Psalms 131:3

Authorized King James Version

Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יַחֵ֣ל

H3176

hope

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל

H3478

Let Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

in the LORD

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

מֵֽ֝עַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

וְעַד

H5704

from henceforth and for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 hope 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. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes hope in this particular way.

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 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?
In what ways does understanding hope in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?