Psalms 141:4

Authorized King James Version

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּט

H5186

Incline

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

לִבִּ֨י

H3820

not my heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לְדָבָ֪ר׀

H1697

thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רָ֡ע

H7451

to any evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְהִתְע֘וֹלֵ֤ל

H5953

to practise

to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)

עֲלִל֨וֹת׀

H5949

works

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

בְּרֶ֗שַׁע

H7562

wicked

a wrong (especially moral)

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#10

אִישִׁ֥ים

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#11

פֹּֽעֲלֵי

H6466

that work

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

#12

אָ֑וֶן

H205

iniquity

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

#13

וּבַל

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

#14

אֶ֝לְחַ֗ם

H3898

and let me not eat

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#15

בְּמַנְעַמֵּיהֶֽם׃

H4516

of their dainties

a delicacy

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 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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation 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?