Psalms 22:23

Authorized King James Version

Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִרְאֵ֤י

H3373

Ye that fear

fearing; morally, reverent

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

the LORD

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

הַֽלְל֗וּהוּ

H1984

praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זֶ֥רַע

H2233

him all ye the seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

יַעֲקֹ֣ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

כַּבְּד֑וּהוּ

H3513

glorify

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

וְג֥וּרוּ

H1481

him and fear

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

מִ֝מֶּ֗נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

זֶ֥רַע

H2233

him all ye the seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?