֻקֶּֽיךָ׃
H2706
in thy statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection