Psalms 41:2

Authorized King James Version

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהוָ֤ה׀

H3068

The LORD

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

יִשְׁמְרֵ֣הוּ

H8104

will preserve

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וִֽ֭יחַיֵּהוּ

H2421

him and keep him alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

יְאֻשַּׁ֣ר

H833

and he shall be blessed

to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper

בָּאָ֑רֶץ

H776

upon the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאַֽל

H408

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

תִּ֝תְּנֵ֗הוּ

H5414

and thou wilt not deliver

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּנֶ֣פֶשׁ

H5315

him unto the will

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֹיְבָֽיו׃

H341

of his enemies

hating; an adversary

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?