Psalms 22:29

Authorized King James Version

All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָכְל֬וּ

H398

shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֨וּ׀

H7812

and worship

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

כָּֽל

H3605

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

דִּשְׁנֵי

H1879

All they that be fat

fat; figuratively, rich, fertile

אֶ֗רֶץ

H776

upon earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְפָנָ֣יו

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

יִ֭כְרְעוּ

H3766

shall bow

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

כָּל

H3605

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

יוֹרְדֵ֣י

H3381

all they that go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#10

עָפָ֑ר

H6083

to the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

#11

וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ

H5315

his own soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#12

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

חִיָּֽה׃

H2421

him and none can keep alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

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