Psalms 145:7

Authorized King James Version

They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֵ֣כֶר
the memory
a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
#2
רַב
of thy great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#3
טוּבְךָ֣
goodness
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
#4
יַבִּ֑יעוּ
They shall abundantly utter
to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)
#5
וְצִדְקָתְךָ֥
of thy righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#6
יְרַנֵּֽנוּ׃
and shall sing
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of righteousness 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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