Psalms 52:8

Authorized King James Version

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲנִ֤י׀
H589
i
#2
כְּזַ֣יִת
H2132
olive tree
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
#3
רַ֭עֲנָן
H7488
But I am like a green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#4
בְּבֵ֣ית
H1004
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
of 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
#6
בָּטַ֥חְתִּי
H982
I trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#7
בְחֶֽסֶד
H2617
in the mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#8
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
of 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
עוֹלָ֥ם
H5769
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#10
וָעֶֽד׃
H5703
and ever
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing mercy contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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 mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection