Psalms 19:9

Authorized King James Version

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִרְאַ֤ת

H3374

The fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

טְהוֹרָה֮

H2889

is clean

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

עוֹמֶ֪דֶת

H5975

enduring

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לָ֫עַ֥ד

H5703

for ever

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

מִֽשְׁפְּטֵי

H4941

the judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֱמֶ֑ת

H571

are true

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

צָֽדְק֥וּ

H6663

and righteous

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

#10

יַחְדָּֽו׃

H3162

altogether

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?