Psalms 26:8

Authorized King James Version

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְֽהוָ֗ה

H3068

LORD

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

אָ֭הַבְתִּי

H157

I have loved

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

מְע֣וֹן

H4583

the habitation

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

בֵּיתֶ֑ךָ

H1004

of thy house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּ֝מְק֗וֹם

H4725

and the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

מִשְׁכַּ֥ן

H4908

dwelleth

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ׃

H3519

where thine honour

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 26 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?