Psalms 56:1

Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חָנֵּ֣נִי

H2603

Be merciful

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֱ֭לֹהִים

H430

unto me O 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

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שְׁאָפַ֣נִי

H7602

would swallow me up

to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten

אֱנ֑וֹשׁ

H582

for man

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

כָּל

H3605

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

הַ֝יּ֗וֹם

H3117

daily

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לֹחֵ֥ם

H3898

he fighting

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

יִלְחָצֵֽנִי׃

H3905

oppresseth

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. 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. 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 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 worship and praise?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?