Psalms 35:10

Authorized King James Version

All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּ֥ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
עַצְמוֹתַ֨י׀
H6106
All my bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#3
תֹּאמַרְנָה֮
H559
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
מִ֥י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
כָ֫מ֥וֹךָ
H3644
as, thus, so
#7
מַצִּ֣יל
H5337
who is like unto thee which deliverest
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#8
וְעָנִ֥י
H6041
for him yea the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#9
מֵחָזָ֣ק
H2389
from him that is too strong
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
#10
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
וְעָנִ֥י
H6041
for him yea the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#12
וְ֝אֶבְי֗וֹן
H34
and the needy
destitute
#13
מִגֹּזְלֽוֹ׃
H1497
from him that spoileth
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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