Psalms 40:5

Authorized King James Version

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַבּ֤וֹת

H7227

Many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עָשִׂ֨יתָ׀

H6213

works which thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אַתָּ֤ה׀

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

O LORD

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

אֱלֹהַי֮

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נִֽפְלְאֹתֶ֥יךָ

H6381

are thy wonderful

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

וּמַחְשְׁבֹתֶ֗יךָ

H4284

and thy thoughts

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

אֵ֫לֵ֥ינוּ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֤ין׀

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#10

עֲרֹ֬ךְ

H6186

which are to us-ward they cannot be reckoned up in order

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

#11

אֵלֶ֗יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

אַגִּ֥ידָה

H5046

unto thee if I would declare

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#13

וַאֲדַבֵּ֑רָה

H1696

and speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#14

עָ֝צְמ֗וּ

H6105

of them they are more

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

#15

מִסַּפֵּֽר׃

H5608

than can be numbered

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 40 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?