Psalms 137:6

Authorized King James Version

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תִּדְבַּ֥ק

H1692

cleave

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

לְשׁוֹנִ֨י׀

H3956

thee let my tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

לְחִכִּי֮

H2441

to the roof of my mouth

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

אִם

H518

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

לֹ֪א

H3808

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

אֶ֫זְכְּרֵ֥כִי

H2142

If I do not remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אִם

H518

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

אַ֭עֲלֶה

H5927

if I prefer

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֑ם

H3389

not Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#12

עַ֝֗ל

H5921

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

#13

רֹ֣אשׁ

H7218

above my chief

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#14

שִׂמְחָתִֽי׃

H8057

joy

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

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

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?