Psalms 56:13

Authorized King James Version

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

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
הִצַּ֪לְתָּ
H5337
For thou hast delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#3
נַפְשִׁ֡י
H5315
my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#4
מִמָּוֶת֮
H4194
from death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#5
הֲלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
רַגְלַ֗י
H7272
wilt not thou deliver my feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#7
מִ֫דֶּ֥חִי
H1762
from falling
a push, i.e., (by implication) a fall
#8
לְ֭הִֽתְהַלֵּךְ
H1980
that I may walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
לִפְנֵ֣י
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
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
#11
בְּ֝א֗וֹר
H216
in the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#12
הַֽחַיִּֽים׃
H2416
of the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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