Psalms 12:7

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַתָּֽה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

them O LORD

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

תִּשְׁמְרֵ֑ם

H8104

Thou shalt keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

תִּצְּרֶ֓נּוּ׀

H5341

thou shalt preserve

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַדּ֖וֹר

H1755

generation

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

ז֣וּ

H2098

them from this

this or that

לְעוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty 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?