Psalms 58:7

Authorized King James Version

Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִמָּאֲס֣וּ

H3988

Let them melt away

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

כְמוֹ

H3644

as, thus, so

מַ֭יִם

H4325

as waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יִתְהַלְּכוּ

H1980

which run continually

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לָ֑מוֹ

יִדְרֹ֥ךְ

H1869

when he bendeth

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

חִ֝צָּ֗ו

H2671

his bow to shoot his arrows

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

כְּמ֣וֹ

H3644

as, thus, so

יִתְמֹלָֽלוּ׃

H4135

let them be as cut in pieces

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 58 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?