Psalms 23:5

Authorized King James Version

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ
H6186
Thou preparest
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#2
לְפָנַ֨י׀
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
#3
שֻׁלְחָ֗ן
H7979
a table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#4
נֶ֥גֶד
H5048
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#5
צֹרְרָ֑י
H6887
me in the presence of mine enemies
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
#6
דִּשַּׁ֖נְתָּ
H1878
thou anointest
to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)
#7
בַשֶּׁ֥מֶן
H8081
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#8
רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י
H7218
my head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
כּוֹסִ֥י
H3563
my cup
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
#10
רְוָיָֽה׃
H7310
runneth over
satisfaction

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection