Psalms 146:6

Authorized King James Version

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֹשֶׂ֤ה׀
H6213
Which made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
שָׁ֘מַ֤יִם
H8064
heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#3
וָאָ֗רֶץ
H776
and earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַיָּ֥ם
H3220
the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#6
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
בָּ֑ם
H0
#10
הַשֹּׁמֵ֖ר
H8104
and all that therein is which keepeth
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#11
אֱמֶ֣ת
H571
truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#12
לְעוֹלָֽם׃
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of truth 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

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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection