Psalms 27:5

Authorized King James Version

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
יִצְפְּנֵ֨נִי׀
he shall hide
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
#3
בְּסֻכֹּה֮
me in his pavilion
a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair
#4
בְּי֪וֹם
For in the time
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
#5
רָ֫עָ֥ה
of trouble
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
יַ֭סְתִּרֵנִי
shall he hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#7
בְּסֵ֣תֶר
in the secret
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
#8
אָהֳל֑וֹ
of his tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#9
בְּ֝צ֗וּר
upon a rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#10
יְרוֹמְמֵֽנִי׃
me he shall set me up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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