Psalms 43:5

Authorized King James Version

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

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
וּֽמַה
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
תֶּהֱמִ֪י
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
#6
עָ֫לָ֥י
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הוֹחִ֣ילִי
H3176
within me hope
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
#8
וֵֽאלֹהָֽי׃
H430
and my 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
#9
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
ע֣וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#11
אוֹדֶ֑נּוּ
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
#12
יְשׁוּעֹ֥ת
H3444
him who is the health
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#13
פָּ֝נַ֗י
H6440
of my 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
#14
וֵֽאלֹהָֽי׃
H430
and my 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

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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection