Psalms 145:17

Authorized King James Version

The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Word-by-Word Analysis

צַדִּ֣יק

H6662

is righteous

just

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּכָל

H3605

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

דְּרָכָ֑יו

H1870

in all his ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְ֝חָסִ֗יד

H2623

and holy

properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

בְּכָל

H3605

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

מַעֲשָֽׂיו׃

H4639

in all his works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?