Psalms 55:12

Authorized King James Version

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
אוֹיֵ֥ב
H341
For it was not an enemy
hating; an adversary
#4
יְחָֽרְפֵ֗נִי
H2778
that reproached
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
#5
וְאֶ֫שָּׂ֥א
H5375
me then I could have borne
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
מְ֭שַׂנְאִי
H8130
it neither was it he that hated
to hate (personally)
#8
עָלַ֣י
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הִגְדִּ֑יל
H1431
me that did magnify
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#10
וְאֶסָּתֵ֥ר
H5641
himself against me then I would have hid
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#11
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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