Psalms 35:13

Authorized King James Version

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנִ֤י׀

H589

בַּחֲלוֹתָ֡ם

H2470

But as for me when they were sick

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

לְב֬וּשִׁי

H3830

my clothing

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

שָׂ֗ק

H8242

was sackcloth

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

עִנֵּ֣יתִי

H6031

I humbled

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

בַצּ֣וֹם

H6685

with fasting

a fast

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

וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י

H8605

and my prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עַל

H5921

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

#10

חֵיקִ֥י

H2436

into mine own bosom

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

#11

תָשֽׁוּב׃

H7725

returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 35 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?