Psalms 56:8

Authorized King James Version

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נֹדִי֮
my wanderings
exile
#2
סָפַ֪רְתָּ֫ה
Thou tellest
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#3
אָ֥תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
שִׂ֣ימָה
put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#5
דִמְעָתִ֣י
thou my tears
weeping
#6
בְנֹאדֶ֑ךָ
into thy bottle
a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids)
#7
הֲ֝לֹ֗א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
בְּסִפְרָתֶֽךָ׃
are they not in thy book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection