Psalms 131:2

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֤א H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שִׁוִּ֨יתִי׀ Surely I have behaved H7737
שִׁוִּ֨יתִי׀ Surely I have behaved
Strong's: H7737
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
וְדוֹמַ֗מְתִּי and quieted H1826
וְדוֹמַ֗מְתִּי and quieted
Strong's: H1826
Word #: 4 of 11
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
נַפְשִֽׁי׃ my soul H5315
נַפְשִֽׁי׃ my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 5 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כַּגָּמֻ֖ל as a child that is weaned H1580
כַּגָּמֻ֖ל as a child that is weaned
Strong's: H1580
Word #: 6 of 11
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
עֲלֵ֣י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אִמּ֑וֹ of his mother H517
אִמּ֑וֹ of his mother
Strong's: H517
Word #: 8 of 11
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
כַּגָּמֻ֖ל as a child that is weaned H1580
כַּגָּמֻ֖ל as a child that is weaned
Strong's: H1580
Word #: 9 of 11
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
עָלַ֣י H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 10 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַפְשִֽׁי׃ my soul H5315
נַפְשִֽׁי׃ my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 11 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis & Commentary

The positive alternative to pride is described with tender imagery: 'Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.' The word 'surely' (Hebrew) provides strong affirmation. The phrase 'behaved and quieted myself' describes intentional cultivation of peace and composure. 'Behaved' (Hebrew 'shavah') means to make level, smooth, equalize. 'Quieted' (damam) means to be silent, still, at rest. The comparison 'as a child that is weaned' uses infant imagery. A weaned child (typically 2-3 years old in ancient context) has transitioned from nursing to other food - no longer demanding, anxious, or fussing for breast. The weaned child rests contentedly on mother's lap without demanding nursing. Similarly, David's soul rests contentedly in God's presence without demanding or grasping. This pictures mature trust that has moved beyond immature demands to peaceful rest in God's provision and presence. The repetition 'my soul is even as a weaned child' emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this rest - the whole person is at peace.

Historical Context

Weaning was significant transition in ancient Israel, often accompanied by celebration (Genesis 21:8). The metaphor would resonate powerfully with people familiar with nursing and weaning processes. The imagery of God as mother appears occasionally in Scripture (Isaiah 49:15; 66:13), complementing more frequent father imagery, emphasizing God's nurturing care.

Questions for Reflection