Psalms 17:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שִׁמְעָ֤ה

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

O LORD

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

צֶ֗דֶק

H6664

the right

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

הַקְשִׁ֥יבָה

H7181

attend

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

רִנָּתִ֗י

H7440

unto my cry

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

הַאֲזִ֥ינָה

H238

give ear

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

תְפִלָּתִ֑י

H8605

A Prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

בְּ֝לֹ֗א

H3808

that goeth not

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

שִׂפְתֵ֥י

H8193

lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

#10

מִרְמָֽה׃

H4820

out of feigned

fraud

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

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?