Psalms 128:5

The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְבָרֶכְךָ֥

H1288

shall bless

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

The LORD

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

מִצִּ֫יּ֥וֹן

H6726

thee out of Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וּ֭רְאֵה

H7200

and thou shalt see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּט֣וּב

H2898

the good

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כֹּ֝֗ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיֶּֽיךָ׃

H2416

of thy life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 128 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?