Psalms 32:2

Authorized King James Version

Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי

H835

Blessed

happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!

אָדָ֗ם

H120

is the man

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

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

יַחְשֹׁ֬ב

H2803

imputeth

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

unto whom the LORD

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

ל֣וֹ

עָוֹ֑ן

H5771

not iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְאֵ֖ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בְּרוּח֣וֹ

H7307

and in whose spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

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רְמִיָּה׃

H7423

there is no guile

remissness, treachery

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 32 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?