Psalms 35:4

Authorized King James Version

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
H954
Let them be confounded
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#2
וְיִכָּלְמוּ֮
H3637
and put to shame
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
#3
מְבַקְשֵׁ֪י
H1245
that seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#4
נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י
H5315
after 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
#5
יִסֹּ֣גוּ
H5472
let them be turned
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
#6
אָח֣וֹר
H268
back
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
#7
וְיַחְפְּר֑וּ
H2659
and brought to confusion
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
#8
חֹ֝שְׁבֵ֗י
H2803
that devise
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#9
רָעָתִֽי׃
H7451
my hurt
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection