Psalms 59:3

Authorized King James Version

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּ֪ה

H2009

lo!

אָֽרְב֡וּ

H693

For lo they lie in wait

to lurk

לְנַפְשִׁ֗י

H5315

for 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

יָג֣וּרוּ

H1481

are gathered

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

עָלַ֣י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַזִ֑ים

H5794

the mighty

strong, vehement, harsh

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פִשְׁעִ֖י

H6588

against me not for my transgression

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

#10

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

חַטָּאתִ֣י

H2403

nor for my sin

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

#12

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?