Psalms 52:9

Authorized King James Version

I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אוֹדְךָ֣
H3034
I will praise
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#2
לְ֭עוֹלָם
H5769
thee for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#3
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
עָשִׂ֑יתָ
H6213
because thou hast done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
וַאֲקַוֶּ֖ה
H6960
it and I will wait
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#6
שִׁמְךָ֥
H8034
on thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
כִֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
ט֝֗וֹב
H2896
for it is good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#9
נֶ֣גֶד
H5048
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#10
חֲסִידֶֽיךָ׃
H2623
before thy saints
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection