Psalms 40:12

Authorized King James Version

For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אָפְפ֥וּ
H661
have compassed
to surround
#3
עָלַ֨י׀
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
רָע֡וֹת
H7451
evils
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
אֵ֬ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
מִסְפָּ֗ר
H4557
For innumerable
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#8
הִשִּׂיג֣וּנִי
H5381
have taken hold
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#9
עֲ֭וֺנֹתַי
H5771
me about mine iniquities
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#10
וְלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יָכֹ֣לְתִּי
H3201
upon me so that I am not able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#12
לִרְא֑וֹת
H7200
to look up
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#13
עָצְמ֥וּ
H6105
they are more
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
#14
מִשַּֽׂעֲר֥וֹת
H8185
than the hairs
hairiness
#15
רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י
H7218
of mine head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#16
וְלִבִּ֥י
H3820
therefore my heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#17
עֲזָבָֽנִי׃
H5800
faileth
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation 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 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