Psalms 22:27

Authorized King James Version

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִזְכְּר֤וּ׀

H2142

shall remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וְיָשֻׁ֣בוּ

H7725

and turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

unto the LORD

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

כָּל

H3605

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

אַפְסֵי

H657

All the ends

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

אָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the world

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֥וּ

H7812

shall worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְ֝פָנֶ֗יךָ

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#10

כָּֽל

H3605

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

#11

מִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת

H4940

and all the kindreds

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

#12

גּוֹיִֽם׃

H1471

of the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

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?
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?
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?