Psalms 131:2

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

שִׁוִּ֨יתִי׀

H7737

Surely I have behaved

properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et

וְדוֹמַ֗מְתִּי

H1826

and quieted

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

נַפְשִֽׁי׃

H5315

my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כַּגָּמֻ֖ל

H1580

as a child that is weaned

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

עֲלֵ֣י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִמּ֑וֹ

H517

of his mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

כַּגָּמֻ֖ל

H1580

as a child that is weaned

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

#10

עָלַ֣י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

נַפְשִֽׁי׃

H5315

my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 131 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?