Psalms 143:10

Authorized King James Version

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַמְּדֵ֤נִי׀
H3925
Teach
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#2
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
H6213
me to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
רְצוֹנֶךָ֮
H7522
thy will
delight (especially as shown)
#4
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
אַתָּ֪ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
אֱל֫וֹהָ֥י
H430
for thou art my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
רוּחֲךָ֥
H7307
thy spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#8
טוֹבָ֑ה
H2896
is good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#9
תַּ֝נְחֵ֗נִי
H5148
lead
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
#10
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
H776
me into the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
מִישֽׁוֹר׃
H4334
of uprightness
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

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 sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection