Psalms 42:2

Authorized King James Version

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צָמְאָ֬ה
H6770
thirsteth
to thirst (literally or figuratively)
#2
נַפְשִׁ֨י׀
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
#3
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
H430
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
#4
לְאֵ֪ל
H410
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#5
חָ֥י
H2416
for the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#6
מָתַ֥י
H4970
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#7
אָב֑וֹא
H935
when shall I come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
וְ֝אֵרָאֶ֗ה
H7200
and appear
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
פְּנֵ֣י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
H430
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

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