Psalms 38:4

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֲ֭וֺנֹתַי

H5771

For mine iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

עָבְר֣וּ

H5674

are gone over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

רֹאשִׁ֑י

H7218

mine head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

כְּמַשָּׂ֥א

H4853

burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

כָ֝בֵ֗ד

H3515

as an heavy

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

יִכְבְּד֥וּ

H3513

they are too heavy

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

מִמֶּֽנִּי׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?