Psalms 34:12

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִֽי

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הָ֭אִישׁ

H376

What man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הֶחָפֵ֣ץ

H2655

is he that desireth

pleased with

חַיִּ֑ים

H2416

life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אֹהֵ֥ב

H157

and loveth

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

יָ֝מִ֗ים

H3117

many days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לִרְא֥וֹת

H7200

that he may see

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

טֽוֹב׃

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?