Psalms 51:9

Authorized King James Version

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַסְתֵּ֣ר

H5641

Hide

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָּ֭נֶיךָ

H6440

thy face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֵחֲטָאָ֑י

H2399

from my sins

a crime or its penalty

וְֽכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲוֺ֖נֹתַ֣י

H5771

all mine iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

מְחֵֽה׃

H4229

and blot out

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?