Psalms 57:4

Authorized King James Version

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נַפְשִׁ֤י׀

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

בְּת֥וֹךְ

H8432

is among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

לְבָאִם֮

H3833

lions

a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))

אֶשְׁכְּבָ֪ה

H7901

and I lie

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

לֹ֫הֲטִ֥ים

H3857

even among them that are set on fire

properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze

בְּֽנֵי

H1121

even the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שִׁ֭נֵּיהֶם

H8127

whose teeth

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

חֲנִ֣ית

H2595

are spears

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

#10

וְחִצִּ֑ים

H2671

and arrows

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

#11

וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם

H3956

and their tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

#12

חֶ֣רֶב

H2719

sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#13

חַדָּֽה׃

H2299

a sharp

sharp

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 57 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?