Psalms 143:2

Authorized King James Version

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַל

H408

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

תָּב֣וֹא

H935

And enter

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְ֭מִשְׁפָּט

H4941

not into judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֶת

H854

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

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

with thy servant

a servant

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִצְדַּ֖ק

H6663

be justified

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

לְפָנֶ֣יךָ

H6440

for in thy sight

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

#10

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

חָֽי׃

H2416

shall no man living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 143 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?