Psalms 38:12

Authorized King James Version

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְנַקְשׁ֤וּ׀
H5367
lay snares
to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively
#2
מְבַקְשֵׁ֬י
H1245
They also that seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#3
נַפְשִׁ֗י
H5315
after my life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#4
וְדֹרְשֵׁ֣י
H1875
for me and they that seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#5
רָ֭עָתִי
H7451
my hurt
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
דִּבְּר֣וּ
H1696
speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#7
הַוּ֑וֹת
H1942
mischievous things
by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin
#8
וּ֝מִרְמ֗וֹת
H4820
deceits
fraud
#9
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הַיּ֥וֹם
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
#11
יֶהְגּֽוּ׃
H1897
and imagine
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of life 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 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection