Psalms 39:1

Authorized King James Version

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֗רְתִּי

H559

I said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה

H8104

I will keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

דְרָכַי֮

H1870

to my ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מֵחֲט֪וֹא

H2398

that I sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

בִלְשׁ֫וֹנִ֥י

H3956

not with 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,

אֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה

H8104

I will keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לְפִ֥י

H6310

my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מַחְס֑וֹם

H4269

with a bridle

a muzzle

בְּעֹ֖ד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#10

רָשָׁ֣ע

H7563

while the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#11

לְנֶגְדִּֽי׃

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Psalms.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?