Psalms 33:10

Authorized King James Version

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
הֵפִ֥יר
bringeth
to crush
#3
עֲצַת
the counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#4
גּוֹיִ֑ם
of the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
הֵ֝נִ֗יא
he maketh
to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize
#6
מַחְשְׁב֥וֹת
the devices
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#7
עַמִּֽים׃
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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