Psalms 55:19

Authorized King James Version

God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִשְׁמַ֤ע׀

H8085

shall hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵ֨ל׀

H410

God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְֽיַעֲנֵם֮

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

וְיֹ֤שֵׁ֥ב

H3427

them even he that abideth

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

קֶ֗דֶם

H6924

of old

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

סֶ֥לָה

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

חֲלִיפ֣וֹת

H2487

Because they have no changes

alternation

#10

לָ֑מוֹ

#11

וְלֹ֖א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

יָרְא֣וּ

H3372

therefore they fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#13

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

not 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

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about suffering and persecution?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?