Psalms 37:25

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נַ֤עַר׀

H5288

I have been young

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הָיִ֗יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זָ֫קַ֥נְתִּי

H2204

and now am old

to be old

וְֽלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָ֭אִיתִי

H7200

yet have I not seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

צַדִּ֣יק

H6662

the righteous

just

נֶעֱזָ֑ב

H5800

forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וְ֝זַרְע֗וֹ

H2233

nor his seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#10

מְבַקֶּשׁ

H1245

begging

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#11

לָֽחֶם׃

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?