Psalms 139:14

Authorized King James Version

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֽוֹדְךָ֗

H3034

I will praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

עַ֤ל

H5921

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

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נוֹרָא֗וֹת

H3372

thee for I am fearfully

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

נִ֫פְלֵ֥יתִי

H6395

and wonderfully made

to distinguish (literally or figuratively)

נִפְלָאִ֥ים

H6381

marvellous

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

מַעֲשֶׂ֑יךָ

H4639

are thy works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וְ֝נַפְשִׁ֗י

H5315

and that 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

יֹדַ֥עַת

H3045

knoweth

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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מְאֹֽד׃

H3966

right well

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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

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?
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?