Psalms 129:2

Authorized King James Version

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַ֭בַּת

H7227

Many a time

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

צְרָר֣וּנִי

H6887

have they afflicted

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

מִנְּעוּרָ֑י

H5271

me from my youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

גַּ֝ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָ֥כְלוּ

H3201

yet they have not prevailed

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִֽי׃

Analysis

The suffering and persecution 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 divine revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 129 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the suffering and persecution theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?