Psalms 42:3

Authorized King James Version

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָֽיְתָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִּ֬י

דִמְעָתִ֣י

H1832

My tears

weeping

לֶ֭חֶם

H3899

have been my meat

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

יוֹמָ֣ם

H3119

day

daily

וָלָ֑יְלָה

H3915

and night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

בֶּאֱמֹ֥ר

H559

say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֥י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הַ֝יּ֗וֹם

H3117

while they continually

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

אַיֵּ֥ה

H346

where?

#12

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

H430

unto me Where is thy 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

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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?