Psalms 31:23

Authorized King James Version

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶֽהֱב֥וּ
H157
O love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
כָּֽל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
חֲסִ֫ידָ֥יו
H2623
all ye his saints
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
#6
אֱ֭מוּנִים
H539
the faithful
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#7
נֹצֵ֣ר
H5341
preserveth
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
#8
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וּמְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
H7999
rewardeth
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#10
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יֶ֝֗תֶר
H3499
and plentifully
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#12
עֹשֵׂ֥ה
H6213
doer
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
גַאֲוָֽה׃
H1346
the proud
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of faith reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine love 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