Psalms 35:25

Authorized King James Version

Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
יֹ֝אמְר֗וּ
Let them not say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
בְ֭לִבָּם
in their hearts
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
הֶאָ֣ח
Ah
aha!
#5
נַפְשֵׁ֑נוּ
so would
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#6
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
יֹ֝אמְר֗וּ
Let them not say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
בִּֽלַּעֲנֽוּהוּ׃
We have swallowed him up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

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 revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection