Psalms 27:13

Authorized King James Version

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לׅׄוּׅׄלֵׅ֗ׄאׅׄ

H3884

I had fainted unless

if not

הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי

H539

I had believed

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לִרְא֥וֹת

H7200

to see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּֽטוּב

H2898

the goodness

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חַיִּֽים׃

H2416

of the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?