Psalms 58:6

Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים

H430

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

הֲרָס

H2040

Break

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

שִׁנֵּ֥ימוֹ

H8127

their teeth

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

בְּפִ֑ימוֹ

H6310

in their mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מַלְתְּע֥וֹת

H4459

the great teeth

a grinder, i.e., back tooth

כְּ֝פִירִ֗ים

H3715

of the young lions

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

נְתֹ֣ץ׀

H5422

break out

to tear down

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 58 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?