Psalms 31:19

Authorized King James Version

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Word-by-Word Analysis

מָ֤ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

רַֽב

H7227

Oh how great

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

טוּבְךָ֮

H2898

is thy goodness

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צָפַ֪נְתָּ

H6845

which thou hast laid up

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

לִּֽירֵ֫אֶ֥יךָ

H3373

for them that fear

fearing; morally, reverent

פָּ֭עַלְתָּ

H6466

thee which thou hast wrought

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

לַחֹסִ֣ים

H2620

for them that trust

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בָּ֑ךְ

#10

נֶ֝֗גֶד

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#11

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

in thee before the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

אָדָם׃

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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 divine revelation 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 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?