Psalms 41:12

Authorized King James Version

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And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

Original Language Analysis

וַאֲנִ֗י H589
וַאֲנִ֗י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 1 of 7
i
בְּ֭תֻמִּי me in mine integrity H8537
בְּ֭תֻמִּי me in mine integrity
Strong's: H8537
Word #: 2 of 7
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
תָּמַ֣כְתָּ And as for me thou upholdest H8551
תָּמַ֣כְתָּ And as for me thou upholdest
Strong's: H8551
Word #: 3 of 7
to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close
בִּ֑י H0
בִּ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 7
וַתַּצִּיבֵ֖נִי and settest H5324
וַתַּצִּיבֵ֖נִי and settest
Strong's: H5324
Word #: 5 of 7
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ me before thy face H6440
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ me before thy face
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 6 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לְעוֹלָֽם׃ for ever H5769
לְעוֹלָֽם׃ for ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis & Commentary

God upholds David 'in mine integrity' and sets him 'before thy face for ever.' The Hebrew tom (integrity) suggests completeness, wholeness, innocence--not sinless perfection but genuine, undivided loyalty to God. Being set 'before God's face' implies ongoing access to divine presence, the greatest blessing imaginable.

Historical Context

David's integrity was challenged by enemies but vindicated by God. This verse anticipates the greater Son of David who perfectly embodied integrity and now stands before God's face interceding for His people.

Questions for Reflection