Psalms 15:4

Authorized King James Version

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נִבְזֶ֤ה׀

H959

is contemned

to disesteem

בְּֽעֵ֘ינָ֤יו

H5869

In whose eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

נִמְאָ֗ס

H3988

a vile person

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִרְאֵ֣י

H3373

them that fear

fearing; morally, reverent

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

יְכַבֵּ֑ד

H3513

but he honoureth

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

נִשְׁבַּ֥ע

H7650

He that sweareth

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לְ֝הָרַ֗ע

H7489

to his own hurt

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#10

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

יָמִֽר׃

H4171

and changeth

to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?