Psalms 31:7

Authorized King James Version

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָגִ֥ילָה

H1523

I will be glad

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

וְאֶשְׂמְחָ֗ה

H8055

and rejoice

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּחַ֫סְדֶּ֥ךָ

H2617

in thy mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

רָ֭אִיתָ

H7200

for thou hast considered

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָנְיִ֑י

H6040

my trouble

depression, i.e., misery

יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ

H3045

thou hast known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בְּצָר֥וֹת

H6869

in adversities

transitively, a female rival

#10

נַפְשִֽׁי׃

H5315

my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does understanding mercy in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?