Psalms 132:12

Authorized King James Version

If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִֽם

H518

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

יִשְׁמְר֬וּ

H8104

will keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

If thy children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּרִיתִי֮

H1285

my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְעֵדֹתִ֥י

H5713

and my testimony

testimony

ז֗וֹ

H2090

that

this or that

אֲלַ֫מְּדֵ֥ם

H3925

I shall teach

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

גַּם

H1571

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

בְּנֵיהֶ֥ם

H1121

If thy children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

עַ֑ד

H5703

for evermore

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

#11

עַ֑ד

H5703

for evermore

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

#12

יֵ֝שְׁב֗וּ

H3427

shall also sit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

לְכִסֵּא

H3678

upon thy throne

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

#14

לָֽךְ׃

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 covenant 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 covenant 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?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?