Psalms 35:28

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּ֭לְשׁוֹנִי

H3956

And my tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

תֶּהְגֶּ֣ה

H1897

shall speak

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

צִדְקֶ֑ךָ

H6664

of thy righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַ֝יּוֹם

H3117

all the day

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

תְּהִלָּתֶֽךָ׃

H8416

and of thy praise

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?