Psalms 143:8

Authorized King James Version

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַשְׁמִ֘יעֵ֤נִי
H8085
Cause me to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
בַבֹּ֨קֶר׀
H1242
in the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#3
חַסְדֶּךָ֮
H2617
thy lovingkindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#4
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
בְךָ֪
H0
#6
בָ֫טָ֥חְתִּי
H982
for in thee do I trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#7
הוֹדִיעֵ֗נִי
H3045
cause me to know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
דֶּֽרֶךְ
H1870
the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#9
ז֥וּ
H2098
wherein
this or that
#10
אֵלֵ֑ךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אֵ֝לֶיךָ
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
נָשָׂ֥אתִי
H5375
for I lift up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#14
נַפְשִֽׁי׃
H5315
my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love 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

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 divine love 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