Psalms 12:1

Authorized King James Version

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הוֹשִׁ֣יעָה

H3467

Help

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּי

H3588

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

גָמַ֣ר

H1584

ceaseth

to end (in the sense of completion or failure)

חָסִ֑יד

H2623

for the godly man

properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

כִּי

H3588

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

פַ֥סּוּ

H6461

fail

probably to disperse, i.e., (intransitive) disappear

אֱ֝מוּנִ֗ים

H539

for the faithful

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

מִבְּנֵ֥י

H1121

from among the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

אָדָֽם׃

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of faith reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith 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 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?