Psalms 27:14

Authorized King James Version

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֝קַוֵּ֗ה

H6960

Wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

I say on the LORD

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

חֲ֭זַק

H2388

be of good courage

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְיַאֲמֵ֣ץ

H553

and he shall strengthen

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

לִבֶּ֑ךָ

H3820

thine heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְ֝קַוֵּ֗ה

H6960

Wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

I say on the LORD

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

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
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 does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?