Psalms 27:4

Authorized King James Version

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַחַ֤ת׀

H259

One

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי

H7592

thing have I desired

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֵֽאֵת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אוֹתָ֪הּ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲבַ֫קֵּ֥שׁ

H1245

that will I seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שִׁבְתִּ֣י

H3427

after that I may dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵית

H1004

in the house

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

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#12

חַיַּ֑י

H2416

of my life

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

#13

לַחֲז֥וֹת

H2372

to behold

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

#14

בְּנֹֽעַם

H5278

the beauty

agreeableness, i.e., delight, suitableness, splendor or grace

#15

יְ֝הוָ֗ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

וּלְבַקֵּ֥ר

H1239

and to enquire

properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider

#17

בְּהֵיכָלֽוֹ׃

H1964

in his temple

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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 life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?