Psalms 138:3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּי֣וֹם

H3117

In the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קָ֭רָֽאתִי

H7121

when I cried

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽתַּעֲנֵ֑נִי

H6030

thou answeredst

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

תַּרְהִבֵ֖נִי

H7292

me and strengthenedst

to urge severely, i.e., (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently

בְנַפְשִׁ֣י

H5315

in 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

עֹֽז׃

H5797

me with strength

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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 verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 138 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?