Psalms 51:4

Authorized King James Version

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְךָ֤

לְבַדְּךָ֙׀

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

חָטָאתִי֮

H2398

Against thee thee only have I sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וְהָרַ֥ע

H7451

this evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֶ֗יךָ

H5869

in thy sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עָ֫שִׂ֥יתִי

H6213

and done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְ֭מַעַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּצְדַּ֥ק

H6663

that thou mightest be justified

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

בְּדָבְרֶ֗ךָ

H1696

when thou speakest

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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תִּזְכֶּ֥ה

H2135

and be clear

to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent

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בְשָׁפְטֶֽךָ׃

H8199

when thou judgest

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 51 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?