Psalms 123:2

Authorized King James Version

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֨ה
H2009
lo!
#2
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
H5869
Behold as the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
עֲבָדִ֡ים
H5650
of servants
a servant
#4
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
יַ֪ד
H3027
look unto the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
אֲֽדוֹנֵיהֶ֗ם
H113
of their masters
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#7
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
H5869
Behold as the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
שִׁפְחָה֮
H8198
of a maiden
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#9
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
יַ֪ד
H3027
look unto the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥הּ
H1404
of her mistress
mistress
#12
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
עֵ֭ינֵינוּ
H5869
Behold as the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#14
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
wait upon the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
H430
our God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#17
עַ֝֗ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
שֶׁיְּחָנֵּֽנוּ׃
H2603
until that he have mercy
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of mercy reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. 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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection