Psalms 40:11

Authorized King James Version

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַתָּ֤ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
from me O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
לֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תִכְלָ֣א
H3607
Withhold
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
#5
רַחֲמֶ֣יךָ
H7356
not thou thy tender mercies
compassion (in the plural)
#6
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
חַסְדְּךָ֥
H2617
let thy lovingkindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#8
וַ֝אֲמִתְּךָ֗
H571
and thy truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#9
תָּמִ֥יד
H8548
continually
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
#10
יִצְּרֽוּנִי׃
H5341
preserve
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of truth reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. 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 truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection