Psalms 31:2

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַטֵּ֤ה

H5186

Bow down

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֵלַ֨י׀

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָזְנְךָ֮

H241

thine ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

מְהֵרָ֪ה

H4120

me speedily

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

הַצִּ֫ילֵ֥נִי

H5337

to me deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

הֱיֵ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֨י׀

לְֽצוּר

H6697

rock

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

מָ֭עוֹז

H4581

be thou my strong

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

#10

לְבֵ֥ית

H1004

for an house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

מְצוּד֗וֹת

H4686

of defence

a fastness

#12

לְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃

H3467

to save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?