Psalms 41:4

Authorized King James Version

I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲֽנִי

H589

אָ֭מַרְתִּי

H559

I said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

LORD

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

חָנֵּ֑נִי

H2603

be merciful

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

רְפָאָ֥ה

H7495

unto me heal

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י

H5315

my soul

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

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָטָ֥אתִי

H2398

for I have sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לָֽךְ׃

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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 understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?