Psalms 32:6

Authorized King James Version

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זֹ֡את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

יִתְפַּלֵּ֬ל

H6419

pray

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חָסִ֨יד׀

H2623

For this shall every one that is godly

properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

אֵלֶיךָ֮

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְעֵ֪ת

H6256

unto thee in a time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

מְ֫צֹ֥א

H4672

when thou mayest be found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

רַ֗ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#10

לְ֭שֵׁטֶף

H7858

surely in the floods

a deluge (literally or figuratively)

#11

מַ֣יִם

H4325

waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#12

רַבִּ֑ים

H7227

of great

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

#13

אֵ֝לָ֗יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#15

יַגִּֽיעוּ׃

H5060

they shall not come nigh

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?