Psalms 34:2

Authorized King James Version

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּ֭יהוָה

H3068

in the LORD

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

תִּתְהַלֵּ֣ל

H1984

shall make her boast

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

נַפְשִׁ֑י

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

יִשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

shall hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עֲנָוִ֣ים

H6035

the humble

depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)

וְיִשְׂמָֽחוּ׃

H8055

thereof and be glad

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

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?