Psalms 119:62

Authorized King James Version

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֲצֽוֹת
At midnight
the middle (of the night)
#2
לַ֗יְלָה
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#3
אָ֭קוּם
I will rise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#4
לְהוֹד֣וֹת
to give thanks
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
#5
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#6
עַ֝֗ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מִשְׁפְּטֵ֥י
judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#8
צִדְקֶֽךָ׃
unto thee because of thy righteous
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

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

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