Psalms 14:7

Authorized King James Version

Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִ֥י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִתֵּ֣ן

H5414

Oh that

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מִצִּיּוֹן֮

H6726

were come out of Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

יְשׁוּעַ֪ת

H3444

the salvation

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

יִשְׂרָֽאֵל׃

H3478

and Israel

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

בְּשׁ֣וּב

H7725

bringeth back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

when the LORD

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

שְׁב֣וּת

H7622

the captivity

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

עַמּ֑וֹ

H5971

of his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

יָגֵ֥ל

H1523

shall rejoice

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

#11

יַ֝עֲקֹ֗ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#12

יִשְׂמַ֥ח

H8055

shall be glad

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

#13

יִשְׂרָֽאֵל׃

H3478

and Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of salvation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about salvation, 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 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 salvation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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