Psalms 19:5

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

Original Language Analysis

וְה֗וּא H1931
וְה֗וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 1 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כְּ֭חָתָן Which is as a bridegroom H2860
כְּ֭חָתָן Which is as a bridegroom
Strong's: H2860
Word #: 2 of 8
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
יֹצֵ֣א coming out H3318
יֹצֵ֣א coming out
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 3 of 8
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵחֻפָּת֑וֹ of his chamber H2646
מֵחֻפָּת֑וֹ of his chamber
Strong's: H2646
Word #: 4 of 8
a canopy
יָשִׂ֥ישׂ and rejoiceth H7797
יָשִׂ֥ישׂ and rejoiceth
Strong's: H7797
Word #: 5 of 8
to be bright, i.e., cheerful
כְּ֝גִבּ֗וֹר as a strong man H1368
כְּ֝גִבּ֗וֹר as a strong man
Strong's: H1368
Word #: 6 of 8
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
לָר֥וּץ to run H7323
לָר֥וּץ to run
Strong's: H7323
Word #: 7 of 8
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
אֹֽרַח׃ a race H734
אֹֽרַח׃ a race
Strong's: H734
Word #: 8 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan

Analysis & Commentary

The sun is like a bridegroom from his chamber, rejoicing like a strong man to run his course. The Hebrew 'chathan' (bridegroom) and 'gibbor' (strong man/warrior) portray vigor and glory. The sun's daily course reflects God's faithful ordering. This imagery anticipates Christ as the bridegroom (Matthew 9:15) and the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) who arose with healing in His wings.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures often deified the sun, but Israel's psalmist makes it merely God's creation, subject to His command and testifying to His glory.

Questions for Reflection