Psalms 30:11

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָפַ֣כְתָּ
Thou hast turned
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#2
מִסְפְּדִי֮
for me my mourning
a lamentation
#3
לְמָח֪וֹל
into dancing
a (round) dance
#4
לִ֥י
H0
#5
פִּתַּ֥חְתָּ
thou hast put off
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#6
שַׂקִּ֑י
my sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#7
וַֽתְּאַזְּרֵ֥נִי
and girded
to belt
#8
שִׂמְחָֽה׃
me with gladness
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection