Psalms 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Original Language Analysis
לִ֭בִּי
my heart
H3820
לִ֭בִּי
my heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃
When thou saidst Seek
H1245
אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃
When thou saidst Seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
4 of 9
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
פָּנֶ֖יךָ
unto thee Thy face
H6440
פָּנֶ֖יךָ
unto thee Thy face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פָּנֶ֖יךָ
unto thee Thy face
H6440
פָּנֶ֖יךָ
unto thee Thy face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Psalms 105:4Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.Psalms 119:58I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.Psalms 24:6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.Hosea 5:15I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.Isaiah 45:19I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
Historical Context
In Israel's worship, 'seeking God's face' meant coming into His presence at the tabernacle/temple. This required ritual preparation and obedient living. Spiritually, it meant whole-hearted devotion to knowing and obeying God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's command to 'seek My face' empower your seeking?
- What does 'seeking God's face' mean beyond formal religious activities?
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Analysis & Commentary
The dialogue 'When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek' depicts divine initiative and human response. God first commands 'Seek my face'; the heart responds in obedience. Reformed theology emphasizes that seeking God is both commanded and enabled—God's effectual call produces the desire and ability to seek Him. The repetition of 'face' emphasizes personal relationship, not just doctrinal knowledge. True seeking is responsive, not autonomous.