Psalms 140:13

Authorized King James Version

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַ֣ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

צַ֭דִּיקִים

H6662

Surely the righteous

just

יוֹד֣וּ

H3034

shall give thanks

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

לִשְׁמֶ֑ךָ

H8034

unto thy name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יֵשְׁב֥וּ

H3427

shall dwell

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

יְ֝שָׁרִ֗ים

H3477

the upright

straight (literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

פָּנֶֽיךָ׃

H6440

in thy presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 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 divine revelation 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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?