Psalms 30:12

Authorized King James Version

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַ֤עַן׀

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יְזַמֶּרְךָ֣

H2167

may sing

properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so

כָ֭בוֹד

H3519

To the end that my glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִדֹּ֑ם

H1826

praise to thee and not be silent

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

O LORD

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

אֱ֝לֹהַ֗י

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְעוֹלָ֥ם

H5769

unto thee for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

אוֹדֶֽךָּ׃

H3034

I will give thanks

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 30 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?