Psalms 49:4
I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
Original Language Analysis
אַטֶּ֣ה
I will incline
H5186
אַטֶּ֣ה
I will incline
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 6
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
לְמָשָׁ֣ל
to a parable
H4912
לְמָשָׁ֣ל
to a parable
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
אָזְנִ֑י
mine ear
H241
אָזְנִ֑י
mine ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
3 of 6
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Cross References
Psalms 78:2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Matthew 13:35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.Proverbs 1:6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.Numbers 23:7And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.Numbers 12:8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Historical Context
Parables and riddles were common wisdom teaching methods, requiring hearers to think rather than passively receive. Setting the dark saying to music (harp) made it memorable and suitable for worship.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the psalmist present his wisdom as a 'dark saying' or riddle?
- What is the relationship between wisdom and worship in this verse?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist will 'incline mine ear to a parable' and 'open my dark saying upon the harp.' He positions himself as student before teacher, receiving wisdom before expounding it. The 'dark saying' (chidah) is a riddle or puzzle--wisdom that requires effort to understand and apply.