Psalms 59:12

Authorized King James Version

For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חַטַּאת

H2403

For the sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

פִּ֗ימוֹ

H6310

of their mouth

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

דְּֽבַר

H1697

and the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שְׂפָ֫תֵ֥ימוֹ

H8193

of their lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

וְיִלָּכְד֥וּ

H3920

let them even be taken

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

בִגְאוֹנָ֑ם

H1347

in their pride

the same as h1346

וּמֵאָלָ֖ה

H423

and for cursing

an imprecation

וּמִכַּ֣חַשׁ

H3585

and lying

literally a failure of flesh, i.e., emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy

יְסַפֵּֽרוּ׃

H5608

which they speak

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?