Psalms 141:5

Authorized King James Version

Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֶ֥הֶלְמֵֽנִי
H1986
smite
to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
#2
צַדִּ֨יק׀
H6662
Let the righteous
just
#3
חֶ֡סֶד
H2617
me it shall be a kindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#4
וְֽיוֹכִיחֵ֗נִי
H3198
and let him reprove
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
#5
שֶׁ֣מֶן
H8081
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#6
רֹאשִׁ֑י
H7218
me it shall be an excellent
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
יָנִ֣י
H5106
which shall not break
to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize
#9
רֹאשִׁ֑י
H7218
me it shall be an excellent
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#10
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
ע֥וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#12
וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י
H8605
for yet my prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#13
בְּרָעוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
H7451
also shall be in their calamities
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection