Psalms 39:12

Authorized King James Version

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שִׁ֥מְעָֽה

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

תְפִלָּתִ֨י׀

H8605

my prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

יְהוָ֡ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְשַׁוְעָתִ֨י׀

H7775

unto my cry

a hallooing

הַאֲזִינָה֮

H238

and give ear

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּמְעָתִ֗י

H1832

at my tears

weeping

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֶּ֫חֱרַ֥שׁ

H2790

hold not thy peace

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

#10

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#11

גֵ֣ר

H1616

for I am a stranger

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

#12

אָנֹכִ֣י

H595

#13

עִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#14

תּ֝וֹשָׁ֗ב

H8453

with thee and a sojourner

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

#15

כְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

אֲבוֹתָֽי׃

as all my fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of peace reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

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 this verse's emphasis on peace address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 39 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?