Psalms 49:15

Authorized King James Version

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

But 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

יִפְדֶּ֣ה

H6299

will redeem

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

נַ֭פְשִׁי

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

מִֽיַּד

H3027

from the power

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שְׁא֑וֹל

H7585

of the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

כִּ֖י

H3588

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

יִקָּחֵ֣נִי

H3947

for he shall receive

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

me Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 49 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?