Psalms 42:5

Authorized King James Version

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י׀
H7817
Why art thou cast down
to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)
#3
נַפְשִׁי֮
H5315
O 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
#4
וַתֶּהֱמִ֪י
H1993
and why art thou disquieted
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
#5
עָ֫לָ֥י
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הוֹחִ֣לִי
H3176
in me hope
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
#7
לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים
H430
thou in 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
#8
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
ע֥וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#10
אוֹדֶ֗נּוּ
H3034
for I shall yet praise
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#11
יְשׁוּע֥וֹת
H3444
him for the help
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#12
פָּנָֽיו׃
H6440
of his countenance
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of hope reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 hope in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection